Roo Connection

students in form during class while instructor checks in with students on Zoom

What's Happening

Inside Look at a Dance Class During the Pandemic

What COVID precautions do you take when the classroom isn't typical and is a space where students and instructors are constantly in motion? How do you coordinate virtual and in-person class? Though this semester is different than normal our faculty and students have found ways to adapt and grow under difficult circumstances.

See how they adapted

outline of a heart with a heart beat rhythm symbol in the middle

Wellness

Stress Less Fest:
Dec. 2-16

This year, the Office of Student Involvement has a lot of virtual ways you can decompress and refocus as you prepare for finals week. Go on a scavenger hunt, participate in "Guess that Song" trivia, Craft and Snack, and learn during Snacks and Self-care breaks and Leadership and Wellness sessions. There's a lot more — including a virtual edition of Pause for Paws, because who doesn't like adorable puppies?

Check out the activities

UMKC student ambassadors sit at a table with Roo gear

Academics

Campus Updates for Spring Semester

With the announcement yesterday of classes going online starting Nov. 30, you may be wondering what's in store for winter break and spring semester. Here's a rundown of the latest details.

Read the update

Proud to be a Roo

Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Jonaie Johnson shoots for big goals. Not only was she a leader on last year's KC Roos Women's Basketball Conference Championship team, she's also a very focused entrepreneur.

She first learned about the Bloch School's annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards when she was volunteering for the event in 2018. Inspired by seeing alumna Andrea Savage get the student honor, she set her sights on receiving the same award, and this year she did!

“I believe that [my company] Interplay is going to be significantly successful. This award is a reminder that my hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship has not gone unnoticed and is paying off.”

Get to know Jonaie

Gormly in front of American flag art in the At Ease Zone on campus

Connecting

At Ease Zone Helps Veterans Find Connections

This semester, there were 100 new veterans at UMKC. Who better to introduce them to college life than a fellow vet? When Eric Gormly completed his service with the U.S. Marine Corps, his grandmother insisted he take advantage of his G.I. Bill. He worked in the Veterans Affairs office in college and now oversees the At Ease Zone at UMKC, where he helps vets find the resources they need and make connections on and off campus.

Learn more about the At Ease Zone

“My advisor, Susi Krulewich, has had so much impact. She was my advisor when I was undecided on my major. She talked me through fears and concerns and led me to resources to help me decide. She allowed me to feel confident with my decision and has always been supportive.”

– Jennifer Rangel, junior, KC Scholar, who chose to major in communication studies and studio art (graphic design)

Resources and Opportunities:

Mental Health Resources: Starting a new semester during a pandemic can be stressful. Make sure you're taking advantage of the many resources UMKC has to offer you, like Counseling Services and Sanvello, a mental health app that's free to everyone with a UMKC email address. Sign up for it and get resources for coping with COVID stress. And don't forget to check out the recordings of Roos for Mental Health lunch-n-learn events.

Check out mental health resources

Kangaroo Food Pantry: Food insecurity has grown significantly since COVID and UMKC is responding holistically to the needs of its students. If you're in need and haven't visited the food pantry, including the new satellite locations, don't overlook this valuable resource.

Get food and supplies

Academic Support and Mentoring: The end of the semester is quickly approaching. If you find yourself struggling in a class or with a project, check out the resources at ASM (like Supplemental Instruction, Tutoring and the Writing Studio) that can help give you the extra support you need to finish the semester strong.

Check out the resources

Enrolling for next semester: With so much going on as you wrap up this semester, don't forget to enroll for spring classes so you stay on track for graduation. Contact your advisor to enroll.

Contact UMKC Advising

Office of Student Involvement | Academic Support and Mentoring | Student Health | Financial Aid

Stay connected!

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

Administrative Center 5115 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO | 64110 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.