Parent Guide - Wichita State University

DEAR PARENT:

Greetings from Wichita State University! You and your student are about to embark on a significant journey. Helping your student choose the right college is an important and often overwhelming process. The enclosed information is designed to help you work together in making this important decision.

A few important things to do as you assist your student: encourage your student to visit the universities they are most interested in; apply early for admission and scholarships; research each choice; and talk with current students from each school. These steps will help in making the all-important decision of which school fits best.

We are passionate about the strength of our academic programs, unmatched opportunities for experience-based learning and thriving campus life. I encourage you to schedule an official campus visit. I’m confident you will be impressed with what WSU offers.

Wichita State has been the educational choice for famous leaders, including the co-founders of Pizza Hut, Dan and Frank Carney, and Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach Bill Parcells. Garmin International cofounder Gary Burrell, Emmy-award winning Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman, and Grammy-award winning opera star Joyce DiDonato are all graduates of Wichita State. With our university experiencing recordbreaking enrollment the past several years, this is the best time to be a Shocker and join the ranks of these esteemed alumni who started their futures at Wichita State.

From the unlimited resources of our rapidly growing Innovation Campus to the groundbreaking research and applied learning opportunities for students in every major, it is an exciting day to be a Shocker. We look forward to welcoming you on campus soon so that you can get a firsthand look at everything we offer.

Sincerely,

Bobby Gandu

Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management & Director of Admissions Wichita State University

EXPLORE your student's future

As Kansas' only urban-based research university, Wichita State provides students with outstanding academic opportunities, a vibrant campus life and unparalleled access to industry professionals.

With an enrollment of 17,500, Wichita State prides itself on specialized attention to each student, made possible through a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 and the fact that 93% of our classes have fewer than 50 students. Respected faculty members are dedicated to teaching, scholarship, research and public service. And with more than 300 social and special-interest clubs, students can find their place within our diverse campus community.

VISITING CAMPUS

You can read about schools, review their websites and talk to admissions representatives at college fairs, but nothing can replace the experience of visiting a college campus to see for yourself its facilities, talk to students and faculty members, and visit the residence halls.

At Wichita State, we invite you and your student to come to campus to see the special experience of being a Shocker. Personalized campus visits are available (with at least two weeks’ notice), and special program visit days are offered annually. To find out what kind of visit best suits your needs and schedule, check wichita.edu/visit.

Learn more about Shockers' experiences by watching Shock Docs at wichita.edu/ShockDoc.

Making the best college choice requires a lot of work. Here are some of the major milestones you should celebrate as your student progresses through the process:

• Take the ACT or SAT exam

If your student has not yet taken the ACT or SAT exam, encourage them to take it at least once during their junior year and again early in their senior year.

• Get admitted to be considered for scholarships

Encourage your student to get admitted early in the fall of their senior year. Doing so gives your student access to more scholarship opportunities and personal attention. At Wichita State, we begin awarding scholarships in September of their senior year. To be considered for the major scholarship competitions at WSU, apply by Oct. 15. wichita.edu/scholarships

• Speak with an admissions representative

The representatives in the Office of Admissions at Wichita State will serve as valuable resources to you and your student. Connect with the representative from your student’s high school by visiting wichita.edu/admissionsstaff

• Visit campus

Schedule an official visit to Wichita State at wichita.edu/visit. Give us at least two weeks’ notice so we can tailor the day to meet your needs. Or if you'd rather visit us from the comfort of your own home, check out our virtual tour at wichita.edu/virtualtour.

• Apply for federal financial aid

Apply for federal financial aid by Wichita State's priority date of your student’s senior year in high school to ensure full consideration for all awards. Visit studentaid.gov to learn more.

• Discuss how college will be funded

Talk to your student openly about how much you might contribute to their education and how much they will need to fund on their own. Consider value as part of the equation, too. Wichita State is ranked in the Top 80 of Most Affordable Colleges and Universities by College Consensus, in addition to being the most affordable research university in Kansas. Our students annually earn more than $30 million in internships and on-campus student employment positions, helping to fund their own college expenses while also gaining professional experience.

