- Upcoming events and important dates
- Opportunities and resources (Apply for a research award by Nov. 1!)
- From the advisors – Prepare to enroll in spring classes!
- Congratulations to a couple of professors and departments!
- Teaching Spotlight: Stacia Gray, English
- Looking back: Good times at our Discovery Expo
UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Homecoming Week Oct. 5-11
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- Wildcat Request Live lip sync and dance competition | Tue., Oct. 7
- Children’s Carnival | Wed., Oct. 8
- Parade and Pep Rally | Fri., Oct. 10
- K-State Football vs. TCU | Sat., Oct. 11
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View more Homecoming activities
K-State AI Symposium: Humans and the Machine
Oct. 14-16
Hale Library, Manhattan Public Library, Zoom
This three-day event offers university and non-university community members an opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence through keynote presentations, panels and workshops. Attendees will gain insight into AI’s latest advances, uses in various disciplines, and ethical and societal issues, as well as hands-on experience through guided demonstrations.
Art and Math Seminar Series
Oct. 23 and Nov. 20
Noon-1 p.m.
Online meetings
Join these global dialogues on visual creativity inspired by mathematical sciences and the history of science.
This seminar series, organized by the mathematics department, hosts distinguished speakers across disciplines—mathematicians, scientists, engineers, computer scientists, art and math historians, architects, artists, and educators—offering fresh perspectives at the intersection of art, mathematics and science. All K-Staters are welcome. Registration is required.
“Environmental Ethics and Confucianism” lecture
Fri., Oct. 24 | 1:30 p.m.
Regnier Forum, Regnier Hall
Marion Hourdequin, Professor of Philosophy, Colorado College
Can a tradition that’s more than 2,500 years old shed light on contemporary issues related to climate change, the environment, and intergenerational ethics?
Sponsored by the Primary Texts Certificate program and Redbud Foundation, the Live Ideas Lecture Series focuses on primary texts that can inspire us and help us better understand our world.
Research and the State Graduate Student Poster Forum
Oct. 28 | 10-noon, 1:30-3:30 | Regnier Atrium
Awards ceremony: 4:30 p.m. | Regnier Forum
Support graduate students at this research poster forum! More than 84 grad students from seven colleges and 25 academic programs will present posters about their research and share why it’s important to lawmakers and citizens of Kansas. Ten will be selected to represent K-State at the annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit in the spring.
Arts and Sciences apparel webstore opening soon!
The College of Arts and Sciences apparel webstore will open soon! College-branded T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, jackets, hats and more will be available for a brief time in purple, black and gray. And you can choose free shipping to Calvin Hall or shipping to your home for a fee. Watch your inbox for the store announcement later this month!
Take in some self-care activities and tips this month
Enjoy one or more of K-State’s many Health and Well-Being Month activities designed to help Wildcats do good things for their physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being!
From line dancing, cooking, puppies and nature to finances, socializing tips, ADHD facts and personal safety, there’s something for everyone.
Important Dates
- Oct. 17 – Wildcat Pause Day (no classes)
- Oct. 27 – Spring 2025 Course Enrollment Begins
- Oct. 31 – Last Day to drop class with “W” on transcript (16-week classes)
- Nov. 11 – Veterans Day (K-State is open and classes are in session.)
- Nov. 23-30 – Thanksgiving Break: No Classes
- Nov. 27-28 – Thanksgiving Holiday Observed: Campus Closed
- Dec. 1 – K-State FAFSA priority deadline
View full 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
K-State’s FAFSA priority deadline is Dec. 1
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, must be submitted to apply for federal grants, loans and work-study as well as K-State scholarships. It opened in October and K-State’s priority deadline is Dec. 1, for the best chance for financial aid.
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards
Undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled in any major in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to apply for research awards to conduct projects with faculty mentors. Applications are due Nov. 1.
GROW and EXCITE programs seek volunteers
K-State’s KAWSE Office works to increase the participation, retention and advancement of future STEM students. KAWSE seeks K-State students to be ambassadors/mentors to middle and high school students in its EXCITE Shadow Days and GROW Workshops.
K-State Proud logo contest
Be the creative mind behind next year’s K-State Proud shirt! Score $150 and bragging rights! The contest ends Oct. 12.
FROM THE ADVISORS – PREPARE TO ENROLL IN SPRING CLASSES!
Get ready to enroll in spring semester classes!
Step 1) Mark your calendar. Priority enrollment for Spring 2026 begins Oct. 27. Log into your KSIS Student Center to find your unique enrollment date located in the right column and mark your calendar accordingly. This is the date you can begin enrolling, and the earlier you enroll, the more open class times you’ll have available to you!
