Jump Into UMKC

Jump Into UMKC is a signature Roo Welcome program.

What is Jump into UMKC?

Jump into UMKC is a brand new onboarding experience for all new-to-UMKC undergraduate students. This program promotes a successful transition to campus through student centered learning experiences, identification and connection with on-campus resources and services, and development of peer relationships. All incoming UMKC undergraduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this premier learning experience. 

Jump into UMKC takes place the week before classes begin, starting Wednesday, August 19 and leads students into UMKC's long-established, 3-week Roo Welcome. 

Benefits of Program

Students who complete Jump Into UMKC will have a better understanding of the skills necessary to be successful and the support programs, resources, and services UMKC offers to meet student needs. Participants will attend workshops and breakouts related to time management and confidence building, building a budget, how to use UMKC technology, and career readiness. Students will be uniquely positioned to get to know and develop relationships with faculty and staff sooner than if they were to meet them on the first day of classes and social activities will allow students to build strong peer-to-peer relationships.

Key tangible benefits:

  • Students will get a "jump" on their UMKC experience by learning about key tools and resources necessary for success. 
  • Students will meet and get to know key success partners, including peer mentors like Orientation Leaders, Welcome Leaders, and Peer Academic Leaders (PALs). 
  • Participants will be entered to a raffle to receive a one-time tuition scholarship. 

Registration

Any incoming, new-to-UMKC undergraduate student who has completed UMKC Orientation (attended orientation and have enrolled in Fall courses) can register to Jump Into UMKC. There is no cost to attend Jump Into UMKC.

Students will see registration for Jump Into UMKC on their application status page beginning on May 1. 

Priority deadline is August 1. 

Click here to go to your application status page

If you are having trouble registering, please email roowelcome@umkc.edu

2026 Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, August 19

  • 5PM | Check-In and Late Registration
  • 6PM | Playfair! The Ultimate Icebreaker
  • 7:30PM | Pizza and Movie 

Thursday, August 20

  • 8AM | Breakfast On Your Own 
  • 9AM | Walk your schedule and Miller Nichols Library Tours
  • 12PM | Self-Guided KC Streetcar Experience (lunch voucher included)
  • 2PM | Alumni Welcome to UMKC
  • 2:30PM | Academic Unit Sessions
  • 4PM | Concurrent Learning Sessions
  • 5:30PM | Dinner in the Foodiverse
  • 7PM | Kansas City Athletics Men's Soccer Match

Friday, August 21

  • 8AM | Breakfast on your own
  • 10AM | Relax and RECharge with Campus Recreation & Atterbury Student Success Center open house
  • 12PM | Lunch in the Foodiverse
  • 1PM | College 101 Student Panel
  • 4PM-7PM | Residential Life Wing Meetings (Mandatory for Residents)
  • 5PM | Dinner On Your Own
  • 8PM | Late Night with The Greeks (open to all students, no interest in Greek Life required)

FAQ

Find out more below by expanding each section of the FAQ.

Participants can begin moving in on Wednesday August 19 at 8AM. Participants will be able to reserve an appointment in their StarRez portal once they have registered for Jump Into UMKC. Move in appointment selection for new students will open in StarRez on July 1, 2025. 

On-campus residents should plan to attend Residential Life Wing Meetings on Friday August 21, between 4PM and 7PM. Wing Meetings are an overview of Residential Life expectations, and conversations about setting yourself up for a successful academic year. Please consult your Resident Assistant (RA) for the exact start time and location. 

Plan on being on campus the evening of Wednesday, August 19, and all day on Thursday, August 20 and Friday, August 21. See the Schedule at a Glance above for more details. 

Nothing. Jump Into UMKC is a free program offered to all incoming, new-to-UMKC students.

Yes. All meals occurring during the program will be provided. Breakfast before, or dinner after, the program will be the responsibility of each participant. Students with meal plans will be able to use them for meals beginning on Wednesday, August 19. Students without meal plans are welcome to purchase meals at the UMKC Foodiverse or at nearby vendors.

Programs such as First Gen Roo Scholars, Professional Career Escalators, SSE Bootcamp and 6-year BAMD will allow participants to participate in pieces of Jump Into UMKC. If you are planning to participate in one of those programs, you should prioritize that program. Students who are participating in one of these programs are welcome to attend any part of Jump Into UMKC that doesn't interfere with program requirements. Jump Into UMKC is optional and can be used to supplement a students' onboarding experience. If you would like to participate in Jump Into UMKC in addition to a required onboarding program, you should register for Jump Into UMKC.

Students are encouraged to make an effort to attend the program in its entirety. If that is not possible, we are happy to have students for the time they are able to attend.

Jump Into UMKC has been designed with incoming first-time college students in mind. We politely ask that continuing students do not register for this program. Continuing students are invited to participate in other Roo Welcome programs beginning with Late Night with The Greeks on August 21, 2026 through Friday, September 11, 2026.

Jump Into UMKC has been designed with incoming first-time college students in mind. All new-to-UMKC undergraduate students are invited to participate. Transfer students may find that content is not-applicable to their collegiate experience however may benefit from peer-networking and social opportunities along with specific UMKC resources.

Incoming undergraduate international students are invited to participate in Jump Into UMKC. If you would like to participate in Jump Into UMKC, you should prioritize any/all required International Orientation and onboarding programs.

Incoming graduate international students: Jump Into UMKC has been designed with incoming first-time college students in mind. We politely ask that continuing students do not register for this program. Continuing students are invited to participate in other Roo Welcome programs beginning with Late Night with The Greeks on August 21, 2026 through Friday, September 11, 2026.

UMKC is committed to equitable access to all events and programs. Please include all accommodation requests when prompted in the registration form. For questions, please contact Drake Summers at 816-235-5579 or roowelcome@umkc.edu to request an accommodation.

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