UMKC Mortar Board earns national honor

By , September 9, 2015 1:27 pm

Mortar BoardMortar Board National College Senior Honor Society announced that collegiate chapter Delta Alpha at the University of Missouri – Kansas City again this year earned the coveted Gold Torch Award. This award is a national distinction conferred upon Mortar Board’s most exceptional chapters. The award was presented to chapter delegates at the Society’s annual national conference, held earlier this month in Phoenix.

Mortar Board’s executive director, Jane Hamblin, explains, “Gold Torch chapters add considerably to Mortar Board’s standing… They are providing high-impact educational programs for their campus communities. That’s what Mortar Board is all about.”
Distinguished chapters must excel in chapter operations and promote scholarship, leadership and meaningful service to their institutions. Only 36 chapters, including Kansas State University in the Midwest, received the 2015 Mortar Board Gold Torch.

UMKC’s Chapter President, Klorissa Kavan, shares why the Chapter was primed to receive this honor:  “Mortar Board has worked hard over the last few years to develop a pivotal role on campus and in the local community. The Golden Torch Award is only given to the top 5% of Mortar Board chapters across the nation and I think that speaks volumes of our efforts as an organization. This past summer, we were also a nominee for the Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award, the highest distinction presented to the best chapter in the nation. It really is an honor to work with such committed and inspiring individuals right here at UMKC. Abiding by our three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service, we use these pillars as a guide for all we do as an organization. As a member of the current chapter, I believe that Mortar Board will have one of the best chapters yet this coming year.”

Andy Best, Communications Chair, indicates that the “deciding factor was how UMKC worked together with the school to put on events and be an active part of the school community. Not only did it allow for more events, but we also got to see a relationship and mutual respect form between UMKC and the Mortar Board organization. Watching that connection grow was one sign that we were on the right track.”

About Mortar Board
Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Since its founding in 1918, more than a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 231 chartered chapters across the nation. Mortar Board provides its members with opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Some notable Mortar Board members include professional football player and philanthropist Drew Brees, former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and award-winning actor Marion Ross. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.

See a house move on Sept 12th

By , September 9, 2015 1:17 pm

The Kansas City Young Matrons Clubhouse, located at 5100 Oak St. across from the UMKC Administrative Center, will be moved across campus to its new home near the UMKC School of Education on Saturday, Sept. 12. Watch parties with bleachers will be at 51st and Oak Street, the parking lot at Oak Street and 52nd Street and near the UMKC Education Building at 52nd Street and Cherry Street.

This move will involve restricted access to roads and buildings.

The eastern parking lane along Oak Street, south of 51st Street in front of the Kansas City Young Matrons Clubhouse closed on Sunday, Aug. 30. (See map note #1 – Orange)

The southbound lane of Oak Street, south of 51st Street, closed on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The center turn lane has been eliminated so that a single southbound and a single northbound traffic lane remains. The street tapers back and returns to the normal street configuration at the southern fence line of the construction site. This closure will remain in effect throughout Sept. 12 at which time it will be reconfigured to again subsequent activities. (See map note #2 – Blue)

ParkingMap

Street closures for Saturday Sept, 12. They will be in effect for the duration of the day as follows:

  • Oak Street from 51st Street to 52nd Street beginning at 7:30 a.m.
    • Closed south of 51st Street
    • Closed south of 52nd Street
  • 52nd Street from Oak Street to Holmes Street beginning at 7:30 a.m.
    • Closed west of Oak Street
    • Closed west of Holmes Street
  • Cherry Street at the 52nd Street intersection beginning at 7:30 a.m.
    • Closed south of 52nd Street
    • Closed north of 52nd Street

KCYM Move Map

 

 

Street Access Limited and Parking Lots Open:

  • Linda Hall Library – Public and staff entrances and parking lots will be open. Public access will be open from 51st Street and Cherry Street, but closed from 52nd Street and Cherry Street.

