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How to Write the University of Kentucky Essays 2020-2021

University of Kentucky is a public research institution located in Lexington, Kentucky. It prides itself on being one of only eight institutions in the US with the full complement of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural, and medical colleges on one contiguous campus. UK has a total enrollment of around 30,500 and its acceptance rate hovers around 90%.

University of Kentucky applicants have the choice of applying via the Common Application, Coalition Application, or a UK-specific application. Students applying to the Lewis Honors College or the UK’s competitive academic scholarships must use either the University of Kentucky-specific application or the Common Application, and respond to an additional prompt. Want to know your chances at University of Kentucky? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what the University of Kentucky will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering UK needs to know.

University of Kentucky Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, think of a time when you were dealing with a challenge (personal, academic, work related). how did you handle that did you seek support and if so who did you seek support from (250-650 words), for lewis honors college and competitive scholarship applicants only.

Who are three people that you feel have made a significant impact on the world in the last 100 years? Who are they and why did you select them? How would you want them to be recognized or memorialized (for example, with a day, a celebration, or a monument, etc.)? 

For All Applicants

This prompt asks you to address your self-awareness and response to adversity. The challenge you choose to discuss does not have to be something large-scale or grand to effectively answer the prompt. Instead, your topic should allow you to fully answer the questions posed. Try to choose a time when you faced a unique challenge or reacted in a way that brought out your strengths; avoid hackneyed topics about grades or losing a sports game.

For example, an essay that discusses struggling to get a good grade in calculus would not be as effective as an essay that focuses on what it took to develop the mental fortitude to become a runner despite being highly unathletic. A challenging class is simply too common of an experience, and is not considered a substantial enough challenge If you do choose an academic topic, be sure that it is distinctive and significant enough to give admissions a better picture of who you are. For more tips, check out Collegevine’s guide to writing to an overcoming challenges prompt .

Tone is crucial in answering this question. This prompt asks you to reflect on a challenge, so do not be afraid to admit that you struggled at first. Humility is key to successful self-reflection. However, your tone should also not be overly self-critical – resilience is an equally important value. 

So if you were to write about going from hating running to becoming a varsity runner, you could begin with descriptions of your thoughts mid-race before you came to appreciate running. “A mile in and my breath grew ragged; my feet dragged as if I were wearing shoes made of lead. ‘I just can’t wait to finish the season and be done with running forever,’ I thought as I stared at the runner in front of me.”

The first portion of this prompt asks how you handled your challenge. You do not need to focus on only one solution if you relied on multiple mechanisms. Often, there isn’t just one magic solution to our problems. However, you should provide clear methods that you used to address your challenge. 

For example, saying you had a change of heart and suddenly loved running does not explain how you handled the problem in enough detail. What were your methods? Were other people involved in the change? Who were they and how did they help you? Go through the concrete steps and internal processes that led you to a resolution.

Support systems — both peer and faculty-based — will become crucial during your college years. Success during a challenge can largely depend on your ability to know where and when to ask for help. This prompt asks you to explain how you use the support systems in your life. Your challenge should at least be partially addressed by an effective use of your support system. Let’s return to the running example. In that case, you could discuss how you were inspired by an older teammate, or how your coach became a mentor.

Note that your support systems do not need to be official organizations or people in authority. Your friends and family can also serve as a support system. Your support system also doesn’t need to provide you with something tangible, so long as they can provide you with emotional support or good advice.  

Who are three people that you feel have made a significant impact on the world in the last 100 years? Who are they and why did you select them? How would you want them to be recognized or memorialized (for example, with a day, a celebration, or a monument, etc.)? (500 words)

Before you begin to consider your response to these questions, it would be beneficial to briefly assess what Lewis Honors College stands for and why you would like to attend this program (if applicable). If you are applying to Lewis Honors College, you should be prepared to demonstrate your commitment to the College’s values, either directly or indirectly, in your response to this essay prompt. Lewis Honors College’s mission is “to better the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the world by helping students to explore their purpose, develop intellectually, and lead with integrity.” As you can see, leadership is one of the College’s foremost values, and the admissions office wants to understand how you think about leadership and who has been a model of leadership to you.

Another related aspect of the prompt is your values. The prompt itself is asking you to consider who and what you value (within leadership), and then come up with three people who represent those values from the last century. What do you consider a “significant impact”? Is it scientific, humanitarian, athletic, intellectual, political, artistic? 

You should select people whose contributions span a few different areas you value or are interested in. The people you choose do not have to be universally popular or known; the only requirement is that they have made a significant impact on the world in your view. For example, if you’re scientifically inclined, you might choose Rosalind Franklin, the chemist who discovered that DNA has a double helix structure. Or maybe you believe the Percy Jackson series changed the world, in which case you might choose Rick Riordan. As long as the person represented or directly created change on a global scale in the past century (and you can back it up), they’re a valid choice.

