UK Updates

 

Here are a few updates from us:   UK has a new BPH-ABSN (Bachelor of Public Health and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Dual Degree program launching Fall 2024. The program is selective and will require a separate application. Learn more about this new degree here.    Freshman Admissions: We are excited to share that UK has received a record number of applications and admitted first-year students for the Fall 2024 semester. We are monitoring enrollment applications and confirmations from a historically large pool. With that in mind, we want to make sure you are aware of the following:   For first-year students already admitted to UK for Fall 2024:   Admitted students considering UK should confirm on or before May 1, 2024, by registering for Big Blue Nation Orientation. A student’s spot in the Class of 2028 is firm if they confirm with us by the deadline.   Admitted students considering UK who do not confirm on or before May 1, 2024, may be placed on a waitlist.   For first-year students who have not yet applied to UK for Fall 2024:    Our Regular Decision deadline is February 15, 2024.   After our February 15 deadline, we plan to continue accepting new first-year applications for Fall 2024, but eligible students may be placed on a waitlist. As space becomes available, students may be moved from the waitlist and offered admission for Fall 2024.   Information for Admitted Seniors:   Students will receive decisions by the end of February for the Lewis Honors College, our selective Human Health Sciences major and/or competitive scholarships.   We welcome admitted students to connect with us through our Admitted Student Day events on campus and/or at our Admitted Student Celebration events taking place around Kentucky and beyond. Details and locations are available here.   Admitted students wishing to confirm attendance for UK will complete their confirmation steps within the myUK portal:   Accepting their financial aid/scholarships by May 1. Registering for Big Blue Nation Orientation by May 1.   Applying for housing by June 1, if they choose to live on campus (recommended). We encourage all students who have applied or are applying to UK to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so we can consider them for financial aid opportunities. UK's priority FAFSA deadline for incoming first-year students is March 1.   NEW MAJORS We are so excited to announce that UK will be offering three new majors this fall. Our faculty and administration are always listening to world trends and students to provide education that will set Wildcats up for success.     Statistics and Data Science - College of Arts and Sciences A bachelor's degree in statistics and data science will equip students to execute all stages of data analysis, from acquisition and exploration to application of statistics and machine learning methods for the creation of data.  As businesses and organizations increasingly rely on data to make informed decisions, there has been a surge in the demand for more people who are trained to make sense of data.  Sport Leadership - College of Education   For the first time, the University of Kentucky is offering a bachelor’s degree in sport leadership. The bachelor of arts in sport leadership is based in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion in the UK College of Education and offers three tracks.  Sport Leadership Careers is designed to give students a foundational curriculum connected to sport and athletics careers. The content focuses on leadership with underlying principles of sport sociology and sport psychology.    Sport Leadership Gaming, offered as an interdisciplinary degree with the College of Communication and Information, prepares students to lead in emerging and inclusive sporting opportunities. This track will introduce esports and gaming industries.  Sport Leadership Entrepreneurs also offered in collaboration with the College of Communication and Information, provides a foundation in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking for students preparing to lead a sport-related business.  Criminal Justice - College of Social Work Our new criminal justice program is built upon a dynamic curriculum that goes beyond a surface-level understanding to delve deep into the underlying cultural, economic and political connections with social harm, crime and systems of social control. By exploring these complex issues, we will prepare students to think critically, analyze situations and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our society today. WHO'S WHO AT UK Homecoming Queen Princess Agbozo Senior West Ghana, Africa Public Health major   Homecoming King Joshua Griffith Senior Greenup, Ky. Neuroscience major   What do you think makes the University of Kentucky unique? Josh: When I think of UK, I am reminded of the video played at the beginning of every home football game. “All roads lead to Lexington, all roads lead to my old Kentucky home.” UK stands out for its renowned basketball and football programs, academic excellence and location in the scenic Bluegrass Region. The Wildcats' success in various sports, and a welcoming, vibrant campus life further contribute to the university's unique identity. The University of Kentucky has positively influenced my collegiate journey in a myriad of ways, continually empowering students like me to explore the limitless possibilities while simultaneously preparing me for a successful future, allowing me to see what’s “wildly possible.”    Princess: What makes the University of Kentucky unique is its inclusive community. No matter who you are or where you are from, the University of Kentucky welcomes you with open arms. I have found a home away from home at the university and found my community. I am proud to be part of the Big Blue Nation!   What resources have you been able to utilize throughout your time at UK?    