| Time | Location | Event |
| 8:00am-1:00pm | Residence Halls | Residence Hall Move In: Start settling into your new home with help from campus staff and volunteers. Enjoy a warm welcome as you begin your Loper adventure. |
| 2:30pm-2:45pm | Bell Tower | Bell Tower Meet-Up: Gather under the iconic Bell Tower to line up for the Parade of Lopers and share the excitement of your first day on campus. |
| 2:45pm-3:30pm | Bell Tower to HSC | Parade of Lopers: Show your Loper spirit as you march from the Bell Tower to the Health and Sports Center with the entire incoming class. This lively procession sets the tone for an unforgettable semester. |
| 3:30pm-4:00pm | HSC | Chancellor’s Convocation: Join the Chancellor for an official university welcome and discover what makes UNK special. Celebrate the start of your journey and walk away feeling inspired to succeed. |
| 4:00pm-5:30pm | HSC | Playfair: Jump into high-energy games and activities designed to help you meet people quickly and comfortably. Leave with new friendships and unforgettable memories. |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | Ponderosa & Sandhills Rooms | Parent & Family Orientation and Reception: Families can join for insights on campus resources and a chance to connect with other supporters. This is the perfect way to ease their worries and share in your excitement. |
| 5:00pm-8:00pm | Campus Greens | Blue Gold Showcase & Picnic: Explore student organizations, campus services, and local businesses at this vibrant outdoor fair. Then enjoy a relaxed picnic with the Chancellor to celebrate your first evening on campus. |
| 8:00pm-9:00pm | Residence Halls | First Floor Meeting: Connect with your Resident Assistant and neighbors for essential info about living in the residence halls. This meeting helps build community and sets the stage for a great year ahead. |
| 9:00pm-11:00pm | Fountain | Blue & Gold Beats with LPAC & SEL: Wind down the day with music and fun hosted by the Loper Programming & Activities Council and Intercultural Engagement & Leadership. It’s a chance to relax, mingle, and make lasting memories under the stars. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Cope Stadium | Loper Rise & Shine Meet-Up: Fuel up for the day at Cope Stadium while meeting up with your Herd. Get ready to tackle orientation activities together and cheer each other on. |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Foster Field | Class Picture: Join your entire class on Foster Field to capture the official class photo. Show off your Loper pride and create a moment that will be shared for years to come. |
| 10:15am-11:15am | HSC | Orientation Unlocked: The Loper Games: Bring a charged, Wi-Fi-enabled device for this hands-on session that covers campus resources and success strategies. Connect with fellow Lopers, engage in interactive challenges, and walk away feeling confident about your new environment. |
| 11:30am-3:00pm | Various |
Loper Rotations: Rotate through these activities to sample campus life, chat with professors, develop helpful skills, and enjoy some fun games. It’s a whirlwind introduction designed to help you feel at home. Loper Lunch at The Graze Loper Professor Panel Loper Sessions Loper Field Day |
| 3:00pm-6:00pm | Various | Loper Landmarks Campus Roam & Scavenger Hunt: Explore campus by searching for clues and meeting helpful staff in open offices, with academic buildings open so you can locate your classrooms. This interactive adventure is a fun, stress-free way to discover resources and get comfortable before classes begin. |
| 6:00pm-10:00pm | TBA | Meet the Greeks: Discover Fraternity and Sorority Life and connect with current members in a relaxed setting. Enjoy music, activities, and conversation to see if you’d like to be part of a chapter. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 6:00pm-9:00pm | Yanney Park | Loper Lot Party: Celebrate the start of the school year with an outdoor bash that includes food, music, and plenty of space to have fun. Bring your new friends and make even more as you enjoy the evening festivities. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 8:00am-1:00pm | Residence Halls | Residence Hall Move In: Start settling into your new home with help from campus staff and volunteers. Enjoy a warm welcome as you begin your Loper adventure. |
| 2:30pm-2:45pm | Bell Tower | Bell Tower Meet-Up: Gather under the iconic Bell Tower to line up for the Parade of Lopers and share the excitement of your first day on campus. |
| 2:45pm-3:30pm | Bell Tower to HSC | Parade of Lopers: Show your Loper spirit as you march from the Bell Tower to the Health and Sports Center with the entire incoming class. This lively procession sets the tone for an unforgettable semester. |
| 3:30pm-4:00pm | HSC | Chancellor’s Convocation: Join the Chancellor for an official university welcome and discover what makes UNK special. Celebrate the start of your journey and walk away feeling inspired to succeed. |
| 4:00pm-5:30pm | HSC | Playfair: Jump into high-energy games and activities designed to help you meet people quickly and comfortably. Leave with new friendships and unforgettable memories. |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | Ponderosa & Sandhills Rooms | Parent & Family Orientation and Reception: Families can join for insights on campus resources and a chance to connect with other supporters. This is the perfect way to ease their worries and share in your excitement. |
| 5:00pm-8:00pm | Campus Greens | Blue Gold Showcase & Picnic: Explore student organizations, campus services, and local businesses at this vibrant outdoor fair. Then enjoy a relaxed picnic with the Chancellor to celebrate your first evening on campus. |
