Welcome to University of Missouri - Kansas City

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Scofield Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

To know what is means to be a Roo, you have to understand the university's bond with the Kansas City community. There's no better place to start than with Scofield Hall, which hosted the first classes at UMKC. In the midst of the Great Depression, Kansas City leaders united behind a vision of a public university that would equip future generations to make a lasting difference in the Kansas City region and beyond. Local businessman and philanthropist William Volker gifted 40 acres, including a mansion — now known as Scofield Hall — that would become the University of Kansas City (now UMKC) campus. The first day of classes was Oct. 1, 1933. Before we get started, let me explain the many ways you can explore our beautiful space. You can click on the forward facing arrow to start walking around. You can jump to the next stop by clicking on the "Next" button. Now, if you already know where you want to go, you can select any location by using the list or by clicking directly on the map. Lastly, remember that you can explore any particular location in more detail by clicking the supplemental icons you'll see popping up on your screen throughout the tour.

You are now on the 3rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Scofield Hall on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 5th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Scofield Hall on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 7th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Scofield Hall on your way to River Market.

Student Union

Tour stop audio transcript

As you can see from the Student Union rooftop, UMKC is located in the heart of the city. While you meet a friend to study or relax between classes, enjoy the views of the Country Club Plaza dining and entertainment district and the world-renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Afterward, grab a bite to eat from one of multiple restaurants on the second floor of the Union or check out the UMKC Bookstore.

You are now on the 11th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Student Union on your way to River Market.

Residence Life

Tour stop audio transcript

UMKC has several residence halls with fully furnished suite- and apartment-style rooms. Students have free laundry, cable and TV services, along with 24-hour security and study and lounge spaces. Student housing is also within walking distance of classes and dining as well as shops, museums and restaurants. Not to mention, students who live on campus are more likely to have a higher GPA and graduate on time. Plus, get to know your fellow Roos at a number of social events for students who live on campus.

You are now on the 15th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Residence Life on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 17th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Residence Life on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 19th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Residence Life on your way to River Market.

Performing Arts Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The UMKC Conservatory is internationally recognized as a center for artistic excellence and innovation. The James C. Olson Performing Arts Center is home to dance, music performance, music education and theatre students from all over the world. Kansas City has a thriving performing arts scene, and many of the area’s premier performing arts groups were founded by a UMKC graduate or faculty member. Students have plenty of opportunities to get experience and connect with a global network of creative professionals.

You are now on the 23rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Performing Arts Center on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 25th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Performing Arts Center on your way to River Market.

Atterbury Student Success Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Atterbury Student Success Center is home of the Office of Admissions, Welcome Center, UMKC Dining Hall and student support services like the International Student Affairs Office, Math and Science Tutoring, and the Writing Center. Atterbury is also the home of Supplemental Instruction, a free study service in which students learn course material alongside their peers. These sessions, offered for many of the most difficult classes across campus, are led by an upperclassman advisor who has excelled at the course content. Staff members at Atterbury are here to help you find the tools you need to succeed.

You are now on the 29th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Atterbury Student Success Center on your way to River Market.

Swinney Center and Campus Recreation

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to the home of the KC Roos! Our Division I basketball and volleyball teams all play their games in Swinney Center. It’s also home to UMKC Campus Recreation, which hosts a great intramural program and several on-campus wellness amenities. On a warm, sunny day, a retractable wall of windows are open to view the indoor pool and sauna area. Further inside, you’ll find basketball and racquetball courts, weight and fitness equipment, an indoor track, massage services and more. All students have a membership to Swinney...which also offers intramural sports, group fitness classes and other services like bicycle rentals.

You are now on the 33rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Swinney Center and Campus Recreation on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 35th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Swinney Center and Campus Recreation on your way to River Market.

Fine Arts

Tour stop audio transcript

The Fine Arts Building is home to our studio art and art history lecture and studio spaces. Here students can get a variety of experiences in graphic design, photography, painting and more. Kansas City has a booming arts scene, which includes a multitude of galleries and museums. Many students get the chance to display their original works in the city, as well as get fellowships at nationally recognized museums and design internships with local businesses.

You are now on the 39th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Fine Arts on your way to River Market.

Miller Nichols Library

Tour stop audio transcript

Miller Nichols Library and Learning Center is the study hub of campus. It's equipped with open and private study spaces, computers and a café. But its unique feature is the RooBot — a robot that slides up and down the shelves to retrieve your books for you. Miller Nichols is also home to the Geological Museum and Starr Women's Hall of Fame. And don't forget to swing by at night, when the west side of the building lights up to show a map of the Kansas City area.

You are now on the 43rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Miller Nichols Library on your way to River Market.

You are now on the 45th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from Miller Nichols Library on your way to River Market.

School of Computing and Engineering - Plaster Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center is one of the newest buildings on campus, home to some of the groundbreaking research being done by the School of Computing and Engineering. The high demand for engineering and technology graduates in the Kansas City area and beyond make computing and engineering some of the fastest-growing academic programs on campus. You’ll get exceptional hands-on learning experiences through specialized labs and competitions that will help prepare you for a career after graduation. Plus, take part in research in fields such as nanomaterials, unpiloted aircrafts, renewable energy and big data, just to name a few.

AR / VR Innovation Academy

Tour stop audio transcript

The AR/VR Innovation Academy at the School of Computing and Engineering trains students and local entrepreneurs in the skills they need to be successful in creating augmented reality and virtual reality applications for industry. The lab offers access to world-class technology ranging from wearable devices to large-scale immersive showrooms. In the lab, students are fully immersed in hands-on learning experiences in 2D and 3D asset creation, modeling, rigging and animation, texture mapping and lighting to create models used in both AR and VR formats.

