What鈥檚 New at 海角论坛

Roo pride shines through summer transformations
Two students in dance team uniforms holding pompoms smile at the camera. Behind them, Roo Plaza is packed with people on a sunny day.

From expanded educational access and modernized facilities to restored cultural treasures and practical improvements, 海角论坛 continues to evolve in ways that matter. Whether you're returning to campus or arriving for the first time, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Roo. Here’s a look at what’s new this year at 海角论坛.

Cherry Street Parking Garage

Virtual Parking System Now in Effect

海角论坛 is modernizing campus mobility with a new virtual parking system, officially launched in August. Students and staff can now manage parking permits entirely online, eliminating the need for physical tags or stickers. This user-friendly system streamlines the parking experience and improves campus accessibility. It’s part of a broader shift toward sustainability and tech-driven convenience at 海角论坛.

The St. Joseph School of Medicine building on a sunny day with pillars of blue and gold balloons lining the sidewalk to the front door.

海角论坛 School of Medicine Expands to St. Joseph

The 海角论坛 School of Medicine has officially opened its doors in St. Joseph, Missouri. Having trained rural healthcare providers since 2021, this new physical location embodies the university’s commitment to increasing access to medical education and healthcare in underserved areas. The expansion is aimed at addressing regional healthcare needs and training the next generation of medical professionals closer to the communities they’ll serve, reaffirming 海角论坛’s mission to improve lives across Missouri and beyond.

A modern, sleek learning space with colorful rounded light fixtures and blue and gold patterns decorating the space
Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative Boosts Academic Success

Students can now access the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative. This state-of-the-art academic resource center is on the 4th floor of and is designed to uplift student achievement. The revamped space is now home to all student success services, like First Generation Roos, Professional Career Escalators, Academic Support and Mentoring and Supplemental Instruction. It includes expanded study areas, cutting-edge technology and a more open and inclusive layout that encourages collaboration.

An empty Roo Plaza with brightly colored geometric shapes decorating the street and colorful patio furniture. In the background, there's University Walkway and Atterbury Success Center.

Roo Plaza Opens as a Student-Centered Hub

Roo Plaza, a new outdoor gathering space at the heart of the Volker Campus, is officially open. This vibrant plaza features shaded seating areas, outdoor study zones and green spaces designed with students in mind. More than just a place to relax between classes, Roo Plaza enhances the social and cultural fabric of the campus perfect for student events, performances or just a casual meet-up with friends. The plaza represents a growing investment in making 海角论坛 a destination where students can thrive both academically and socially.

Jump Into 海角论坛

Designed exclusively for incoming undergraduates, Jump Into 海角论坛 is a premiere multi-day onboarding experience crafted to welcome our newest Roos and support their transition to campus life. This program offers early access to move in for on campus residents, engaging workshops on time management, career readiness, technology use and confidence-building, plus fun social activities that introduce students to peers, faculty and Kansas City.

Two artists work on the Quintanilla mural with one sitting atop a scaffold.

Haag Hall Murals Restored to Their Original Glory

The historic murals in Haag Hall have been fully restored, thanks to generous funding from the KC Monuments Coalition through a Mellon Foundation grant awarded to the 海角论坛 School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The murals, painted by Spanish artist Luis Quintanilla in 1940, are significant both artistically and historically. They depict scenes from Don Quixote and include the name of Spanish Civil War fighter Julián Zugazagoitia, grandfather of Julián Zugazagoitia, the current director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The restoration not only revives these treasured works but also brings attention to 海角论坛’s place in international artistic and political history. It is currently the only KC Monuments Coalition project on a 海角论坛 campus.


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