Summer Advising Conferences Represent New Chapter for Incoming Students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 18, 2012) — With another school year come and gone, the University of Kentucky is preparing to welcome thousands of new faces to campus this summer during summer advising conferences.

"The Summer Advising Conferences reflect the collaborative efforts of many areas across the University of Kentucky campus," Don Witt, vice provost of enrollment management, said. "The purpose is to provide an excellent introduction and orientation to UK so incoming students will have a positive transition this fall."

Twelve conferences this summer are welcoming incoming freshmen, three more focused solely for transfer students and an additional pair of conferences for readmission students. The two-day conferences, which begin June 18 and run through July 13, will allow students to get a sneak peak of all the opportunities available to them as a student of the university.

"This year students will have the opportunity to experience even more of what makes UK stand out," Witt said. "More areas from the academic and student affairs areas will be showcasing their services, support and ways to connect to the university."

Representatives from a number of different on-campus organizations will be on-hand throughout the conferences to promote their role at the university and answer any questions incoming students may have. A number of information sessions will also be held to answer questions on topics such as Greek life, financial aid, parking and transportation, football and basketball tickets, education abroad and much more.

“The Summer Advising Conferences are not only a chance for new students to meet with representatives from areas across campus, but also to interact with our Wildcat Assistants who staff these events," said Stephen Barnett, associate director of admissions and associate registrar.

 The Wildcat Assistants are made up of 20 currently enrolled students in a variety of majors and from locations around the state, country and world. 

"Our hope is that any student arriving on campus during their advising conference can have the chance to connect with a current student and learn about the many opportunities to become involved both academically and socially at UK,” Barnett said.

The first day of the conference will conclude with an optional tour of downtown Lexington followed by an ice cream social at The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.

"This event provides a chance for our newest members of the Wildcat family to meet with their fellow students and UK faculty, staff and currently enrolled students," Witt said. "Our families are always excited to learn that UK has such a beautiful area as hTe Arboretum for all to enjoy right on campus."

Students will finish the conference by meeting their academic adviser for the first time and will have the chance to register for their first semester of classes.

The goal of the conferences may be to prepare students for when they arrive for K Week in the fall, but it is the personal touch of the conferences that brings it all together.

"The best part of the conferences really is the opportunity to meet all of the new students and their friends and families," Witt said. "Everyone is so excited to start the next chapter in their life - and we are pleased to be able to share their enthusiasm!"

For more information on how to confirm a Summer Advising Conference, call (859) 257-3256, email advconf@uky.edu, or click here.

For a complete checklist of everything students should do after being accepted to attend UK, click here.

To view videos to help you as an incoming student, click on the YouTube playlist below: