Showcasing Student Engagement Experiences at the University of Kansas Through the Second Annual "Reach Week"

The KU Student Engagement Center (SEC) held the second "Reach Week" this September as part of an initiative originating in partnership with a William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications spring 2024 campaigns class. The annual week of programs and events is dedicated to introducing students to the SEC's community, leadership, and impact programs; as well as encouraging students to explore registered student organizations.  

"I really enjoyed Reach Week," shared Seya Mehrens, administrative associate for the SEC. "It was a major improvement from the first year, we reached more students and had a lot of fun." 

Reach Week 2026 occurred in the third week of classes as students settled into the semester. Programming included Student Organization Involvement Fairs, a food drive for the Campus Cupboard by way of a Mario Kart competition, and a Mystery Box challenge that encouraged students to work in groups to solve a mystery. Reach Week ended with Festival Friday, featuring carnival games and food trucks. Video interviews of Festival Friday participants conducted by Will Krueger, a graduate assistant for student leadership programs in the SEC were featured on the department's Instagram. Krueger, from Des Moines, Iowa, is pursuing a masters in higher education administration.  

"I really enjoyed the Involvement Fairs the first days of Reach Week," shared Anna Head, a student participant. "I had a chance to talk to people who I hadn't been able to connect with before." 

The week of events allowed students to engage with each area of the SEC office:  

• Community Programs, overseeing student organizations and peer-to-peer connection 
• Leadership Programs, assisting students in personal and professional skill-building 
• Impact Programs, addressing the basic needs of the campus community 

"I would like to give a special thanks to Charlotte Wahweotten, our program coordinator, who took the lead on planning such an intentional week," shared Jordan Brandt, director of the SEC. "Charlotte began planning in the summer and worked collaboratively with each of the areas within the office to ensure that they were properly represented." 

In addition to Wahweotten's leadership, Brandt attributed the collective efforts of the SEC team to the week's success. 

"I am proud of our team's effort, creativity, and interest in trying something new to help students connect to experiences that support them during their time at KU."