Course Syllabus
ENT 315 0005
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Opportunity Recognition
COURSE SYLLABUS
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - KANSAS CITY
2025 Fall Semester
Instructor Information
10:00am - 11:00am, Tuesday - Thursday
Room 323
Course Information
ENT 315
Credit Hours: 3
Meeting Time: MW 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Meeting Location: BEH-211
Modality: In-person
Course Description
This course teaches students how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Students will utilize play, creative problem solving, design thinking, and creativity tools while developing skills to mitigate risk and recognize opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
With the completion of this course, students will:
1. Identify characteristics of an entrepreneur ;
2. Understand the role of risk and reward in entrepreneurship and innovation ;
3. Recognize the role of creativity in entrepreneurship and innovation ; and
4. Identify opportunities for value creation and value capture .
Instructor Profile
Mike Farmer has co-founded or founded 4 new technology ventures, raising over 12 million dollars of early-stage capital, authored or co-authored 10 patents. Mike was an entrepreneur-in-residence for Techstars KC and Founder and CEO of Leap2, a visual search collaboration platform for consumers. Leap2 raised over $3M, was named was the winner of the $100,000 Rise of Rest competition. Mike and Leap2 has been featured in the New York Times, CNN Anderson Cooper and Forbes Magazine.
For the past 6 years, Mike was an instructor at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), teaching the Innovation & Entrepreneurship course. Students in the CAPS Innovation and Entrepreneurship class individually identify a societal need, develop a working prototype to address this need, and present a plan to execute on a potential business.
Mike received an MBA from the Lally School of Management & Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with concentrations in High Growth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy and BA in Marketing from Kansas State University.
Required and Recommended Materials
Course Details
Course Description:
What is entrepreneurship? Who are entrepreneurs? How does one become an entrepreneur? Course examines the key questions encountered by individuals considering the path of business ownership. Focus on examining the history and role of entrepreneurs in the economy, characteristics of entrepreneurs, career paths of entrepreneurship and one's personal potential as an entrepreneur.
The course examines the nature of creativity, innovation and opportunity analysis to demonstrate how entrepreneurship involves the ability to identify market opportunity based on new ideas. Detailed attention is given to the entrepreneurial process: the concepts, skills, information, attitudes, alternatives and resources that entrepreneurs need to manage creativity in the process of creating something with tangible economic value.
Entrepreneurship is an essential human behavior that underpins societal progress. Individual economic activity dominates day-to-day behavior in all but a few western societies and cultures today. Most of the world’s population depends on an entrepreneurial livelihood. Without an understanding of the role of the entrepreneur in economic formation and the conception of markets, a basic historical understanding of societal development is limited. Therefore, this course covers the many facets of entrepreneurship and its implications for careers, business, and society. It is designed to introduce the entrepreneurial mindset to students pursuing all University majors.
This course will cover entrepreneurship through the lens of an innovator. This will involve students engaged as active participants in real world project-based activities. Learning about innovation requires us to elevate our imagination above the knowledge we have gained.
