K Week Encourages Incoming Students to Explore Their Ambitions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2019) — While move-in is in full swing, University of Kentucky Student Transitions and Family Programs, formerly known as the Student Services Center, is preparing for K Week, a kick-off to the fall semester, jam packed with more than 100 events to welcome new students to the university.

The moment students step foot on to campus to begin their transition to UK, they are fully immersed in the culture of UK and welcomed with open arms into the Big Blue family. Although every student's journey is different, whichever path they choose to take, the university strives to provide all students with a solid foundation of support, starting with K Week.

"Since its inception in 2007, K Week has changed over the years as we work to best serve students’ needs and implement nationwide best practices," said Kasey Borchardt, senior program specialist for the First-Year Experience. “We’re excited about K Week 2019.”

K Week 2019 begins Wednesday, Aug. 21 and ends Sunday, Aug. 25.  Continuing where "see blue." U Orientation leaves off, the weeklong event helps students get acclimated to their new home. More than a string of social events, K Week is an integral part of the culture of UK and a factor in retention and student support efforts that make the university a special place. 

"As students transition to UK, we know articulating and understanding university academic expectations is a critical component to their success," Borchardt explained. "Students meet with their specific college during K Week, allowing them to meet other students in their major and meet faculty and staff who will be supporting them throughout their collegiate journey. Several other events are hosted to assist students academically, including introducing them to tutoring opportunities, understanding how to succeed in a large lecture classroom and introducing tips and tricks on how to study in college."

Over the course of five days, designated student leaders guide groups of students through different events while passing down what they have learned during their time spent as a wildcat. These student leaders help new students discover all that UK truly has to offer. 

"K Week provides opportunities for students to make connections and find a home at UK before their semester begins," Borchardt said. "One way we do this is through the use of K Teams, small orientation groups led by a returning student. These teams are created by living location, either on- or off-campus, and are designed for students to meet and connect with students living around them. Our hope is that students will make those connections and relationships early and feel a sense of belonging to UK."

For more than 5,000 students, K Week marks the beginning of their collegiate career at UK. While students spend the week making new friends and exploring campus, our wish as a university is to provide them with the resources to do something great — after all, that’s why we're here. 

"I hope students fully immerse themselves in the experience and have fun," Borchardt said. "There is something for everyone at K Week, and I hope students use their time to their advantage."

With open minds and hearts, incoming students are arriving on campus to embark on a life-changing journey. That journey begins with K Week, providing students with the road map to explore their ambitions. 

For a full list of K Week activities, visit: https://www.uky.edu/studentservices/KWeek/schedule-events. The K Week schedule is also available on the UK Guides app. You can follow K Week at UK_KWeek on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.