KU News Release

KU recruiters hit the road to increase student diversity

LAWRENCE — Recruiters from the University of Kansas are traveling around the state this month in an effort to attract students of color to KU.

The sixth annual Multicultural Roadshow will take KU staff to community centers, churches and high schools in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City, Kan., this week. During these visits, KU representatives will distribute information on admissions requirements, financial aid, student involvement opportunities and fields of study available at the university.

The following week, KU representatives will return to the three communities to host evening receptions for students and parents. The receptions will include presentations on financial aid, housing and admissions. Answers and advice will be offered in English and Spanish. Current KU students also will be on hand, and free pizza will be served. Among the giveaways will be a $500 textbook gift certificate.

The receptions are scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the following locations:

Topeka: Jan. 27, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave.
Wichita: Jan. 28, Wichita Public Library, 223 S. Main
Kansas City, Kan.: Jan. 29, Education Center at Indian Springs Mall, 4601 State Ave.

“The Multicultural Roadshow is an opportunity for students to learn why KU is a great place to be,” said Lisa Pinamonti Kress, director of admissions and scholarships. “We offer students and their families a chance to connect with the KU experience and learn about everything from financial aid to academics and student life.”

KU’s efforts to recruit a diverse student body are paying off, with increases in multicultural enrollment each year since 2002. The university made major leaps in 2008, with 12.7 percent of KU students identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, African-American or Latino.

Among first-time freshmen, minority enrollment increased 19.3 percent in fall 2008. Freshman African-American students increased by 27.8 percent, and freshman Latino students increased by 23.4 percent, compared to fall 2007.

For more information or to register for the Multicultural Roadshow, visit the Office of Admissions and Scholarships Web site, www.admissions.ku.edu/mcrs.

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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.