Kansas State University

If you’re a second semester freshman, please follow these steps for Summer or Fall 2016 enrollment:

1. Make an appointment with your academic advisor (the advisor for your major). Your academic advisor’s name is listed in your KSIS student center.
2. If you have a declared major, pick up a curriculum guide from ACIC (014 Holton Hall) or print one out.
3. Look over your degree requirements and think of what classes you may want to take. Use the Fall 2016 course line schedule to determine which classes are available.
4. Log onto KSIS to find your enrollment date and time and to ensure that you do not have any holds on your account. (You will have an advising flag and an Academic Assistance Center hold, both of which will be lifted after meeting with your academic advisor and your Pilots advisor, respectively.)
5. Meet with your academic advisor and prepare a class schedule including course names, reference numbers, and class times.
6. Make an appointment to meet with your Pilots advisor after you’ve met with your academic advisor.
7. Bring your completed class schedule to your next Pilots advising appointment. Make sure you ask how to navigate the line schedule, enroll in classes, and put your name on a course wait list if you are unsure.
8. Enroll via your KSIS Student Center during or after your designated enrollment date and time. If you need assistance and/or have questions, please contact your Pilots advisor.

NOTICE: Different colleges have different policies on seeing students for pre-enrollment.
• Call your college or department to make an appointment with your academic advisor as soon as possible.
• Pay attention to your emails. You may receive detailed instructions on how to contact your academic advisor.

If you have any questions about the process, ask your Pilots advisor (Rebeca, Nilima or Nidhi) to assist you.

Kudos to Ryan Ehrenberg, Cici Chase, Marvyn White, and Lauren Sullivan for being selected as Student of the Week for the month of February! 

Pilots Sophomore Maria Vieyra recently submitted an original piece of artwork she developed as a part of the Canvas of Diversity Initiative that aims to turn the K-State Student Union construction zone into a place for campus expression, multiculturalism, anti-oppression, and social justice. 

What message did you want to convey by creating this piece?

“I wanted to show people that moving forward doesn’t mean pushing anyone back.  We should be aware that we are different and that’s not a bad thing.  Our background, culture, and heritage are important and we shouldn’t disregard that. Some people say its good to take a “colorblind” approach, but I feel like we should be embracing differences and appreciating color in the world.”

Where did you derive your inspiration for this piece?

“Mostly caffeine…kidding, but personally, I have met a lot of people who would like to take the colorblind approach to meeting people, but I don’t because I want to embrace differences and promote others to do as well  This painting was created to show people how beautiful color is.”

How else can students demonstrate their awareness for issues of diversity and social justice if not with art?

“There’s a variety of ways to be active in these issues like protesting and attending meetings of different organizations that center around these issues.  Definitely challenge yourself to read and learn more to make yourself a more well-rounded person who is aware of the issues.”

What advice can you give to the Pilots students to help them increase their awareness of social justice and issues in diversity?

“Go to events! Even if you don’t have to go, still go because it will really open your eyes and let you see how different people are which is a wonderful thing to see.”

Any final thoughts?

“Pulling a two-day all nighter to create this piece is not advisable! Just be aware of these opportunities because I was not aware of this initiative until just a few days before the submission date. Always be on the lookout for opportunities like these to get involved and showcase your skills.”

Conducting research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to gain experiences and skills that will benefit you both academically and professionally. In addition to exploring your areas of interest in-depth, undergraduate research develops skills in collaborative learning and critical thinking. For students interested in pursuing grad school, undergraduate research is a way of expanding your education outside of the classroom and better preparing yourself for the rigors of graduate study. Even if you are unsure about graduate studies, conducting undergraduate research is a way of exploring your research interests and testing the suitability of a research career to your interests. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry to see what opportunities are available and how to get involved!

Two of our very own Pilots students are currently working as undergraduate research assistants.  Read below to see how they got started and how valuable the experience can be.

Jacob Sanderson – Psychological Sciences 

Jacob is currently working in the Department of Psychological Sciences with Dr. Pickens conducting experiments with rats.  Dr. Pickens research focuses on alcohol and decision-making associated with learning tasks.

Why do undergraduate research?

“There is real world relevance to all the terms and theories outlined in your classes so participating in research solidifies these principles through application.”

What do you like about doing research?

“Learning by watching and participating. Asking questions about the process helps me understand how to construct a research design.”

How do you suggest getting involved?

“Cast a wide net that goes further than your specific interests. One of the best ways to learn something is to understand what you don’t know.  If you are curious about participating in undergraduate research, I encourage you to just jump in. I personally have no special skills that make me the ideal researcher, but what I lack in skills, I make up for in curiosity.”

Lauren Sullivan – Business Management

Lauren currently works in the department of Management Information Systems with Dr. McHaney. She is gathering information from social media sites from people she can connect with on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to assess the differences in lingo used on these three sites. Later, Lauren will input the data into a program that will analyze patterns of words to identify different emotions and personality types.

Why do undergraduate research?

“It can help broaden your interests and go beyond what your major entails.  My major is business management, but I can find ways that the information I gain in research can be applied to my future career.”

So the College of Business faculty do research too? I didn’t know that!

“I didn’t either! I never thought I’d be able to be a part of a research team since my major is business management, but after networking with my Pilots PA, I found out that even fields that aren’t science-related have problems that need solved. Even Professors from different universities are collaborating with us on this project!”

How do you suggest getting involved?

“Just reach out to professors.  Even if they aren’t currently in the middle of a project, they likely know someone who is. Be open minded because it can provide some really great connections for the future.”

Need help filing your taxes? The VITA program can help! IRS-certified volunteers can provide free tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of less than $52,000 (Military returns and non-Kansas returns excluded).

Appointments are required and you can schedule one by calling (785) 565-6426 or emailing vitataxes@gmail.com. The program takes place at the Manhattan Public Library (629 Poyntz). Read more HERE.