UMatters

[The following was provided by the Office of Public Relations.]

Students returning to the University of Missouri-Kansas City in August will find a new path to success when they arrive.

The Student Affairs and Enrollment Management division and the Provost’s office co-chaired a committee focused on Goal Number 1 of the university’s Strategic Plan - place student success at the center. Based on feedback from the committee and from student survey responses, they are constructing the Student Success Center to promote students’ academic success, student convenience and student retention. 

The $7 million project will remake the University Center into the new home for a variety of programs and services, including UMKC Central and the University College. The center will open in August 2012 for the fall 2013 academic school year.

The Student Success Center’s façade will feature extensive window space to let in natural light during the day and to showcase the buzz of activity at night. The center also will include the Welcome Center, International Student Affairs, Career Services, the Center for Academic Development, the Writing Center, SEARCH, disability services, MindBody Connection and Medical Advising for students in years 1 and 2.

Services that will remain in the center are UMKC Dining Services, the barber shop and the UMKC Café serving Starbucks coffee.

UMKC Central - one of the new programs - offers staff that is cross-trained in cashier, financial aid, records, admissions and registrar functions, providing a convenient focal point for answering questions and getting assistance. Student inquiries will generate a “ticket” that requires staff to follow through and ensure that issues are resolved.

Reporting to Academic Affairs and housed in the Student Success Center, the University College is designed to help incoming undeclared/exploratory students and continuing students in transition between majors, make purposeful decisions regarding their academic plans. Its physical location in the Student Success Center facilitates student interaction with key support services. Cross-college advising and participation of faculty from across the university will facilitate students’ exploration and ultimate connection to the academic unit of their major.

Also, the program will include UNIV 101, the cornerstone course required of all incoming students and based on guidelines established by the National Resource Center for the first-year experience. Students will pick from UNIV 101 seminars with variable content based on their interests.

For additional information, visit the University News.