Learn how to have a safe Spring Break
Learn how to have a safe Spring Break
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Roo Connection

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Proud to Be a Roo

Former Student Government Association President Takes Healthy Step out of the Limelight

Trying to do it all is not uncommon for the average college student of today. Students find themselves committed to organizations, volunteering, part-time jobs and schoolwork to say nothing of their social lives. Brandon Henderson was no exception. In addition to his position as Student Government Association (SGA) President, he was investing his time into the issue of mass incarceration and organizing campus events related to social justice. Like many students, he began to realize that his mental health couldn't keep up with his busy schedule. 
“I kind of rigged the game against myself,” he says. “There was no way I could meet the expectations I’d set for myself, so when I didn’t it just reinforced my negative feelings.”
His decision to step away from the role of SGA President was a difficult one, but a crucial step in putting his mental health first. Henderson hopes that his story inspires other students to focus on their own health and find the right balance for their lives. 
Read more about Brandon Henderson

Wellness

Campus Rec


The dedicated staff at the Campus Rec have been here for you throughout this entire pandemic with at-home workout videos and weekly wellness content on their Instagram. Since they reopened they have been keeping the Rec socially distanced and sanitized so that you can return to your favorite workouts safely.
Earlier this week they released their Spring 2021 group fitness schedule with everything from cycling to pilates. They also announced their new schedule for pickleball and badminton. The Campus Rec truly has something for everyone!
Learn more about the UMKC Campus Rec
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Connecting

How I'm Making the Most of My Spring Break

While life may be different than the years before, it doesn’t mean you can’t relax and take a well-deserved break right at home! There are a lot of alternatives to traveling or gathering for spring break this year. 

As concerned citizens and educated students, it is our job to be responsible and reduce the risk of contracting/spreading COVID-19 during our time apart. Here are a few things you can do, along with some helpful tips on how to make the most of Spring Break 2021.  


Read all the suggestions
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What's Happening

Women's History Month Content and Events


March is Women’s History Month. Check out the Women's Center social media pages for trivia questions about Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme, “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” This is an extension of last year’s theme to recognize and honor the important roles of multicultural suffragists and voting rights activists. 
The Women's Center is hosting all kinds of events from art exhibits to film screenings. Be sure to check out their website for a full list of events through the month of March and beyond. 
This month we also celebrate the contributions of the UMKC Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund (GAF). Since its inception in 1971, the UMKC Women’s Council has assisted more than 2,200 women by providing more than $2 million in graduate fellowships.
Read more about GAF
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Academics

Academic Support and Mentoring Feedback


Are you interested in helping shape student success at UMKC? If so, the department of Academic Support and Mentoring (ASM) is planning for the next academic year and we want to hear from you! ASM will be conducting focus group(s) this spring in preparation for Fall 2021. If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief form.

Student feedback is invaluable to the process of developing and enhancing academic support programming. We want to hear from students who have not used ASM’s services as well as from those who have participated. Any student who completes the participation form will be entered into a drawing to win a parking pass for the Fall 2021 semester. 

Participants will be notified by April 2, and focus group(s) are expected to be scheduled for the week of April 12. If you have any questions about the details, please reach out to Jessica Elam at elamjm@umkc.edu.


Submit the interest form
“We took COVID-19 as an opportunity to reimagine how our campus works. UMKC Forward is going to be the initiative that continues to push the university into the future, even further than we previously thought.”

– Mahreen Ansari, Student Government Association President and Political Science major
Read more about UMKC Forward

Resources and Opportunities:

Meet Kasey, our new chat feature: Our UMKC Central, Registration and Records and Cashier's websites have a new chat feature named Kasey. This chat feature will make obtaining information and resources even easier.
Try it out today
Keep Your Car’s Catalytic Converter Safe: The theft of catalytic converters is not a new crime, but it is on the rise nationally and in the Kansas City metro. UMKC Police Department Community Engagement/Crime Prevention Officer Phillip Murphy and the Kansas City Police Department share tips to help prevent catalytic converter thefts.
Get the safety tips
Kangaroo Pantry: Did you know that the Kangaroo Pantry has two satelitte locations on campus or that they offer gluten free options? Find out what else there is to learn about the Kangaroo Pantry. 
Learn more about the Kangaroo Pantry
Career Services:  The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about your future career, so make sure you check out Career Services. They have a lot of resources to get you thinking about life after college, including a YouTube channel and the Roo Career podcast. And while you're at it, sign in to Handshake to update your profile and upload your resume.
Check out the Career Center
Still Need Help? Contact Senior Vice Provost for Student Success Kristi Holsinger (holsingerk@umkc.edu, 816-235-6479) and she'll work to connect you with resources to help you succeed.

Stay connected!

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