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.

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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.

Questions? Contact the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) at (816) 235-1407 or getinvolved@umkc.edu

Roo Welcome Schedule of Events

Roo Welcome takes place during the first three weeks of the semester. 

Friday, August 16

  • Kansas City Athletics Men's Soccer, 7:30 P.M. | Durwood Stadium
    • Watch the KC Roos! Students can claim their FREE tickets using the information found here.  
  • Late Night with the Greeks, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. | University Walkway
    • 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. 

Saturday, August 17

  • Convocation, 1:00 P.M. | Swinney Center 
    • Convocation marks the start of your academic 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.

Sunday, August 18

  • 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. 

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. 
  • Rainbow Loung Open Haus, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Rainbow Lounge, SU 325
    • 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. RSVP here.

Tuesday, August 20

  • 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. 

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. 

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. 
  • LGBTQIA Ice Cream Social, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | University Walkway/University Playhouse
    • 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.
  • UMKC SI (Supplimental Instruction) and Tutoring Meet & Greet, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | ASSC 236
    • 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. 

Friday, August 23

  • 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. 

Saturday, August 24 

Sunday, August 25

Monday, August 26

Tuesday, August 27 

Wednesday, August 28

Thursday, August 29

  • UMKC SI (Supplimental Instruction) and Tutoring Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | ASSC
    • 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. 
  • Financial Wellness Center Open House, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Admin Center, Room 223
    • 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. 

Friday, August 30

Saturday, August 31 

Sunday, September 1

Monday, September 2

Tuesday, September 3 

Wednesday, September 4

Thursday, September 5

Friday, September 6

View all Roo Welcome events on RooGroups

View Campus Dining and Retail Hours

Roo Welcome Leaders

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.

Learn more here

Faculty, Staff, and Community Partners

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.

Learn how you can help