Family Weekend 2023 will take place Sept. 22-24, 2023.

Family Weekend celebrates parent and family involvement in our UMKC community. We hope to connect you to campus resources, help you meet faculty/staff, and welcome you into our UMKC family.

Review our Family Weekend 2022 schedule below to get a taste of the exciting activities and events taking place throughout Family Weekend.

Family Weekend 2022 Schedule

Friday, Sept. 30

Family Weekend Check-In

• Time: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Office of Student Involvement (OSI), Student Union Room 320
• Details: Stop by OSI to pick up your Family Weekend check-in materials. Each family member who is attending Family Weekend must be registered, including current UMKC student.

First Gen Roo Meetup

• Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center, Floor 2
• Details: Join the First Gen Roo program in celebrating our First Generation college students for all they have accomplished to this point. Families of First Generation college students are invited to join us for snacks, games, and some first gen swag. 

Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center Tour

• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Meet in Flarsheim Hall Room 336 to begin tour.
• Details: Tour one of the newest facilities on UMKC’s campus. Explore exciting labs and learning spaces, including the 3D Printing Studio, Augmented/Virtual Reality Showroom, and Flight Simulator.

Financial Wellness Center Open House

• Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Administrative Center, Room 223
• Details: The Financial Wellness Center empowers students to achieve their financial goals through one-on-one financial coaching, events and workshops, and digital resources. Visit our space, enjoy refreshments, and pick up some great giveaway items.
  

Paint & Sip with Academic Support and Mentoring (ASM)

• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center, Floor 2
• Details: Enjoy a fun-filled paint and sip event. We will have painting options for all skill levels, and mocktails to enjoy.

Family Game Night with Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)

• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Student Union, MSA Office (Room 319)
• Details: Food, fun, and festivities are an essential part of our UMKC Family Weekend. Join us for an evening of different types of games and activities. 

UMKC Haunted Tour 

• Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Meet in front of the Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC) South Entrance
• Details: Did the ghost of a dead actress haunt the University Playhouse? Why are there monsters painted on the walls of Haag Hall? Who killed University of Kansas City beauty queen Leila Welsh? What really happened in Epperson House? On the Haunted UMKC campus tour, your host UMKC historian Chris Wolff will regale you with these and many more tales of the darker side of the university’s history. This walking tour takes about 90 minutes and is one mile long.

School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony

• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Swinney Center
• Details: The School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony is a professional dedication ceremony whereby UMKC second year Pharm.D. and eligible I.Ph.D. students receive their white coats.

Thinner Than Water: A play by Melissa Ross and directed by Ian R. Crawford

• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Performing Arts Center 116, Studio Theater
• Details: When their father falls ill, three estranged half-siblings reunite. As the world around them crumbles, they argue with each other and with everyone around them in a desperate struggle to do the right thing and mend their rapidly deteriorating lives. Thinner Than Water is a blood-raw, wicked comedy-drama about fighting through the thick and thin of family.

Warkoczewski Public Observatory

• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Royall Hall, roof
• Details: The "Warko" Public Observatory is open to families starting at 7:30 p.m.. Public programs include a tour of the night sky, along with viewing through the telescopes. Access to the rooftop observatory is through the stairway located just inside the double doors at the east side of Royall Hall, immediately opposite Haag Hall. The event is weather permitting. Learn more about the Warko Observatory on their website.

Residential Life Movie Night

• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Oak Street Residence Hall Courtyard, weather location Oak Street Hall Lounge
• Details: Enjoy a family-friendly movie on our outdoor inflatable screen. Please bring your own blankets and anything else that will help you get comfy outdoors. The movie will be Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Family Weekend Check-In

• Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC), outside ASSC Dining Center
• Details: Stop by the Family Weekend table to pick up your Family Weekend check-in materials. Each family member who is attending Family Weekend must be registered, including current UMKC student.

Brunch

• Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC), Dining Center
• Details: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at UMKC’s Dining Center. Saturday brunch options include: build your own omelet station along with all the traditional breakfast favorites, grilled apple cider chicken, rustic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, breakfast pizza, deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich, halal chicken sandwich, chicken salad croissant sandwich, kale chickpea hash (vegan), assortment of breakfast sweets and desserts.

Brunch and Learns 

Brunch and Learns are a series of events focusing on topics important to UMKC students’ academic, personal, and financial wellness and success. We invite families to attend so they can learn more about UMKC campus resources and student organizations, and meet staff/faculty here to help your student succeed. Saturday Brunch and Learn sessions include:

• Support Your Roo! Letters from Home Postcard Writing
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Family members will have the opportunity to write a note of encouragement to their Roo. Letters will be sent later in the semester. If you cannot stop by, we encourage you to explore our Letters from Home website.

• The Birthday Party Project with Collegiate Panhellenic Council
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Join the Collegiate Panhellenic Council sororities and participate in a service project benefiting the Birthday Party Project. Help a great cause while learning about the UMKC Greek Life community.

