LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2025) — As summer winds down, excitement is building across campus. The University of Kentucky is preparing to welcome thousands of new students this fall — each one taking their first steps into college life, and into a community deeply committed to their success.
For many, that journey begins with Big Blue Nation Orientation (BBNO), a one-day experience designed to prepare first-year, transfer and readmitted students for what lies ahead. But at UK, orientation is more than a checklist. It’s a celebration. A dynamic, student-centered welcome that reflects the energy and heart of the Big Blue Nation.
“Big Blue Nation Orientation is often a student’s first real taste of campus life,” said McKaylee Copher, director of orientation and outreach. “It sets the tone by creating a welcoming environment that reflects UK’s values, empowering students with resources and confidence, and fostering connections with peers and staff. This early experience helps students know they belong at UK, and are part of a larger community here to support them every step of the way.”…