UK welcomes new Wildcats during BBNO

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2024) — Big Blue Nation Orientation (BBNO) at the University of Kentucky is more than just a campus introduction — it’s a pivotal first step in a student’s journey to becoming part of the Wildcat family. 

As students prepare to transition from high school to the collegiate environment, orientation serves as the bridge that helps them acclimate to the vibrant life at UK. The university recognizes that this moment is a significant milestone, one filled with excitement, anticipation and perhaps a bit of uncertainty. That’s why the dedicated staff within Orientation and Outreach, housed in the Office for Student Success, eagerly awaits each student’s arrival, ready to provide the guidance, resources and support they need to feel at home from the very first day.

During this year’s June and July BBNO sessions, more than 4,500 freshmen and 700 transfer and readmitted students from 45 states attended orientation. Incoming integrated strategic communication major and business minor Olivia Hunt is one of those incoming freshmen. 

“I’ve been coming to Kentucky since I was born and have been walking around the campus since I can remember,” Hunt said. “After officially touring the campus in November and seeing how amazing and beautiful the school is, while also hearing all the good things about the school, I knew that I wanted to come here. Also, having my dad and my aunt come here, and with a cousin who is a rising sophomore, it just felt like home.”

Hunt admits she was a bit nervous ahead of orientation. Leaving her home state of Georgia to attend college was no small feat, but once she started speaking with her peers and campus leaders throughout the day, she could feel her nerves begin to fade away. 

McKaylee Copher, director of orientation and outreach, is not new to meeting students with these same trepidations but says that she and her staff are prepared to help them navigate those feelings. 

“BBNOs are a spirit of collaboration across the enterprise - academic colleges and advisors, campus housing and dining, all units within Student Success and more combine to prepare over 70 sessions given at each orientation,” Copher said. “Ahead of orientations, we trained our 22 First-Year Experience Ambassadors — a diverse group of current students (transfer, international, etc.) who are a great representation of the university and help make students’ transitions to UK memorable, enjoyable and not so scary.”

At orientation, students and families:

• Gain a better understanding of student life at UK and the steps most impactful to help them transition smoothly into life as part of the UK community. 
• Understand the breadth of offices and programs available to support them in their transition and to help them set and achieve their academic, career and extracurricular goals.
• Make connections with other new students and gain a mentor in the experienced UK student leading them through Big Blue Crew small group meetings.
• Understand the degree requirements necessary to graduate and know who to contact with questions about their course schedule and major through academic college meetings and advising.

While this experience takes place over the summer to help students get acclimated, the support does not end there, in fact, the support only grows once students settle onto campus.

“The first-year experience begins with an orientation, but the support continues through K Week, UK 101, and through many offices and programs offered year-round,” Copher said. “It is important for students to know that the people and teams they meet throughout their first semester are dedicated to their success, and will provide valuable support, mentorship and opportunities throughout their time at UK.”

One of those offices that offers support beyond orientation is the Office for Student Success (OSS), which is comprised of many units and programs that serve the students of UK. With programs like Center for Academic Resources and Enrichment Service, the Center for Support and Intervention, Campus Recreation, the Disability Resource Center, the Stuckert Career Center, Violence Intervention and Prevention, the Office of LGBTQ* Resources, University Admissions and beyond, OSS facilitates a broad range of programs and resources designed to assist with student development and well-being in some of the most critical areas of the university experience.

UK students and their success are at the center of the university’'s mission. From programs like BBNO, to how classes are taught, to the resources offered, UK aims to support students’ wildest ambitions.

“I am most excited to be off on my own and being more independent with school and having the ability to choose what I want to do with my future and getting involved and trying new things that I’m sure I’ll love,” Hunt said. 

For more information, contact an OSS team member by calling 859-218-YouK (9685).