• Make a calendar and begin researching schools

Compile a list of admission, financial aid and scholarship deadlines. Think about what your student is looking for in a college: majors, class sizes, internship opportunities, location, costs and activities. Remind them that where they choose to attend will be their home for the next four or five years, so they should seriously consider the many aspects of each school.

• Keep up-to-date with your student's college of interest

Once your student selects a major, follow the social media for that college. For Wichita State, we recommend checking out wichita.edu/blog

visit wichita.edu

ADMISSIONS

To be admitted to Wichita State University, students graduating from an accredited high school, under the age of 21, MUST:

• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.25 on a 4.00 scale, OR

• Achieve an ACT composite score of 21 or higher OR a minimum SAT composite score of 1080 (test optional for admission)

• AND if applicable, achieve a 2.0 GPA on all college credit taken in high school

NOTE: Kansas residents from nonaccredited schools or homeschools must achieve a qualifying ACT or GED score. Nonresidents from nonaccredited schools are considered on a case-by-case basis.

See our website for more information on admission requirements.

The admission process requires submission of an admission application and a $40 application fee. Your student will need to enter their unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale and test scores into the application. Visit wichita.edu/apply.

ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES

As a valuable resource to you and your student, admissions representatives are there to answer your questions and to help you learn more about a school. Here are some questions you may want to ask Wichita State’s representatives:

• What can you offer my student that other schools cannot?

• What are the strongest academic majors offered at WSU?

• What are the educational benefits for my student to be in the city of Wichita?

• How will my student get real-world experience before they graduate from college?

• What do students do for fun off campus?

• What resources are in place to facilitate my student's academic success?

Wichita State’s admissions representatives are assigned based on high schools. Give us a call or visit wichita.edu/admissionsstaff to find more information about your admissions representative.

At Wichita State, the GPA and test score your student submits on their admissions application are all they need to be considered for our four-year Freshmen Merit Scholarships. Separately, scholarships are available solely based on GPA. They could also qualify for some of the more than $105 million in other scholarships and financial aid WSU awards each year. Among the scholarships available at WSU are those awarded through the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI), which includes $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships — one of the largest undergraduate awards in Kansas. Any high school senior who applies to WSU by Oct. 15, has at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA or has earned a 27 or higher composite score on the ACT (or equivalent SAT), or ranks in the top 10% of their senior class is eligible to participate.

Visit wichita.edu/scholarships for more details.

here are just a few of the other ways wsu can help pay for school.

Freshmen Merit Scholarships for Residents (all majors): $8,000 - $16,000

Freshmen Merit Scholarships for Nonresidents (all majors): $8,000 - $24,000

National Merit/Hispanic Recognition Scholarship (all majors): $50,000

Honors College Merit Scholarship (Honors students of all majors): $500

McGregor Scholarship (Honors students of all majors): Up to $26,000

James Scholarship (liberal arts or fine arts majors): $40,000

Jabara Scholarship (entrepreneurship majors): $32,700

Wallace Scholarship (engineering majors): $30,500

Klose Scholarship (math/science education majors): Up to $20,000

Barton Scholarship (business majors): $50,000

Parkinson Scholarship (first generation immigrant students of all majors): $34,000

For more info on how Wichita State can help fund your student’s success, visit us online at wichita.edu/financialaid or call (316) 978-3430.

If your student is not a Kansas resident, visit wichita.edu/shockersavings to learn about tuition discounts for out-of-state students — including how they may qualify for in-state tuition.

Beyond Wichita State freshmen merit and scholarship competitions, once your student is admitted, encourage them to create a profile in ScholarshipUniverse to learn about additional scholarship opportunities. wichita.edu/scholarshipuniverse

APPLYING for federal financial

aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens. Students and parents are encouraged to file online at studentaid.gov. Deadlines vary depending on the institution.

