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Arts and Sciences Student Newsletter

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Apply for a college financial award

Undergraduate Research Award applications for fall 2025 are due May 1.

Mark Chapman Scholars Program applications, to support summer projects, are due March 3.

Student Travel Awards of up to $400 each are available for graduate and undergraduate students on a rolling basis. Students should apply at least one month before the trip.

 

Benson Award for students committed to community engagementPhoto of the late Doug Benson

The College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for the Professor Douglas K. Benson Award. This student award provides $500-1,000 and honors the late Doug Benson for his tireless advocacy surrounding diversity issues at K-State and beyond. Submissions are due Fri., March 15.

 

Present your research!

graphic showing event title and photo of people at past eventTue., 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 creative work. Register by March 23, and join the symposium Canvas page for information on poster design, presentation tips, printing and more. Learn more from Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research.

 

Campus Ambassador jobs available!

The Office of Recruitment and Admissions is accepting applications for their Fall 2025 Campus Ambassador positions! These students provide campus tours, help with event days and support other tasks related to student recruitment. The application, in Handshake, closes March 31.

GRAD STUDENT NEWS—TRAVEL FUNDING AVAILABLE!

purple dollar signDid you know that graduate students may apply for travel funding from the Dean’s Office?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers travel awards up to $400 for graduate and undergraduate students to:

  • Present their research or creative work at a conference.
  • Travel to conduct research.
  • Learn research and creative techniques at workshops.

Travel awards may cover airfare, vehicle mileage, vehicle rental, hotel, ground transportation and conference registration. A travel budget is required.

Learn more at our Student Travel Awards page.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Undergraduate researchers present at the Capitol

Photo of 4 students at Kansas state capitolCongrats to Andrew Navarro, senior in political science and international studies; Sam Speck, junior in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology; Will Dodderidge, senior in history; and Lauren Apprill, senior in biochemistry!

They represented K-State at the 2025 Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on Feb. 26 in Topeka. The event showcased five undergraduate researchers from each of eight public, four-year Kansas Board of Regents universities. Read more.

 

Arts and Sciences teaching, advising and support staff awards

Congratulations to our college’s 2024 teaching, advising and support staff awardees! See full announcement.

William L. Stamey Awards for Undergraduate Teaching

Abigail Langston, asst. professor, geography and geospatial sciences

Stacia Gray, senior instructor and Writing Center director, English

William L. Stamey Award for Graduate Teaching Assistant

Garrett Nelson, graduate teaching assistant, mathematics

William L. Stamey Award for Advising

Ben Worcester, academic advisor, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Ronald N. Gaches Lifetime Teaching Award

Michele Janette, professor, English

Ronald N. Gaches Undergraduate Teaching Awards

Jung Sim Jun, assoc. professor, sociology, anthropology, and social work

Ivan Blank, professor, mathematics

Annette Maggio Award for Administrative and Support Staff

Kim Coy, academic recruitment assistant, physics

 

K-State Professors of the Week

Photos of Tom Sarmiento and Christine AikensCongratulations to Tom Sarmiento, associate professor of English, and Christine Aikens, university distinguished professor of chemistry, on being recognized as Professors of the Week in January and February!

 

Psychology program ranks among best in nation!

U.S. News and World Report badge for 2025 top psychology programsKansas State University’s undergraduate psychology program ranks near the top 25% of the nation according to U.S. News and World Report! Of 436 “national universities,” USNWR ranked our program 118th for 2025.

That’s a great reason to explore the psychology and neuroscience minors!

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Get free help with math, physics and statistics!

Quantitative Learning Center "now open" graphic with hours and locationVisit our new Quantitative Learning Center in 105 Cardwell Hall to get help with your math, physics and statistics courses! GTAs are there 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. to offer drop-in assistance for undergraduates. You can also use it as a quiet space to work independently. More information, including the staffing schedule, is on the math department’s Walk-in and Online Help page.

 

Get free help with your writing!

Photo of two people looking at paper on a table, plus text that says The Writing Center.The English department’s Writing Center assists undergraduate and graduate students in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities.

Students can sign up for an on-campus or online video session to discuss a range of topics, from idea-mapping and outlining to drafting and revision.

The “Get Written Feedback” program allows students to submit their writing and get feedback from a writing consultant within 48 hours. To get feedback within the school week, students should submit on Mondays or Tuesdays. Consultants will address clarity, organization and development of content.

Tutoring sessions are by appointment and scheduled through the website.

 

Reminder: College award applications due soon

The college’s Undergraduate Research Award applications for summer and fall 2025 are due March 1 and May 1, respectively.

The Mark Chapman Scholars Program, which funds summer projects for five undergraduate students per year, are due March 3.

 

Reminder: Peer Advisor positions available

graphic showing text about being a peer advisor and a photo of part of Calvin HallThe college is looking for some high-achieving juniors and seniors to serve as peer advisors. They’ll work closely with advising staff to serve our students for about five hours per week at $10/hour. Learn more and apply by March 14.

 

Apply now for the 2025 Developing Scholars Program

The Developing Scholars Program offers high-achieving, serious-minded, first-generation or historically underrepresented students the opportunity to do faculty-mentored research in their field of study. Scholars receive academic, social and financial support while integrating into K-State’s intellectual arena.

Learn more from Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research’s DSP page and apply by March 1!

 

Research Safety Bootcamp – Free for students!

This free, weeklong, hands-on, action-packed training and networking event, from Feb. 10-14, will prepare you to succeed and keep everyone safe in the lab! Learn more and register on the website.

