President of the Association of American Colleges and Universities Visits UMKC

The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has been a resource for hundreds of campuses as they work to engage their students and their general education programs with the challenges of this new global century. On Wednesday, September 2nd, Dr. Carol Geary Schneider will provide a university-wide keynote address at UMKC titled, “General Education and Integrative Learning: Fulfilling the Promise of a 21st Century College Education.” Dr. Schneider, who has been president of AAC&U since 1998, will talk about the emerging themes and priorities in contemporary approaches to general education; about new research on “high impact” educational practices; and especially about ways to help students reap the full benefit of their studies beyond the major.

To find out more information about Dr. Schneider see the article about her in this month’s UMatters.

Dr. Carol Geary Schneider, President of AACU
University-wide Presentation
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 ~ 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Royall Hall, Room 104

New Faculty Orientation

On Wednesday, August 12, 2009, twenty-three new University of Missouri – Kansas City faculty members attended the New Faculty Orientation Program. The program was primarily focused on the teaching/learning process and on conducting research as a faculty member at UMKC.

UMKC faculty involved in the panel presentation on teaching/learning included: Dr. Cindy Amyot, Dr. Wayne Vaught, Dr. Linda Breytspraak and Dr. Kathleen Kilway. Dr. Susan Adler, Dr. Mike Kruger, Dr. Len Dobens and Dr. Trent Guess were the UMKC faculty panelists discussing strategies related to pursuing a productive research agenda.

There were also opportunities for faculty to visit with representatives from a variety of campus services, and “giveaways” were provided by Swinney Recreation Center, UMKC Intercollegiate Athletics, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, KCUR, UMKC Dining Services and the UMKC Bookstore!! Faculty were provided with tours of Swinney Recreation Center, Miller Nichols Library, the FaCET Offices and the Health Sciences Library.

We would like to welcome the new faculty to the University of Missouri – Kansas City and hope they have a great first semester!

SEE THE NEW FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES

-Written by Cindy Pemberton, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Welcoming Students Through Convocation

Provost Hackett has asked the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management to take the lead in coordinating the UMKC Convocation this fall with the new student Welcome Day. The outcomes for Convocation are to welcome our new undergraduate students to UMKC, introduce them to campus traditions, and help them engage with the campus and faculty to support their transition to UMKC.

While Welcome Day has been historically a social celebration, this year Convocation will be a more formal event designed to officially welcome new freshmen, transfers and international students to academic life at UMKC. As this will be the first step towards their graduation, Deans and faculty will wear regalia to the welcoming pinning ceremony.

As a part UMKC’s vision to place student success at the center, Convocation provides an opportunity for faculty to provide a “high impact” educational experience associated with student engagement and retention. One of the most important foundations for success is forming professional relationships between students and faculty. According to Dr. Richard Light, in his book, Making the Most of College: Students Speak their Minds, faculty-student interactions are some of the most important experiences students will have in college. He confirms that “students who get the most out of college, who grow the most academically, and who are happiest organize their time to include activities with faculty members, or with several other students, focused around accomplishing substantive academic work.” New Student Convocation gives students the perfect opportunity to engage with their peers and faculty prior to the start of classes and begin their experience at UMKC with the best chance of success.

Convocation will be held August 23rd at 1:00 in the Swinney Recreation Center. Following the formal event, students will be escorted to Academic Unit specific events, wrapping up with a Barbecue at 4:00 p.m. All faculty members are welcome to join in this new tradition in Swinney and you can contact your Dean for the academic unit specific portion of the program.

If you would like to learn more about Convocation and the other planned Welcome Week activities please visit www.umkc.edu/welcomeweek/.

-Written by Eric Grospitch, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Students

Nationally Competitive Fellowships and International Academic Programs

Like their counterparts at the University of Chicago, Ivy League schools, West Coast universities and other highly ranked institutions, UMKC students have been recognized for their scholarly achievement and leadership service.

Some of the nationally competitive prestigious merit-based fellowships UMKC students have won:

• DAAD:
  Scholarships to Germany for a minimum of four (one semester) and a maximum of 10 months (one academic year). Recipients are awarded a monthly stipend of approximately € 650 (US $900 - $1000), plus additional funds to help defray travel and research expenses as well as health insurance
  
• Environmental Protection Agency GRO Environmental Fellowship:
  For junior and senior years of undergraduate study and for an internship at an EPA facility during the summer between junior and senior years. The fellowship provides up to $17,000 per year of academic support and up to $7,500 of internship support for the three-month summer period.
  
• Fulbright:
  a substantial award for international study and research. Size varies according to country, but generally covers round-trip transportation, language or orientation courses (where appropriate), tuition, book and research allowances, maintenance for the academic year based on living costs in the host country, and health and accident insurance.
  
• Gilman:
  Up to $5,000 for American undergraduates who are also Pell grant recipients to pursue overseas study for college credit.
  
• James Madison:
  Up to $24,000 awarded to superior current teachers who must be able to complete graduate study within 5 calendar years of part-time study.
  
• Javits:
  Stipend of $30,000, and institutional payment in lieu of fees $12,891 for up to 4 years of graduate study.
  
• Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship:
  $5,000 to PKP members entering the first year of graduate or professional study.
  
• Presidential Management Fellows Program:
  2- year Federal government internship for outstanding women and men from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. Entry level salaries at GS 9, 11, 12 Levels (approx. $41,000-$59,000).
  
• Rotary Ambassadorial:
  $25,000 for one academic year of study in another country.
  
• Truman:
  Up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields.
  
• Udall:
  Undergraduate scholarships of up to $5,000 in fields related to the environment, and to Native American and Alaska Natives in fields related to health care or tribal policy.
  

International Academic Programs is an office dedicated to assisting students in their applications for these nationally competitive merit-based fellowships at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is important that the faculty be aware of the opportunities and to encourage their strong students to come to the office to talk in depth about the possibilities. The office serves students across the entire university system, and works closely with faculty mentors who are deeply committed to students receiving fellowships. For further information about these and many other fellowship opportunities, consult the website at www.umkc.edu/international.

This fall International Academic Programs will be hosting a fellowship workshop for students early in the fall semester – September 17th, 2009 from 4:15 PM until 5:15 PM in the Adminstrative Center Plaza Room. For more information and to RSVP, please email international@umkc.edu.

If you would like to know more about the International Academic Programs services and opportunities see the April 29th post or visit their web site and blog.