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First-time freshmen and transfer students gathered in Kentucky State University’s Carl M. Hill Student Center Ballroom today to attend the 2018 New Student Orientation.

Students, as well as parents, were given an introduction to Kentucky State, as well as an overview of important policies, procedures and resources to help them transition into their new campus home. Those who attended were offered one-on-one advisement by the Office of Admissions, Academic Advising, the Office of the Registrar, Residence Life, Financial Aid, Bursar and the Cashier’s Office.

“Kentucky State University is continually moving forward. We have already met and are exceeding the requirements needed for our five-year management improvement goal for 2021,” Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II said. “For the first time, Kentucky State is offering freshmen and transfer students a more comprehensive Spring Orientation. This is key. We want to make sure that every student receives the proper welcome and the information they need to matriculate successfully, regardless of which semester they come in.”

This year, the new orientation included Parent University, a seminar for parents of new students on “how to let go.” The class gave parents tips on how to let their new students soar. Students also attended sessions on the “Road to College Success,” “Social Media Etiquette” and “Disability and Resource Services.” Transfer students were also offered new break-out classes that were tailored specifically to their needs.

“We’re trying a new way to recruit, retain and reach students. Our mission is to continually recruit a qualified pool of diverse students to the University. Orientation helps ensure that these students are knowledgeable about what the University has to offer,” Justin Mathis, assistant vice president of enrollment management, said.

Kentucky State’s admissions office has worked tirelessly to recruit students not only from Kentucky, but surrounding states Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana.

“I heard about Kentucky State University at the Black Expo in my hometown of Indianapolis as a sophomore in high school. I saw the band perform and loved them. I talked to a lady at Kentucky State’s table and the school met all of my requirements. I felt like Kentucky State was a good fit for me,” Jayla Borgan, a Kentucky State freshman, said.

“I transferred to Kentucky State University from Hampton University, in order to attend a smaller school that is closer to hometown, Cincinnati,” Kiyah Mattison, a Kentucky State freshman transfer, said.

For many of the students attending the orientation, it was an opportunity to take advantage of Kentucky State University’s scholarship program. Jim Boklage, an Army veteran that came out of service in 1976, applied and was awarded the Donovan Scholarship, which provides persons aged 65 and older an opportunity to become students by waiving tuition and fees for academic classes.

“I’m attending Kentucky State University because I can with the financial help of the Donovan Scholarship. It’s perfect for me because the University is local, and it offers classes in music production and engineering that other universities like the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville do not have,” Boklage, a Kentucky State freshman, said.

For more information on New Student Orientation, contact Justin Mathis via email Justin.Mathis@kysu.edu or phone at (502) 597-6813.