Wichita State Student Senate Approves $10,000 Rural Graduate Scholarship, International Mentorship Program

Wichita State University's Student Senate approved a $10,000 scholarship for graduate students from rural Kansas and established an international student mentorship program. These initiatives address financial and transitional needs for specific student groups.

The Wichita State University Student Senate recently approved two key initiatives, aiming to bolster support for distinct student populations. These measures include a graduate scholarship for students from rural Kansas and a new mentorship program for international students. Both proposals secured unanimous approval from the Student Senate.

The new rural graduate scholarship will provide $10,000 to eligible students. This funding directly originates from the Student Government Association's (SGA) special projects budget. The Student Senate approved the scholarship bill without any opposing votes, indicating strong consensus. This need-based scholarship targets graduate and postdoctoral students from Kansas's rural counties. Applicants must verify a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA and provide proof of rural residence. Students actively enrolled in a graduate program must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, candidates must submit an essay describing their past in rural Kansas, their graduate plans, and how they intend to serve their communities.

Simultaneously, the Student Senate established an international student mentorship program. This program represents a joint effort between the Student Government Association and the International Student Union. It aims to assist international students by providing support through mentors, aiding their adjustment to life in the U.S. and at Wichita State. The program will also host workshops and activities focused on academic success, campus engagement, and student life.

These approvals by the Student Senate directly respond to identified student needs within the university community. The scholarship offers tangible financial assistance, while the mentorship program provides a structured pathway for integrating international students. This could potentially improve student retention and academic outcomes. The focus now shifts to the implementation of these programs and their initial impact on student success during the upcoming academic year.