Orientation provides you with invaluable information while giving you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus, the community and your classmates. Here's a little of what you can expect!
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Orientation – Monday and Tuesday
An introduction to KCUMB, its administration and departments, as well as an overview the opportunities and services available to you as a first-year student.
Dress: Business attire – dress pants, dress shirt, tie (optional), professional dress or skirt and blouse. No khakis, polos, jeans, shorts, spaghetti straps or strapless, flip flops or sneakers. Flat to modest heels recommended.
We Care Community Service Day and Annual Picnic – Wednesday
KCUMB kicks off each year by completing several community service projects in the area, followed by an all-campus picnic. First-year students along with KCUMB faculty and staff partner with nonprofit organizations in the Historic Northeast and throughout the Kansas City area.
The location of the all-campus picnic varies each year, but always takes place at a major Kansas City attraction. Past picnic locations include Sporting KC games and Worlds of Fun. Family is always welcome to attend.
Dress: Casual – jeans, shorts and sneakers. We'll provide you with We Care T-shirts. Dress for the picnic varies depending on the venue.
White Coating Ceremony – Thursday
KCUMB was the first medical school in the Kansas City area to host an annual White Coating Ceremony for the entering class. The White Coating Ceremony is a touching and significant event, symbolizing the beginning of your career as an osteopathic medical student. During the ceremony, you have the opportunity to have a physician (D.O. or M.D.), including a very close friend or family member, place the white coat on you.
College of Biosciences
Orientation – 2013 Date TBD
An introduction to KCUMB and an overview of the College of Biosciences. Listen to a variety of welcome presentations, including an academic overview, financial aid, informational technology, ID pictures, big brother/sister lunch, registration, student affairs and general information, followed by a dinner.
Dress: Business attire – dress pants, dress shirt, tie (optional), professional dress or skirt and blouse. No khakis, polos, jeans, shorts, spaghetti straps or strapless, flip flops or sneakers. Flat to modest heels recommended.
Big Brother/Sister (COM)
When new students first arrive on campus, each osteopathic medical student is assigned a big brother/sister, who is a second-year student. Assignments are made in the spring before students matriculate. The big brother/sister can pass along important tips to each first-year student, not to mention provide them with the encouragement that comes in realizing they can also succeed. Each year during orientation, the University hosts several events on campus geared toward allowing first-year students the opportunity to socialize and develop relationships with their big brothers/sisters.
Faculty Advisor
All students are also assigned faculty advisors. Knowing how valuable this type of mentoring relationship can be, the University hosts a faculty advisor luncheon the first day of student orientation. This gives all first-year students the opportunity to build rapport with their advisors before academic challenges begin. Faculty advisors continue to meet regularly throughout the year with their advisees.
Alumni Networking (COM)
In addition, all osteopathic medical students have the opportunity to establish mentoring relationships with alumni through the KCUMB alumni networking program. First-year students are invited to share breakfast or attend a reception with area alumni in the fall. Alumni panels and the alumni online mentoring network provide students the opportunity to ask candid questions about how they can be successful in medical school, selecting clerkships, selecting a specialty and becoming a physician.