Co-Curricular Event Resources

One of these events should connect to the K-State First Book (KSFB) common book of the year. Often KSFB will bring the author and provide a large campus-wide event for all of our classes, but there are also typically a series of engaging faculty/staff lectures and other exciting events related to the book that could be used as well.

One of these events should have a focus on diversity/ equity/inclusion/belonging (DEIB) as a way to enhance students’ understanding of their identities and to prepare them to work with a diverse group of peers at the university and in their future careers. This will help to build students’ cultural competency skills and further engage with the intercultural learning initiatives happening across the university. Depending on the common book for the year, that event might also overlap with this category as well.

We also recommend that one event have a more specific focus on building the community within your class. Hiking the Konza, escape room puzzling, Challenge Course adventures, attending athletic events, or even something simple like a bowling night gives students the chance to get to know each other better and build up their communication and collaboration skills.

You can find a full list of event opportunities in our guide below:

K-State First is typically able to fund one co-curricular event per class at about $10 per student. This funding is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Many events on campus are free and sometimes offered virtually. If you do plan on taking your class to an event that costs money, you will need to fill out our Co-Curricular Event Funding Form at the beginning of the semester. Also, please keep in mind that food is not an allowable expense.

K-State First is often able to leverage our campus and community connections to find discounts, free admission opportunities, and expedite reservations. We will need at least two weeks notice before the event as this will allow us to do things like buy a packet of tickets for an event, reserve a van for travel, or schedule a tour or visit at a facility.

To make sure the majority of your students are able to attend all three events and to provide us the necessary time for scheduling and reservations, we recommend that you plan your co-curricular events as you prep your course and include them in your syllabus and schedule. This gives your students the chance to get the events scheduled into their calendars right away at the beginning of the semester.

If individual students have a time conflict, you can work together to plan a make-up activity with them.

On our Co-Curricular Guide above you will find a list of events that have already been scheduled that you can use to easily incorporate into your existing syllabus and schedule.

We also recommend that you create an assignment for these and make them worth points to attend as part of your students' participation grades to encourage attendance.

One of the most powerful learning components of the co-curricular events happens when students are given the opportunity to reflect on the experience together. You can create an assignment with 3-4 reflection questions to gauge the impact on each student individually, and also set aside some class time to discuss their thoughts about the event and connect it more fully to your class outcomes and goals. This integration of the co-curricular event outcomes will help students build a bridge between their academics and lived experiences.

Some example reflection questions are below:

• What is a comment or point that resonated with you during the event? Tell us more...
• One prominent theme of the event was ____________. What does this mean to you?
• How did the event help you to understand yourself or your peers more fully?

If you are interested in introducing various campus resources to your students but already have planned your three cocurricular outside of the classroom events, you might consider reaching out to incorporate an in-class presentation. The following offices and programs provide various workshops, trainings, and informational sessions.

Academic Achievement Center

Looking for a presentation or workshop on student success resources? Request a presenter to cover K-State specific resources as well as academic and life skills information.

Career Center

Your requests for a Career Center presentation should be made at least 2 weeks before your preferred program date. Staff availability is limited for presentations after typical business hours and is best arranged at least a month prior to your requested date. Request a speaker for career-related topics. Career Readiness Curriculum includes the following topics:

• Career Center Overview
• Resumes
• Interviewing
• Salary Negotiation
• Economy/Industry Research
• Other topics may be available by special request but depend on staff availability

Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE)

The CARE advocates offer a variety of interactive training options designed to engage audiences and offer insight about best-practices from the advocates extensive experience working with survivors of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. If you would like to have someone from CARE give a presentation, facilitate a discussion, or provide prevention education materials, please ksucare@ksu.edu. For preparation and planning purposes, please make your request at least two weeks in advance.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)

The CSI provides opportunities for students to get connected, engaged, and involved on campus. First-year students may especially be interested in the Cat Trax program, which serves as a roadmap to experiences every K-State student should have, such as joining a student organization, attending campus events and activities, participating in K-State traditions, and much more! Contact the CSI to schedule a presentation about student involvement resources, programs and opportunities!

Education Abroad

The Education Abroad Office can customize classroom presentations based on your available time and needs. Presentations can be short 10 minute overviews about study abroad, information about programs for specific majors or fields of study, Q&A sessions with study abroad returnees, or they can be longer presentations by study abroad peer advisors or members of their staff. Complete the information form here or email overseas@ksu.edu to request a classroom presentation.

Office of Institutional Equity

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) is engaged in coordinating K-State’s compliance with laws, regulations, executive orders and other applicable polices that uphold our guiding principles. OIE also serves as a resource for the University. Visit the website for upcoming events and resources for you and your students.

Powercat Financial

Peer financial counselors can provide any student group a financial presentation. Request a presentation online. Some of the topics include:

• Creating a spending or savings plan
• How to build good credit
• Understanding student loan repayment, consolidation and refinancing
• Personal financial management overview
• Transitioning into work and understanding benefits

Thrive Navigators - Counseling Services

Thrive Navigators provide evidence-based education, host events, collaborate with other campus and community partners, and serve as role models to encourage fellow K-State students to make well-informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. Request a presentation on their website.

Writing Center

Faculty and staff are integral to the goal of improving student writing. If you would like a short presentation about the Writing Center in your class, or if you would like for them to facilitate a writing workshop, please fill out the Qualtrics outreach form.