Course Scheduling and Assignments
Course Scheduling and Assignments
Week Chap Topic
| Week | Topic | Assignment DUE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Syllabus & Class overview CH1 The Entrepreneurial Perspective | |
| Instructor Intro | #1 Indigo Motivators. 5 points | |
| 2 | LABOR DAY - no class | |
| CH2 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Pathway | #2 Industry Interest 5 points | |
| 3 | CH 4 Creativity, Innovation and Invention Create Teams of 3 | |
| Creativity, Innovation and Invention | #3 Team 'Focus Area' 10 pts | |
| 4 | CH 4 Creativity, Innovation and Invention Presentation 2, curiosity | Create LinkedIn Profile |
| Idea Feasibility | #4 Brainstorm/Sketch 3 Entrepreneurial ideas, Present Top Idea(s) 10 pts | |
| 5 | CH 5 Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunity | |
| Business Model Canvas - Target Market | #5 Competitive Matrix 15 pts | |
| 6 | CH 11 _Part 1: Idea Model/Feasibility | |
| #6 Complete Idea Model Canvas DUE 20pts | ||
| 7 | CH 6 Problem Solving, Design Thinking | |
| Introduction to Go-to-Market | #8 Go-To-Market Sect 1-3 Due 20 pts | |
| 8 | Ch 8: Entrepreneurial Marketing and sales | #7 Peer review 10pts |
| #8 Go-to-Market Plan DUE 20 pts | ||
| 9 | CH 7 Telling your Entrepreneurial Story & Pitching the Idea | Attendance & participation (Part I) 10 pts |
| In-class Key Milestones | #9 Milestones List 10 pts | |
| 10 | Prototyping - In class | #10a Prototype Alpha - 10 pts |
| CH 9 Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting | #10b Product Demo Video - Assigned | |
| 11 | CH 9 Part 2 & Startup profit/loss | #11 Startup Profit Loss 10 pts |
| In-Class profit/loss & Complete Startup Budget | #12 Startup Budget 10 pts | |
| 12 | Ch 11_Part2: Business Plan/Executive Summary | |
| CH 12 Building Networks and Foundations, Milestones | #12 Executive Summary 25 pts | |
| 13 | CH 14 Fundamentals of Resource Planning | #10 Digital Mockup & Demo Video 30 pts - DUE |
| CH 13 Business Structure Options: Legal, Tax | #13 Powerpoint Development 20pts | |
| 14 | Fall Break | |
| Fall Break | ||
| 15 | Presentation development | #10b Product Demo Video DUE - 30 pts. |
| How-to-present | ||
| 16 | Final Presentations & Executive Summary | #14 Presentations (Part 1) |
| Final Presentations & Executive Summary | #14 Presentations 30pts | |
| Attendance & participation (Part II) 10 pts | ||
| 17 | Finals Week | Group Reflection 30 pts. |
| Total Points | 300 pts |
- We will utilize Entrepreneurship Book – avail through Canvas
- You will read Chapter in preparation for 2nd class each week
- We will have a class discussion on Chapter material 2nd class day
- 1st day each week: will include lecture on material & Real-world case study
- 2nd day: highlight 3-4 assignments, go over next assignments
- 12 'Project-based' written assignments worth 240 points
- Attendance & participation & Peer review worth 65 points!
- 300 total points (A: 270, B: 240, C: 210, D: 180, F: 150)
Attendance Verification
Maintaining accurate enrollment records throughout the term is a partnership between instructors and students. Instructors are responsible for verifying student attendance and participation within the first three weeks (16 week course) through the Attendance Verification Survey (administered through UMKC Connect) as well as maintain records of participation throughout the term so that the last date of attendance for students with recorded “F” or “W” final grades may be submitted. Because student plans for enrollment sometimes change prior to the semester start, students not engaging in courses through the initial weeks of each course may be administratively dropped. Visit the catalog for more detailed information regarding the policy.
Recording Class Sessions
Students are not permitted to record class sessions without written consent from the course instructor. Contact your instructor to request permission. Instructor(s) may record class sessions for the sole purpose of sharing the recording with students who can’t attend class. Instructor(s) will take care not to disclose personally identifiable information from the student education records during the recorded lesson.
Recommended Technology
You will need access to the computing resources necessary to complete this course through personal and/or University channels (e.g., computer labs). Our course will take place within the Canvas LMS and utilizing various software technologies that facilitate interaction and communication. Below is a list of some helpful computer requirements for full participation in this class:
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The latest version of Adobe Reader
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A current version of word processing software
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A headset with microphone
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A webcam
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Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for Windows computers
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Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for Apple computers
Broadband Internet connection is preferred. Examples of broadband Internet connection are high-speed DSL or a Cable modem.
Technology Assistance
The links below will connect you with answers and information for the most common technical questions and issues students experience.
