Yes. Blue Gold Welcome is required for all new students entering UNK.
Blue Gold Welcome is more than icebreakers or a campus tour. Each event is designed to help you build connections, learn your way around campus, discover resources, and start your UNK journey with confidence.
We know orientation matters. Students who attend Blue Gold Welcome are more likely to feel a stronger sense of belonging, use campus resources, and build the foundation for a successful transition to UNK.
If you need to miss Blue Gold Welcome, email us at sft@unk.edu as soon as possible. We take attendance during Blue Gold Welcome, and our team follows up with students who miss events during the first week of classes to make sure they still receive important information and support.
Yes. Parents and families are invited to several Friday events, including the Parade of Lopers, Chancellor’s Convocation, and Loper Family Reception.
We encourage families to say goodbye to their student by 2:30 PM on Friday. After that, students begin required Blue Gold Welcome experiences, and it can be difficult to reconnect during the afternoon.
Yes. Some students begin their experience through pre-orientation programs (ex. TSLC, KHOP, Loper Success Academy), but Blue Gold Welcome brings the full incoming class together in a way those programs do not.
Blue Gold Welcome includes shared traditions, campus-wide connection, and key transition experiences that are not duplicated anywhere else. It is an important part of beginning your UNK journey alongside your fellow Lopers.
No. Parents and families are welcome to return for Blue Gold Welcome if they would like to attend the family events on Friday, but they are not required to come back. Only new students are required to attend Blue Gold Welcome.
A herd is your small group during Blue Gold Welcome. Each herd is led by a Loper Leader, a student volunteer who helps guide your group through the weekend.
Most herds are grouped by LOPR101 section. If you are not enrolled in LOPR101, you will still be placed in a herd with other new students.
Yes. That is completely normal, and you are definitely not the only one feeling that way.
Many new students arrive not knowing anyone. Blue Gold Welcome is built to help you meet people, feel more comfortable, and start making connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
No additional payment is needed to attend Blue Gold Welcome. New students pay a one-time New Student Enrollment fee during their first semester, and a portion of that fee helps cover Blue Gold Welcome so all students can take part without added barriers.
Yes. The Blue Gold Welcome schedule includes three meals.
The Chancellor’s Picnic on Friday is free for students. Breakfast and lunch on Saturday are deducted from student meal swipe balances, and students without meal plans are covered by Student and Family Transitions.
You will receive your personalized Blue Gold Welcome schedule in your Loper email, in the mail at your permanent address, and on your residence hall door if you live on campus. Throughout the weekend, you can also scan QR codes posted around campus to pull up your schedule anytime and stay on track.
Student & Family Transitions staff, Loper Leaders, and volunteers are here to support you. If you are unsure where to go, have a question, or need help, just ask. We are here to make sure you feel welcomed and supported.
Yes. Blue Gold Welcome is for all new students, whether you live on campus or commute. The experience is designed to help every new student connect, explore, and begin strong at UNK.
Your transition does not stop after the weekend. Student and Family Transitions continues to support you through the first six weeks and beyond with programs, resources, and opportunities to help you stay connected and confident.
We are here to help. If you have a question that is not answered here, email Student and Family Transitions at sft@unk.edu, and our team will be happy to assist you.
