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RooSTRONG is UMKC's model for personalizing student success

RooSTRONG, UMKC’s student success model, asserts a vision for student experience that is personalized, engaging and data-informed from the first encounter through transition. RooSTRONG addresses barriers students may face at critical junctures in their journeys: access, entry, progress, completion, and transition. By addressing the whole person, the momentum strategies that compose RooSTRONG integrate academic initiatives that encourage progress and persistence with co-curricular initiatives designed to provide individualized supports for students in our community (e.g. students who are traditionally undeserved, first-generation college, military veterans, students with disabilities, student-athletes, and students who are academically gifted, transfer and returning students).

Learn more about RooSTRONG

Demonstrating support of students

The new model is built upon a goal shared by faculty and staff to balance high expectations of our students with programs and services that support and facilitate their growth, development, and academic achievement. We demonstrate our support for students by being available when students need us; participating with students in the UMKC learning community; taking responsibility for the energy we bring to our students; and serving as models of learning, stewardship, and citizenship. UMKC faculty, staff, and administrators foster UMKC’s student support culture through a shared belief that each student is of unique value and is worthy of our time, attention, and respect. UMKC nurtures students through appreciative inquiry and coaching, and through continuously improving the student support process – there is always a better way. Several theories and frameworks influence the Student Success Model: 1) Loss/Momentum Framework, 2) Growth Mindset, and 3) Student Development Theory.

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UMKC's Student Success Foundation

  • We create a compelling connection of caring and inclusion that serves as a “gravitational force” to attract students to be engaged in the classroom and to participate in co-curriculum programming
  • We support each student through a learning experience that gains momentum over five phases – Access, Entry, Progression, Completion, and Transition.
  • We meet each student’s unique needs by ensuring equitable access to UMKC’s academic and co-curricular programs and services.
  • We nurture a shared growth mindset, learning, discovery, and innovation.
  • We foster in each student a sense of purpose, empowerment, self-regulation, commitment and resilience that promotes retention, progression through degree completion, and alumni engagement.
  • We respect each students’ needs and rights to timely completion of a rigorous academic program of study at the lowest possible cost.
  • We ensure that each student is ready and well-prepared for independence, career, advanced study, and leadership.
flat design image of students

Momentum Framework

RooSTRONG adapted Completion by Design's Loss/Momentum Framework and bases student success strategies in the following critical junctures.

  1. Access: Potential students' initial interest through submitting their applications
  2. Entry: Application through matriculation and completion of first term
  3. Progress: Second semester through 75% of completion, summarized by high expectations and a log of support
  4. Completion: From junior year through completion, students further refine their career goals and participate in internships, undergraduate research, and connect with Career Services.
  5. Transition: Students are now alumni. They are employed or headed to graduate school. They may look to UMKC for lifelong learning to advance their careers, and participate in university traditions.
an image of the student success model with the momentum framework and the six areas of student focus, academic support, mentoring, culture of caring, teaching and learning, and leadership and career. in the center is an image of a circle with gears.

EQUITY + EXCELLENCE = OUR GOALS, MISSION, AND VALUES

What makes the model work

  • Sense of belonging
  • Health, wellness, & resilience
  • Welcoming campus climate
  • Data and decision-making support

High Expectations x High Support

 

images of gears in a circle

UMKC needs a student success model

  • Compelling connection of caring and inclusion that inspires student engagement.
  • Equitable access to UMKC’s academic and co-curricular programs and services.
  • Shared growth mindset, learning, discovery, and innovation.
  • Purpose, empowerment, self-regulation, commitment, and resilience that promotes persistence through degree completion and alumni engagement.
  • Timely completion of a rigorous academic program of study at the lowest possible cost.
  • Ready and well-prepared alumni for independence, career, advanced study, and leadership.

Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M., & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. John Wiley & Sons.

  1. Encourage contact between students and faculty
  2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students
  3. Encourage active learning
  4. Give prompt feedback
  5. Emphasize time on task
  6. Communicate high expectations
  7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning

Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE bulletin, 3, 7.

Culture

RooSTRONG promotes a Culture of Caring that works effectively and efficiently for students. Students who embrace the UMKC Culture of Caring will:

  • Take every opportunity to assist all in our community to reach high expectations;
  • Determine how we can achieve our goals rather than request permission to achieve our goals, and
  • Develop an atmosphere where students are allowed to be their authentic selves while developing critical life skills that will allow them to thrive in any environment.

UMKC’s Culture of Caring and Inclusion

  • We meet each student exactly where they are.
  • We assess but don’t assume or judge.
  • We treat students as our family.
  • We engage each student with learning experiences and co-curricular supports to meet their unique needs.
  • We provide each student with constant and consistent guidance and feedback.
  • We help each student take responsibility for their personal progress, their education, their decisions, and their futures.
  • We encourage each student to fully integrate their individual growth with the common good.
  • We contribute with pride to our student-centered urban university, serving our mission of learning, discovery, research and service, inspired by our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respectful interaction.
a blue flat image heart with an image of two hands clasped inside the heart