UMKC College of Arts & Sciences

The next Roos for Mental Health Lunch-n-Learn, Supporting the Trans or Gender Nonconforming Person in Your Life, is at noon on Feb. 22. This program is designed... for cisgender students, faculty and staff who have personal or professional relationships with trans or gender nonconforming (TGNC) folks. Anyone interested in learning and strengthening their LGBTQ+ allyship is welcome to attend. We will discuss relevant terminology, the relationship between TGNC affirmation and mental and physical wellbeing, where to start in your allyship journey and how doing this work benefits all of us -- regardless of gender. http://bit.ly/3jFvx8Q See more

Continuing to highlight Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at UMKC, today we share why Jessica Keith finished her BLA. http://bit.ly/3r4FZZV

When Shae Perry makes it big, we can say we knew her when That's right, UMKC College of Arts & Sciences alumna Perry is using her entrepreneurial experiences to carve out her own path as a media mogul and community advocate. #WeAreUMKC

Mark your calendar for the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture! 6 p.m. Feb. 15 The speaker is Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to be an Antiracist." Registration for this virtual event is now open. http://bit.ly/3bkNFTn

UMKC Alert: Due to continuing freezing weather, classes and campus services will transition to on-site closure and remote operations at 5 p.m. today, Feb. 8, and move back on-site at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 9.

We're celebrating Ted Seligson, a titan of architecture, designer of prominent Kansas City buildings and one of our professors for three decades. http://bit.ly/3os19QQ

There's still time to register for the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture on Feb. 15. Our guest is Professor Ibram X. Kendi. His newest books are Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, co-edited with Keisha Blain; and Be Antiracist: A Journal for Awareness, Reflection and Action. Register now:... http://bit.ly/2NbG7rS See more

The next Roos for Mental Health Lunch-n-Learn, Virtual Exhaustion and Self-Care, is at noon Feb. 17. Learn about virtual exhaustion including what you can do ab...out it. We will also discuss the importance of self-care and identify several strategies for you to utilize with yourself and share with others. Our facilitator is Kathryn Brewer, Ph.D., co-chair #RoosForMentalHealth and visiting assistant professor, UMKC Counseling and Counseling Psychology. This event is free. Registration is required. http://bit.ly/2MF73QX

Chocolate chip cookies, lemon cookies, chocolate cake ... yum! Professor Beth Vonnahme is well-known for her baking and is sharing her recipes with us this winter break.

Shout out to the author of the book News of The World by Paulette Jiles. Jiles is a UMKC College of Arts & Sciences graduate!

As 2020 draws to a close, let us celebrate the strength, perseverance and true excellence our UMKC community has shown during these challenging times. http://bit.ly/34wtIov

Congratulations, graduates! #ClassOf2020RooStrong If you missed the UMKC 2020 Mid-Year Commencement video, you can watch it online. https://youtu.be/Fpxa-RHdKuk... View the College of Arts and Sciences Fall 2020 Recognition Video: https://youtu.be/t4DZiBZyGS8 View the College of Arts andSciences Fall 2020 Virtual Yearbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UME_zFf11Uw

We invite you to join us and celebrate our amazing UMKC graduates! 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 #ClassOf2020RooStrong

UMKC architecture students competed for the annual Helix Prize with designs for a combined bookstore and owner’s residence appropriate for an urban community. #UMKCProud UMKC Department of Architecture, Urban Planning + Design

Stress Less Fest continues with Grab and Go: Craft and Snack, Pause for Paws Video Premiere, Grab and Go: Craft and Snack, Coffee and Calligraphy and Roo Wednesday with UPB. https://bit.ly/2HWgN74

Keep up the good work, Roos, and join the variety of offices and student organizations that have scheduled activities to ease your mind during finals. View the complete Stress Less Fest schedule https://bit.ly/2HWgN74

Stress Less Fest continues next week. Be sure to join the virtual events. #RooUp https://bit.ly/2HWgN74

Hey, Roos. If you are using the elevator, please be mindful of the two-person limit, wear your face covering, and avoid touching the elevator buttons with your ...exposed hand/fingers, if possible. Consider using the cap of a pen, your knuckle or your elbow to push the elevator button. #KeepEveryRooSafe See more

Stress Less Fest starts tomorrow! Events include Grab and Go Craft and Snack, Pause for Paws, Shrink Your Stress and Guess that Song Music Trivia. View the complete schedule https://bit.ly/2HWgN74

There's still time to catch the UMKC Gallery of Art exhibition, Real Black: A spectrum of the Black present. The show runs through Dec. 11.

