Kick off your new semester with Roo Welcome! A chance to connect with new and returning Roos, Roo Welcome lets you explore campus resources, make new friends, learn about involvement opportunities, and get connected to your Roo community.
Fall 2024 Roo Welcome
Friday, August 16 - Friday, September 6
Welcome home new Roos, and welcome back returning Roos!
Roo Welcome unites new and returning students to celebrate UMKC's vibrant campus life, while also energizing them as they transition to the new semester ahead.
Calling all students living off-campus and commuting to campus! Grab some grub, meet new friends, and build community through games and activities. You will also get to meet and talk with Welcome Leaders, who are current UMKC students.
Join the UMKC Fraternity and Sorority Affairs for a night of fun, food, and community building. Learn more about each chapter and meet current members. Activities and games include a mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, and basketball shoot out. Snacks and drinks provided by Jack's Popcorn and Lemonade food truck. RSVP here.
Start your Roo Welcome off right by getting the creativity flowing! Make a Roo keychain for your dorm keys, create a gift for a friend, make some new people on campus, or just come and enjoy a relaxing moment of crafts.
Start your day painting a new money-saving friend and getting to know your financial resources at UMKC. Students will receive a ceramic piggy bank or other ceramic bank to paint while engaging with the Financial Wellness staff.
Nervous about the transition to college? Join the Peer Academic Leadership (PAL) Program for our College Survival workshop. Experienced UMKC students will be sharing study strategies, tips for residence halls/apartment living, and advice for how to make the most of your time at UMKC.
Welcome Table, 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Student Union Information Tables (2nd Floor)
New students are encouraged to stop by the Roo Welcome table to get information about campus, ask questions, and pick up UMKC swag.
Convocation marks the start of youracademic journey at UMKC. This special tradition acts as the official welcoming ceremony for new and transfer students where they learn about university traditions, listen to welcoming words from the university chancellor, and participate in the UMKC pinning ceremony — one of our favorite and longest-standing traditions. Students also receive a unique UMKC t-shirt to wear to the event. All incoming students should plan to attend Convocation. RSVP here.
Unionfest, 2:00 p.m. | University Walkway and Student Union
Celebrate your new adventure and explore ways to engage with the UMKC community through a student organization fair & campus resource fair, as well as fun local food trucks, games, and activities. RSVP here.
Calling all new students! Grab some grub, meet new friends, and build community through games and activities. You will also get to meet and talk with Welcome Leaders, who are current UMKC students.
UPB Presents: Magician Jack Kelly, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Swinney Recreation Center
Nationally recognized magician Jack Kelly brings an interactive experience that incorporates mind-blowing magic and fun across the United States!
Sunday, August 18
Plan Your Planner, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | ASSC 238
Meet new students while putting your fingers in the dirt! Take home your very own succulent or plant and a new friend. Plants, pots, and snacks will be provided.
Want to create a visual guide to your UMKC journey? A vision board or mood board/action board/affirmation board is a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of one's dreams and desires, designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Use provided newspapers, magazines, and images to create your visual manifestation or bring your own to use as well.
Can you figure out where KC Roo is? Follow the clues to each on-campus location and collect pieces of the puzzle. Collect them all to discover where KC Roo is! This is intended to showcase campus locations and help new students feel more comfortable navigating campus in a low-stakes, relaxed way.
Welcome Table, 10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. | Student Union Information Tables (2nd Floor)
New students are encouraged to stop by the Roo Welcome table to get information about campus, ask questions, and pick up UMKC swag.
The transition to college can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and challenging. Hear from Welcome Leaders about their experience navigating campus resources and academic programs, ask current students your pressing questions, and go into the 2024-2025 academic year confidently.
Have a blast at Swinney Splash! Enjoy music, food, and fun in our Aquatics Center. Get to know other Roos as you cool off and relax before the semester begins. (Swimming not required - check out our hammocks and so much more!)
Monday, August 19
Welcome Table, 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. | Student Union Information Tables (2nd Floor)
New students are encouraged to stop by the Roo Welcome table to get information about campus, ask questions, and pick up UMKC swag.
Welcome to the new and improved Rainbow Lounge! While our students have been busy over the summer, we've stayed busy ourselves and are proud to present our brand-new, improved space. Stop by to say hello, check out the new resources and services, and find a new place to be on campus this year.
Colors & Connection is a free, one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. We provide you with thought-provoking exercises that stimulate rich conversations and authentic engagement. You will have a chance to explore and grow your creative intelligence as you discover how color can express and reflect moods and emotions, as well as help nurture peer-to-peer communication. Join us for a fun, relaxing, explorative workshop that will connect you with other students.
Welcome back Roos! Come chill out with us in the Women's Center and have some fun! Enjoy games, art, frozen drinks, and mingling while you explore our lounge and amenities.
Nervous about the transition to college? Join the Peer Academic Leadership (PAL) Program for our College Survival workshop. Experienced UMKC students will be sharing study strategies, tips for residence halls/apartment living, and advice for how to make the most of your time at UMKC.