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences - Katz Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

On your walk to the quad, you'll pass two more academic buildings: Katz Hall and Spencer Hall. Our architecture, urban planning and design students spend much of their time in Katz Hall, which includes classrooms and studio space for building models. Many of our students find opportunities for internships and jobs with nearby private firms and public works programs. Spencer Hall is home to the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and includes recently remodeled labs. Many students are headed into a medical profession, and faculty provide plenty of opportunities for students to take part in research projects.

You are now on the 53rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from School of Biological and Chemical Sciences - Katz Hall on your way to River Market.

The Quad

Tour stop audio transcript

The Quad — the green space in the center of the most historic part of UMKC — is home to students from the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Computing and Engineering. Whether you’re hanging out at the café in Royall Hall, studying under a shade tree or meeting a faculty mentor, the Quad is one of students’ favorite gathering places on campus.

WARKO Observatory

Tour stop audio transcript

One of the most unique features of campus is the Warkoczewski Observatory (affectionately known as the Warko). It’s located on the roof of Royall Hall and has two telescopes, including a solar scope. The largest telescope was built by the observatory’s namesake, Stan Warkoczewski, who spent 10 years building the 16-inch diameter reflecting telescope for his wife, Helen, who introduced him to astronomy. The Warkoczewskis lived close to campus and often invited students over. They later donated the telescope to UMKC. On clear Friday nights between May and October, you can join the public and members of the Astronomical Society of Greater Kansas City for celestial viewings.

You are now on the 59th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from WARKO Observatory on your way to River Market.

School of Education - Grant Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

The UMKC School of Education focuses on training teachers to serve in public education, especially within an urban setting. It provides several continuing education opportunities — including the annual Urban Education Forum, which highlights a national issue in education — for local teachers as well as master’s degrees options for educators, administrators and counselors. Grant Hall has several classrooms and spaces for music education majors, in particular. These students form a tight cohort as they navigate both education and music courses together.

You are now on the 63rd point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from School of Education - Grant Hall on your way to River Market.

School of Law - Bloch Heritage Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

The UMKC School of Law is one of only a few colleges in the country that can claim both a U.S. Supreme Court justice and a U.S. president as former students. The school focuses on providing a comprehensive, affordable legal education that propels students to excellence in a variety of legal fields. Students earn hours of legal experience through the school’s pro bono legal clinics, which meet an essential need in our community. The School of Law is located next to Bloch Heritage Hall, the original home of the School of Management and one of the oldest buildings on campus. It is named after the school's alumnus benefactor, Henry W. Bloch, who founded H&R Block, a multi-national tax preparation company.

You are now on the 67th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from School of Law - Bloch Heritage Hall on your way to River Market.

School of Management - Bloch Executive Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Entrepreneurship and innovation are hallmarks of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, housed in one of the newest and most technologically advanced buildings on campus, Bloch Executive Hall. Students are able to plug into career resources and navigate internship opportunities from their very first semester. And our strong alumni network provides ample opportunity to form relationships and explore career possibilities after graduation. In addition, UMKC offers a variety of resources to help students and alumni navigate their way to a successful startup venture.

Shopping and Dining

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to the 51st and Oak dining and shopping district. Located just off campus, this area is a hot spot for students looking to grab a coffee or pastry at Crow’s Coffee, enjoy pizza and sandwiches at Pizza 51, Chinese food at Kin Lin or grab a quick bite or groceries at Whole Foods. In 2025, students will be able to ride the KC streetcar for free from campus through the downtown KC area, Crossroads Arts District and to the River Market.

School of Health Sciences

Tour stop audio transcript

Fewer than 20 universities in the country are home to schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing and health studies, and pharmacy — let alone two neighboring hospitals — all within one walkable campus. The UMKC Health Sciences Campus is one of them. Our health professions schools make up a unique district that pairs UMKC with several of the best hospitals and health-care centers in the region to give students early patient interaction, high-quality training and research opportunities. Our health professions programs also focus on giving back, from giving screening exams and flu shots to helping in outreach clinics and hospitals. UMKC students volunteer in numerous ways in Kansas City and throughout Missouri.

You are now on the 75th point on the Scofield Hall trail coming from School of Health Sciences on your way to River Market.

Clinical Training Facility

Tour stop audio transcript

The clinical training facility at the UMKC School of Medicine provides simulated clinical experiences for students, residents, faculty and affiliated health programs. Future physicians, nurses and other health professionals congregate to practice sutures on silicone instruments and CPR on dummies. The center's layout and design promote individual and group learning. Regional emergency response personnel, including paramedics, also learn at the simulation center. The facility offers basic life support, advanced cardiac life support and central line training programs.

National WWI Memorial

Tour stop audio transcript

The Liberty Memorial at the National WWI Museum is one of the most iconic Kansas City landmarks. In 1919, Kansas City residents and philanthropists raised $2.5 million in less than two weeks to help fund the memorial to honor those who served in World War I. It was that same strong community support that later created UMKC. The location provides some of the best skyline views of downtown, Union Station and the Crossroads Arts District, which boasts the world-class Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and a free, public arts festival on the first Friday of each month. To support our Roos, civic leaders have been known to turn the skyline blue and gold!

River Market

Tour stop audio transcript

Kansas City really hits a sweet spot: affordable living, world-class barbecue, internationally recognized arts and sports venues, beautiful cultural diversity, a hotspot for STEM and entrepreneurism … the list goes on, and UMKC is at the center of it all. In so many ways, Kansas City is one of the biggest perks of being a Roo. We're excited for you to come see what life at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is all about.

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