Current Students Help New Wildcats "see vision." at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2014) — As the newest members of the Wildcat Family arrive on campus for what is now known as the “see blue." U Orientation, a group of current UK students will be ready to show them what college life is all about.

"This is our two-day university orientation where students and their families can begin the transition to the University of Kentucky,” said Stephen Barnett, senior associate director of admission and senior associate registrar.  “The main focus of the event is to begin preparing students academically by meeting with their academic advisor and registering for their fall courses.”

As part of that preparation, students will spend time with their "see blue." Orientation Leaders. 

"What's amazing about working with "see blue." U Orientation is that it gives me an opportunity to share my love for this university with all of the incoming students," said Cassidy Teager, a sophomore from Morehead, Ky.  "My first year at UK was one of the best years of my life, and I can't wait to see what this university can do for them, as well!"

Teager and her fellow student leaders will stay busy throughout the summer, as the two-day orientations for freshmen begin June 23 and run through July 17. 

“The success of “see blue.” U is the direct result of the collaborative spirit of numerous colleagues across the UK campus,” said Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management.  “It’s one of the most exciting events of the year as we welcome new students and their families to their new Kentucky home.”

Formerly known as summer advising conference, the name was changed so that the brand could be renewed and revamped to ensure a smoother, more cohesive transition for students from high school to the University of Kentucky.

"We wanted to make a stronger transition opportunity for our students and given the current two-step orientation process that includes the outstanding K Week program, we believe the combination of “see blue.” U with K Week will provide additional excitement and enhanced connections for an optimal introduction to our campus," Barnett said.

In addition to updating the brand of the orientations, there will also be some changes made in the two-day schedule. One major change will be the addition of small group time, referred to as UKonnect.

"These UKonnect groups will allow students to meet twice in a small group with other new students and a “see blue." U Orientation leader to start developing friendships and learning about UK in a smaller setting,” Barnett said. 

If you are attending “see blue." U Orientation, there are a few things you need to know before arriving on campus. 

"We encourage students and their parents to take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions of representatives from around campus so they feel prepared and comfortable when arriving for the start of classes in August," Barnett said.

Barnett encourages all incoming students to watch this short video before arriving for their “see blue.” U Orientation. 

Video Produced by UK Public Relations & Marketing. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.  If using a mobile device, click on the "thought bubble" in the same area.

To browse through more resources for incoming students, visit: http://www.uky.edu/registrar/seeblueu/resources.