Helping Professions Networking Night
Students connected with employers at the Helping Professions Networking Night that we co-sponsored with the College of Health and Human Sciences on Oct. 8!
IN THIS ISSUE
- Upcoming events
- Important dates and deadlines related to spring course enrollment, graduation and more
- Resources and opportunities, including student research funding
- Student spotlight: Erin Frenk, chemistry
- Congrats to advisor Ben Worcester
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunch with the Deans: Undergraduate Researchers
Tue., Oct. 8 | Noon-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall
RSVP Required
Undergraduate student researchers in any department of the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to join the deans for pizza and meaningful conversation. They’d like to hear about your research and how your experiences are going. Please RSVP here by 5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 4.
Helping Professions Networking Night
Tue., Oct. 8 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Are you considering a career in social services, mental health, community engagement, youth programs, social or criminal justice, family advocacy or a similar field? Come build relationships with helping profession employers in the area!
Hear from local election candidates!
Meet Rep. Sydney Carlin
Oct. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Wildcat Chamber
State Senate Candidate Debate
Oct. 9 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard
The KSU Young Democrats, Department of Political Science, Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD), and Riley County Republican Party have partnered to bring debates and a town hall to campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local candidates for state legislature and learn how to vote.
Events will be streamed on ICDD’s YouTube channel.
From the Ashes: Printmaking, Preservation and Renewal conference
Wed.-Sun., Oct. 2-6
Various locations around campus and Manhattan
This Mid America Print Council Conference, sponsored by the art department, will explore the relationship between printmakers and the natural environment. The public is welcome.
AI and the Future Symposium: Trust AI?
Tue.-Thu., Oct. 15-17
Various campus locations and Manhattan Public Library
This free event features a variety of panels, lightning talks and workshops to help the K-State and Manhattan communities learn about artificial intelligence. It’s sponsored by the modern languages department, Hale Library and more.
Flint Hills Military History Symposium: War and Technology 2024
Fri.-Sun, Oct. 18-20
Locations in Manhattan and Fort Riley
The history department is partnering with Fort Riley Museums to present this symposium that bridges the gap between classroom and battlefield.
Lunch with the Deans: First-Generation Students
Mon., Nov. 4 | Noon-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall
RSVP by 5 p.m. Thu., Oct. 31.
We enjoy having students over for lunch! The theme for our November Lunch with the Deans is first-generation students. K-State students who are the first in their families to attend college are invited. Space is limited; please RSVP here by 5 p.m. Thu., Oct. 31.
And don’t miss…
Homecoming Week Oct. 20-26
Homecoming Philanthropy 5K | Sun., Oct. 20
Paint the ‘Ville | Mon. Oct. 21
Children’s Carnival | Wed., Oct. 23
Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally | Fri., Oct. 25
Football game vs. KU | Sat., Oct. 26
NEED-TO-KNOW
Get ready to enroll in spring semester classes!
Priority enrollment for Spring 2025 begins Oct. 21. Check your enrollment date in KSIS by clicking on the Student Center tile. On the right, the Enrollment Dates box indicates the date and time you can enroll. Your advisor’s contact information is just below the Enrollment Dates. You can schedule an enrollment appointment with your advisor using Navigate. Log into KSIS and click on the SSC-Navigate Student tile or use the Navigate App.
Meet with your advisor in advance to select courses and place them in your shopping cart so you’re ready to enroll at your enrollment time. After meeting with your advisor, please complete the Internship and Advising Survey you’ll find in your KSIS Student Center Holds starting Mon., Oct. 7. Once the survey is complete, the hold should be removed within 10 minutes.
Enroll in at least 12 credit hours by Nov. 13 to be automatically entered to win one of four $500 scholarships! Other criteria must also be met. More information is in the “opportunities and resources” section of this newsletter.
Planning to graduate in December?
If you plan to graduate in December but have not applied for graduation, please apply as soon as possible. Sign in to KSIS with your eID and password, click “Academic Records” and then “Application for Graduation.” If you can’t remember whether you’ve applied or are just curious about a status update, do the same. Further instructions can be found online.
The final deadline to apply for graduation is Dec. 6. The deadline to be in the Commencement program was Oct. 1.
