Kansas State University

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester in the College of Arts and Sciences!

We look forward to meeting many of you at advisor meetings and events throughout the semester. In fact, we hope you’ll join us at our Civil Rights Teach-In next Wed., Jan. 29! You can read about it below.

I encourage you to take advantage of our Undergraduate Research Awards. You could receive a $1,000 scholarship to do a faculty-mentored research or creative project. That and other valuable programs are discussed below. Deepen your expertise in something that interests you and stand out to employers or grad schools!

Even with good planning, things can go wrong. We’re here to help. If you have an issue that could negatively impact your success, contact us to help you solve it as soon as possible. Visit or email our Center for Student Success and Engagement at 107 Calvin Hall or artsci@k-state.edu. We want you to have a great college experience that leads to a rewarding career.

All of us in the Dean’s Office wish you an interesting, fun and successful semester!

Chris Culbertson, Dean
Professor of Chemistry

Week of Welcome—Arts and Sciences College Connection

Tue. and Wed., Jan. 21 and 22
9:30-11:30
Calvin Hall Third Floor

New and returning students are invited to meet College of Arts and Sciences representatives and learn about the college’s resources and academic programs and play games, enter contests and score free swag!

Civil Rights Teach-In

Wed., Jan. 29, 2025 | 2:30-5 p.m.
Leadership Studies Building, McVay Family Town Hall
Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee

Join the conversation on social justice issues during K-State’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance Week!

Teach-ins are held for learning, discussion and movement towards action, usually around a challenging sociopolitical issue. They often include expert presentations and audience participation and are not limited to a strict timeframe.

Join us for K-State’s 11th Annual Civil Rights Teach-In and hear K-State experts present about this year’s theme: wellness of the body, mind and world. Then, join the conversation during a panel discussion with the presenters.

2:30-2:40 – Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

2:40-3:20 – Land, Embodiment, and Wellbeing
Dr. Melissa Poll, Social Transformation Studies and English

3:30-4:20 – Neuroscience, the Human Brain, and Wellbeing
Dr. Julio Hernandez Pavon, Psychological Sciences

4:30-5:00 – Panel Discussion: How Can the Sciences and Humanities Intersect to Support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Well-Being?
Dr. Keisha Clark, Social Transformation Studies; Dr. Melissa Poll; Dr. Julio Hernandez Pavon

Complete the FAFSA by Feb. 14 for your chance at $100!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted to apply for federal financial aid including grants, work-study and loans. It’s quick, easy and free. K-State’s priority date for the 2025-26 FAFSA is March 1. Learn more from K-State’s FAFSA page or go straight to studentaid.gov.

If you complete your FAFSA by February 14, you will be automatically entered to win one of four $100 scholarships from the College of Arts & Sciences!

Register for K-State scholarships by March 15

K-State offers a lot of different scholarships. But you must register in the K-State Scholarship Network, known as KSN, to apply for them. Create a profile and be matched with all the scholarship opportunities that you are eligible for. The priority date for current students applying for 2025-2026 is March 15.

Important academic dates

See university academic calendar for more details.

Jan. 27 – Last Day to ADD Course(s) without Instructor Permission
Feb. 7 – Instructors may drop students for non-attendance (date edited after publication)
Feb. 10 – Last Day for 100% Refund (16-week classes)
Feb. 14 – A/Pass/Fail Grading Option Request Deadline
Feb. 14 – Academic Progress Reports Available in SSC-Navigate
Feb. 17 – Census: 20th Day Deadline for making changes to program/plan
Feb. 17 – Last Day for 50% Refund (16-week classes)

Tip:  Students can find the drop deadlines for all classes, including non-standard classes, by clicking on the calendar icon next to each class in their KSIS Student Center Academics area.

Gain research experience and receive a scholarship!

We’re committed to offering all Arts and Sciences students research opportunities. And we help make it possible by offering Undergraduate Research Awards every spring, summer and fall. Recipients get $1,000 awards to conduct research and creative projects with a faculty mentor. All degree-seeking undergraduate students in any major in the college are invited to apply.

Learn more, see who has received awards, and apply for Summer and Fall 2025 awards by March 1 and May 1!

Other research award opportunities are offered by the Johnson Cancer Research Center and Chapman Center for Rural Studies as well as K-State’s Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research.

Mark Chapman Scholars Program

The Mark Chapman Scholars Program helps promising Arts and Sciences students fund meaningful summer projects early in their undergraduate careers. Five awards of $5,000 each are given annually—$3,000 to fund a summer activity and $1,000 per semester in the following academic year. Applications are due March 3.

Meet our 2024 Chapman Scholars below!

