APC Traditional Events

Court Warming

The UMKC version of “homecoming,” Court Warming has a long history at the University. Featuring a week packed with fun events both on and off campus, Court Warming celebrates UMKC spirit and Athletics programs with a fresh, fun theme each year. 

Court Warming History 

The University of Missouri Kansas City began putting on an annual Homecoming banquet and dance in 1955.  At that time the University did not have a football or a basketball team, so the dance honored the alumni of the university.  Although the students danced the night away at the dance, the tradition was not like it is today.  It was not the week full of events that we all look forward to now.    

The tradition came to an end in the mid 1970’s when the dance started to become less successful.  One of the University newspaper headlines read “Homecoming Flops”.  It is assumed that the change of spirit and student involvement came when all Korean War Veterans came back from the war and went back to school.  The student population suddenly became comprised largely of adults, which drastically changed the environment of student activities on campus.            

The Activity & Program Council revived the tradition in 1996 under a new name to honor and promote UMKC school spirit and athletics, especially the basketball program.  Today, Court Warming features a week packed with fun events both on and off campus.  The highlight of the week is the Banquet and Dance on Friday night, and the Court Warming King and Queen are crowned during halftime of the Men’s Basketball game on Saturday.

Welcome Week

A great way to welcome new and returning students to UMKC, Welcome Week is held during the first week of classes of the fall semester. Although individual events may vary from year to year, students are guaranteed to find at least one activity each day kicking off with Survival Stations on Monday and culminating with the Culture Bus on Saturday.

Talent Show

For more than a decade the Talent Show has been a fall semester crowd pleaser at UMKC. The Activity & Program Council works with various student organizations to co-sponsor this campus-wide talent search. Faculty and staff members serve as judges at the competition where individual and group performances duke it out for first, second and third place honors.

Roo Fair

A staple of both fall and winter semester programming, Roo Fair offers student organizations, academic councils and departments the opportunity to promote their organizations and recruit interested students. Students enjoy activities, games, free food and many more exciting opportunities to engage and interact with both students and staff at UMKC.

Community Halloween Party

The Community Halloween Party provides an opportunity for the Kansas City community to celebrate Halloween in a safe manner that is FREE to all participants. With three great rooms filled with games, stories, candy and activities, the Community Halloween Party draws hundreds of children, parents and families of all kinds each year.

Circle Series

We all know that college is more than a classroom, and the Circle Series aims to create a fun, exciting learning environment outside the classroom. Focused on academically themed forums, the Circle Series strives to connect students with faculty and staff to create well-rounded and informed students. Check out the Circle Series Noodles @ Noon programs for fun, interactive lunchtime programs with lots of free food!

Spring Fling

APC’s celebration of the end of the semester, Spring Fling offers a week of activities that let students get out of their rooms and into the sunshine. Although individual events vary from year to year, students can count on at least one event Monday – Friday the first or second week in April.