Learn how to use music to help with stress and anxiety at the next Roos for Mental Health Lunch-n-Learn at noon, Dec. 4. Your lunch-and-learn presenters, facult...y from the UMKC Conservatory Music Therapy Program, will talk about the research behind using music for wellness and will guide you through learning how to relax and calm your nerves using music. This event is free, but registration is required. https://bit.ly/3fGNVfB

Keep calm and join the UMKC Math and Stats Department: Become a statistician, a certified actuarial analyst, a data analyst or a math educator. https://bit.ly/363HoIO

This year, we feel grateful for our entire Roo community of students, faculty and staff for keeping UMKC safe. We want to thank all those who have worked tirele...ssly to keep UMKC clean, rearrange campus spaces and procure PPE. Thank you to our faculty for your commitment to our mission of education even in the face of so much hardship. Thank you to the countless staff who continue to support our students without missing a beat. Lastly, thank you to our students for continuing to show everyone just how incredible you all are. Have a safe holiday. #RooUp See more

English professor Antonio Byrd is teaching his students to use writing, rhetoric and technology for liberation and survival. Read more in the latest Black Excellence feature.

It's Thanksgiving week, Roos! Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Review the travel tips in this video before you leave.

Catch up on the latest news from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The latest newsletter is now available online. https://cas.umkc.edu/math/about-us/department-newsletter/

Congratulations to UMKC College of Arts and Sciences faculty Viviana Grieco, associate professor of UMKC History Department; and Joseph Hartman, assistant professor of UMKC Department of Art and Art History.

In the sixth video of our series, Amanda Grimes, Ph.D., MCHES, @UMKC School of Nursing & Health Studies assistant professor, walks us through her research studying the impact of decreased physical activity and how to keep young girls active in the critical years for developing healthy habits. Grimes and her team of student assistants meet with young people to complete a play basic evaluation and then they collect data on an ongoing basis using Garmin watches with the goal of learning more about how to achieve lifelong healthy outcomes.

Important Campus Update: Due to increased community spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Kansas City and surrounding areas, and out of an abundance of caution, U...MKC will complete the remainder of the fall semester online following Thanksgiving break. Students traveling for break are advised to bring any course materials they may need with them in the event they need to quarantine. Students choosing to remain on campus will still be able to do so but will complete their coursework in an online format. The health and safety of our UMKC community is of the utmost importance and so we urge each and every one of you to follow the CDC-recommended best practices of social distancing and mask wearing. So far, our UMKC students, faculty and staff have set a great example of how to keep our communities safe and we encourage everyone to keep up the good work throughout the holiday season. https://bit.ly/35IVtva See more

Career Conference Dec. 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join the UMKC Criminal Justice and Criminology Department for the inaugural career conference. Experts from across justice-oriented disciplines will come together to explore a wide variety of topics related to the future of criminal justice. The conference boasts a student-oriented track and a practitioner-oriented track with three opportunities for mingling between students and practitioners. Speakers will cover a range of topics inc...luding pediatric strangulation, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, examining the death penalty and sustaining resiliency in new practitioners. The morning session will be led by Klassie Alcine, president of KC Common Good. The closing session speakers are Justice Gatson, Missouri ACLU; and Raychel McBride, Corporate KIN). A Career Expo is also scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the interactive brochure and get more information. https://www.flipsnack.com/CJCROOS/conference-example.html The virtual Career Conference is free to attend. Registration is required. https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSe9Rue5luiv5_6f04/viewform

Don't forget to register for Putting Languages into Practice: Working in Global Health with Rebecca Singer, University of Illinois, Chicago. It starts at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.

There are 100 new student veterans on campus this semester. The At Ease Zone at UMKC furthers veterans’ opportunities and success.

Happy Birthday to Professor Seligson!

In conjunction with Real Black: a spectrum of the Black present, the UMKC Gallery of Art will be hosting a Family Friday. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so friends, family and community members have the chance to see the exhibition outside of regularly-scheduled hours. They will also have a scavenger hunt in the Gallery for children ages 5 to 10 in order to have a more guided tour of the show. A participation prize will be available as well. This event is free, but registration is required. *Please note this show does contain some nudity, which will not be focused on in the children's scavenger hunt event.

Thank you to everyone who has been following safety and health procedures to keep students, faculty and staff safe during COVID-19. We encourage you to continue following these procedures as we enter the winter months and holiday season. The information in this blog post about cleaning on campus is still applicable and a good reminder of the things we can do to #KeepEveryRooSafe. https://bit.ly/36fjDMG

Showing now at the UMKC Gallery of Art Real Black: a spectrum of the Black present This exhibition, which runs through Dec. 11, illustrates both the experiences of living Black artists and visions of the future. The show delineates current history and a new era of civil unrest. As a display of the living, Real Black presents a glimpse of the beauty of daily life while depicting an auspicious equitable future. https://bit.ly/3k18ILz