College and university awards for students and faculty members

• University Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Student in Research
  Applications due Feb. 1
• Davids-Dunham Faculty Award for Diverse Scholarship
  Applications due Feb. 14
• University Outstanding Department or Unit Award for Enhancing Diversity
  Nominations due March 1
• Douglas K. Benson Award for supporting diversity and inclusion
  Applications due March 15

ArtSci Mentorship Program — Register by Feb. 2!

The ArtSci Mentorship Program is open to all undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students are paired with professionals who provide insight and guidance for career preparation and help students develop a professional network. It is facilitated on WildcatLink; activate your account by signing in with your K-State eID. Sign up by Feb. 2 to be onboarded before the program launches Feb. 10. For questions, contact the program coordinator, Paige Altwegg, paltwegg@k-state.edu.

KS-LSAMP Scholars Program for minority students in STEM

The Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KS-LSAMP) promotes recruitment and retention programs throughout Kansas to support the success of underrepresented minority students in STEM fields. Learn more from the LSAMP Scholars page. Apply by Jan. 31!

Apply to be an Arts and Sciences Peer Advisor!

The College of Arts and Sciences seeks juniors and seniors with 3.0 or higher GPAs to serve as peer advisors. Those selected will work closely with advising staff to serve students throughout the college. They will work about five hours per week at $10/hour. Learn more and apply by March 14. Questions can be directed to Christia Stein, academic advisor, cmstein@k-state.edu.

K-State Service Opportunities

Near or far, you can make a difference and learn through experience with K-State Service Opportunities! Volunteer for a day, weekend or month in Manhattan, elsewhere in Kansas, or in another state or country. You can participate independently or with friends or a student organization. Registration is happening now, so learn more today!

Apply to present at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol

K-State will show off its top undergraduate research at the Kansas State Capitol, in Topeka, on Feb. 26, and you can apply to be a presenter! Applications are due Jan. 28. Learn more.

K-State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Tue., April 15 | 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
K-State Student Union, Ballroom and Courtyard

All undergraduate students participating in mentored research are encouraged to participate in this two-session symposium. They may exhibit traditional research posters or show artifacts that aid in presenting creative work. Start planning now and join the symposium Canvas page for information on poster design, presentation tips, printing and more. Registration closes March 23.

Learn more from Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research or by emailing SDUR@ksu.edu.

Office of Recruitment and Admissions is hiring!

ORA seeks undergraduate student workers for positions that offer excellent professional experience and flexible hours. Students must work a minimum of 15 hours a week. See full description on Handshake. For questions, contact Melissa Glaser, Engagement Coordinator, msg@k-state.edu.

Visit K-State’s One Stop Shop for help and resources

K-State’s One Stop Shop is a great resource for information on academics, paying for college, student life, health and safety, and technology. Check it out whenever you wonder about money and jobs, involvement with groups and activities, housing, dining and more!

Our 2024 Chapman Scholars had extraordinary summer experiences, and so can you!

The Mark Chapman Scholars Program helps promising Arts and Sciences students fund summer projects to support their personal and professional growth. Students from all backgrounds and Arts and Sciences majors are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply for the 2025 award by March 3!

Meet the scholars below!

Maya Anchondo – advertising and public relations and Spanish

Maya had a month-long immersive language learning experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She took classes, volunteered in an animal shelter and visited Mayan cultural sites. She said that enhancing her Spanish language and intercultural skills helped her appreciate her heritage and think about the importance of making the most of what one has. She is in the Developing Scholars Program and has conducted research in psychology and advertising and public relations. She is also a member of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Alexa Murray – visual communication design

Alexa participated in the KSU in Italy program, particularly excited about the photography and storytelling course. She studied Italian food, people, history and culture through coursework, daytrips and interaction with local people. She said she developed new socialization skills and an appreciation for the importance of pausing during the day to connect with others. She owns an Etsy shop where she sells her designs, and she works as a resident assistant with K-State Housing and Dining Services.

Brayden Shumaker – geology

Brayden did geological fieldwork in Wyoming’s Teton Range. He took samples and analyzed them in a laboratory on campus to understand the geochemistry of the formations. His adventure included miles of hiking, getting lost and bushwhacking as well as learning from a volcanologist. His improved sample processing skills will be vital as he pursues a career in geochemical research, as will his greater appreciation for the pace and unpredictability of the research process. Brayden is an Eagle Scout and avid skier and fly fisherman who is passionate about preserving Kansas prairies and streams.

Helen Winters – biology

Helen furthered her research on big bluestem grass, which is broadly distributed across the U.S. and serves as significant cattle forage. She worked to characterize climate adaptation of the grass to better understand how climate change will impact it. She is a 2024 Goldwater Scholar, recognized for her potential to have a successful career in science. She is also a University Scholar, a member of the Wildlife Society, and one of only five students selected to present at the spring 2024 Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, in Topeka.