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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

Photo by Zachary Ruth, Photo illustration by Emma Wilks

OPINION: Sesame is out, let’s get Raising Cane’s in!

Airianna Sallaz, Reporter August 31, 2025

Sesame Mediterranean Kitchen, the restaurant located on the far right corner of Braeburn Square on Wichita State University’s campus, has been permanently closed after just two years of being open.  Sesame...

Shocker Grill and Lane’s pizza of the month, hot honey pepperoni

REVIEW: A Hot Honey Take

Willow Spence, Reporter August 25, 2025

This month, there is a new hot item up for grabs at the Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes. Following recent food trends, hot honey has taken over most menus and has now made its way onto the Shocker Sports...

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OPINION: The Gen-Z stare is not the problem — it’s you.

Mya Scott, Opinion Editor August 25, 2025

What is the Gen-Z stare?  If you’re on TikTok, you've probably seen users talking about a phenomenon labeled as the “Gen-Z stare.” The Gen-Z stare is a term coined primarily by millennials...

Opinion editor Mya Scott writes with a G-2 pilot mechanical pencil.

OPINION: Pencils ranked from pencil-perfect to dull

Mya Scott, Opinion Editor August 22, 2025

As school begins and last-minute supplies shopping ends, let me volunteer to help you decide the best essential item that every student needs. The pencil. The pencil is a tool many students use everyday...

Wichita State University LAS Dean Sarah Beth Estes. Photo courtesy of Sarah Beth Estes.

Guest Column: Sarah Beth Estes, LAS Dean speaks

Sarah Beth Estes, Wichita State LAS Dean August 19, 2025

Hello everyone. I am Sarah Beth Estes, the Dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and I’m excited to welcome you to a new academic year. Whether you are a returning student, or are,...

Wichita State University Student Government Association President Jia Wen Wang. Photo courtesy of Jia Wen Wang.

Guest Column: Dear Shockers: For Anyone and Everyone

Jia Wen Wang, Wichita State SGA President August 19, 2025

My name is Jia Wen Wang, your Student Body President for this year. On behalf of the Student Government Association (SGA), I am excited to welcome you all to Wichita State University. Whether you are a...

Monica Lounsbery, the recently named senior executive vice president and provost for Wichita State, introduces herself to the Faculty Senate on Jan. 13. Lounsbery recently released information about how DEI changes are impacting WSU.

Guest Column: From the provost: Hitting the right notes

Monica Lounsbery, University Provost August 18, 2025

Welcome back to campus, Shockers! I hope your semester is off to an inspiring start. Whether you’re just beginning your journey here or wrapping up the final leg of your journey, I’m glad we get to...

Editor-in-Chief Taliyah Winn records audio at the Flint Hills Symphony. Photo Courtesy of Grant Seymour/ The Flint Hills Media Project

Letter from the Editor: For you and with you

Taliyah Winn, Editor in Chief August 18, 2025

It's going to be a busy year. The beginning of the school year is always one of my favorite times. Excitement, nerves, new school supplies, syllabi — but this year it feels especially different. Partially...

Shocker Hall displays a sign reading "Welcome Home" for incoming freshman students. Freshmen are required to live on campus or at home within the greater Wichita area.

OPINION: Does Wichita State do a good job of welcoming students?

Mya Scott, Opinion Editor August 18, 2025

The first week of college is the second worst time of a student’s year, right behind finals week. Emotions are running high as frazzled parents leave their babies to care for themselves for maybe the...

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OPINION: Trump’s war on education jeopardizes the future of America

Mya Scott, Opinion Editor August 17, 2025

When I was a child, I looked at college thinking it was a place of knowledge, respect and prestige. Now, as a college student myself going into my third semester, I feel like nothing more than a target...

Wichita State University President Richard Muma. Photo courtesy of Wichita State University.

Guest Column: From the president: Welcome to fall 2025 at Wichita State

Rick Muma, University President August 15, 2025

Welcome — or welcome back — to campus! The start of a new school year is one of my favorite times at Wichita State. There’s a vibrant energy in the air as we reconnect with friends, meet new people...

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OPINION: Student discounts available with valid student ID, good for back to school relaxation

Maleah Evans, Summer News Editor August 12, 2025

As students, discounts are incredibly helpful.  Wichita State has a lesser-known program called Shock Stop, a partnership with companies in Wichita that allows students a small discount at participating...

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