Holidays are often portrayed as being filled with happiness, harmony and fun. But sometimes holidays bring chaos, conflict and stress. Join us for the next Roos for Mental Health Lunch and Learn, Beating the Holiday Blues, at noon Nov. 17. The presenter is Arnie Abels, PhD, director and clinical coordinator, UMKC Counseling and Disability Services, co-chair #RoosForMentalHealth. This virtual event is free, but registration is required. https://bit.ly/354nH2X

Check out the First Gen Roo Celebration website and join virtual activities including the interactive wall! #RooUp https://bit.ly/38ccuz8

UMKC First Gen Proud is hosting the Educate-Organize-Advocate pre-conference panel discussion, How to Check Imposter Syndrome at the Door. The virtual event is from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. The pre-conference session will provide a range of perspectives into what imposter syndrome is, who is impacted by it and how it operates in our lives. Participants will be asked to reflect on their own feelings and experiences to create a plan for how to engage with and in s...ituations, such as conferences, that may commonly induce imposter syndrome in themselves and others. First Gen Proud is an initiative that celebrates and acknowledges the first generation college student identity. This session is part of UMKC’s second annual First Gen Celebration. All are invited to attend and contribute to this session. This event is free. Registration is required. https://bit.ly/386uPxM

In the fifth video of our series, Kun Cheng, Ph.D., Curators' Distinguished Professor at the UMKC School of Pharmacy, walks us through his research using the patients' own immune systems to fight cancer cells. #UMKCSTEM #STEMMajors At UMKC, students can join faculty like Dr. Cheng their laboratories even as early as their undergraduate years! to support cutting-edge research. Browse all our academic areas at umkc.edu/majors, or apply today at umkc.edu/apply.

KC Scholars Jennifer Rangel started UMKC unsure of her major. Just make sure whatever you choose you actually love. It makes all the difference and you’ll know when you hear yourself talk about it. #KCScholars #KCStrong

We're committed to creating a safe, healthy environment for our Roos. Based on CDC recommendations for universities, here's what you need to keep in mind. #KeepEveryRooSafe https://bit.ly/34eqpml

Nov. 5 is the start of the #UMKC First Generation College Celebration Week! Join us in celebrating out First Gen Roos! #RooUp https://bit.ly/38ccuz8

The College of Arts and Sciences is delighted to announce several faculty and staff awards presented on Oct. 21 by Interim Dean Kati Toivanen at the annual CAS Dean’s Fall Reception. Congratulations! Read more: https://bit.ly/35RX6VQ

Celebrate French language and culture during UMKC French Week Nov. 4-10. This is an online celebration of all things French. The event includes games, talks with faculty and alumni, an art challenge and more! Speaking French is not required for most activities. See http://info.umkc.edu/umkcfrench for the full schedule. Advance registration is required.

Happy Halloween, Roos! As you make final decisions on your Halloween masks, don't forget to bring your other mask when you are out and about. Stay safe. Help #KeepEveryRooSafe! #RooUp #MaskUp

From our COVID-19 video series with UMKC School of Medicine students, Lavina Thadani talks about the importance of what you do off campus.

Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of Economics, was recently a guest on The Critical Hour Link, talking about political impact of President Donald Trump and the first lady testing positive for COVID-19.

It's an election year, which means our UMKC Political Science Department professors Beth and Greg Vonnahme are keeping busy. Read this great piece about them!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Roos! This video has good reminders for traveling during the pandemic.

Have you seen the current exhibition at the UMKC Gallery of Art? Read what Harold Smith wrote about for KC Studio. Then, get over and see it!

6 Questions with Caroline Moriarty, UMKC Political Science Department Why did you choose UMKC? I chose UMKC for two reasons. First, I wanted to go to college in a bigger city than my hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and I loved how UMKC was in the city but still had a campus atmosphere. Second, I chose UMKC because UMKC awarded me the Trustees' Scholarship, and I was grateful for the opportunities the scholarship would provide me.... What are your career goals? I am a senior, so I will be attending law school next fall. I aspire to practice law and work for change in the community. I am so thankful to the College of Arts and Sciences for broadening my perspective through the diversity of classes, quality of professors, and plethora of additional opportunities. Thanks to my undergraduate studies here at UMKC, I have a better idea of who I am and what I can accomplish professionally. Where is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite place on campus is definitely the fourth floor of the library. I can't tell you how many times I've written papers and caught up on my coursework there. What is your favorite place to visit in Kansas City? City Market on the weekends. I love patronizing local businesses, buying fresh produce, and interacting with other Kansas Citians! What has been your favorite thing about UMKC? I think my favorite part about UMKC is how my professors, faculty, and classmates are all working towards the same goal of success after graduation. My professors have always been willing to go the extra step to connect me to other professionals in the field, write recommendation letters, or even discuss their career path in office hours. The faculty members I've interacted with have become trusted advisors to me and helped my grow both professionally and personally. Finally, the atmosphere among the students at UMKC is positive and forward-looking. I'm continually inspired by everyone I meet here! What extracurricular activities are you involved with? Over the last four years, I've been involved with UMKC College Democrats, UMKC Student Government Association, College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, St. Paul's Outreach, Mortar Board, UMKC Pi Sigma Alpha and Her Campus at UMKC.