Step 2) Connect with your advisor. Check your K-State email for an invitation from your advisor to schedule a pre-enrollment appointment and have your advising flag lifted.
Step 3) Clear other Holds that may keep you from enrolling. Log into your KSIS Student Center to view “Holds” located at the top of the right column. Click on “details” to contact the respective office for assistance, as the advisor flag is the only hold your advisor can remove. NOTE: You will also need to complete the Internship and Advising Survey after meeting with your advisor. You will find it in your Holds starting Mon., Oct. 13.
Step 4) Enroll on or soon after your enrollment date!
If you have questions, contact the college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement in 107 Calvin Hall, 785-532-6904, artsci@k-state.edu. It is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Math professor Gabe Kerr receives Faculty of the Year Award
Dr. Gabe Kerr, mathematics, was recognized by the Kansas Board of Regents with a Faculty of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to teaching, student success and service to the university!
The award especially honors his work to support students’ mathematical literacy and advancement through initiating and implementing the Math Pathways program to help students effectively navigate the mathematics curriculum.
“One of my favorite parts of working with students comes when I see them acquire skills that they initially felt were inaccessible,” said Dr. Kerr.
Economics and psychology programs among top in nation
Our undergraduate economics and psychology programs were ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News and World Report!
Economics jumped 22 places to tie at No. 139. Psychology appeared in the rankings for the first time at No. 113.
Political science professor John Fliter publishes book on creation of fair labor standards
John Fliter, associate professor of political science, has published the book, “U.S. v. Darby Lumber: The Triumph of Fair Labor Standards,” available through University Press of Kansas and Amazon.
The book tracks the historic fight for fair labor standards since the eighteenth century. Shining a light on the changing ideological landscape of the Supreme Court in the twentieth century, Dr. Fliter shows how the court’s groundbreaking decisions led to the creation of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1941, guaranteeing rights that are the norm today, such as the eight-hour workday, five-day workweek, and minimum wage.
TEACHING SPOTLIGHT: STACIA GRAY, ENGLISH
Teaching excellence is a top priority of our college! Each year, we present several awards for exemplary teaching and honor the recipients at a celebration in the spring.
Stacia Gray, senior instructor and Writing Center director, English
Her nominator, Anne Phillips, professor and associate department head of English, said:
“Professor Gray is an essential, admired, and consequential member of the English Department. Whether she is teaching required courses such as Expository Writing, degree-requirement courses such as Early American Literature, a 500-level course on Writing Center Theory, or creating a harmonious and productive environment as she directs the Writing Center, Stacia ensures that all students feel safe, engaged, motivated, and successful.”
A senior in English Education, said:
“I have never known a time in which Stacia did not open her office to meet with students. I have spent numerous hours with her navigating research and assignments. Her dedication and willingness to meet for any occasion displays a sincere investment in her students’ intellectual development and makes her an irreplaceable educator.”
LOOKING BACK: GOOD TIMES AT OUR DISCOVERY EXPO!
We loved meeting so many of you at our Arts and Sciences Discovery Expo on Sept. 10! Are you exploring a major, minor, certificate, or applied learning experience as a result of the event?
We especially enjoyed giving away some scholarships and prizes!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Health Professions Networking Night
Sept. 9 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Cosponsored by College of Health and Human Sciences
Learn about and build relationships with a variety of health-related employers. Health Networking Night is for anyone thinking about a career in a health-related field like family or specialized medicine, physical therapy, emergency medical services, elder care, hospital administration and public health.
Arts and Sciences Discovery Expo
Wed., Sept. 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Union Courtyard
Considering changing majors or adding a major, minor or certificate? Curious about applied learning opportunities? Visit the Discovery Expo to chat with any of our 20 academic departments about what they have to offer. You could even win a prize or scholarship!
Cuenta Cuentos/Tell Tales: Bilingual Storytime for kids
Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 15, Dec. 13 | 2-2:30 p.m.
Manhattan Public Library Auditorium
Sponsored by the Modern Languages Department and community partners
Take your little loved ones to hear a story from Latinx authors and illustrators and do a fun craft or activity. Ages 5+ encouraged.
Education Abroad Fair
Tue., Sept. 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Student Union Courtyard
Helping Professions Networking Night
Sept. 30 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Cosponsored by College of Health and Human Sciences
Helping Professions Networking Night offers students the opportunity to meet with employers in social services, mental health, community engagement, youth and family support, and social justice and criminal justice.