Wednesday, August 21
Welcome Table, 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. | Student Union Information Tables (2nd Floor)
New students are encouraged to stop by the Roo Welcome table to get information about campus, ask questions, and pick up UMKC swag.
Need a Job On-Campus, Work Study, Non-Work Study, or a Part-Time Job Off-Campus? Attend the job fair and meet with on-campus and off-campus employers. This fair is open to all students and students may wear jeans or clothing they are most comfortable in.
Calling all transfer students! Grab some grub, meet new friends, and build community through games and activities. You will also get to meet and talk with Welcome Leaders, who are current UMKC students, as well as meet members of the TransferRoo student organization.
We’re super excited to invite you to the MSA Welcome Back Kick-Off Event! It's the perfect time to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and kick off the semester with a ton of fun and excitement!
Thursday, August 22
Welcome Table, 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. | Student Union Information Tables (2nd Floor)
New students are encouraged to stop by the Roo Welcome table to get information about campus, ask questions, and pick up UMKC swag.
Join LGBTQIA Programs & Services for our annual Ice Cream Social! Get connected to resources, tie-dye your own LGBTQIA Programs & Services t-shirt, and cool down with free ice cream! RSVP here.
Students and Faculty will have the chance to meet the Fall 2024 academic support members. Come to this informal meeting and also have the chance to leave with snacks, merch, information, and more! RSVP here.
Help us kick off the RooFit fall fitness schedule with a party featuring new LES MILLS classes like Dance and Core! Freshly made popcorn and cotton candy will be provided!
Watch your KC Current take on the Washington Spirit at Audi Field! Snacks, drinks, and door prizes will be provided. Bring your friends along to cheer on teal town!
Colors & Connection is a free, one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. We provide you with thought-provoking exercises that stimulate rich conversations and authentic engagement. You will have a chance to explore and grow your creative intelligence as you discover how color can express and reflect moods and emotions, as well as help nurture peer-to-peer communication. Join us for a fun, relaxing, explorative workshop that will connect you with other students.
Join us to learn how studying abroad is achievable during your UMKC student career! Learn about program options, discuss your questions, and take your first step to your next adventure as a Roo abroad.
Join the OSI and your 2024 Welcome Leaders for a night of general knowledge trivia. Play by yourself, or in teams! Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams - snacks for everyone!
Learn about the research, scholarly, and creative projects that students have completed with Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity (SUROP) grants. At a poster symposium, visitors can stop by any time to view posters and chat with presenters. This symposium will feature 19 poster presentations from a wide variety of academic disciplines.
Join us for a workshop on how to outline your semester by learning how to read a course syllabus & set SMART Goals, while eating subs from Jimmy Johns! RSVP here.
Come see the Financial Wellness Center space! We'll have refreshments, coloring pages, games, and special swag items to give away. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our services and meet our staff. Students that come to our open house and attend a workshop and coaching session during the Fall semester will be entered to win our big Semester giveaway. Food Provided. RSVP here.
Colors & Connection is a free, one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. We provide you with thought-provoking exercises that stimulate rich conversations and authentic engagement. You will have a chance to explore and grow your creative intelligence as you discover how color can express and reflect moods and emotions, as well as help nurture peer-to-peer communication. Join us for a fun, relaxing, explorative workshop that will connect you with other students.
Looking for a job or internship? Recruiters and hiring managers from local science, computing, mathematics, engineering, and healthcare companies will attend this major hiring event on campus. 🌟 And they are looking for talented students like YOU! Come prepared to meet with a variety of employers from the science, computing, engineering and healthcare industries who are recruiting for internships and full-time positions. This is your best opportunity to network with several potential future employers in one place!
Check out the new Rec Field! Play spike ball, cornhole, big Jenga, and more!
Roos After Dark: Student Union Takeover! 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Student Union
You don't want to miss this! From free entertainment, DIY crafts, free food, and so much more! Show up in your UMKC spirit wear as we take over the Student Union!
UPB Presents: Cards Against Hypnosis with David Hall, 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | SU 401
This is an interactive comedy hypnosis show where the audience votes live on hilarious performances by hypnotized volunteers. Wath the volunteers become the stars of the show in this unforgettable night of laughter and fun. Cards Against Hypnosis isn't just a show, it's an interactive journey that guarantees laughter, surprises, and a night to remembers.
Welcome Leaders are returning UMKC students who are tasked with helping new students transition to campus. They will be some of the first students you meet and connect with on campus. Look out for them at Roo Welcome events, including Convocation, Unionfest, and more.
Are you a returning student who wants to help new students begin their journey at UMKC? Make an immediate impact on new Roos as a Roo Welcome Leader!
Welcome Leader applications open each Spring for the following Fall Roo Welcome.
We encourage UMKC faculty and staff, departments, offices, and community partners to get involved in our Roo Welcome programming. Help us welcome new and returning Roos to campus.