• FAFSA and UMKC Scholarship Kickoff Tabling
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – noon
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Did you know that $3.75 billion in free Pell grant money went unclaimed in 2021? Or that UMKC gives out over $3.5 million in scholarships? Stop by the Financial Wellness Center table to learn more about the FAFSA and UMKC Scholarship Application.

• Career Services Family Weekend Tabling
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Career Services can help your student get their ducks in a row. Stop by our table to learn about events we are offering to your student, and different ways you can support them in their career journey. Test your knowledge on our "bad resume" activity.

• Robot Tours with UMKC Libraries
  • Time: noon - 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: meet at the first floor Service Desk in Miller Nichols Library
  • Details: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the library’s high-tech robotic storage system.

• Maximizing Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: ASSC, Room 237
  • Details: October 1 marks the opening day for the FAFSA and UMKC Scholarship Application. Learn about important FAFSA updates and get tips to help you and your student complete these forms.

• Roo Advising 'Ask Me Anything' Panel Discussion
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: ASSC Room 238
  • Details: Join UMKC's team of professional academic advisors for a panel discussion to learn how you can best support your Roo as they navigate their academic journey

Campus Recreation Afternoon Fun

• Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Durwood Recreational Field, Old Swinney Gym
• Details: Enjoy frisbee golf, archery, fitness classes, and more! The following schedule of Campus Recreation events will be taking place on Oct. 1:
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Frisbee Golf (drop in): Start on our frisbee course outside of Swinney and follow the holes around the building and through Durwood Stadium and back.
  • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Fitness Class: Join our instructor for a workout with your family in Swinney Studio B.
  • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Archery (drop in): Practice your archery skills or try it for the first time on the Old Swinney Courts.

Student Government Association Chalk and Talk

• Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Location: University Walkway
• Details: Meet the Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Board, and chalk some motivational messages to brighten your day. Don't forget to take your photo with the Roo Sculpture.

Thinner Than Water: A play by Melissa Ross and directed by Ian R. Crawford

• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Performing Arts Center 116, Studio Theater
• Details: When their father falls ill, three estranged half-siblings reunite. As the world around them crumbles, they argue with each other and with everyone around them in a desperate struggle to do the right thing and mend their rapidly deteriorating lives. Thinner Than Water is a blood-raw, wicked comedy-drama about fighting through the thick and thin of family.

Friends and Family Trivia (hosted by KC Crew)

• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Student Union, Room 401
• Details: Gather your friends and family, and have a great time! Create your team of 4-6 people and sign up. Trivia starts at 4:00 p.m. sharp, and includes 5 rounds of trivia, each with 10 questions. Don’t have a team? No problem! Sign up as an individual or a group under 4, and we’ll place you on a team when you arrive. Sponsored by UMKC Parent and Family Programs, Bloch Launchpad, Honors Program, and Henry W. Bloch Scholars.

Dinner

• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC), Dining Center
• Details: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at UMKC’s Dining Center. Buffet includes pizza, salad, deli bar, and more. 

An Evening with the Amazing Terry Magelssen, Kansas City Magician

• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Student Union, Jazzman's
• Details: Terry Magelssen, Magician Extraordinaire, has been voted Magician of the Year 5 times by the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Join Terry to laugh, scratch your head in wonder, and participate in the mysteries of magic. All are welcome to this family-friendly show.

Sunday, Oct. 2

Brunch

• Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC), Dining Center
• Details: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at UMKC’s Dining Center. Sunday brunch options include: Kansas City BBQ tailgate (bbq pork on a bun, grilled bratwurst with onion and peppers, deviled eggs), potato salad and orange soda coleslaw, classic biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, turkey sausage, hash browns, breakfast pizza, grilled reuben sandwich, halal burger, tuna salad on wholegrain wheat bread, herb tofu scramble (vegan)

Brunch and Learns

Brunch and Learns are a series of events focusing on topics important to UMKC students’ academic, personal, and financial wellness and success. We invite families to attend so they can learn more about UMKC campus resources and student organizations, and meet staff/faculty here to help your student succeed. Sunday Brunch and Learn sessions include:

• Crafty Feminism with the Women’s Center
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Take some time for some creative self-care and join us for crafting, conversation, and fun. Art supplies provided. No art experience necessary.

• Support Your Roo! Letters from Home Postcard Writing
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: outside ASSC Dining Center
  • Details: Family members will have the opportunity to write a note of encouragement to their Roo. Letters will be sent later in the semester. If you cannot stop by, we encourage you to explore our Letters from Home website.

• Robot Tours with UMKC Libraries
  • Time: noon - 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: meet at the first floor Service Desk in Miller Nichols Library
  • Details: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the library’s high-tech robotic storage system.

• History of UMKC: Using Technology to Research and Share History, Art, Science, and Culture
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Scofield Hall, Great Hall (Room 109)
  • Details: Dr. David Trowbridge will give a brief history of UMKC and the School of Humanities and Social Science’s home, Scofield Hall. The presentation will also share examples of how UMKC scholars and students use technology, from analyzing ancient texts to connecting the public to local history. Trowbridge is the creator of Clio, a project that connects people to nearby historical and cultural sites throughout the United States.

