Criterion One: Mission and Integrity Core Component 1e: The organization upholds and protects its integrity.

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	Relationships of Integrity with the Surrounding Community Today UMKC maintains a positive relationship with Kansas City and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, in previous years, poor communication with the area’s neighborhood association led to widely publicized arguments over University expansion. During the past five years, however, this situation has greatly improved. In partnership with neighborhood councils, we have established a more positive relationship with the neighborhoods surrounding our two campuses, Volker and Hospital Hill. UMKC now meets regularly with neighborhood councils, made up of representatives selected by their various associations’ presidents. The purpose of frequent meetings with these councils is to discuss such issues as
maintaining the character of the single-family residential areas; sustaining the quality of residential property; transitioning from UMKC Board of Trustees ownership of properties to UMKC ownership, as resources become available; proceeding with consolidation of nonresidential functions in the neighborhoods; keeping the councils apprised of intentions to buy or sell properties in the neighborhoods; and continuing a dialog about the development of the campus Master Plan.
Recent topics discussed with the Volker Neighborhood Council about the Master Plan include expansion of the Miller Nichols Library, new Student Union, and Oak Place Apartments for students. The practice of meeting with the neighborhood council promotes openness and transparency with our neighbors and the city. It also gives our community constituents the opportunity to contribute to our University’s Master Plan and to help ensure that UMKC fulfills its mission as a valuable community resource.