The Commencement schedule, information about obtaining and wearing academic apparel, and a graduation checklist are on the Commencement Ceremonies page.
Please note, undergraduates must wear purple regalia, which can be purchased from the K-State Campus Store.
Important Dates
Oct. 11 – Wildcat Pause Day (no classes)
Oct. 25 – Last Day to Withdraw from regular session course(s)–‘W’ grade(s) on transcript
Nov. 1 – Deadline to apply for Arts and Sciences Research Awards
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day (K-State is open and classes are in session.)
Nov. 24-30 – Thanksgiving Break: No Classes
Nov. 28-29 – Thanksgiving Holiday Observed: Campus Closed
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
Re-enrollment scholarship drawing!
The college is offering $500 scholarships for Spring 2025 tuition for four lucky students! You’ll be automatically entered to win if you meet the below criteria for Spring 2025. Winners will be drawn on Nov. 15 and notified via their K-State email.
Student must:
- Have advising flag lifted.
- Be enrolled in Arts and Sciences degree-seeking program.
- Be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours by Nov. 13.
- Be in good academic standing.
Student research funding
Visit our Undergraduate Research and Creativity Opportunities page to learn about $1,000 research awards for semester-long projects, finding a faculty mentor, and travel awards to present at conferences or conduct research off-campus. Applications are due Nov. 1.
Internships and research awards for social sciences and humanities
The Chapman Center for Rural Studies offers many undergraduate research and internship opportunities, particularly in social sciences and humanities. Museum internships can be done on campus or in the Manhattan or other communities. The center sponsors a limited number of paid internships and internships for course credit. Opportunities are described on its Student Internships page. For a spring opportunity, students should act by October.
Language Conversation Tables
Practice your Spanish, French, German or Japanese at casual weekly gatherings. All K-Staters who speak the languages are invited no matter their major or language skill level. Learn more.
Academic and mental health support
Midterm season can be stressful. A variety of help is available.
- Mental health support at Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services
- Free tutoring for all students at Tutoring Services
- Quiet places to study can be found at Hale Library. Check out its study spaces and reservable collaboration rooms!
Renovated Student Lounge in Calvin Hall
Enjoy our newly renovated study space on the third floor of Calvin Hall! Special recognition for outstanding work goes to Evelynn Ediger, a member of the Student Governing Association’s Student-Centered Tuition Enhancements committee; Nathaniel Birkhead, political science department head; and Ryan Zecha, K-State Facilities project manager.
The space now boasts:
- mobile white boards
- small group study nooks
- collaboration tables
- lounge seating
- new paint and carpet.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Chemistry student to earn B.S. and MBA in only four years through accelerated program
Erin Frenk fell in love with science during her first experiment at age 14. She loved gathering data, the uncertainty of end results and, most importantly, asking and answering her own questions.
Frenk, a Kansas native and junior in chemistry, said she initially set her sights on colleges across the country but ultimately fell in love with Kansas State University and the opportunities it presented.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ADVISOR BEN WORCESTER!
Congratulations to Ben Worcester, academic advisor for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, on receiving the Charlie Award from the K-State Advisor Forum! The peer-nominated award recognizes outstanding academic advisors for their hard work and dedication. It celebrates those who creatively engage in their work, have a positive impact on students, and demonstrate leadership.
“Ben is phenomenal in all aspects of his role, but specifically when he is working with students. It is clear that he is passionate about the performing arts and well-versed in the curriculum and future opportunities available to students, and that he prioritizes each student’s individual needs.”
IN THIS ISSUE
- A fun Q&A with the deans
- Upcoming events from the Dean’s Office and around the college
- Resources and opportunities, including student research funding
- Good-to-know info on free speech, wellness, graduation and student services
- Alumni Spotlight: Media and Comm alum and New York meteorologist Rhonda Lee
- Pics from our Week of Welcome Ice Cream Social
GET TO KNOW YOUR DEANS: A FUN Q&A
Hello, Arts and Sciences Students!
We are enjoying getting to know you through college events like our Week of Welcome Ice Cream Social, student organizations like Arts and Sciences Ambassadors, your classes and other activities.
And now, you can get to know us a little better! Once upon a time, we were students just like you!