Juggling school and life responsibilities can often seem overwhelming. As the College of Arts and Sciences Life Coach, Carline Bruton is here to offer support to students in a confidential, judgment-free zone. Services and support include partnering with students to find solutions to challenges faced both in and out of the school setting and connecting them to other helpful resources. Scheduling appointments can be done via UMKC Connect, by calling 816-235-1446 or emailing [email protected]. https://bit.ly/3oAjknZ

We’re bringing our Haunted UMKC tour to you. Check out these 5 spooky locations on campus just in time for Halloween.

We're very proud of Daisy Garcia Montoya, senior communications and political science major! She was Interviewed by KMBC about the Cambio Para Cambio campaign. Read more:

Many UMKC students are struggling to stay in school and meet basic needs in these challenging times. Donate to the Student Emergency Fund or the Kangaroo Food Pantry and an anonymous donor will match your gift for #RooRelief.

This year's Social Justice program will be a panel discussion of the book "How to be an AntiRacist," by Ibram X. Kendi. The event will be held virtually at 6 p.m. Oct. 27. The author will not be in attendance. The event is free, but registration is required. https://bit.ly/2Huf606

Join UMKC Alumna Anne Kniggendorf at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2 for a discussion of her recently published book, "A Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure Conversation." UMKC Alumni Association

UMKC Staff Council's recent panel discussion provides tips for maintaining self-care and relationships during the pandemic.

Students! It's time to schedule a meeting with your academic advisor for Spring 2021. The class schedule is viewable in Pathway now! You are encouraged to meet with your advisor prior to registering each semester, so schedule that appointment now! You can schedule a meeting through UMKC Connect, by phone, 816-235-1699 or reach out directly to your academic advisor. https://bit.ly/37BxSh8

UMKC College of Arts and Sciences faculty continue to give an expert assessment of election polls. Steve Kraske, associate teaching professor and host of Up to Date on KCUR 89.3, was recently interviewed on MSNBC.

There's still time to register for Writers for Readers on Oct. 29.

Get to know some of our very own CAS students! First up, Chase Ford, Chase Ford, UMKC Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Philosophy and UMKC Political Science Department! You graduate this spring. What are your career plans? After graduation, I am planning on attending law school. I want to study international environmental law with an additional focus in human rights.... You are a member of the UMKC Honors College. What is your thesis and how did you decide on that topic? My honors thesis will be addressing climate migration in the Lake Chad region of the Sahel. I want to analyze current migration trends and propose that climate change will be a driving force for future migration. In my studies I have always been interested in the humanitarian consequences of climate change and I naturally find myself researching this topic. What has been the most memorable thing you have done as a College of Arts and Sciences student? During my sophomore year I had the opportunity to go study abroad in Portugal. I got to learn about Portuguese culture and history, learn about economic and biomedical innovations, and meet with political leaders. Following my trip I wrote a research paper on the Portuguese national identity following the 1974 Carnation Revolution, which ended up getting published in the Lucerna journal on campus. What has been your favorite class and why? Dr. Nally’s Social and Political Philosophy class. In the class we covered philosophers like Plato, Locke, Hobbes, Marx and Mill. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between each of their views and compare it to the political structures we have today. Philosophy is historically a dense subject to understand and Dr. Nally has an amazing way of explaining the literature and normalizing confusion

Be sure to see the current exhibition at the UMKC Gallery of Art, Real Black: A spectrum of the Black present. It runs through Dec. 11. https://bit.ly/2Hl6lWx

Respond by Monday, Oct. 26 for a chance to be selected for one of two $250 book stipends! Your input helps us do a better job supporting you and your fellow students. https://bit.ly/3oguMF2

It's never too early to get started on filing your FAFSA. In fact, the earlier you file the better your chance of snagging some aid if you qualify. Check out these tips.

Fall semester 2020 on-campus COVID-19 cases can be found online. https://bit.ly/37lzUlv

The next Roos for Mental Health Lunch-n-Learn is at 1 p.m. Oct. 30. The session, Building Healthy Relationships, defines what makes a relationship healthy, unhe...althy and abusive. Learn how to identify your needs and wants in a relationship, establish healthy boundaries and communicate effectively. This online event is free, but registration is required: https://bit.ly/3lZaU7w