• If chosen for verification, students may need to submit additional documentation including copies of tax return transcripts. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. These documents will be requested from you only if your FAFSA is selected for verification.

• First-time borrowers at Wichita State must complete a Loan Agreement for a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling online. Both can be done at studentaid.gov.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form your student will submit to be considered for financial aid, such as grants, loans and work study. Your family will be expected to provide past year's income, asset and household information as a part of the FAFSA. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA by Wichita State's priority deadline. Check the website for specific details and dates. When filing the FAFSA, students should include WSU's federal school code, 001950. Doing so ensures the FAFSA results will be sent to WSU.

FINANCIAL AID

Wichita State awards several types of financial aid, including: Scholarships: Funds students can apply for or earn through academic excellence and do not have to be repaid.

Grants: Funds based on financial need that do not need to be repaid.

Loans: Low, fixed-interest rate funds that must be repaid.

Work Study: Funds students earn through employment at Wichita State.

To be considered for any of these types of aid, students must complete the FAFSA and indicate that the results be sent to Wichita State by listing our federal school code, 001950. Because some programs have limited funds, students are encouraged to apply early.

TYPES OF LOAN PROGRAMS

Direct Loans

Direct Loans represent the largest portion of federal student aid. The annual amount a student can borrow is determined by the student’s grade level in college. There are two types of Direct Loans: subsidized (need-based) and unsubsidized (non-need-based).

PLUS Loans

The Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) program enables parents with a good credit history to borrow to meet the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time. For more information about the PLUS loan and the application process, go to wichita.edu/financialaid.

OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLANS

A short-term payment plan is available to assist students in paying tuition and fees. The payment plan requires a down payment on tuition and fees at the time of fee payment, and the balance can be paid throughout the semester in three equal installments (two equal installments for the summer session). There is a nonrefundable administrative fee associated with this plan. For more information, visit wichita.edu/acctsrec.

10 TIPS FROM PARENTS

of current wichita state shockers

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.

Talk to your children about engaging with campus staff and their faculty while they are in high school. These are professionals who can be resources, references and networks for your student’s future.

If you can make it work financially, encourage them to live on campus. (Note: Students are required to live on campus during their freshman year at WSU, but exemptions apply for local students to live at home.)

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.

Consider a financial reward system for higher grades in college. If you're able to provide an incentive structure, it may help your student do better.

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

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

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.

When visiting colleges, ask them what internships and real-world experiences are available for students in their programs.

Become familiar with the community your student’s college is located in. Consider the city’s lifestyle — cultural attractions, shopping, museums and affordability.

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wichitastateadmissions

@wichitastateadmissions & @shockerexp

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Wichita State Admissions

wichita.edu/publications

wichita.edu/zeemee

wichita.edu/blog

wichita.edu/virtualtour

For more info, or to schedule a campus visit: wichita.edu/visit | admissions@wichita.edu | (316) 978-3085

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal law, and WSU policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies: the Associate Vice President and University Title IX Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-3186), Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance. For inquiries, please call or visit the Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance at (316) 978-3186, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260, Lindquist Hall.

ANNUAL SECURITY AND FIRE REPORT

Wichita State University’s Annual Security and Fire Report includes crime statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Wichita State University; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. Additionally, the report provides fire statistics concerning fires in on-campus student housing facilities and institutional policies concerning campus fire safety. For an electronic copy of the report, access the following web site, wichita.edu/annualsecurityreport. To obtain a printed copy of this report, contact the University Police Department.

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY TITLE IX STATEMENT

Wichita State University (“WSU”) does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs, activities, admissions and employment. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment which is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: A WSU employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo); and/or unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the university’s education program or activity; or sexual assault characterized as, any sexual act directed against another, without their consent, including rape, fondling, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as set forth in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Reports can be provided in person, by mail, by telephone, by email, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Courtney McHenry, Lindquist Hall 208, 1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260-0138, tele 316-978-5257, email courtney.mchenry@wichita.edu For more information, please visit wichita.edu/oiec