| 8:00pm-9:00pm | Residence Halls | First Floor Meeting: Connect with your Resident Assistant and neighbors for essential info about living in the residence halls. This meeting helps build community and sets the stage for a great year ahead. |
| 9:00pm-11:00pm | Fountain | Blue & Gold Beats with LPAC & SEL: Wind down the day with music and fun hosted by the Loper Programming & Activities Council and Intercultural Engagement & Leadership. It’s a chance to relax, mingle, and make lasting memories under the stars. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Cope Stadium | Loper Rise & Shine Meet-Up: Fuel up for the day at Cope Stadium while meeting up with your Herd. Get ready to tackle orientation activities together and cheer each other on. |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Foster Field | Class Picture: Join your entire class on Foster Field to capture the official class photo. Show off your Loper pride and create a moment that will be shared for years to come. |
| 10:15am-11:15am | HSC | Orientation Unlocked: The Loper Games: Bring a charged, Wi-Fi-enabled device for this hands-on session that covers campus resources and success strategies. Connect with fellow Lopers, engage in interactive challenges, and walk away feeling confident about your new environment. |
| 11:30am-3:00pm | Various |
Loper Rotations: Rotate through these activities to sample campus life, chat with professors, develop helpful skills, and enjoy some fun games. It’s a whirlwind introduction designed to help you feel at home. Loper Lunch at The Graze Loper Professor Panel Loper Sessions Loper Field Day |
| 3:00pm-6:00pm | Various | Loper Landmarks Campus Roam & Scavenger Hunt: Explore campus by searching for clues and meeting helpful staff in open offices, with academic buildings open so you can locate your classrooms. This interactive adventure is a fun, stress-free way to discover resources and get comfortable before classes begin. |
| 6:00pm-10:00pm | TBA | Meet the Greeks: Discover Fraternity and Sorority Life and connect with current members in a relaxed setting. Enjoy music, activities, and conversation to see if you’d like to be part of a chapter. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 6:00pm-9:00pm | Yanney Park | Loper Lot Party: Celebrate the start of the school year with an outdoor bash that includes food, music, and plenty of space to have fun. Bring your new friends and make even more as you enjoy the evening festivities. |
| Time | Location | Event |
| 8:00am-1:00pm | Residence Halls | Residence Hall Move In: Help your student settle into their new home while meeting our friendly staff and volunteers. It’s a chance to get them comfortable, answer questions, and wrap up any last-minute errands. |
| 11:00am-11:30am | All Residence Hall Lobbies | Residence Hall Coordinator Welcome: Meet the hall coordinator in the lobby to learn about valuable resources and get answers to any lingering concerns. This quick visit offers extra peace of mind before the day’s events kick off. |
| 2:00pm-2:30pm | Time to Say Goodbye: Use this window to have a warm final moment with your student before orientation begins. This is the recommended time as it will be difficult to find a chance to meet back up with them while they attend mandatory events. | |
| 2:30pm-2:45pm | Bell Tower | Line the Parade Route: Gather on the sidewalk between the Bell Tower and the Health and Sports Center to wave signs, shake noisemakers, and showcase your Loper pride. UNK Admissions will provide spirit gear so you can cheer on your student in style. |
| 2:45pm-3:30pm | Bell Tower to HSC | Parade of Lopers: Watch the energy and excitement of incoming students marching from the Bell Tower to the Health and Sports Center. Feel the campus spirit as your student steps into their new Loper life. |
| 3:30pm-4:00pm | HSC | Chancellor’s Convocation: Gather in the Health and Sports Center for an official welcome from the Chancellor and campus leaders. Celebrate your student’s entry into the UNK family and share in the optimism for a successful year ahead. |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | Ponderosa & Sandhills Rooms | Parent & Family Orientation and Reception: Join us in the Ponderosa & Sandhills Rooms for helpful insights on supporting your student’s success. Meet other families, chat with campus representatives, and leave feeling excited about this next chapter. |
No. You’re welcome to stay for the Friday events listed below, but your student will be busy with required orientation activities starting at 2:30 PM. We recommend using the “Time to Say Goodbye” window before then.
Yes! Families are encouraged to cheer from the parade route and attend the Chancellor’s Convocation. It’s a proud and emotional moment for many.
Nope! You’re not required to attend any events if your student arrives early. We find that most families of early arrival students choose not to make the trip back to Kearney, and that’s totally okay. Your student will still be warmly welcomed and fully included in the Blue Gold Welcome experience.
If your student needs to miss any part of Blue Gold Welcome, it’s not the end of the world. We know things come up. During the first week of classes, we’ll email them the key information and resources they missed so they can still feel confident and connected. Encourage them to check their email and take advantage of those follow-up materials.
Yes! Join us at 4:00 PM in the Ponderosa & Sandhills Rooms for a special Parent & Family Orientation and Reception. You’ll hear from campus staff, connect with other families, and leave with great tips for supporting your student.
