Kansas State University

Heather Reed, assistant vice president, also serving as the senior associate dean and director of student life sits down with PFA Intern Annie Jewell to discuss the recent changes regarding student clubs and organizations at Kansas State University.

Annie: Heather, thank you for taking the time to discuss the new Center for Student Involvement and what this means for the K-State students. The K-State Parents and Family Association aims to communicate changes that occur on campus to parents in a timely, thorough, and direct manner.

Heather: Of course!

Annie: Let’s get to it. K-State encourages all students to get involved in student organizations, which provide many opportunities for leadership, personal growth, community service, professional development and learning from others. Tell us about the newly formed Center for Student Involvement.

Heather: This summer, the Office of Student Activities and Services and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life merged to form the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). The center, in the newly renovated Student Union, assists with registration, provides information to students and offers programming on topics such as leadership development and offers resources to nearly 500 student organizations. We just hired a new executive director, Kelli Farris.

Continue reading “A Conversation about the Center for Student Involvement” →

We recently caught up with Andrew Waldman, 2014 graduate of Kansas State University, to discuss the opportunities at K-State that helped him be successful in his career. Andrew, a Shawnee native, received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He now works for Deloitte Consulting.

Describe your transition from college to career. What were some of the major adjustments?
I actually had an unexpectedly quick transition! I wasn’t able to finish my Master’s thesis in May like I had planned, so I had to delay my graduation until August. I wrote and defended my thesis that summer while also completing a full-time internship at my fraternity’s Administrative Office. I finished my internship in Ohio on August 15, and moved back to Kansas over the weekend to start my first day at Deloitte on August 18. It was chaos. But I’d say the biggest adjustment was (and still is) learning how to balance a career with my personal life. There is literally always more work to do, but most of the time it’s not worth sacrificing quality time with friends and family on the weekends. The work will still be there on Monday.

Continue reading “Young Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Waldman” →

This semester was a big one for our NEW campus food pantry. Cats’ Cupboard celebrated it’s grand “CAN” opening in October alongside students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Supporters all across campus stopped by to see the pantry space, donate to the pantry, hear from students and faculty that helped start the pantry, and help promote this resource for students! 

As you might recall, we previously had a feature on Erin Bishop, the food pantry coordinator, and how she carries out the vision of the food pantry. That mission is to prevent food insecurity from being a barrier to student success. Awareness, as well as access to healthy food, is essential to her role and the role of the pantry moving forward. The collaborative effort of student life and academia will lead the way for practicing real change and enhancing K-State’s land-grant mission.

With space in the basement of Fairchild hall (009), a central location on campus, the shelves are stocked and the accessibility of food and other necessary items is now there for students.

Continue reading “The Cats’ Cupboard Grand “CAN” Opening Was a Tasty Success!” →

The 2016 National College Health Assessment concluded that over 50 percent of college students sought out treatment, over the course of a year, for illnesses ranging from allergies and back pain to strep throat and ear infections. It’s inevitable that at some point in college, your child will get sick. When they do feel ill, Lafene Health Center is ready to help. 

Located on campus, west of Kramer Dining Center, Lafene is conveniently located for a quick visit with a professional staff member. Lafene has services ranging from allergy and immunizations, X-ray’s, a women’s health clinic, and physical therapy to name a few.

The biggest difference between Lafene Health Center and a private doctor’s office is the cost. Students at K-State pay a specified privilege fee each semester which helps subsidize the cost of student health services. Most of the time, a short appointment without equipment or labs will be at low cost or no charge. Additionally, services including the pharmacy, laboratory, X-Ray’s, Physical Therapy, etc. are charged to students (mainly via health insurance) at a much reduced rate.

Continue reading “Be ready for sickness: steps to prepare for when your student becomes ill” →

K-State Parents and Family Association wants to advise students and parents on some smart money habits throughout the holiday season. Time with students, and family, is special and we hope this article is useful as we celebrate the holidays!