UMKC to host series of forums on possible name change

By , August 28, 2012 8:17 am

Earlier this year, UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton began discussing the idea of a possible name change for the university.  He has been meeting with groups around the campus and community, laying out the case, which he believes deserves consideration to ensure that the university is best positioned to achieve its mission, vision and goals moving toward the future.

Chancellor Morton and others believe a name change could serve to heighten awareness of UMKC’s unique position as “Kansas City’s university,” but are committed to a research-based process to make sure this is the right course before moving forward.

As a major urban research university located in the heart of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, UMKC serves more than 15,000 students.  More than 60 percent of our enrollment is from the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area, and most of the rest come from other parts of Missouri and Kansas; less than 7 percent come from outside the U.S. About 75 percent of our graduates stay in KC to live and work. We are the primary educator for Kansas City’s professional workforce.  In addition, many of the university’s strategic goals are tied to improving education, jobs and quality of life in the greater Kansas City region. For that reason, the university wants to make sure that it has the best name to help it attract the most talented students in the region and to attract the support of the community.

In order to gauge UMKC campus support for the idea, the university will host a series of forums with key campus constituencies throughout the month of September. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and join the discussion. In late September, the university will also conduct an electronic survey of all students, faculty and staff, along with surveys that will go to prospective students, alumni and community members.

Student forums:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 4: 10am-noon (Student Union 301, Student Government Chambers)
  • Monday, Sept. 17:  6pm Chancellor will speak to the full Student Senate in Student Union 301, Student Government Chambers.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 19: 3-5pm (Student Union 301, Student Government Chambers)
  • Thursday, Sept. 20: 11:30am-12:30pm (Hospital Hill, Health Sciences Building, Room 4301)
  • Thursday, Sept.  20: 6-8pm  (Student Union 301, Student Government Chambers)

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