It started with moving in to a new campus or off-campus home. It ended with an upbeat ceremony introducing traditions and an official launch of college life. Also in the mix were meetups, brunches, impromptu introductions and organized frivolity, dancing, a pool party, a mechanical bull, soccer with pregame tailgate party and more. 

Roo Welcome is the annual rite of passage for new students at UMKC. It involves informal academic preparations, sessions on managing finances, men’s and women’s soccer games and plenty of fun activities. In concludes with Convocation, where new students are welcomed by the Chancellor and Provost, learn the alma mater and fight song and put on their UMKC pins.

Here’s a look at scenes from Roo Welcome 2021.

It takes a cartload to turn a Residence Hall room into a home

Gotta have that favorite pillow

The journey begins with a single step

Summer scene at Scofield Hall

Welcome to Convocation

Pre-Convocation games

Summer sunshine on the quad

KC Roo demonstrating leadership

A tailgate feast

Game time!

Attention to detail matters

Catch a wave

Headed to the Student Union . . .

. . . for a caffeine break

Our newest campus icon, the bronze Roo by sculptor Tom Corbin

Late Night with the Greeks drew a nighttime crowd

Letting the music move you

Can he hold on?

Sunset over the soccer field