Author: Eiran Saucedo-Rodarte

Wichita State’s SHOCKFEST (Welcome Weekend) is back, and organizers invite campus departments and community partners to host events that help new and returning Shockers feel welcomed, connected and excited to be part of Shocker Nation.

• What is SHOCKFEST? — A cross-campus effort to engage new and returning students the weekend prior to the first day of classes.
• When is SHOCKFEST? — Aug. 14-16
• Why host an event? — With over 2,500 swipes last year, this is an opportunity to catch students before the start of the school year. Event submissions are open June 8 through July 13. Check out the submission process and event host resources.

SHOCKFEST is sponsored by the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs. For more information, contact Eiran Saucedo Rodarte, assistant director of First-Year Programs, at eiran.saucedo-rodarte@wichita.edu.

Wichita State’s SHOCKFEST (Welcome Weekend) is back, and organizers invite Registered Student Organizations to host events that help new and returning Shockers feel welcomed, connected and excited to be part of Shocker Nation.

What is SHOCKFEST? – SHOCKFEST is WSU’s Welcome Weekend — a campus-wide celebration happening Aug. 14-16. Think fun events, new friends, live energy and all the reasons students fall in love with Shocker Nation occurring the weekend prior to the first day of classes.

Why host an event? – Whether it’s a game night, ice-cream social, a creative hangout or anything else, your event can help new and returning students kick off their semester right. Event submissions are open June 8-July 13. Check out the submission process and event host resources.

SHOCKFEST is sponsored by the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs. For more information, reach out to Eiran Saucedo Rodarte, assistant director of First-Year Programs, at eiran.saucedo-rodarte@wichita.edu.

The Office of Student Success is proud to recognize the 2025-26 Outstanding Collaboration Partners for their unwavering commitment to supporting student achievement, persistence and holistic success at Wichita State. This year’s honorees have gone above and beyond to foster meaningful partnerships, break down barriers to access and create intentional opportunities for students to feel supported, connected and empowered throughout their journey:

• The Department of Mathematics and Statistics
• Campus Dining
• Office of Student Accommodations & Testing

Through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to student-centered work, these partners exemplify what it means to champion student success across the campus community.

The Common Read Committee is excited to announce that Wichita State’s Common Read for the 2025-26 academic year is “Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures Farming the Ocean to Fight Climate Change” by Bren Smith.

Common Read is integrated into all First-Year Seminar courses and will be accompanied by a series of interdisciplinary programs and events throughout the year, including panel discussions, workshops and additional engagement opportunities.

The memoir chronicles Smith’s journey from commercial fishing to pioneering sustainable ocean farming, offering insights into environmental resilience, food justice and innovative approaches to climate solutions.

For any questions related to the Common Read, contact the committee at commonread@wichita.edu.

Wichita State’s SHOCKFEST (Welcome Weekend) is back, and organizers invite campus departments and community partners to host events that help new and returning Shockers feel welcomed, connected and excited to be part of Shocker Nation.

• What is SHOCKFEST? — A cross-campus effort to engage new and returning students the weekend prior to the first day of classes.
• When is SHOCKFEST? — Aug. 15-17
• Why host an Event? — With over 2,500 swipes last year, this is an opportunity to catch students before the start of the school year. Event submissions are open April 14 to June 1. Check out the submission process and event host resources.

SHOCKFEST is sponsored by the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs. For more information, reach out to first.year@wichita.edu.

Wichita State’s SHOCKFEST is back and wants students to help bring the energy. This is your chance to welcome new and returning Shockers and kick off the school year with a bang.

What is SHOCKFEST?
SHOCKFEST is WSU’s Welcome Weekend — a campus-wide celebration happening Aug. 15-17. Think fun events, new friends, live energy and all the reasons students fall in love with Shocker Nation occurring the weekend prior to the first day of classes.

Event submissions are open April 14-June 1. Whether it’s a game night, ice-cream social, a creative hangout or anything else, your event can help set the vibe for the entire year. Check out the submission process and event host resources.

SHOCKFEST is sponsored by the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs. For more information, contact first.year@wichita.edu.

The Office of Student Success hosted an informational showcase for faculty and staff, providing an opportunity to connect with the Shocker Learning Center, Success Coaching staff and First-Year Programs. The event also celebrated the vital role everyone plays in fostering student success and persistence at WSU.

Recognized were individuals and departments whose exceptional contributions have made a lasting impact on students and the WSU community. Help in recognizing the following award recipients for their outstanding efforts:

Outstanding Collaboration Award

• Student Outreach and Support
• Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Behind-the-Scene Hero Award

• Mary Morris, learning management systems specialist
• Rebecca Off, Rhatigan Student Center event coordinator

Distinguished Partnership Award

• University Libraries

This recognition is a reflection of ongoing commitment to creating an environment where students can thrive. By honoring those who contribute to its shared mission, the Office of Student Success continues to encourage a culture of excellence and collaboration across the campus.

In honor of National Transfer Student Week, transfer students can join Student Success for a day at the Sedgwick County Zoo Oct. 26. Reserve free tickets for you and a guest to explore one of Wichita’s award-winning attractions.

Tickets are only valid between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26. Deadline to RSVP is Monday, Oct. 21.

The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community, the leading association for advancing and supporting increased understanding of Latinx/a/o experiences as well as the advancement of policies and action related to Latinx/a/o national issues, has appointed Eiran Saucedo-Rodarte to the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community Executive Board.

Eiran will serve as the NASPA IV-West LKC representative serving the needs of members in what broadly be described as the Midwest. Their goal is to provide members with a forum to address regional issues while providing specialized professional development and networking opportunities.

At Wichita State, Eiran is the assistant director of First-Year Programs overseeing orientation and new student transition programs. He also serves as the president of the Latine Faculty & Staff Association.

Join First-Year Programs for a weekend full of fun. Collectively, there are over 40+ opportunities for new Shockers to connect with various offices/departments at WSU, occurring between Friday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 18.

From the First-Year Lunch to the fourth annual NXT LVL Garage Party, there is something for all Shockers to meaningfully connect with the campus community.

To view a full list of events occurring between Aug. 16 and 18, visit the SHOCKFEST webpage.

For any questions, contact first.year@wichita.edu.