| News from UMKC Staff CouncilNovember 2025
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Donate Food and Funds to the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center
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Staff Council encourages UMKC staff to support the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center during this time of need. If you're able to make a financial contribution, donate online or through payroll deduction. The most-needed items include hygiene items, period products, canned proteins, protein and granola bars, diced tomatoes, canned beans, vegetarian items, lentils, spices, coconut milk, breakfast items, soup, ramen noodles, and ready to eat meals. The Care Center also offers an Amazon Wishlist. From Nov. 17–21, UMKC Human Resources will collect donations and offer a special treat to the team, department, or unit that donates the most items. Rally your colleagues, get creative with your collection boxes, and show off your UMKC spirit while supporting our campus community.
To enter the competition, email a photo of your total donation and item count to umkchr@umkc.edu. Be sure to include a contact name to be notified if your group wins.
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Crafty Critters: Rudolph Pom-Pom Coaster
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Join Staff Council for the second lunchtime Crafty Critters session on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Scofield Hall Room 109. Create your own Rudolph pom-pom coaster and connect with fellow staff members. No registration is required, but supplies are limited. Feel free to bring your own lunch.
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UMKC Staff Coffee and Chat
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Join the Staff Council Membership Committee on Monday, Nov. 24, for fall Coffee and Chat events to learn about Staff Council’s mission and initiatives, connect with fellow staff members, and enjoy coffee and refreshments. RSVP using this link. - 9–10:30 a.m. — Volker Campus, Miller Nichols Library Room 421 — Coffee and breakfast pastries
- Noon–1 p.m. — Health Sciences Campus, School of Dentistry Study Commons (third floor) — Coffee and sandwiches
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UMKC Staff Council Staff Scholarship for Spring 2026
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The UMKC Staff Council Staff Scholarship application is now open for spring 2026. Eligible applicants must be full-time UMKC employees pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, professional, or doctoral degree at UMKC. Applicants must maintain full-time employment status throughout the academic award year, be enrolled in at least one credit hour, and be eligible for UM System educational assistance. Apply by Monday, Dec. 1.
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Volunteer with Uplift Organization
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Uplift Organization is a mobile street outreach program serving people experiencing homelessness in Kansas City. Sorting donated clothing and other items helps ensure that nightly routes have the supplies most needed.
The Staff Council Outreach Committee is seeking 10 volunteers from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 to assist this organization. Sign up to volunteer.
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Human Resources Highlights for Staff
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UMKC Human Resources offers opportunities and resources to support staff, including:
- Veterans Day Luncheon: UMKC veterans are invited to a networking luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more.
- UMKC Staff Award Nominations Now Open: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Staff Awards Celebration, taking place Tuesday, March 31. This is an opportunity to recognize a fellow staff member for a job well done. Nominations are available for both the University Awards and the Living the Value Awards. Submissions are due Friday, Jan. 9. Submit your nomination.
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Other Staff Resources and Upcoming Events
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UMKC Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Tutoring are hiring SI Leaders and Tutors for the Spring 2026 semester: Do you know students who are passionate about helping others, strong in their course material, and looking to get more involved on campus? Refer them using the SI and Tutoring Referral Form. SI Leaders work 8–10 hours per week, and Tutors work 6–8 hours per week, earning $15 per hour. Individual interviews will begin in mid-November and continue until all positions are filled.
Digital Accessibility at UMKC: New digital accessibility requirements affect course content, websites, emails, PDFs, and more. Efforts are underway to meet the April 2026 deadline at both UMKC and the University of Missouri System. Trainings and resources are available on the UMKC Digital Accessibility website and through UM Academic Technology.
Staff Campus Recreation Membership: Enjoy access to Campus Recreation facilities, services, and wellness opportunities for just $22.50/month. Getting started is easy! Simply sign up for the non-payroll option, where you choose the exact number of months you’d like, or opt for payroll deduction by visiting our membership office in person, allowing your membership to continue automatically each month until you decide to cancel. Learn more
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Next UMKC Staff Council Meeting: Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
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All staff are welcome to attend Staff Council meetings. Staff Council typically meets the first Wednesday of each month from 8:30 to 10 a.m., both in person and via Zoom.
The next general body meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Bloch Heritage Hall Room 006 and via Zoom .
Upcoming Staff Council meetings include:
- Dec. 3: Bloch Heritage Hall Room 006 and Zoom
- Jan. 7: Zoom only
- Feb. 4: Bloch Heritage Hall Room 006 and Zoom
Attendees are encouraged to dress for monthly themes for a chance to win a raffle prize. December's theme: ugly sweater.
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