A message to Our UMKC Community

By , January 30, 2017 4:57 pm

all-welcome

To our UMKC community,

We have heard from many students, faculty and staff regarding the recent presidential executive order that called for suspending entry of all refugees to the United States for 120 days, barring Syrian refugees indefinitely, and blocking entry into the United States for 90 days for citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

We share your deep concerns and are working to understand the meaning and impact of this executive order on our campus community and beyond. The situation remains fluid and we will continue to monitor it closely, and update you as the situation warrants.

As a highly diverse, student-centered urban university, UMKC is committed to fostering a culture infused with equity and inclusion and to being a model of respectful interaction and peaceful pursuit of our mission of research, learning and engagement. Our campus culture, by its very nature, embraces people of all backgrounds, national origins and faith traditions, encouraging each individual to fully participate in the life of our university. The academic programs at UMKC and the University of Missouri System are enhanced by the diverse contributions from students, faculty and staff who hail from more than 100 countries.

If you feel the executive order is affecting you or your ability to be a successful member of our learning community, many resources are available to assist you. These resources can be accessed by calling our UMKC HelpLine at 816-235-2222 or by checking out our online resources at www.umkc.edu/help, where you’ll find links for everything from the Counseling Center to Faculty Senate to Human Resources.

We also offer two additional contacts specifically for students impacted or concerned by the executive order:  Tara McGuffin, Assistant Director of the International Student Affairs Office, mcguffint@umkc.edu, 816-235-5686; or Tiffany Williams, williamsti@umkc.edu, Assistant Dean of Students, 816-235-5599.

As leaders of the university, we are also working with our national associations, such as the Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU), to communicate with the Administration how this affects not only our international students and scholars, but our ability to carry out our institutional mission.

We close by reaffirming our support for international students, faculty and staff who make important contributions, enrich our university, and are integral members of our community.

Respectfully,

Leo E. Morton
Chancellor

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer
Provost

UMKC Hosts Campus Activism Summit Tuesday, Jan. 31

By , January 30, 2017 4:55 pm

uwc-summit-740UMKC students, staff and administrators are invited to attend a campus activism summit taking place on Tuesday, Jan. 31 in Pierson Auditorium.  The summit will engage discussions regarding peace journalism, activism-balance-collaboration, a campus’ response to crisis and more.  Students and administrators from UM System partner University of Western Cape will visit UMKC and attend the summit.

Schedule of events:

9:00 am Activism-Balance-Collaboration (students only) Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes
10:30 am Peace Journalism Dr. Steven Youngblood – Park University
Noon Lunch Keynote Angela Bennett
1:30 pm A Campus Approach to Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Susan Wilson
3:00 pm Learning and Teaching to Promote Social Justice Dr. Rodney Smith
4:30 pm Process and Reflection Dr. Makini King

 

Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes: Dr. Barnes is a clinical psychologist in the UMKC Counseling Center. In addition to her work at the Center, she continues to work in the areas of community mental health, school-based mental health, and private consultation. Her areas of clinical and research interest include multiculturalism and social justice, consultation and outreach.

Professor Steve Youngblood: Professor Youngblood is the Director of Global Peace Journalism at Park University, Parkville, with research interests and experience in Africa. He has taught in 12 countries for the U.S. State Department, UNICEF, USAID, and People to People International.

Dr. Susan Wilson: Dr. Wilson is a licensed clinical psychologist with a multifaceted career in healthcare administration, consulting, clinical and media work. Wilson currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion where she oversees diversity and inclusion policies and programs for students, faculty, and staff and community.

Dr. Rodney Smith: Dr. Rodney Smith is the Interim Director of Academic Support and Mentoring at UMKC. Dr. Smith has extensive experience as an educator, advisor and mentor. He currently advises the Men of Color Campus Initiative, which fosters a sense of community among students by aligning various academic, social and cultural resources throughout the campus and community.

Dr. Makini King, Director of Program/Project Operations: Dr. King is a licensed counseling psychologist, who currently provides leadership to diversity programs and initiatives. King also is an adjunct teacher for the UMKC counseling psychology department and provides clinical supervision for their students. Over the years, she has presented on and published articles and chapters on topics related to diversity in secondary and higher education and social media.

Building Mindfulness and other opportunities

By , January 24, 2017 9:29 am

MindfulnessImageHave you heard of Mindfulness practice and its benefits?  Please consider joining us for a weekly skill-building and practice group and learn how to apply mindfulness skills in everyday life. 

Mindfulness helps in many ways including improving focus, managing stress, increasing serenity, enhancing stability, and fostering wisdom. 

The groups will be facilitated by staff from UMKC Counseling Services and held on the following days:

  • Tuesdays (3:30-4:45) facilitated by Elise Chapline; Community Room at Oak Place Apartments
  • Wednesdays (3:30-4:45) facilitated by Dale Voigt-Catlin; MindBody Connection (112 Student Success Center)
  • Fridays (9:30-10:45) facilitated by Carolyn Pepper; MindBody Connection (112 Student Success Center)

Registration is required, as space is limited; so please register today if you are interested!  Due to the skill-building nature of the group, attendance at each group session is important.   For questions or to register, please contact Dr. Yano Procopio at 816-235-6467 or procopios@umkc.edu

Additional group offerings at UMKC Counseling Services include:

Understanding Self and Others

Students facing depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family issues, loneliness, trauma, and grief and loss may be appropriate for these groups. Group members may use group to work towards enhancing their relationships and social support networks, as well as to learn more about coping with the impact of obstacles they face. Days and times for these groups are established based on availability of group members. These groups last 10 to 12 weeks and each session is 90 minutes. These groups will be held at UMKC Counseling Services. The Spring groups times are Mondays from 9 to 10:30 am beginning 2/6 and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 pm beginning 2/9.

Body Wellness Group

This is a weekly group for students wanting to explore body image, their relationship with food, and disordered eating. The day and time for this group is established based on availability of group members. This group lasts 10 to 12 weeks and each session is 90 minutes. This group will be held at UMKC Counseling Services and will occur either on Wednesdays or Fridays once member availability is established.

For questions or to register, please contact Dr. Yano Procopio at 816-235-6467 or procopios@umkc.edu

 

Spring 2017 Success Seminars

By , January 24, 2017 9:09 am

Join us throughout the semester for workshops presented by Academic Support & Mentoring, Career Services, The MindBody Connection, UMKC Libraries, and the Writing Studio.  All Seminars are held in the Atterbury Student Success Center.

sp17-success-seminars

For more information:

 

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