Scene 1. UMKC graduate dressed in cap and gown says a friendly hello to the UMKC chancellor, also dressed in commencement regalia, as she accepts her diploma from him on stage during the Spring 2024 commencement ceremony at the T-Mobile Center. Scene 2. Two UMKC graduates dressed in caps and gowns point and look up in amazement as confetti is dropped from the ceiling of the T Mobile Center to celebrate the end of the commencement ceremony for Spring '24. Scene 3. A student wearing headphones walks by the upright stone markers for the UMKC Divine 9 Garden, representing the Divine Nine Black Greek organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Students and faculty relax in the quad on campus in the background. Scene 4. Four students looking excited and happy kneel on the carpeted floor while petting a brown and white rescue dog with a wrinkled frosty face during a stress-relieving as a break from finals in Miller Nichols Library during the Pause for Paws event. Scene 5. A UMKC student looks happy as she twirls her yellow and red skirt and taps red shoes on stage during a traditional Mexican dance at Culture Fest in Swinney Auditorium. Scene 6. Two UMKC Dental students wearing their white coats jump and hug to celebrate transitioning in the profession after a ceremony held at Unity Temple on the Plaza. One student makes the RooUp hand signal while the other joyfully points to the name on his jacket. Scene 7. Two UMKC students sit at a table together in front of open laptops at Bloch Heritage Hall. They laugh together as they share a joke while collaborating. Scene 8. A student looking really pleased cuddles a baby kangaroo, known as a joey, during the Roochella event outside Atterbury Student Success Center. The joey looks cozy snuggled in a cloth pouch even though its long legs stick out.
Become a Future Roo
No matter where you are on your path to higher education, UMKC is ready for you.
Undergraduate students
Whether you're starting college for the first time or transferring from another college, we're here to help you make the most out of your time at UMKC.
Experiences beyond the classroom are a big part of your education at UMKC. Our connections to top Kansas City organizations open doors to internships and mentoring, as well as once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Student participation in research starts at the undergraduate level and continues through our graduate and professional programs.
Research awards
In 2018, UMKC leaders set a 10-year goal of bringing in $85 million annually in total external awards. Five years ahead of schedule, UMKC has received more than $118 million.
R2 Carnegie status
UMKC is one of only 21 Carnegie R2 urban research universities in the United States. This means we invest in our faculty and student research projects and collaborate with both private and public regional institutions.
Undergraduate research
We provide financial support and faculty mentorship for undergraduate students pursuing research and creative scholarship projects, introducing them to gold-standard research methods.
The resources you need to have the experiences you want.
Accessibility
Roo Wellness provides the tools and support needed to create an equitable and inclusive educational experience for all students.
Accessible parking
Transportation
Housing accommodations
Alternate text formats
Testing accommodations
Peer notetakers
Service animals
Dietary accommodations
First-generation college students
Designated by the Center for First-Generation Student Success as a First Scholars Institution, we celebrate and support students who are the first in their family to go to college. First Gen Roo provides a supportive, energetic and inclusive community to enrich the college experiences of those who are the first in their family to go to college.
Benefits of being a First Gen Roo Scholar:
An early introduction to campus, resources, community-building and academic experiences
Completion stipends for Welcome Week and the Fall program
Interactive programming
Peer mentor
Assistance in forming personalized plans and goals
A spot in the UMKC First Gen Proud community
LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services
We continually strive to improve the experiences of students who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella so that they feel safe, comfortable and included. We provide inclusive, on-campus housing; classroom inclusivity resources for faculty and students, student organizations and internships.
Through the Office of Student Involvement, LGBTQIA+ Programs and Service provides programs and services, peer education, safe space resources and ally education.
Presentations on social justice, multiculturalism and diversity
Events to celebrateLatino Heritage Month andAfrican American History Month
AnnualFreedom Breakfast to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The UMKCAdelante Latino/a/x Student Leadership Summit for Latinx students from Kansas City and the Midwest region
Mentoring programs
Avanzando
African Americans Cultivating Excellence
Student Veteran Support Services
If you're a U.S. veteran, an active member of the U.S. military or a family member of a veteran or active member of the U.S. military, you may be eligible for veteran's benefits, including a discount rate for tuition, tuition credit and scholarships.