| News from UMKC Staff CouncilJuly 2025
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Staff Council Announces 2025-26 Executive Board and Vice Chairs
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Staff Council proudly announces the 2025-26 Executive Board and Vice Chairs. These leaders support Staff Council’s mission by advocating for all UMKC staff, amplifying staff interests within the UMKC and University of Missouri System communities, and creating opportunities for recognition and professional development.
Executive Board
- President: Amanda Campbell, School of Law
- Vice President: Jessica Pearson, Student Success
- Secretary: Jye Shafer, School of Science and Engineering
- Treasurer: Sarah Bigge, Conservatory
- Communications Chair: Kim Kushner, Information Services
- Engagement Chair: Alisha Langham, Student Affairs
- Membership Chair: Sarah Amos, Student Success
- Outreach Chair: Laura Moore, Bloch School of Management
- Professional Development Chair: Anna Zimmerman, Student Success
Vice Chairs
- Vice Chair of Communications: Melinda Ray, Institute for Human Development
- Vice Chair of Engagement: Dylan Green, Student Success
- Vice Chair of Membership: Lauren Nelson, School of Medicine
- Vice Chair of Outreach: Destiny Delgado Peterson, Student Success
- Vice Chair of Professional Development: Carrie Paulette, Student Success
Join Staff Council for the first meeting of the year on Aug. 6, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in Bloch Heritage Hall (Room 006) or on Zoom.
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Shelter KC Summer Essentials Donation Drive Runs Through July 31
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The Staff Council Outreach Committee is hosting a donation drive to support Shelter KC, a local rescue mission serving Kansas City’s unhoused population. Staff Council is collecting donations of sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and new or gently used hats and sunglasses.
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Help Welcome New Roos to UMKC
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UMKC faculty and staff help make Roo Welcome a positive, welcoming experience for new students and their families and supporters. Your involvement is key to its success.
Fall Roo Welcome runs Aug. 20 through Sept. 12. Here’s how you can help:
- RSVP to Convocation 2025 (log into RooGroups with your SSO).
- Register your division/department for the Resource Fair (log into RooGroups with your SSO).
- Volunteer at Jump Into UMKC, our newest student onboarding event.
- Staff a Roo Welcome table.
- Work a Residential Life move-in shift.
- Lead your division/department in planning a Roo Welcome event. Submit it on Roo Groups and tag it “Roo Welcome.”
- Encourage student organizations you advise to sign up for the Student Organization Fair.
- Show your Roo pride by wearing UMKC gear during the first weeks of school.
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Donate Blood at Sept. 3 Community Blood Center Drive
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UMKC Night at Starlight Featuring Life of Pi, Sept. 20
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UMKC continues its partnership with Kansas City’s iconic Starlight Theatre, the city’s oldest and largest nonprofit performing arts venue. Join us on Sept. 20 for the second annual UMKC Night at Starlight, featuring the Tony Award-winning production of Life of Pi, and enjoy world-class live entertainment at this beloved outdoor landmark.
UMKC students, faculty, staff, alumni and constituent groups can receive exclusive discounts of up to 25% on tickets in seating levels 2 through 6 by entering promo code UMKC before selecting seats. Discounted tickets are available now through Sept. 20.
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Human Resources Offers New Professional Development and Wellness Resources
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UMKC Human Resources offers new learning opportunities and mental health resources to support staff. These include:
- Staff Success Series: UMKC has launched the Staff Success Series, a new professional development opportunity available through June 2026. This series builds on Staff Development Week and features a curated collection of recorded sessions in partnership with Optum. Many sessions were among the most popular during Staff Development Week and include companion workbooks to help you apply what you learn. All employees can access the series. Learn more.
- July Health & Well-being Topic: Welcoming Your Uniqueness: This month’s focus highlights neurodiversity and mental health awareness. Explore articles, videos, podcasts, and tip sheets that celebrate individual differences. Featured content honors Disability Pride Month and shares practical ways to support neurodivergent family and friends. Don’t miss the live or on-demand training session on empathy and communication skills. Learn more.
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Other Helpful Staff Resources and Upcoming Events
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- Digital Accessibility at UMKC. New digital accessibility requirements are coming which will affect course content, websites, emails, PDFs and more. Efforts are underway to meet the April 2026 deadline, both at UMKC and the University of Missouri System. Trainings and resources are available:
- All Campus Recruitment Training Aug. 5-6. Join the Office of Admissions to learn about the recruitment cycle and how your office can get involved. Open to all UMKC staff. Register today.
- Volunteer Opportunity at Kathy’s Garden in Belton. Kathy’s Garden is a volunteer-run garden in Belton, Missouri, where Kathy and her husband grow and sell produce each summer, donating all proceeds to homeless charities. Volunteers are needed to help plant and maintain the garden. Work depends on weather and may change with rain. Share your availability and coordinators will confirm your volunteer dates. Register today.
- 2025 Virtual 5K Registration Now Open. Run, walk, or bike anywhere between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5. Registration is $25 and all proceeds support the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center, which provides food assistance to Roos in need. Register by Sept. 26.
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UMKC Staff Council Meetings Resume Aug. 6, 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 first general body meeting of the 2025-26 year is scheduled for August 6 in Bloch Heritage Hall Room 006 and via Zoom. Subsequent meetings for Fall 2025 will be held on Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.
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