Jump Into UMKC
Jump Into UMKC
Jump into UMKC is a signature Roo Welcome program. An immersive, multi-day onboarding experience, Jump in UMKC is designed to connect new students with their peers, campus resources, and the Kansas City community through engaging activities and academic and career exploration.
Take it From Us
Find out why you should attend Jump into UMKC from students who attended and from student leaders who help make it the best way to start your college experience!
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.
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
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)
FAQs
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.
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.
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 incoming graduate international 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.