Academic Integrity
The Board of Curators of the University of Missouri recognizes that academic honesty is essential for the intellectual life of the University. Faculty members have a special obligation to expect high standards of academic honesty in all student work. Students have a special obligation to adhere to such standards. Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized use of artificially generated content or sabotage, is adjudicated through the University of Missouri Student Conduct Code (200.010) and Rules of Procedures in Student Conduct Matters (200.020).
Academic Conduct Expectations
Academic misconduct is not acceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to cheating, fabrication and falsification, plagiarism, or facilitating academic misconduct. If a student engages in academic misconduct it will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question and possible dismissal from UMKC. See the Student Conduct Policy for full details.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
As this is a project-based, experiential course we will use Artificial Intelligence extensively throughout. The format will involve following this learning sequence:
1) Instructor will introduce new material & theory, primarily from material covered in each chapter of the Entrepreneurship book;
2) Instructor will provide an actual use case based on his past entrepreneurial experience;
3) Assignment: Student will then develop their own relevant material for their project utilizing artificial intelligence to complete assignment;
4) Students will then provide commentary on 'answers' provided by artificial intelligence in highlight or bold format;
5) Instructor will primarily grade each assignment based on student commentary.
Policy on late assignments
Late work is not accepted unless documented extenuating circumstances prevent the submission by the posted deadline.
Evaluation and Grading
| Percentage of Points Earned | Letter Grade Earned |
|---|---|
| 93-100% | A |
| 90-92% | A- |
| 87-89% | B+ |
| 83-86% | B |
| 80-82% | B- |
| 77-79% | C+ |
| 73-76% | C |
| 70-72% | C- |
| 67-69% | D+ |
| 63-66% | D |
| 60-62% | D- |
| 0-59% | F |
Final Exam Date and Time
The schedule can be found on the Final Exam website which updates as changes are made to the times, dates and rooms that final exams are held. Make sure to check this website again as you near final exams to ensure that you have the most current information about the time and date of your exam for this course.
Important Dates - 16 week session (Fall 25)
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
August 25 |
Classes Begin |
| August 29 |
Last day to add courses without an instructor signature |
| August 29 |
Last day to change a course from Audit to Credit |
| August 29 |
Last day for a 100% Refund |
| August 29 |
Last day to register without paying a late registration fee |
| September 1 |
Labor Day Holiday (University Closed) |
| September 22 | Last day to drop a course and not have it appear on your transcript |
|
September 22 |
Last day for a 50% refund |
| September 22 |
Last day to change a course from Credit to Audit |
| October 13 | Priority registration begins for Spring 2026 |
|
October 17 |
Last day for a 25% refund |
| October 17 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” (graduate/professional) |
| October 31 | Deadline to apply for Fall 2025 graduation |
| November 3 | Open registration begins for Spring 2026 |
| November 11 | Veteran's Day Holiday (University Closed) |
| November 14 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” (undergraduate) |
| November 24 |
Fall Break |
| November 27 | Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed) |
| November 28 | Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed) |
| December 8 | Finals Week (Law) |
| December 11 | School of Humanities and Social Sciences Reading Day |
| December 12 | School of Humanities and Social Sciences Reading Day |
| December 12 | Last day of classes (full 16 week session) |
| December 12 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” or “WF” (graduate/professional) |
| December 15 | Finals Week (All Academic Units, except Law) |
| December 15 |
Finals Week (Law) |
Important Dates - first 8 weeks (Fall 25)
|
August 25 |
Classes Begin |
|
August 27 |
Last day to change a course from Audit to Credit |
|
August 27 |
Last day to add without instructor signature |
|
August 27 |
Last day for 100% refund |
| September 1 | Labor Day Holiday (University Closed) |
|
September 8 |
Last day to drop a course and not have it appear on your transcript |
|
September 8 |
Last day for a 50% refund |
|
September 8 |
Last day to change a course from Credit to Audit |
|
September 22 |
Last day for a 25% refund |