Journey to Leadership for graduate students
Tue., Sept. 16 | 10:30 a.m.-noon
Regnier Forum, Regnier Hall
Sponsored by the Graduate School
Graduate students are invited to attend this panel discussion featuring K-State administrative leaders, including President Linton, for a candid conversation about how leaders are forged. Registration is requested.
Math lecture: “Dynamical Lie algebras and Quantum Computing”
Sept. 16 | 2:30 p.m. | 102 Cardwell Hall
Presented by Bojko Bakalov, professor of mathematics, North Carolina State University
Sponsored by K-State’s Department of Mathematics Surowski Memorial Lecture series
The talk will be accessible to mathematics and physics students; no prior knowledge of quantum computing is assumed.
History department’s Eisenhower Lecture in War and Peace
Eisenhower on Omaha Beach…Or the Many Components to the Allied Victory
By Paul Kennedy, Professor of History, Yale University
Thu., Oct. 9 | 7 p.m.
K-State Alumni Center
Preceded by a reception at 6 p.m.
Please RSVP by Sept. 20.
The history department biennially invites internationally acclaimed historians to present on an issue of war and peace in their field for the Eisenhower Lecture series.
Important Dates
- Sept. 15: Last Day for 100% Refund (16-week classes)
- Sept. 19: A/Pass/Fail Grading Option Request Deadline
- Sept. 22: Last Day for 50% Refund (16-week classes)
- Sept. 29: Last Day to drop class without “W” on transcript (16-week classes)
- Oct. 1: Graduation application must be submitted to KSIS to be included in commencement program
- Oct. 17: Wildcat Pause Day (no classes)
- Oct. 27: Spring 2025 Enrollment Begins
- Oct. 31: Last Day to drop class with “W” on transcript (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.
View full 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
Funding for student research and travel
Undergraduate Research Awards – Due Nov. 1 for spring support
Interested in doing research? Apply for a $1,500 College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Award to do a semester-long, faculty-mentored research or creative project! These awards are offered in fall, spring and summer; the application deadline for summer is March 1.
Travel scholarships provide students support to present research at conferences or conduct research off-campus. They are offered year-round. We request applications at least one month prior to travel.
Cancer Research and Travel Awards – Due Oct. 6
During the fall semester, the Johnson Cancer Research Center offers research awards for undergraduate students involved in cancer research and travel awards for both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicaitons are due the first Monday in October. Graduate student awards open in the spring.
Free financial counseling with Powercat Financial
Trained students in financial planning or financial services offer counseling to fellow students on budgeting, saving, credit, student loan repayment and transitioning to work.
Refuel and Refocus Hours
Sept. 8 and 22 | Oct. 6 and 20 | Nov. 3 and 17 | Dec. 8
3-5 p.m. | 207 Hale Library
Sponsored by Academic and Career Engagement
Drop in to a focus hour to tackle a gnawing task with some motivation from First Lady Sally Linton, a certified life coach. Free food and tutors!
Submit a poster for K-State AI Symposium
Undergraduate and graduate students engaged in artificial intelligence research are invited to submit poster abstracts for the K-State AI Symposium Oct. 14-16. Submissions are welcome from all areas of AI, including but not limited to:
- Machine learning and deep learning.
- Robotics and autonomous systems.
- AI ethics and fairness.
- AI for healthcare and biomedicine.
- AI for social good and sustainability.
- AI in gaming and entertainment.
- AI in cybersecurity and privacy.
‘Cats Connect
Connect with other K-Staters and help build community through conversation. ‘Cats Connect is a peer-to-peer facilitated program designed to help groups of 4-7 Wildcats—faculty, staff and students—meet and develop friendships outside their regular social circles. Groups meet one hour a week for five weeks.
Learn more and register for a session!
- Session 1: Weeks of Sept. 22–Oct. 27 (Register by Sept. 16.)
- Session 2: Week of Oct. 27–Dec. 8 (Register by Oct. 21.)
GOOD TO KNOW!
Planning to graduate this fall?
Apply for graduation through your KSIS account by Oct. 1 to ensure your name is in the Commencement program.
Even if you don’t plan to attend Commencement, the application is required to graduate. Stay up-to-date by checking the K-State graduation site frequently.
This is an exciting time! If you have any questions, contact the college’s Center for Student Success and Engagement, 107 Calvin Hall, artsci@ksu.edu.
University guidance on free expression
As a higher education institution, where thousands of perspectives and viewpoints convene, we provide space for civil conversations and discourse to express and learn from each other.
Please see the university’s latest policies, guidance and resources related to free speech and expressive activity.