Josh: Undergraduate research opportunities are a resource I am proud that UK offers to students. The university encourages undergraduate research, providing programs and opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. I have been involved in research since my first year. Through faculty mentorship, I have had the chance to connect with experienced faculty members who provided guidance, support, and mentorship in my research and academic journey. Research at UK contributes valuable support to students at all levels, including freshmen.  Princess: UK has a plethora of resources that have helped me achieve my goals as a student! UK's International Center has been a great resource to me throughout my time at UK and I have always been able to get help from the office when I need assistance. In addition to that UK's vast opportunities for involvement and research have enabled me to grow as a student. Through the Office of Student Organizations and Activities and the Office of Undergraduate Research, I have developed my skills as a leader and a public health professional.   What are the best ways to get involved/make friends on campus?   Josh: With more than 600 registered organizations, UK caters to a wide range of interests. Joining intramural sports teams and fitness classes is a healthy way I spend my free time, and it is an excellent opportunity to meet new people. Take advantage of orientation and welcome week activities. I served as a peer mentor for Lewis Honor College, Lewis Launch and K Week. These events are designed to help new students acclimate to campus life and are a fantastic way to meet their peers. Through these affiliations, I discovered my home away from home on campus and forged connections that will endure throughout my lifetime.   What is your favorite on-campus event?   Princess: My favorite on-campus event is any event held by the Student Activities Board (SAB). It is a great place to meet new people and the events are always fun to attend! My favorite SAB event is Campus Ruckus at the beginning of the semester where we get to meet new students and the different organizations on campus.   What traditions should in-coming students look forward to?   Josh: Students at the University of Kentucky can look forward to various traditions that enhance the college experience. Notable among these is the Cat Walk, a football game day tradition where the team walks from the Nutter Field House to Kroger Field, greeted by cheering fans. When the first snow falls, hundreds of students gather at the William T. Young Library (Willy T.) for sledding and snowball fights.   What has been the most memorable moment of your time at UK so far?    Princess: One of the most memorable moments of my time at UK was helping to organize Taste of Africa on campus, a celebration of the African culture and diaspora. It was fun being able to represent my and many others' cultures through dance, food and music!   What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their time here?   Josh: One piece of advice I would give is to remember, everyone's college experience is unique. Take the time to discover what works best for you and enjoy the journey of learning and growing at UK. Find something you are passionate about and get involved early.   Build relationships with professors early on. Attend their office hours, ask questions and seek their guidance. These connections can be valuable for academic and career advice. Be sure to familiarize yourself with support services offered on campus, such as tutoring centers, career counseling and mental health resources and utilize these services. Plan for the future while enjoying the present. Explore research and internship opportunities, attend career fairs and start building your professional network early on. This is a unique period in your life, so make the most of it.  MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: PUBLIC POLICY   Did you know? The University of Kentucky offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy within the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. Public policy is an interdisciplinary program that applies tools from economics, political science, statistics and management to solve problems that matter to people and communities.  The practical skillset developed within this program gives our graduates career flexibility and lots of options. Possible careers in public policy can include:    All levels of government – local, state and federal     Policy analyst     Legislative aide    Research associate     Budget analyst     Nonprofit and advocacy organizations    Community engagement specialist    Advocacy coordinator     Grant-writing specialist     Private-sector organizations     Management consultant     Government relations coordinator     This program is also excellent preparation for law school or other graduate programs, including economics, policy, criminology and more. Within this major, students can look forward to classes like Equity in Public Policy, Ethics and Civic Leadership, Public and Nonprofit Financial Management and more! Interested students can reach out to Brooke Kuerzi, program advisor, for more information or to organize a program visit.   Additionally, through the Academic Common Market, students from select states can enroll in the Public Policy program at in-state tuition rates. Find participating states here.     For more information about this major, check out our Public Policy page.   HELPFUL LINKS    UK Viewbook UK Travel Piece UK Acceptance Booklet (next steps for admitted students only) Please be in touch if there is anything we can do to support you and your students! You can find contact information for your area’s admissions counselor here. Cara Franke Executive Director of Strategic Recruitment cara.franke@uky.edu | call: 859-257-8126  Meet with Me Virtually University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Admission 100 Funkhouser Bldg. | Lexington, KY 40506-0054 admission@uky.edu | 859-257-2000 Virtual Campus Tour | Find Your Recruiter #BBNBound | #UK2028 | @UKYAdmissions An Equal Opportunity University