For the second year in a row, UMKC has welcomed its largest freshman class in university history.
Dubbed “Kansas City’s University,” UMKC has been working to make known the opportunities it has for potential students.
Through increasing scholarships, creating tailored extracurriculars and introducing new in-demand academic programs, they are able to attract students to campus.
Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Doug Swink said that the numbers will not be solidified until the annual census later this month.
UMKC administration is working internally to accommodate this new influx of students. “Various teams within the Division of Student Success are working in tandem with university leaders to ensure students will have the right support in and out of the classroom,” said Swink.
Swink said UMKC plans to attract new students by observing data and taking an “omnichannel approach” to help potential students in their decision-making process. Using this customer-centric design, the school wants to advertise its affordability and supportive community.
“UMKC is just a great community to be part of,” said Swink. “That is thanks to the faculty, staff and even fellow students who build our community up every day and make UMKC not only a great place to learn but a supportive and vibrant place to be.”
The dedication to creating programs tailored to support students in specific ways is one reason Swink believes the enrollment rate continues to increase.
He credited academic success programs like Supplemental Instruction and mentorship programs like Avanzando, First Gen Roo and Men of Color Academy.
“UMKC has been working really hard to make sure prospective students know the amazing opportunities here, and that work is paying off,” said Swink.
Additionally, the creation of in-demand degree programs like biomedical engineering and architecture is another way of drawing students in. Swink said that the university is working to recruit graduate students and is planning to add eight new Ph.D. programs.
With new construction projects and campus beautifying efforts, Swink believes momentum around the campus and the Kansas City metro area will continue to build.
“All of these factors are helping to make UMKC a destination campus in this region,” said Swink.
Freshman communications major Dana Venezuela Portillo was attracted to UMKC for its accessibility.
“What drew me to UMKC was how close to home it is and the affordability,” said Portillo.
Attending First Gen Roo Scholars’ welcome week events familiarized Portillo with UMKC and all it had to offer.
“It really helped me get to know the ins-and-outs of the campus and its resources,” said Portillo.
Freshman architectural studies major Ruben Renteria was drawn to UMKC because of the scholarships.
“The scholarship opportunities made it possible for me to be able to further my education without going into debt elsewhere,” said Renteria.
Roo Welcome helped Renteria learn more about the vast number of on-campus resources that are available to students. Additionally, Renteria credits First Semester Experience for helping him connect with UMKC.
“FSE constantly reminds me of all the help that I’m able to get here on campus,” said Renteria.
