Roo Welcome
Kick off your new semester with Roo Welcome!
A chance to connect with new and returning Roos, Roo Welcome lets you explore campus resources, make new friends, learn about involvement opportunities, and get connected to your Roo community.
Signature Events and Traditions
Join us for some of our favorite Signature Events and UMKC Traditions!
Late Night with the Greeks: August 21, 2026 | 8:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
Kick off the academic year at one of UMKC’s biggest late-night events! Enjoy food trucks, giveaways, drawings, and entertainment while exploring campus spots like University Playhouse and Miller Nichols Learning Center. Interested in Fraternity and Sorority Affairs? Meet Greek organizations, learn about their values and philanthropies, and explore recruitment opportunities.
Convocation: August 22, 2026 | 1:00 P.M.- 2:00 P.M.
Convocation marks the start of your academic journey at UMKC. This special tradition acts as the official welcoming ceremony for new and transfer students where they learn about university traditions, listen to welcoming words from the university chancellor, and participate in the UMKC pinning ceremony — one of our favorite and longest-standing traditions.
Unionfest & Roo Plaza Party: August 22, 2026 | 2:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M.
New and returning students are invited to learn about campus resources, meet student organizations and their leaders, and engage with our campus community through our largest welcome event of the semester! Choose from an array of food truck vendors, activities and games and learn about community partners and off-campus vendors.
Swinney Splash: August 23, 2026 | 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
RecFest: August 28, 2026 | 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
RecFest is the perfect way to kick off the semester with UMKC Campus Recreation! Join us outside the Swinney Recreation Center for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and opportunities to connect with fellow Roos during Roo Welcome.
Lunch on the Lawn: September 2, 2026 | 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Experience an opportunity to connect with campus resources at Lunch on the Lawn and Connections Fair for Health Science Students!
UMKC Night at Starlight: September 12, 2026 | 7:30 P.M.
UMKC is continuing its partnership with Kansas City's iconic Starlight Theatre, the city's oldest and largest nonprofit performing arts venue. Join us for the third annual UMKC Night at Starlight on Sept. 12 and enjoy Disney's Newsies at one of Kansas City's most beloved outdoor theaters.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. UMKC students can receive discounts of up to 50% on tickets in seating levels 2-6 by entering the promo code "UMKCRUSH" before selecting seats. Discounted tickets are available through Sept. 11.
Reserve your tickets here - https://tickets.kcstarlight.com/newsies/5138
Check out more Roo Welcome events on RooGroups!
Become a Welcome Leader
Want to help welcome and engage with new and returning students while building skills, making meaningful connections, and building your resume? Welcome Leaders do just that! Although applications are closed for the 2026 Fall semester, keep your eyes open for applications in Spring 2027!
Welcome Leaders are returning UMKC students who are tasked with helping new students transition to campus. They will be some of the first students you meet and connect with on campus. Look out for them at Roo Welcome events, including Convocation, Unionfest, and more.
Are you a returning student who wants to help new students begin their journey at UMKC? Make an immediate impact on new Roos as a Roo Welcome Leader!
Welcome Leader applications are now closed for the 2026- 2027 school year. Check back in Spring 2027 for more details!
Faculty, Staff, and Community Partners
We encourage UMKC faculty and staff, departments, offices, and community partners to get involved in our Roo Welcome programming. Help us welcome new and returning Roos to campus by volunteering during Roo Welcome or hosting your own Roo Welcome tagged event in RooGroups!
FAQ
Make sure you have taken your next steps with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to be properly enrolled in your first semester of courses. Log into your Application Status Page to check if you have any outstanding to-do items. Please note – access to Roo Groups can take up to 48 hours after enrollment.
New students may receive their t-shirts in a few ways:
- By stopping by the Welcome Table before, or during the first week of classes
If you are unable to find time to pickup your new student t-shirt, please contact the Office of Student Involvement by emailing umkcgetinvolved@umkc.edu.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Involvement at (816) 235-1407 or roowelcome@umkc.edu.