Admissions road show to reach minority students in Kansas

To show minority students that KU is a diverse and welcoming place, the Office of Admission and Scholarships will be hitting the road with several events planned in February, March and April.

"The Multicultural Road Show" and "Hawk Talk" will take Baby Jay and KU representatives to venues in Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties in an effort to disseminate information about KU and affiliate organizations and services.

The Multicultural Road Show will make stops on Monday, Feb. 23, at Wichita East High School, 2301 East Douglas, Wichita; on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Sumner Academy, 1610 North 8th Street, Kansas City, Kan.; and on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Highland Park High School, 2424 SE California Ave., Topeka. Dean of Students Richard Johnson will be the keynote speaker at the events, which are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.

During the evening programs, students from grades 9-12 will meet with representatives from KU schools and departments, as well as admissions staff members, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Campus Life and the Office of Financial Aid.

Claudia Mercado, associate director of admissions and scholarships, said that in addition to the evening programs, admissions staff members will distribute information packets and "goodie bags" to area schools, community centers, churches and TRIO offices. TRIO Programs provide education opportunities for students regardless of race, ethnic background or socio-economic status.

"We want to do some outreach to underrepresented students," she said. "We want to share a little bit about what KU is and what KU does."

Johnson County Hawk Talk will present Vice Provost for Student Success Marlesa Roney at the Doubletree Hotel, 10100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. Baby Jay will attend the event along with KU representatives who will again be on hand to answer questions about the university and provide information about KU services and affiliate organizations.

"There will be information for high school seniors who are already admitted to KU and those who are undecided," said admissions counselor Andre McCloyn-Fortune. "There will also be material for juniors and others considering KU. There should be something for everyone."

Guests will be eligible for door prizes and refreshments will be provided.

Hawk Talk will be in Douglas County on Thursday, April 1, though a time and location are yet to be determined.

For more information contact the Office of Admissions and Scholarships at (785) 864-3911.