Tie-Dye with OSI and Kansas City Athletics

• Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Durwood Stadium Patio
• Details: Tie-dye Kansas City Athletics shirts, and meet KC Roo, our UMKC Mascot. Enjoy ice cold treats, and other surprises. Shirts are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to bring your own items to tie-dye. 

UMKC Day at Sporting Kansas City

• Time: 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Children's Mercy Park
• Details: We are excited to bring back UMKC Day at Sporting Kansas City! Join us as Sporting Kansas City takes on conference rivals Seattle Sounders at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 2. Before the game stop by the Mazuma plaza to visit with representatives from Athletics, Admissions, and Alumni Relations. There will be giveaways, KC Roo will be there for photos and more! Discounted tickets are available! Please note: tickets for this event are not included with the Family Weekend registration cost. They must be purchased separately.

Dinner

• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Atterbury Student Success Center (ASSC), Dining Center
• Details: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at UMKC’s Dining Center. Buffet includes pizza, salad, deli bar, and more. 

Events All Weekend

Family Weekend Sale at the UMKC Bookstore (available Sept. 29 through Oct. 1)

• Location: Student Union 2nd Floor, in-store during regular business hours
• Details: Show off your Roo spirit with some new UMKC gear! Show your UMKC Family Weekend Bookstore coupon to receive 20% off select in-store purchases. See store for details.

Family Weekend Selfie Station

• Location: Student Union 4th Floor
• Details: Take a family selfie with our I <3 UMKC lighted sign. Sign will be available all weekend, and we encourage families to post their selfie on social media, using #UMKCFamilyWeekend hashtag.

Family Weekend Kansas City Athletics Bundle (available Sept. 27 through Oct. 4)

• Location: kcroos.store
• Details: Kansas City Athletics Family Weekend bundles are here, just for you! Purchase stylish shirts and hats at discount with your Family Weekend registration. Learn more at kcroos.store.

Family Weekend Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Discount

• Location: Waldo or River Market locations
• Details: We are all screaming for ice cream during UMKC Family Weekend! Show your UMKC Family Weekend Betty Rae’s coupon to receive a percentage off in-store purchases. The Roo Blue Swirl is UMKC’s signature flavor. Locations and hours on the Betty Rae’s website.

Free Admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (T/m) 

• Location: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (T/m), 5235 Oak Street
• Details: T/m will extend free admission to the whole family. UMKC students always receive free admission with UMKC Roo Card student ID. Family Weekend registrants get in free with their Family Weekend badge.

Visit a UMKC Libraries Exhibit

• Location: Miller Nichols Library
• Details: Visit the UMKC Libraries vibrant, welcoming study spaces any time during our open hours this weekend: Friday 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., or Sunday 11:00 a.m. - midnight. Get a view of how the Libraries can offer more than just books by examining one of the exhibits currently on display:
  • “A Most Personal Work of Art" reveals the ephemeral beauty of vintage bookplates from our Special Collections on the third floor
  • “Passion to Compassion,” an exhibit of vibrantly colorful impressionist works by student-painter Noshaba Bakht on the first floor
  • “Mixto,” an identity-probing senior thesis of two and three-dimensional works by UMKC student-artist Danielle Coronado on the fourth floor
  • The Richard L. Sutton Geosciences Museum illuminates geologic history with a display of minerals, fossils, rocks, and gems on the third floor

UMKC Blue and Gold Week

• Location: across campus and virtual
• Details: Join us for a weeklong celebration around the university's founding! UMKC Blue and Gold Week includes events for the UMKC and Kansas City communities. Check out the full schedule on the UMKC Blue and Gold Week website.

UMKC Virtual 5K (to benefit the Kangaroo Pantry)

• Location: virtual
• Details: Run, walk, or bike anywhere Oct. 1 through Oct. 9. Learn more about registration and 5K details on the UMKC Virtual 5K 2022 website.

Rainbow Lounge Relaxation Station

• Location: Student Union, Room 325
• Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. throughout the weekend
• Details: Need a quiet space to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of Family Weekend? The Rainbow Lounge will be open throughout the weekend for you to come in, re-center, and get ready to make the most out of your time on campus. The space is hosted by LGBTQIA Programs & Services.

Out and About in Kansas City

• Details: We encourage you to take advantage of all there is to see and do in the Kansas City metro region. Please go to Visit KC for more events and activities!

Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak Discount

• Details: The Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak are running a special discount program for colleges along the Missouri River Runner Route in Fall 2022. The discount is a Family Weekend discount which can be used by family members visiting college students, in addition to Amtrak’s regular student, senior, and child discounts. Here are the details of the discount:
  • The discount is valid for sale August 1 - October 24.
  • The discount is valid for travel between September 15 – October 24, and only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • The discount provides 15% off the standard adult fare.
  • Use the code V157 when booking via the Amtrak website or app.
  • The discount applies to any trip made between any two stations along the Missouri River Runner or Lincoln Service routes. These stations include – Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington, Kirkwood, St. Louis, Alton, Carlinville, Springfield, Lincoln, Bloomington, Pontiac, Dwight, Joliet, Summit, Chicago.

UMKC Parent and Family Programs

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