Diversity Awareness
UMKC values diversity, inclusiveness, and respect. The following resources can help you explore the many different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds represented within our campus community. Taking the time to learn about and appreciate different perspectives and cultures makes our community a better, more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
African American History and Culture House
The African American History and Culture House serves as a resource and provides space for activities that enhance and enrich understanding and participation in African American intellectual culture. In addition, the House provides a supportive environment for educational and social growth for UMKC's African American students, faculty, and staff.
Visit the African American History and Culture House.
Communiversity
Communiversity is an all-volunteer educational program providing a wide-range of classes to help participants explore many different topics of interest and perspective. Registration for classes is free for UMKC students!
Explore Communiversity Classes.
Disability Services
UMKC is committed to being a disability-aware
campus in which faculty, staff and students
understand the unique challenges, myths and stereotypes faced by people with disabilities;
recognize the unique contributions that people with disabilities make to society; and accept
and engage people with disabilities in the daily flow of life. Most importantly, Services for Students
with Disabilities assists students in achieving their academic goals at UMKC.
Find out more about Services for Students with Disabilities.
Division of Diversity, Access, and Equity
The Division of Diversity, Access, and Equity serves the UMKC community by providing the resources to ensure the University as whole reflects the community we serve. The Division sponsors a Diversity Speaker Series and other events throughout the academic year to promote diversity and social justice. In addition, the Division provides an avenue to investigate allegations of discrimination.
Find out more about the Division of Diversity, Access, and Equity.
International Academic Programs
Gain cultural awareness by studying abroad or enhance your academic profile by applying for a nationally competitive fellowship! UMKC's International Academic Programs Office (IAP) helps connect students to overseas opportunities, aids faculty in developing and leading programs abroad, and guides applicants through the fellowship process.
Find out more about International Academic Programs.
International Student Affairs
The International Student Affairs Office (ISAO) increases the global diversity at UMKC. International Student Ambassadors help plan several annual events for the campus community to explore and learn about the more than 80 countries represented by our international students and scholars. Programming supported by ISAO includes: New Student Orientation, International Education Day, State ID Trips, Home for the Holidays, Culture Night, Kansas City's Ethnic Enrichment Festival, and other campus and community cultural events.
ISAO supports student success by providing pre-departure and post-arrival orientation, new arrival housing services, monthly newsletters, optional and curricular practical training assistance, F & J visa advising, referrals to campus services, partnerships with academic advisors, and support for campus nationality groups, International Student Council, and the International Student Ambassador Program.
Find out more about International Student Affairs.
LGBTQIA Programs and Services
LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Ally) Programs and Services provides a safe place for students to just be themselves. Services include a lounge, resource library, educational and social events, and Safe Space training programs for the campus community.
Find out more about LGBTQIA Programs and Services.
Multicultural Student Affairs
The mission of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)
is to enhance and improve the quality of the college experience for students of color.
Furthermore, MSA seeks to
collaboratively educate, empower and engage the campus community on
the multicultural experience. We achieve this through providing
leadership to multicultural students organizations to ensure relevant
cultural programming is present campus wide, partnering with various
campus constituents to weave the experiences of multicultural students
into the fabric of the institution and serve as an additional support
system to the overall growth, development and success of our students.
Visit Multicultural Student Affairs.
Residential Life
The Residential Life Office provides programming and support to nearly 1400 students living in university housing facilities. Living on-campus provides unique opportunities to interact with students from across the United States and around the world. Resident Assistants provide multicultural and social justice events to help students learn about each other and their views.
Learn more about Residential Life.
Office of Student Involvement
There are nearly 300 active student organizations, many of which help students explore different cultures and ideas. Attending events hosted by a student organization is a great way to learn about a different country or perspective--or join a group to help share your traditions and culture with the rest of campus! Whatever your interest or curiosity, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) can help!
Learn more about the Office of Student Involvement.
Women's Center
The mission of the Women's Center is to
advocate, educate, and provide support services for the achievement of women's
equity on campus and within the community at large.
Come relax or study in the Women's Center lounge or learn how to get
involved in raising awareness about women's and gender issues on campus
and in the community.
Visit the Women's Center.

