Blue Gold Welcome is an action-packed weekend designed to welcome first-year students to UNK. Over these three days, you will meet staff and students in your residence hall, connect with faculty and staff from all over the university, get to know other first-year students, meet many of the student leaders and student organizations on campus, and get valuable information to help you thrive at UNK. And you might even take away some great new Loper Swag! Some things to look forward to are:
Visit all campus buildings to find your classes and the offices you may need. Stop by any of the welcome desks - in the Nebraska Student Union, near the Cope Fountain, or near the pedestrian bridge by COE – or look for Loper Leaders in yellow to answer any questions you may have.
Meet other commuter students and connect with Loper Leaders ahead of the Blue Gold Welcome activities all weekend.
Location: COE pedestrian bridge welcome desk
Meet other UNK Parents/Families and connect with the Office of Student and Family Transitions and the Parent Family Advisory Board.
Location: Copeland Hall 142 (English), Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership in the Nebraskan Student Union (Spanish)
Students will parade through the heart of campus while parents/families, faculty, staff, and upper-class students cheer them on. Feel the Loper Spirit as UNK comes out to let the new students know they belong!
Starting Location: Nebraskan Student Union Courtyard
We officially welcome students and their families to UNK each year at Convocation. Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Student Leaders will welcome you to the campus community in this ceremonial formal beginning of your journey as a UNK student. And there might be a few surprises in the mix!
Location: HSC Arena
Explore what UNK and Kearney have to offer by visiting with over 100 student groups, campus organizations, and community businesses. But don’t miss out on Chancellor’s Picnic, your chance to get a great meal and visit with others in the UNK community.
Location: Campus Green Spaces
What better way to wrap up your first day than a party? Join the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership and LPAC for a memorable end to a memorable day!
Location: Cope Fountain
New students join you Loper Leaders for breakfast in the Graze.
Location: The Graze in the Nebraskan Student Union.
Connect with your Herd and get ready for the day ahead!
Location: Nebraskan Student Union Courtyard
Campus experts share their tips and tricks with you to help you learn how to have the best Life as a Loper you can! Get the secret knowledge to take advantage of all UNK has to offer.
Locations: NSU Ponderosa Room, Drake Theater, and Copeland Hall
Throw your Lopes and strike a pose.
Location: Foster Field
Join UNK Staff for a picnic lunch.
Location: Campus green space between Nebraskan Student Union and Cope Fountain
Spend some time with your college and future faculty. Faculty and upperclassmen will share their tips for success in your major.
Locations: NSU Ponderosa Room, Drake Theater, and Copeland Hall
Take a break and enjoy dinner on your own.
Learn the Loper Traditions and get ready to show your Loper Spirit!
Location: HSC Arena
Relax under the stars with some popcorn and a movie. Bring a blanket or folding chair and get comfortable.
Location: Foster Field
Have some fun with sports and activities all over campus. Play yard games, win a prize, try out the rock wall, yell out bingo, or relax with a little art. Recharge and be ready to have the best first day of classes!
Location: Campus Greens and various on campus locations by activity