|
September 22 |
Last day to withdraw with a “W” (graduate/professional) |
| October 3 | Priority registration begins for Spring 2026 |
| October 6 | Last day to withdraw with "W" (undergrad) |
| October 17 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” or “WF” (graduate/professional) |
| October 17 | Last day of classes |
|
Date
|
Description |
|---|
Important Dates - second 8 weeks (Fall 25)
| Dates | Description |
|---|---|
| October 20 | Classes Begin |
| October 22 | Last day to add courses without an instructor signature |
| October 22 | Last day to change a course from Audit to Credit |
| October 22 | Last day for a 100% refund |
| October 31 | Last day to drop a course and not have it appear on your transcript |
| October 31 |
Last day for a 50% refund |
| October 31 | Last day to change a course from Credit to Audit |
| October 31 | Deadline to apply for Fall 2025 graduation |
| November 3 | Open registration beings for Spring 2026 |
| November 11 | Veteran's Day Holiday (University Closed) |
| November 17 | Last day for a 25% refund |
| November 17 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” (graduate/professional) |
| November 24 | Fall Break |
| November 27 | Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed) |
| November 28 | Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed) |
| December 8 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” (undergraduate) |
| December 19 | Last day to withdraw with a “W” or “WF” (graduate/professional) |
| December 19 |
Last day of classes |
Academic Calendar
Students are encouraged to review important add, drop or withdraw dates by visiting the Academic Calendar on the UMKC website.
Basic Needs
It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and stable place to live, UMKC is here to help. The UMKC Basic Needs webpage has information on resources for food assistance, housing assistance and financial literacy. The Kangaroo Pantry is a free resource for all UMKC students that provides food and other items to those in need. Check out the Kangaroo Pantry website for details on hours and locations. If you have a need for this type of assistance, please feel free to set up an appointment with our office. Contact information can be found on our UMKC Basic Needs website.
Academic Support and Mentoring
The department of Academic Support and Mentoring (ASM) offers a wide range of services and programs to help students meet their academic goals. ASM offers peer tutoring, writing and presentation assistance, SI study groups, instructional videos and many more resources that are valuable to your success in this class. Information can be found on the ASM website. You can use RooLearning+ for scheduling appointments and viewing when support for this class is available. Access RooLearning+ by downloading the app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and sign in with your SSO. The URL for the RooLearning+ site is umkc.tedu.app/student.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate in classes as indicated by the course modality (Classroom based, Online, etc. available on Pathway). To get additional information, please visit the page describing course modalities on the UMKC Registrar's site.
In order to comply with federal regulations associated with eligibility rules for federal financial aid, students not attending/participating a course during the first three weeks of the term will be administratively dropped from the specific course. Advance notice of attendance policies of academic units and individual instructors should be given, and such notice should be in writing. Students should notify instructors of excused absences in advance, where possible. Students who have an excused absence are expected to make arrangements with instructors for alternative or make-up work. Such arrangements should be made in advance of the absence, where possible. Instructors should accommodate excused absences to the extent that an accommodation can be made that does not unreasonably interfere with the learning objectives of the course or unduly burden the instructor. Attendance policies shall be applied in a non-discriminatory manner. Enrollment as a student is required to attend any class unless otherwise pre-approved by the instructor. Instructors are responsible for verifying student attendance and participation within the first three weeks (16 week course) through the Attendance Verification Survey (administered through UMKC Connect) as well as maintain records of participation throughout the term so that the last date of attendance for students with recorded “F” or “W” final grades may be submitted.
Campus Safety
Inclement weather, mass notification, and emergency response guide can be found on the UMKC Alert page.