 

Noontime Yoga at K-State

Willie the Wildcat seated in prayer poseK-State’s Noontime Yoga (and Pilates) can help you focus on your mental and physical well-being in a friendly, non-competitive environment. This volunteer-based program is free, and sessions are open to all students, staff, faculty and community members of all levels and abilities.  

This semester, the group will meet from 12:05-12:50 p.m. every day, Monday-Friday, at various locations on campus. View each day’s teacher and location on the full schedule and join the group’s email listserv to receive updates.

Noontime Yoga started in 2002 as a part of K-State’s Campaign for Nonviolence.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES

Love Poems by Request

pink graphic showing pink hearts and info about the eventFri., Feb. 14 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Flight Crew Coffee, 423 Poyntz Ave.

This Valentine’s Day, pick up a love poem with your morning coffee! Students from Kansas Poet Laureate and English professor Traci Brimhall’s “Advanced Poetry” class will be at Flight Crew Coffee to write love poems about the love of your choice.

 

Cultural Studies Lecture

Fri., Feb. 21 | 4-5 p.m.

“Serpent Mound in Transit: Indigenous Representation and the Built Environment”

Chadwick Allen, associate vice provost for faculty advancement and professor of English, University of Washington

Sponsored by the English department as part of the 34th Annual Cultural Studies Symposium.

 

Important academic dates

  • Feb. 7 – Instructors May Drop Students for Non-Attendance
  • Feb. 10 – Last Day to Drop Classes for 100% Refund (16-week classes only)
  • Feb. 14 – A/Pass/Fail Option Request Deadline
  • Feb. 17 – Census: 20th Day Deadline to change program/plan for Spring 2025
  • Feb. 17 – Last Day to Drop Classes for 50% Refund (16-week classes only)
  • Feb. 19 – Deadline to Apply for Residency Reclassification for Spring 2025
  • Feb. 25 – Last Day to Drop Classes – no ‘W’ grade(s) on the Transcript (16-week classes only)
  • Mar. 3 – Graduation Application Deadline for inclusion in Commencement Program
  • March 16-23 – Spring Break!

View full Academic Calendar

 

K-State FAFSA priority date is March 1.

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 and Sciences!

 

K-State Scholarship Network priority date for current students is March 15.

 

Planning to graduate this spring or summer?

It’s time to complete your graduation application! Apply through your KSIS account by March 3 to ensure that your name is in the Commencement program. Even if you don’t plan to attend the commencement ceremony, the application is required to graduate. Stay up-to-date by checking the K-State Commencement and Graduation website frequently as the Registrar’s Office is working now to add the details for Spring 2025. Please also continue to check your K-State e-mail for graduation and Commencement updates from the college and university.

This is an exciting time! Contact our college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement if you have any questions, 107 Calvin Hall, artsci@k-state.edu.

 

A LOOK BACK AT THE CIVIL RIGHTS TEACH-IN

Photo of panel members at Civil Rights Teach-In 2025
Drs. Keisha Clark, Julio Hernandez Pavon and Melissa Poll answer questions during the Civil Rights Teach-In panel discussion.

The 11th Annual Civil Rights Teach-In, “Wellness: Body, Mind, World,” held Jan. 29, was a powerful exploration of well-being, social transformation, and the intersection of the sciences and humanities. It was sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee during K-State’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance Week.

The event opened with the K-State Land Acknowledgement and then featured Dr. Melissa Poll, social transformation studies, presenting on land, embodiment and well-being, and Dr. Julio Hernandez Pavon, psychological sciences, presenting on neuroscience and the science behind well-being. The two speakers were then joined by Dr. Keisha Clark, social transformation studies, for a panel discussion on how the sciences and humanities can intersect to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

The teach-in inspired attendees to think critically and work towards a more inclusive future. Plan to attend the 12th annual Civil Rights Teach-In tentatively planned for Jan. 28, 2026!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ART AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Arts and Sciences graduates go in many different directions after they leave K-State, and we are proud of all they do to improve the world. Below are a couple of great examples!

Allison Bowman, 2017 fine arts graduate, artist and nonprofit professional

Close-up photo of Allison Bowman, outdoors, holding paint brusesAllison Bowman ’17 has always been drawn to the tallgrass prairie.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas, she came to K-State as a transfer student to study art, and whenever she needed a moment of peace and reflection, she would walk through the Konza Prairie. The gently rolling hills, waving grasses and beautiful wildflowers served as sources of inspiration that continue to weave themselves through her artwork.

Today Bowman is a multidisciplinary artist who also works for a nonprofit arts organization called Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Read more.

 

Erica Short, 2007 mass communication graduate, creative director

Photo of Erica Short in a red brick-walled officeCan you save a life through a video ad on social media that lasts only a few seconds?

Erica Short ’07 and her teammates at Kansas City-based creative agency Overflow believe you can.

Short, who serves as a creative director, recently worked on a Gen Z fentanyl awareness campaign called “You Never Know.” Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be manufactured illegally and cheaply, and then disguised as legitimate medications, such as Xanax. It is 50 times more potent than heroin, and it takes just a few grains to kill someone.

Read more.

GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN

Dr. Chris Culbertson

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

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES

Week of Welcome—Arts and Sciences College Connection

Graphic that says College Connect in purple and has yellow arrows around the wordsTue. 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

purple graphic with white text about Civil Rights Teach-In Jan. 29, 2025Wed., 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!
purple dollar sign

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.