K Week in full swing for new and returning Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 16, 2023) — The University of Kentucky is set to welcome its largest freshman class in history this fall, bringing with it the creativity and passion of a new generation of Wildcats.

As part of that welcome, K Week, which kicks off today, will help these new students transition to life at UK and on campus.

The celebration takes place Aug. 16-20, and was created in coordination with the UK Office for Student Success to help all students build a community from the very moment they step onto campus. ​In order to enhance the academic mission, the Office for Student Success collaborates with the university and beyond to create a supportive environment that provides opportunities for student learning, engagement and success.

New students can opt into one or more of 22 different K Week Interest Groups. These groups are led by teams of student leaders. To read about the interest groups to find your best fit, click here.

A new event, the Wildcat Welcome Festival, will also take place this year for all students — new and returning — in the new Alumni Commons along Rose Street.

Ashley York, member of the K Board student leadership team, says attending as many events as she could was the best advice she’d ever received. 

“I met some of my friends I still have today through this experience,” said York. “I had so much fun participating in K Week that I now have the privilege of making K Week come to life for new students.”

Nancy Stephens, who oversees New Student and Family Programs in the Office of the First-Year Experience, has been head of K Week planning for 20 years. She says each year brings unique challenges and opportunities.

“Having been part of K Week for a number of years, there are some things I know to expect every time — the warm welcome our new students and their families will receive from the BBN; the genuine enthusiasm our staff, faculty and student leaders have for ensuring our newest Wildcats have the best possible experience; and the fact that everyone on a college campus is highly motivated by free t-shirts and food,” Stephens said. “While those things have been constant during my time at UK, every fall brings a new energy, and every K Week looks different from the one before. Our staff and student leaders spend a lot of time thinking about the needs of our new students and how we can best meet them each year. We listen to their feedback and respond accordingly. We’re excited about what we have to offer our incoming students this fall and hope they’ll take full advantage of the events and activities.”

This year’s list of K Week events includes something for everyone. Below are some of the main events, but there are hundreds more to choose from on the full K Week schedule.

K Week T-shirt pickup: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Gatton Student Center Harris Ballroom

Pick up your t-shirt to wear to Big Blue U! Your BBNvolved Event Pass will be scanned at pick-up; check our website for more information on how to find yours and save it to your phone.

Big Blue U: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Kroger Field

One of K Week's best traditions. Students will learn UK cheers and songs, hear from UK President Eli Capilouto and athletics coaches, and get their class photo taken on the football field. Students should wear their K Week shirt to show their Wildcat pride and comfortable shoes. Attendance will be taken — scan the QR code at Big Blue U to check yourself in.

Sensory/accessibility note: this event will include extra-large groups and loud noises like music and cheers; closed captioning will be available inside Kroger Field.

College Meetings: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17

All new students should attend their designated meeting. Specific times and locations for each college can be found here.

Campus Ruckus: 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the South Lawn (behind The 90)

Join the UK Student Activities Board (SAB) annual back-to-school bash, Campus Ruckus, featuring up to 200 current student organizations with a night full of free snacks, t-shirts and inflatables. Each organization will have a carnival game prepared to break the ice and share how to get involved.

Sensory/accessibility note: this event will include extra large groups and loud noises like music and cheers.

Pick Your Path: Friday, Aug. 18 all day

Pick Your Path is a day set aside during K Week for you to spend time getting to know more about some of UK's campus resources. Students will meet new people around campus and learn more about UK. Check the UK Guides mobile app for information on all the paths available.

Wildcat Welcome Festival: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at Alumni Commons (along Rose Street)

The UK Alumni Association invites all UK students (new and returning) to enjoy live music, free food, photos and games at this first event at the new Alumni Commons. At 8 p.m. the K Week team will give students a chance to meet a ton of new people through a fun networking opportunity, so don’t miss out! Sponsored by the UK Alumni Association and K Week.

Student Organization Events and Open Houses: Aug. 19-20

Cat-A-Palooza: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Gatton Student Center

Grab free food, listen to live music, see a hypnotist performance, recharge in the Chill Zone, enjoy crafts and meet all of the awesome people behind the amazing resources in the Gatton Student Center. Sponsored by the offices and organizations of the Gatton Student Center.

Sensory/accessibility note: this event will include large groups and loud noises like music and cheers. A Chill Zone will be available at the event for those who need to decompress.

K Week Celebration: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom

Celebrate one last time before classes start! Pick up more free stuff (including K Week scavenger hunt prizes!), take unique photos and learn about the fun events still to come this fall.

For more information about K Week, and the full schedule of events, visit https://kweek.uky.edu/.