KU News Release

KU admissions counselors travel across Kansas to increase student diversity

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas admissions team will hit the road this month as the fourth annual KU Multicultural Roadshow kicks off Jan. 22 in Wichita. The group’s goal is to recruit more students of color to KU and increase diversity among the student body.

In addition to Wichita, stops will be made Jan. 23 in Kansas City, Kan., and Jan. 24 in Topeka for community-focused visits. The following week, the Roadshow will revisit those communities for evening receptions.

Beginning Jan. 22, representatives from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships will visit middle schools, churches and community centers such as the Boys and Girls Club of America, the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters. During these visits, KU representatives will give out information on admissions requirements, financial aid options and student involvement opportunities. Students will also be able to meet Baby Jay.

“The family and community are vital in assisting a young person in choosing the correct path toward a college education,” said Andre Fortune, assistant director for multicultural recruitment at KU. “We go to these places to make a connection to the community and student’s family.”

A second week of events features evening receptions in which students and parents will enjoy an admissions presentation, food, a student panel and in Kansas City and Topeka, step performances. There will be giveaways, and one lucky student in each city will win a $500 textbook certificate. The receptions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at Wichita East High School; 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kan.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Topeka High School.

“These receptions will give students and their families the opportunity to meet KU students and many KU staff,” said Fortune. “We want to bring KU to them, so their questions about student life, financial aid, housing, admissions and more can be answered.”

Students and high school counselors are notified of the events by the Office of Admissions and Scholarships a few weeks in advance.

“We send out postcards to invite students to the event, and we mail posters to the high schools,” said Lisa Pinamonti Kress, director of admissions and scholarships.

Efforts to recruit and retain multicultural students have proven successful in recent years.
KU’s minority enrollment increased 2.3 percent in 2006. The KU student body is more diverse than ever, with 12.2 percent of students identifying themselves as either Asian, Hispanic, African-American or American Indian.

For more information or to register for the KU Multicultural Roadshow, visit the Office of Admissions and Scholarships Web site.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.