Parking Lot and Access Drives Closed – Alternative Access Routes

  • UMKC Administrative Center – Parking will be available in the Cherry Street Parking Structure. Limited access will be available for staff and accessible parking from the drive northwest of Oak Hall to Parking Lots 24 and A24.
  • UMKC Law School and Law Library– Parking Lots 12, 14 and 45 will be closed. Parking will be available in the Cherry Street Parking Structure. Accessible parking will be available in the UMKC Bloch circle drive drop off and Parking Lot 19 (parking lots accessed from Cherry Street and 51st Street and pedestrian path through Student Union, Bloch Executive Hall and Bloch Heritage Hall). Shuttle bus access (including accessible) provided from Rockhill Parking Structure pick up point.
  • UMKC Bloch Heritage Hall and Bloch Executive Hall – Parking Lots 12, 14 and 45 will be closed. Parking will be available in the Cherry Street Parking Structure. Accessible parking will be available in the UMKC Bloch circle drive drop off and Parking Lot 19 (parking lots accessed from Cherry Street and 51st Street and pedestrian path through Student Union and UMKC Bloch Executive Hall). Shuttle bus access (including accessible) provided from Rockhill Parking Structure pick up point.
  • National Museum of Toys and Miniatures – This parking lot will be closed. Parking will be available in the Rockhill Parking Structure. Shuttle bus access (including accessible) provided from Rockhill Parking Structure pick up point.

2015 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Registration

By , September 4, 2015 1:28 pm

Walk-in-Her-ShoesRegistration is open for the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” asks men to walk a mile in women’s high-heeled shoes.

Walking in women’s shoes helps men better understand and appreciate women’s experiences, thus changing perspectives, helping improve gender relationships and decreasing the potential for violence.

The march will be at the University Playhouse, 51st Street and Holmes Street. The event will kick off at 5:30 p.m., the march will start at 6 p.m. and the meal will be at 6:30 p.m.  All proceeds benefit the UMKC Women’s Center and the UMKC Violence Prevention and Response Program.

Registration is required here.

For more information, contact the UMKC Women’s Center at 816-235-1638.

Wellness Tips for Starting the New School Year Right

By , September 1, 2015 5:27 pm

No One Does It AloneWith the new school year upon us, we gathered tips from students about what would be helpful for students going back to school. Whether you’re a first year student or a seasoned upperclassman or even a graduate student, these wellness tips will help you start the school year off right.

  1. Stay Focused: Summer is a good time to relax and recharge – but after a few months in the sun, it’s helpful to refocus on what you want to get out of your education. Reflect on what your college education means to you, and how it helps you to achieve your potential. This will allow you to return to school with a fresh and newly energized mindset.
  2. Get Mentally and Physically Prepared: The school grind can be tough. Loads of work and socializing can put your mind and body under pressure. Clear your mind and stay centered by exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating well.
  3. Set Achievable Goals: It’s easy to get bogged down with work and other obligations. Setting goals can help you manage your priorities when the school year starts. Whether it’s to join more clubs, get involved with a charity, go for a walk every day or take advantage of your professor’s office hours, specific goals will help make the school year more productive.
  4. Create Good Habits: Good habits (like getting to bed earlier or limiting your hours of screen time) can do wonders for your well-being. Establishing good habits at the beginning of the school year will help you to start off on the right foot and maintain them moving forward.
  5. Don’t Overthink It:Be confident in your preparation and your abilities as a student. Try not to get too caught up in worrying about your grades or how much other students may be doing compared to you. Instead, put trust in yourself that you will be fine and are capable of navigating challenges that may come your way.

Remember, if you are concerned about yourself or a friend, please speak up and ask for help. Reach out to a counselor or advisor. On the UMKC campus, support is here for you at Student Health & Wellness, the Counseling Center, the MindBody Connection, and the Offices of Services for Students with Disabilities. Additionally, you can always text “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273 TALK (8255) for support.

For more tips about staying emotionally healthy at school, visit ULifeline.org.

 

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