"see involvement." Welcoming UK Students Involves Entire Campus Community

If there is one event that involves the entire campus every year – students, staff and faculty – it is K Week, a single name that encompasses hundreds of activities and programs for new and returning University of Kentucky students.

Although planning for this year’s event actually began just after K Week 2011 ended, a call for volunteers went out about two weeks before the first day of the 2012-13 academic year. From every corner of the campus, hundreds generously responded -- all wanting to make K Week the most welcoming experience possible for students.

Spanning nine full days, K Week activities are so varied that virtually everyone can find something of interest.

“K Week has grown so much over the years,” said Nancy Stephens, assistant director of New Student & Parent Programs (NSPP). “The events address every aspect of the transition to college both in and out of the classroom. There is definitely something for everyone no matter where they are from or how familiar they are with UK.”

It’s that diversity and total involvement that appeals to hundreds of volunteers who simply want to make the first few days of college life as enjoyable, as helpful, as enlightening, as supportive, and as informative as possible for about 4,500 incoming freshmen.

K Week begins officially with Move In at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, burgeoning Lexington’s population by about 28,500 in just a few days -- and that doesn’t count the thousands of mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who might be assisting the new freshmen. Hundreds of UK employees and students, augmented by a smattering of neighbors from the Lexington community, will direct traffic, unload cars, answer questions, grill hot dogs, distribute cold water, give directions, and push carts full of a students’ life-necessities. Once all the students are settled into their new homes, the fun and learning begin. For a complete schedule of K Week events, click here.

The backbone of K Week activities is the K Crew, a group of student volunteers who advise and lead the freshmen of their K Teams through their freshman year.

“K Week is such a great experience to have as a new student at UK. We know how hard it can be to make new friends your first day on campus, and we are trying to make sure that no one feels like they're alone,” said 2012-13 K-Crew Coordinator Alexa Ackermann.

Ackerman’s fellow K-Crew Coordinator Nathan Brummett said, "With K Week, students get a chance to experience so many things they wouldn't otherwise, like President Eli Capilouto addressing the entire class at the New Student Induction Ceremony, the unique food at We Are UK, and great peer leaders. One of my favorite events is Big Blue U. To see the freshman class learn about what it is to be a Wildcat for the first time is amazing. It gives me goose bumps every year!"

The old favorites, which have become treasured traditions over the years, have returned, including the fun stuff like Campus Ruckus, the Student Center Spectacular; the volunteerism like UK FUSION and Alternative Service Breaks; and the treasured sense of community brought to life at We Are UK and the Student Involvement Fair.

There are newer favorites, however, that are gradually maturing into ritual, and many of them revolve around education; that’s why everyone is here, right?

“This year we are really trying to push all of our wonderful academic information sessions, like ‘Don’t Blow Yourself Up: Surviving Chemistry’ and ‘A User Guide for Your Mathematics Class.’ All our academic sessions are being held to make sure that all of the new students have a resource to survive their first year on campus," Ackermann said. Our K Crew members do a tremendous job helping the new students and providing multiple resources to them if needed. They mentor the new students and really try to make their transition to UK a wonderful experience.”

Now in its fourth year, the Common Reading Experience provides each incoming freshman an immediate sense of involvement with a community of fellows. During the summer, freshmen were instructed to read “The Unforgiving Minute," the journey of U.S. Army Captain Craig Mullaney. Part of K Week will include discussing the book in small groups.

“Honestly, when I first saw the cover I thought it was going to be an Army book -- telling all about the Army and that’s it,” said K Crew member Brooke Wilson. “But, as I read further and further, I realized how applicable Craig's life story was to each and every freshman's life story. There were so many parts that I highlighted so that I could discuss them with the group, showing the similarity between Craig's experience and how their experience might relate. I think this was a great choice for all of the incoming freshmen! Very relatable and interesting!"

“We know new students are worried about succeeding in the classroom, so during K Week we involve partners all over campus to share insider tips for getting off to a great start academically,” Stephens said.

The portfolio of academic classes includes “Succeeding in a Large Lecture Class,” “How to Graduate in Four Years” and “Tips From a Faculty Member,” which are sure to help new students succeed on UK’s campus.

“Knowing what to expect when you step into the classroom, and how to make the most of your time in those classes before your first day, makes the transition from high school to college that much easier,” said Christy Baughman, a graduate assistant in New Student and Parent Programming. “We hope all new students take advantage of all the great information available during K Week!”