UMKC Connect
Important information is available to undergraduate students in UMKC Connect a central location for faculty, advisors, student services and students to communicate and collaborate on a strategic plan for each student's academic success. Throughout the term, students may receive emails regarding course grades or academic performance. Students should regularly check their Connect dashboard and are expected to address information posted in a timely manner. This information may be shared with the student’s Success Network made up of his or her academic advisor(s) and other campus resources so that UMKC may fully support the student’s success. Students may schedule appointments to meet with members of their Success Network through UMKC Connect.
Grade Appeal Policy
The University grade appeal procedure is available only for the review of allegedly capricious grading and not for review of the instructor's evaluation of the student's academic performance. Capricious grading, as that term is used here, comprises any of the following:
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The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than the performance in the course;
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The assignment of a grade to a particular student according to more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course; (Note: Additional or different grading criteria may be applied to graduate students enrolled for graduate credit in 300- and 400-level courses.)
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The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor's previously announced standards.
Privacy Policies
Please access the following two websites for the most up to date information on the UMKC privacy and webcam policies.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) & Accommodations
To obtain academic accommodations based on a disability (including auxiliary aids), pregnancy, a temporary medical condition or injury, a sincerely held religious belief, or dietary restriction(s), students must contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible by filling out a New Accommodation Application on the website. When possible, students should seek accommodations prior to the start of the semester to ensure full resolution of their requests before beginning a program or course of study. After verification, students will inform their course instructors of their individualized accommodation plan and/or auxiliary aids needed by emailing their Faculty Notification Letters (FNL) from the Roo Access database. If you have any questions reach out to SAS by email: accessibility@umkc.edu or phone: (816) 235-5612.
Roo Wellness
UMKC students may experience many challenges in their lives while attending college – stress, depression, suicidality, trauma, relationship issues, health concerns, etc. As an institution, we care about your success and well-being, and want to make you aware of some helpful resources on campus. UMKC Roo Wellness, located at Brookside 51 Building, 5110 Oak Street, Suite 201, offers a wide range of supportive services to students. Appointments can be made by calling 816-235-1635. UMKC Counseling Services, located at Brookside 51 Building, 5110 Oak Street, Suite 201, offers a full range of supportive services to students. Appointments can be made by calling 816-235-1635.
The MindBody Connection is located in the Student Union, 3rd floor, room 303G & 303H. The MindBody Connection provides space for students to learn how to relieve stress and learn more about mindfulness. Featuring massage chairs, art supplies, and a quiet space, the MindBody Connection is a great place for students to unwind and get back in touch with their minds and bodies and offers a variety of stress-reduction services.
Students are encouraged to review UMKC’s Policy on Suicide Prevention Resources, which provides resources, referral information, and training opportunities to help recognize signs of distress in yourself and your peers as well as how to make appropriate referrals for support and assistance.
Students may contact the UMKC Student HelpLine (or call 816-235-2222) with any questions or concerns. Students may also utilize the Complaint Policy to file a complaint online.
Equal Opportunity & Educational Access
UMKC is committed to providing equal opportunities to all students without unlawful discrimination on the basis of a protected identity, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
Discrimination & Harassment: Compliance with UM System Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs) 600.000 is monitored by the Office of Equity & Title IX, but it is the responsibility of the entire university community to provide equal opportunity through relevant practices, initiatives, and programs. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or harassment based on their protected identity, we encourage you to visit Making a Report.
CRR 600.010 prohibits protected identity discrimination and harassment. It also prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct by a student, employee, volunteer, or visitor that is not covered under CRR 600.020 and Title IX (see below), that occurs within a UMKC educational program or activity, on- or off-campus, including when the conduct occurs off-campus and interferes with or limits the ability of any person to participate in or benefit from UMKC’s educational programs or activities or employment. For those who have experienced discrimination or harassment, please see the Support and Connections pages of our Equity & Title IX website for a list of campus and community support services.
