Welcoming the Newest Members of the Wildcat Family

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2011) – For incoming college students, the thought of arriving on campus and starting a new chapter of their lives without their families, high school friends, and teachers may seem daunting. 

That's why University of Kentucky's Summer Advising Conference staff members make such a special effort to help ease the transition before the fall semester even begins.

Incoming students attend the Summer Advising Conferences, which begin Monday, June 20, and run through July 14, to register for their first semester of classes and learn more about college life at UK.

"Our hope is that every student, parent and guest that leaves a Summer Advising Conference will feel more prepared for the start of the new year when students arrive on campus for part two of their orientation — K Week," said Stephen Barnett, associate director of admissions and associate registrar. "These programs together strive to provide the best experiences focused on the student to get them on the right path for academic success and engagement in our campus community."

Administrators, faculty, and staff take time to prepare students for academic life at UK.

The two-day conferences also provide a clearer picture of other unique opportunities available to them as a UK student.

"The conferences are so special because they represent the best of the University of Kentucky — a true collaborative effort showcasing the academic, extracurricular and the multitude of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom," said Don Witt, vice provost for enrollment management. 

Staff from across campus work all year to provide the best introduction possible to students about life at UK.

"Each year, we continue to evolve and enhance the program so students and family members leave with an excellent understanding of transitioning from high school to UK," Witt said.  "We are very proud of the many opportunities available at UK to help students realize their potential and academic goals."

One new enhancement this year will be on the technology front.

"We are excited that this year, anyone attending a Summer Advising Conference can view the entire schedule using their mobile web browser at https://myuk.uky.edu/m/sac/," Barnett said.

Also new this year is an addition to the Lexington-area tours that are offered for students and their parents from out of town. 

"Students have the opportunity to learn about their new hometown of Lexington via tours of downtown and surrounding areas," said Witt.  "We are excited that this year all tours will end at the UK Arboretum — it is great that we can showcase this wonderful on-campus natural resource for all to enjoy."

One thing that won't change, though, is the personal nature of the conferences.

"The Summer Advising Conferences help to provide access to campus contacts on a very personal level — students and families leave knowing they have a team of support ready to assist," Witt said.  "In addition, all of the many informational sessions help to provide important information so families feel well equipped with the knowledge they need to not only succeed but to excel."

Incoming students actually get to spend some time talking to current UK students who have been in their shoes not so long ago.

"The Summer Advising Conferences are a great time for new students to meet with current students who are serving at Wildcat Assistants," said Barnett.  "This select group of students represent a variety of backgrounds found throughout our campus and our hope is that each student attending a Summer Advising Conference will meet a Wildcat Assistant who shares similar interests and can introduce them to everything UK has to offer."

If there is one piece of advice UK staff would give to students attending this year, it is to make sure to take advantage of the resources made available to them.

"Students and family members should come prepared to have an exciting and rewarding experience. The Summer Advising Conferences represent the next important chapter in their lives, so all should take full advantage of every session and offering," Witt said.

There are also special conferences for transfer students throughout the summer.  International, readmitted, nondegree, auditing, and transient student conferences begin in mid-August.  For a schedule of all the advising conferences for the fall 2011 semester, click here.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Amy Jones, (859) 257-1754, ext. 257, amy.jones2@uky.edu