Convocation kicks off academic year for freshman and transfer students
Loud cheers, a spirit squad and plenty of excitement made this year’s convocation event the ultimate kickoff for new Roos beginning the academic year at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
A unique switch up from convocation in previous years with its fair share of traditional pomp and circumstance, Convocation 2018 was a celebration of a new era at UMKC and a commitment to academic success.
“No matter how hard or how easy it was to get here, it is an accomplishment. It is your accomplishment. From this moment on you are officially a part of the Roo family.”
– Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal
All around campus, faculty and staff have strategized a game plan for student success, and new Roos were given tips for academic success including building student-faculty mentor relationships, utilizing resources in the Student Success Center and taking advantage of opportunities to explore an array of values, ideas and perspectives.
“Today, learning is not about the knowledge you have. It’s about your ability to apply all of the knowledge that is at your disposal. Every student deserves a legitimate opportunity to succeed at UMKC, and the appropriate support and guidance they need.”
– Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelemeyer
Students were given two challenges: finish in four years and connect with the campus community as people first.
“You are in for the time of your lives. The tangibles and intangibles, learning and relaxing, the friends and the fun, are all part of what makes these next four years special and worthwhile.”
– Vice Provost of Student Affairs Sandra Miles
Miles also reminded students that while college-level course work is much different than in high school, students are only required to put their best foot forward. “Our commitment to you is to meet you where you are, and help you get to where you want to go.”
“Today, the day that you become a Roo, is the day that you take the first steps in being prepared to fully embrace your why, your purpose…to Roo Up,”
– Associate Vice Provost of Academic Advising Kim McNeley
McNeley talked students through a few to-do items for their first week of classes:
- Run your degree audit this week, to confirm that you understand how each course that you are enrolled in contributes to your current academic goals. Degree audits are available online at planmydegree.umkc.edu
- Review your major map
- Identify your assigned academic advisor and contact them with any questions.
- Review the Blackboard or Canvas online site for each of your credits.
If you have difficulty navigating the system, visit the Student Success Center and a peer mentor will be ready to walk you through it.
Student Government Association President Abdul Ahmed led students through a pinning ceremony to signify their investment in UMKC, in themselves and the world.
“There is no going back to what you were before; whether you have been on campus for a few days or a few hours, you are changed and will continue to grow and develop as individuals and a member of the global community.”
– SGA President Abdul Ahmed
Director of Student Involvement Todd Wells introduced UMKC’s new Roo Mobile App, designed to help students experience UMKC in a personalized way and assist them in quickly finding the resources they need to be successful.
Roo Mobile allows students to:
- Receive relevant and timely notifications and announcements,
- Stay up-to-date with campus events and news,
- Access your class schedule and academic support information, and
- Gives students immediate access to extensive campus resources.
The app is free to download and is available for undergraduate students in the Apple Store and Google Play. To receive access, students simply input their UMKC credentials.
Following convocation, faculty and staff formed a spirit tunnel to cheer on our new Roos as they head into the new academic year.