Chris Culbertson is the dean of the college. Before becoming dean, he was interim dean and associate dean for research. He is also a chemistry professor in the analytical division of the department. His research is focused on developing devices for the early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancers. He collaborates with other researchers to overcome biomolecule separation, detection and quantitation challenges in complex biological matrices. He was the department’s lead advisor for 10 years.
Q: What music are you listening to most these days?
A: Zac Brown Band (“Chicken Fried”), Jimmy Buffett, Daddy Yankee, Chris Tomlin, RedBone, Tracy Lawrence
Q: Did you have a job in college? If so, what was it?
A: I cleaned toilets for the first two years in college and then worked as a diver at the New England Aquarium for the last two years.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I work with Rotary International and the United Nations Environment Program to clean up the rivers of the world.
Scott Tanona is the associate dean for academic affairs and planning. He’s been in that role since June 2020. He is also an associate professor of philosophy, specializing in the history and philosophy of physics, science in society, and ethics and values in science.
Q: Music? A: Lately, I’m listening to Arlo Parks, Tems, Big Thief, Khruangbin, Kendrick Lamar, and the HU, plus a pretty regular fallback to 90s alt. The last two live music events I went to were Blaggards and Green Day.
Q: College job? A: Yes, several! Telecalling, groundskeeping, working the floor at a chemical company filling bottles and cleaning vats, and other miscellaneous jobs here and there.
Q: Free time fun? A: Camping, hiking, mountain biking. Playing pool. Also just chilling on the porch (when it’s not too hot).
Mary Cain is the associate dean for research and graduate studies. She started in June 2024. She is a professor in the psychological sciences department, where she directed graduate programs. Her research examines the neural mechanisms of reward, focusing on the impact of the early environment on drug-taking and relapse to drug-taking in adulthood. She has received university awards for undergraduate teaching and research mentorship.
Q: Music? A: I’m currently enjoying Noah Kahan and Alex Warren. I had the opportunity to see Taylor Swift last summer, and the show was amazing!
Q: College job? A: During the school year, I worked at an ice cream shop that was purchased and turned into a deli. I worked as a lifeguard over the summers. In the summer between my junior and senior year, I participated in a paid neuroscience summer research program and continued through my senior year.
Q: Free time fun? A: My kids participate in sports and choir, and I like watching them. I also like to exercise and listen to podcasts while walking my dog.
Christie Launius is the associate dean for student success, engagement and undergraduate studies. She started in June 2024. She is also an associate professor in the social transformation studies department, where she recently served as interim head. She joined the gender, women and sexuality studies department in 2018 and helped lead its merger with American ethnic studies to form social transformation studies in 2022. Her research interests include narratives of upward mobility obtained via education and the scholarship of teaching and learning in gender, women and sexuality studies.
Q: Music? A: I listen to a lot of folk, Americana and alt country.
Q: College job? A: I had a LOT of jobs in college, including working at McDonald’s and the campus tutoring center answering the grammar hotline! Yes, it was a landline phone that people called, and we had a shelf of reference books that we used to help answer callers’ questions. We got a lot of calls in that pre-internet era.
Q: Free time fun? A: I love to cook and bake, and I also enjoy word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.
Kimathi Choma is the assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention, a position he’s held since 2016, after serving as interim dean for a year and a half. Before that, he was in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as director of undergraduate public health programs and as the experience facilitator for the Master of Public Health program.
Q: Music? A: Good gospel music!
Q: College job? A: Yes, I worked as a peer mentor and student leader. I also worked with the college HVAC professionals over the summer. I loved it. I learned a lot.
Q: Free time fun? A: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially near a warm fireplace, listening and learning.
Ben Stark is the assistant dean for infrastructure and faculty support. He is also a professor of theatre. He has served as associate director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, leading administrative efforts in production, facilities, technology and programmatic budgeting. He also directed the theatre program’s marketing, management and technical design efforts. Professionally, he works for a variety of production companies. Recently, he worked with Hudson Scenic on the revival of “Sweeney Todd,” “The Notebook” and “The Wiz” on Broadway.
Q: Music? A: Moulin Rouge and Taylor Swift. (I have two young daughters, can you tell?)
Q: College job? A: I was an RA in the dorms and also worked in the library as a media specialist.
