Starting Your "see blue." Story: Preview Nights

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2015) — "see blue." Preview Nights leave paw prints on cities throughout the Bluegrass State — and the country for that matter. During these evenings of recruitment, the University of Kentucky travels as far as Atlanta and Chicago, visiting a total of 21 cities, sharing Wildcat pride! Tonight, "see blue." Preview Nights kick off right here in Lexington, Kentucky.

Preview Nights are evenings where prospective students and their families have the opportunity to talk with faculty, staff and current students about academic programs, campus departments, residence halls, student life and involvement. Students and families are welcome to attend Preview Nights with no prior RSVP, however, those who do choose to pre-register will collect a free gift the night of the event.

"'see blue.' Preview Nights represent the best of the University of Kentucky, showcasing the incredible academic and student success opportunities for all prospective students," said Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management. "The program is really a unique way for students and families to learn what UK offers with the many academic majors, minors along with financial aid/scholarships, housing, and Student and Academic Life just to mention a few."

Many different units of campus cooperate to create "see blue." Preview Nights. A typical Preview Night features more than 30 different tables, displaying 13 colleges within the university and their programs as well as different departments, such as financial aid and housing.

"We try to give prospective students the opportunity to envision how they can achieve their dreams and aspirations at the University of Kentucky," said Senior Associate Director of Recruitment Jonathan Blazejewski. "They have an environment to speak with current students, faculty and staff to find out what the real Wildcat experience looks like. It's the excitement of those students going through the college process and finding the right fit and realizing the possibilities they have with those decisions — that's what motivates us to provide as wonderful experience as we can for them."

Universities don't typically showcase such specific units on campus in their college preview events, therefore UK's collaborative effort makes a "see blue." Preview Night one-of-a-kind. This allows each prospective student to gain a deeper understanding of the countless opportunities at UK. 

Each college and program provides at least one representative, sometimes more. This allows Preview Night attendees the opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation with an ambassador directly in that field. Every college and department plays a vital role in the functionality of the event. 

Tonight marks the start of Preview Nights. Wildcat ambassadors, tour guides, student speakers, college ambassadors, recruiters, faculty and staff combine to create an unforgettable "see blue." experience for the approximately 12,000 people who attend each year.

Encouraging prospective students to "Become a Wildcat" takes countless efforts among a broad spectrum of members in the UK family. For a typical Preview Night, 10 to 15 student recruiters, 40 staff and faculty members and 10 or more student workers are in attendance.  Each person plays a vital role in the success of Preview Nights.

Preview Nights will visit Lexington; Northern Kentucky; Louisville; Pikeville, Kentucky; Ashland, Kentucky; Corbin, Kentucky; Chicago; Indianapolis; Somerset, Kentucky; Cleveland; Columbus; Dayton, Ohio.; Maysville, Kentucky; Atlanta; Nashville; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Owensboro, Kentucky; St. Louis; Paducah, Kentucky; and Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

"The goal of Preview Nights is to showcase academic and student success," Witt said. "UK is on the move and the Preview Nights are a true reflection of the excitement on campus."

To register for a "see blue." Preview Night, click here. For a full list of "see blue." Preview Night locations, click here.

For more information about applying to the University of Kentucky, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@uky.edu.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Stratton, 859-323-2395; rebecca.stratton@uky.edu