Sexual Harassment under Title IX: UM System Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs) 600.020 prohibits all students, employees, volunteers, and visitors from engaging in sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, in a university education program or activity against a person in the United States. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, please visit the Support and Connection pages of our Equity & Title IX website for a list of support services on campus and in the community. For information on how to make a report to the university, visit Making a Report.
Failure to Accommodate Students with Disabilities: UM System Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs) 600.010 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and ensures these students receive educational accommodations as issued by Student Disability Services. If you believe an employee of the university has failed to accommodate your disability, visit Making a Report or contact the Office of Equity and Title IX at (816) 235-1771 or eqtix@umkc.edu.
Accommodating Pregnancy & Related Conditions: UMKC provides reasonable accommodations to students related to pregnancy and childbirth, including adjustments to attendance requirements, course due dates, leaves of absence, and other accommodations. If you have questions or would like to request arrangements, please visit Pregnancy & Related Accommodations or contact the Office of Equity & Title IX at (816) 235-1771 or eqtix@umkc.edu.
Mandated Reporting: Nearly all UMKC employees, including your course instructors, advisors, and other support staff, are required to report all information related to any known or suspected discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct to the Office of Equity & Title IX and cannot offer confidentiality. However, students may seek confidential support from RISE: Resources, Intervention, Support, & Education, Counseling Services, and Student Health & Wellness.
Employees of these offices are exempt from mandated reporting so long as the disclosure of prohibited conduct occurs in a confidential communication while they are acting as support advocates, professional counselors, or medical personnel. An exemption does not extend to these employees when the disclosure is made in non-confidential setting. If you have a question about confidentiality when making a disclosure to RISE, Counseling Services, Health Services, or Student Accessibility Services you should first ask whether the exemption applies.
Right to Free Expression
It is vitally important for UMKC to foster and maintain an educational environment that promotes free discussion, inquiry and expression by students inside the classroom and beyond, without fear that their exercise of such rights will have negative repercussions in areas over which the university has responsibility. It is equally important that students understand the narrow line separating their First Amendment rights and the legal and privacy rights of others so that students can exercise those rights within appropriate boundaries.
Per UM System Collected Rules and Regulations (CRRs) 200.015 your instructors should encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression in courses, conferences and meetings. Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
Classroom Expectations: In exercising your right to free expression, UMKC requests students adhere to these five guidelines:
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Share responsibility for including all voices in the conversation, leaving sufficient time for others to engage in the discussion. Listen respectfully, avoiding interruptions or distractions.
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Recognize how your own identity and experiences inform your opinions and reactions to others. Be open to changing your perspectives when exposed to the ideas of others.
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Speak with care, acknowledging that your words may be perceived as disrespectful, marginalizing, biased, or harmful.
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Understand that everyone makes mistakes; view these mistakes as valuable in the learning process. Notice your own defensive reactions, and channel them into furthering a productive discussion.
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Differentiate between safety and comfort; accept discomfort as necessary for learning and exploring ideas through a social justice lens.
Although your right to free expression is protected, your instructors have the authority to take action under CRR 200.010 when they believe the conduct of any student unreasonably disrupts the classroom environment and prevents others from learning or threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. If you feel your instructor was in error in taking action under CRR 200.010 related to your right to free expression, visit Making a Report.
Expressions of Perceived Bias
UMKC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and respectful interaction. In support of our campus community, the university provides the opportunity for students, employees, volunteers, and visitors to report expressions of perceived bias and to request UMKC respond to such expressions.
An expression of perceived bias may occur when someone believes that they have been subjected to harassment, bullying, stereotyping, microaggressions, abuse, marginalization, or any other form of targeted misconduct because they identify or are associated with a particular group. If you believe you have experienced an expression of bias or you become aware of such an expression, visit Making a Report.
Support: If the conduct of others prevents you from fully participating in the classroom or in university activities, UMKC offers confidential support through Counseling Services and RISE: Resources, Intervention, Support, & Education. Additional campus and community support services are listed on the Support and Connections pages of our Equity & Title IX website.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|