After reviewing proposals for dining services and catering, UMKC is pleased to announce a continuing partnership with Sodexo. As our partner, Sodexo has brought new and updated dining venues to our campus, including Einstein Bros. and the Robot Café. Sodexo also has developed dining programs that connect our campus with our community, such as an increased focus on sustainability, featuring local restaurants, and international themed meals. As part of the renewed contract, I have asked them to develop a new student organization catering menu that is both creative and affordable. In addition, we will be requesting student feedback as we assess dining venues across campus for possible changes.
The Student Board of Governors will continue to be a strong student voice with dining services at UMKC. The Board provides feedback about dining services, facilitates communication with students, and makes recommendations for new dining concepts and programs. If you would like to be involved on the Board, the application can be found online.
In addition, the University has engaged Superior Vendall to manage campus vending as a separate contract. We are excited to introduce a new fresh vending concept throughout the campus community, especially for students, faculty, and staff at Hospital Hill. Over the summer, new cash-less vending machines will be installed in various locations around campus that will accept credit cards and Roo Bucks. Coca-Cola will be the exclusive beverage provider—look for promotional events just for students throughout the academic year.
We are excited about working with our dining and vending partners to introduce these changes and continue to provide high-quality, fresh and nutritious options for our campus community. If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact Mr. Jody Jeffries, Director of Student Union Operations, at jeffriesjd@umkc.edu.
Sincerely,
Mel Tyler, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
On April 28, 2014 the Student Activity Funds Committee (SAFC) voted and approved bylaw changes that will affect the funding structure for students and student organizations. The new policies will take effect beginning July 1, 2014. Students, especially those responsible for student organizations, are requested to review the new guidelines and bylaws of the SAFC.
As our student organizations grow, it is important that the partnership between the organization and advisor remain active and collaborative. All budgets are to be created by students involved in the organizations, utilizing their advisors as a resource and support during this process. If additional support is needed students can always contact the Student Government Association or the Office of Student Involvement for support with the development of budgets or individual requests.
All updated documents reflecting the student approved changes to the bylaws are located on RooGroups—SGA Funding Guidelines, Funding Request Form, SGA-SAFC Bylaws and Specific Standards. Below is a synopsis of a few of the changes, but it is to your benefit to carefully read the new policies and bylaws found in RooGroups prior to submitting any budget request.
Continue reading 'New Student Activity Funding policies and bylaws for 2014-2015'»
Microsoft Office ProPlus – Now available for students at no cost!
UMKC enrolled students are now eligible for a free copy of MS Office ProPlus. MS Office ProPlus is a subscription service for Microsoft Office that includes all of the Office applications: Word, Power Point Excel, Publisher, etc. Its advantage over a traditional desktop version of Office is that it can be installed on up to five devices.
The software will be available for download in your Office 365 student email account beginning May 20th. Simply login to O365 and click on the Gear icon to download. Learn more by visiting www.umkc.edu/is/webmail/live/o365proplusfaq.asp.
A record seven UMKC undergraduates have received Gilman Study Abroad Scholarships for summer 2014, with another student named as an alternate. A total of $21,500 will help them with expenses.
One group, led by Matthew Edwards, Foreign Languages and Literature professor, is headed to Argentina this summer. The group includes Benjamin Bachwirtz, Victoria Clark, Christenio Collins, Maritza Gordillo, Araba Kuofie and Coleen Solomon.
Taylor Smith will study in Costa Rica, and Alia Wheeler is an alternate to France.
Sixteen UMKC students applied this year. Gilman scholarships are awarded to Pell Grant recipients who plan to study for four weeks or more in an approved Study Abroad program. The program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
The goal of the scholarship program is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people around the world. No less importantly, the program chooses diverse students, particularly undergraduates who might have financial limitations, to go to countries that are rare study-abroad destinations.