Q: Free time fun? A: Home improvement projects and woodworking.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunch with the Deans: New Students
Tue., Sept. 10 | 12-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall
RSVP Required
This event is full. We’ll host more Lunches with the Deans Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and next semester! Oct. 8 will be for undergraduate researchers and Nov. 5 will be for first-generation college students. Watch your inboxes for invitations and newsletters, and our social media @KStateArtSci!
Health Networking Night
Tue., Sept. 10 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Meet health profession employers at Health Networking Night, co-sponsored by the College of Health and Human Sciences! Check it out if you’re thinking about a career in physical therapy, medicine, EMS, public health, fitness or any other health-related field.
Education Abroad Expo
Thu., Sept. 12 | 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.
Hale Library, Room 181
Learn about study abroad opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences and throughout the university. Talk to faculty members who lead short programs. Find out about scholarships, the Passport Center and more! Treats provided.
Helping Professions Networking Night
Tue., Oct. 8 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Are you considering a career in social services, mental health, community engagement, youth programs, social or criminal justice, family advocacy or a similar field? Come build relationships with helping profession employers in the area!
Lunch with the Deans: Undergraduate Researchers
Tue., Oct. 8 | Noon-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall
More info coming soon!
Special events around the college
Campus Creek Clean-Up
Sun., Sept. 8 | 2:30-4 p.m.
International Student Center
Help clean up Campus Creek with Environmental Science students and members of Students for Environmental Action!
K-State Cancer Research Week: Data Blitz and Science on Tap
Cancer Data Blitz
Tue., Sept. 10 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard
At this high-energy event hosted by legendary local emcee Dave Lewis, student and faculty researchers will use only two minutes and two slides to present their research. Graduate students will present research posters as well. Sponsored by K-State’s Johnson Cancer Research Center.
Science on Tap: The Science Behind the Cure
Wed., Sept. 11 | 7 p.m.
Manhattan Brewing Company, 406 Poyntz Ave
Learn about cancer research from K-State scientists while enjoying local brews. Sponsored by Sunset Zoo and Manhattan Brewing Co.
K-State Radio Centennial Celebration
Fri., Sept. 13 | 10-11 a.m.
Radio Towers near Calvin Hall
The university will commemorate a century of “bringing the college to the people and the people to the college.”
Peterson Public Lecture featuring MIT astrophysicist
Mon., Sept. 23
4:30 p.m.
103 Cardwell Hall
Sponsor: Physics Department
“Gravitational Waves: A New Window to the Universe”
Nergis Mavalvala, dean of the School of Science and professor of astrophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Refreshments will be served at 4 p.m. in 119 Cardwell Hall.
Election Candidate Debates and Town Hall
State House Candidate Debate
Sept. 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard
Meet Rep. Sydney Carlin
Oct. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Wildcat Chamber
State Senate Candidate Debate
Oct. 9 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard
The KSU Young Democrats, Department of Political Science, Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD), and Riley County Republican Party have partnered to bring debates and a town hall to campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local candidates for state legislature and learn how to vote.
Events will be streamed on ICDD’s YouTube channel.
K-State Theatre presents “Philoctetes”
Sept. 26-28 | 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 | 2:30 p.m.
Chapman Theatre, Nichols Hall
For nine long years, the Trojan War has been raging. The Greeks, desperate for victory and longing to return home, are informed by an oracle that defeating Troy is possible only through the return of Philoctetes, a skilled warrior, and his magical bow and arrow from exile.
From the Ashes: Printmaking, Preservation and Renewal conference
Wed.-Sun., Oct. 2-6
Various locations around campus and Manhattan
This Mid America Print Council Conference, sponsored by the art department, will explore the relationship between printmakers and the natural environment. The public is welcome.
AI and the Future Symposium: Trust AI?
Tue.-Thu., Oct. 15-17
Various campus locations and Manhattan Public Library
This free event features a variety of panels, lightning talks and workshops to help the K-State and Manhattan communities learn about artificial intelligence. It’s sponsored by the modern languages department, Hale Library and more.
Flint Hills Military History Symposium: War and Technology 2024
Fri.-Sun, Oct. 18-20
Locations in Manhattan and Fort Riley
The history department is partnering with Fort Riley Museums to present this symposium that bridges the gap between classroom and battlefield.