Lewis Launch

Lewis Launch is a three-day orientation for new Lewis Honors College students to help them transition to college academics and campus life by connecting them to campus resources. All Lewis Launch sessions are structured with the new student as the focus. All activities provide students with an opportunity to interact and connect with each other. Being in this small setting of the Lewis Honors College community helps students create new traditions, learn about expectations, and start to familiarize themselves with the processes of the Lewis Honors College and the University of Kentucky (UK). With the full participation and support of the administration, faculty, staff, and returning students serving as Lewis Launch leaders, new students quickly settle into their new environment.

Lewis Launch Leaders are returning Lewis Honors College students who are here to support new students as they transition to Lewis Honors College and UK. Launch Leaders will apply their experience from previously attending Lewis Launch as a first-year student and having been trained in their position to help new students. They will answer questions you might have about the Lewis Honors College and UK.

All students at the Lewis Honors College are expected to attend Lewis Launch beginning Monday, August 19. Check the schedule to maximize your experience. Since you do not have to check into a residence hall, you will want to meet up with your Launch Group at the designated time and place. Please contact Lydia Wade at lydia.wade@uky.edu if you have any questions about the sessions on that day.

The Launch schedule is flexible for the afternoon of August 19. Programming with your Launch Group and social activities will take place in the late afternoon/early evening.

You will receive communication from the Lewis Honors College about Lewis Launch throughout the summer. In addition, Lewis Launch Leaders who enjoyed Lewis Launch in previous years will be a useful resource to help you learn about Launch 2024.

All LLPs and the Lewis Honors College at UK partner together to ensure that all Honors students learn about resources available via LLPs and the Lewis Honors College.  Overlapping schedules were designed to provide students with the opportunity to participate in both orientations. Please look at both schedules and consult with leaders of both communities to help you maximize your experience. Please contact Lydia Wade at lydia.wade@uky.edu if you have questions.

During Lewis Launch, you will be learning about resources that you can find here. The activities will include interactive presentations, whole group sessions, small group sessions, and other opportunities that will help you to connect with students in your group and the rest of the Lewis Honors College community. You will continue acquiring knowledge about creating productive relationships, setting expectations, and aligning with the goals of Lewis Honors College and UK. In addition, you will learn about leadership opportunities available on campus for new students.

Lewis Launch Leaders will be your group’s mentor for the orientation. They also will be available to answer your questions throughout the rest of August and early September. After this time, you will continue receiving support from the Lewis Honors College community from Lead Peer Mentors, Residential Peer Mentors, faculty, and staff. Lewis Launch Leaders may be be available if you reach out to them from time to time, but they will not lead your group for the academic year in an official capacity.