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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State University campus view from the third floor balcony of the Rhatigan Student Center on May 2.

Full-time enrollment declines as university officials report historic enrollment numbers

Maleah Evans and Mia Hennen October 4, 2024

The preliminary number of full-time equivalent students at Wichita State University decreased by around 200 people since last fall, as university officials report “record-breaking” enrollment. Last...

Bill Nye talks about the evolution of technology and the importance of curiosity and storytelling in education. Nye was the keynote speaker for the Ad Astra Summit, an event that centers on technology related issues in the city, state and country.

Bill Nye headlines technology summit

Sophia Best and Baylor Henry October 3, 2024

Popular science educator Bill Nye visited Wichita on Wednesday to open the Ad Astra Technology Summit with a talk about emerging technology and the importance of critical thinking The Ad Astra Summit...

Christopher Montford, an aerospace engineering major, watches candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz during the vice presidential debate watch party on Oct. 1.

‘Refreshing’: Wichita State students react to respectful vice presidential debate

Jacob Unruh and Ainsley Smyth October 2, 2024

Wichita State students watching the vice presidential debate live in the Rhatigan Student Center said the contest between Tim Walz and JD Vance on Tuesday night was far more respectful than the presidential...

Victoria Owens, speaker of the SGA senate, answers a question from one of the representatives. SGA has weekly meetings to pass legislation related to WSU's students.

SGA cancels meeting because of ‘empty agenda’

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor October 2, 2024

The Student Government Association canceled its Wednesday, Oct. 2, meeting because it has no bills to vote on.  SGA adviser Gabriel Fonseca said that while senators are working on a few bills, none...

A group of students work together to construct a freestanding tower during the RSO Summit on Sept. 28. The event was intended for RSO leaders to learn leadership skills and network with other leaders.

Summit teaches clubs how to retain membership through effective event planning

Ainsley Smyth and Maleah Evans September 30, 2024

From Greek life to academic organizations to clubs for just about everything, Wichita State has over 200 student organizations with varying levels of activity.  Each active club has a leadership team...

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‘I open my phone every day and I see a new person die’: Students speak at vigil for Lebanon

Loren Amelunke, Reporter September 30, 2024

After recent Israeli air strikes on Lebanon this week, the Wichita State organization Students for Justice in Palestine held a vigil on Friday for the lives that were lost.  Instead of candles, students...

Shockers vote coalition hosted the national voter registration day in the north patio of Rhatigan Student Center on Sept. 17.  Food and games were provided to encourage students to register.

Here’s where and how to vote for upcoming elections

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor September 29, 2024

The Nov. 5 general election is approaching. Below is information that voters registered in the Wichita area need to know for the upcoming election. Visit this link to find your specific voting location...

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Chatbots, deep fakes and democracy: Panel examines AI’s role in modern elections

Taliyah Winn, Podcast Producer September 28, 2024

The 2024 election is happening at a moment of rapid development in the field of artificial intelligence. A panel of Wichita State professors addressed some of the ways AI can be dangerous during an election...

Mayor Lily Wu answers student questions during a live Q&A hosted by Shockers Vote Coalition on Sept. 25 at the Rhatigan Student Center. Wu discussed the importance of voting, city policies, and future initiatives for Wichita.

Wichita mayor answers student questions on her eight months in office, local politics

Baylor Henry, Reporter September 27, 2024

In spite of a low turnout, students questioned Wichita Mayor Lily Wu about her time as Wichita mayor and her goals for the duration of her term.  The Shockers Vote! Coalition hosted Lily Wu on Wednesday...

Senators attend an SGA meeting on Sept. 25. Senators include representatives from all academic colleges and several other student populations.

SGA will hold midterm elections to fill empty Senate seats, increase student representation

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor September 27, 2024

Students from several academic colleges and other student population groups will be able to vote for Student Senators to represent them next week. Student Government Association (SGA) is holding midterm...

The Kansas Board of Regents meets in the Beggs Ballroom in the RSC. The board oversees public colleges and universities in Kansas.

Application fees waived at Kansas universities during Apply Free Days

Maleah Evans, Assistant News Editor September 26, 2024

Kansas’ Board of Regents will be hosting its Apply Free Days from Oct. 7-9 this year. Wichita State among other universities will be participating. During Apply Free Days, residents can apply for...

Aaron Mitchell, the new senior vice president for administration, finance and operations, smiles for a photo in his office in Morrison Hall. Mitchell previously served as associate vice president for financial services at Montana State University.

Aaron Mitchell wants you to know that he’s ‘a regular person’ – even if he’s ‘probably in a tie’

Allison Campbell, Editor-in-Chief September 26, 2024

Whether he’s attending a Wichita State men’s basketball game or standing in line at Chick-fil-A, Aaron Mitchell says he’s happy to be greeted by staff, faculty and students, even if he doesn’t...

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