For Parents of Admitted Students - Wichita State University

wichita state

Hello from Shocker Nation! We're excited your student is considering Wichita State. With all that’s happening at WSU — and with all of the unmatched resources for applied learning, research and student support we o er — there’s never been a better time to be a Shocker.

Now that they’ve been admitted, we’re sending you a list of resources your Shocker can use through every step of their WSU experience — from help with registration and nancial aid to free tutoring and career services.

And, if you and your student haven’t seen us in person yet, we invite you to sign up for a campus visit. We can’t wait to meet you!

Rick Muma, Ph.D., MPH President, Wichita State

Here are the next steps to keep your student moving along the path to Wichita State:

Make sure your child sets up a myWSU student account and email: mywsu.wichita.edu

Encourage your student to continually check both their new WSU and personal email accounts. Vital information about enrollment, housing and payments may be sent to one or both accounts.

Complete and submit FAFSA for aid purposes: studentaid.gov

Submit housing application and fee: wichita.edu/housing

On or after March 1, complete and submit your Orientation RSVP and Enrollment Questionnaire, register to attend summer orientation and confirm your fall schedule: wichita.edu/orientation

Attend W-S-YOU on Saturday, March 23, and keep an eye out for events and swag for future Shockers. Learn more: wichita.edu/wsyou

Get familiar with campus through our new virtual tour wichita.edu/campustour

Check out the attached card for a list of resources for student success at WSU.

TIPS FROM PARENTS OF CURRENT WICHITA STATE STUDENTS:

1. Know that students change their major. Be wary of picking a college for one specific program. Instead, make sure the overall fit is good beyond just the major.

2. Carefully compare costs and aid packages from di erent colleges. Larger scholarships from one college may not mean the best financial fit if expenses are higher. Create a spreadsheet to budget for four years of college costs, and be sure to check how inclusive costs are. For example: Do housing costs include internet, furniture, water, and electricity?

3. Review the website of your student’s college choice. Know about campus events and news, as it gives you topics to discuss with them during their first year of school.

4. Consider a reward system for higher grades. Some parents provide more financial support as academic performance increases.

5. Let your students fail with a safety net. Risk-taking is part of college, but help them pick up some of the pieces if they need it.

6. Encourage them to get involved in student activities, find an on-campus job, and meet new people.

7. Soft skills are in demand from employers and colleges these days. Help your students understand that being on time, being friendly, going the extra mile and following up with people stick out to those who make decisions.

8. Nudge your student to take the summer to build up their social media and LinkedIn network with college-specific accounts. Students and parents should follow notable university and departmental accounts, student organizations and key individuals on campus like the president and provost.

WICHITA.EDU/SENIORSTEPS