This prompt then goes a step further by asking you to discuss how you would choose to commemorate each person. In last year’s honors prompt, applicants were asked to create a “new Mount Rushmore” with four different individuals. This year’s prompt challenges you to think critically about what memorialization means and come up with your own means of recognizing your chosen figures. There are a few suggestions embedded in the prompt – a day, a celebration, or a monument – but don’t feel like you must choose one of these options. Think creatively: what is the best way to remember your chosen figures? Here are a few ideas:

• Time – Is this person best remembered by setting aside time? Perhaps a moment of silence, a day, a week, or a month dedicated to remembrance of this figure. Is there a specific time (in the day or year) during which this person has special significance?
• Object – Is this figure best remembered with a permanent object? For example, a monument, a museum, or a cenotaph. Is there something about this person’s contribution that can be permanently displayed?
• Event – Is this person best represented by a social act or gathering in their name? Possibly a celebration, a vigil, a ritual, or a festival. Is there something about this person’s achievement or path to re-enact, enjoy, or grieve in conjunction with others?

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First-Year Admission

Thank you for your interest in the Lewis Honors College. We are excited that you are considering taking this step! The Lewis Honors College application is included in the main  UK Admissions Application  or the  Common Application  - you can use either to apply to the Honors College. By completing the additional Honors essay included in the application, the Honors selection committee of academic professionals will receive and review your application holistically.

Admission Criteria

When determining an applicant’s strengths the Lewis Honors College considers the following:

• strength of application essay
• academic preparation
• level of involvement and leadership
• awards and recognitions

To best support students, the Lewis Honors College does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Any student with a strong academic record should apply.

In alignment with the mission of the Lewis Honors College, students strive to increase their depth of thought, think critically, cultivate ideas, and successfully articulate their opinions in an organized and coherent manner. The selection committee looks to see that Honors applicants have begun honing such skills, and therefore the essay responses carry a large amount of weight in the admission process. 

Important Dates

The deadline to apply to the Lewis Honors College is midnight (EST) on December 1, 2023 .

Essay Prompt

The essay prompt to be answered in 500-550 words is "Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good.  What do you consider to be for “the common good” and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it?"

Additional Information

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Lewis Honors College University of Kentucky Lewis Hall, 420 Hilltop Avenue Lexington, KY 40508 Phone: 859-257-3111

THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION

Since 1883, we have delivered The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, the world's oldest international schools' writing competition. Today, we work to expand its reach, providing life-changing opportunities for young people around the world.

ENTER THE QCEC 2024

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now live!

Find out more about this year’s theme

'Our Common Wealth' and make sure to enter by 15 May 2024!

140 years of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools and has been proudly delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. 

ABOUT THE COMPETITION 

An opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievement celebrated internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Competition. Before contacting us please read these.

MEET THE WINNERS 

In 2023 we were delighted to receive a record-breaking 34,924 entries, with winners from India and Malaysia. Read their winning pieces as well as those from previous years.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions for entrants to The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. Please ensure you have thoroughly read them before submitting your entry.

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Academic Scholarships

The University of Kentucky Academic Scholarship Program offers funds to outstanding students who demonstrate the potential for superior academic performance. Academic-based scholarships are administered by the Office of Academic Scholarships, and awards are made without regard to financial status, race, creed, religious preference, or sex.

Incoming Freshmen

Current Undergraduate Students

Transfer Students

Graduate and Professional Students

Non-Traditional and Part-Time Students

International Students

Academic scholarship faq.

Frequently Asked Questions

ScholarshipUniverse

ScholarshipUniverse (SU) is an online scholarship platform that matches students to relevant, vetted external scholarship opportunities, as well as internal scholarships offered by the university. SU is available for currently enrolled UK students and admitted prospective students who have a linkblue account.   

Visit ScholarshipUniverse

College and Department Scholarships

Parker Scholarship

Need-Based Scholarships

Institutional awards are not guaranteed. All students are considered based on timing of application, meeting requirements for admission, and doing so by established deadlines. Institutional aid programs are evaluated each year and are provided based on the availability of funds.

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We are offering new options for students in the two required essays for this certificate. Please note that all essays should be submitted at least  one month  before you graduate, to allow time for the director to read and offer feedback and for you to complete necessary revisions. You will submit your essays on Canvas ; please add yourself to the site by following this link . Please title your files as follows: LastName_FirstName_CGS_EssayNumber: for example, Dawson_Bess_CGS_Essay1 , then submit it under the correct assignment (Essay 1 or Essay 2) in PDF format.

You are required to submit two essays, chosen from the following options (you may do one of each, or both in the category of your choice):

Option 1: Essays you have written for a globally-focused course that match one of the following descriptions:

• Analyze and interpret key characteristics of a culture outside the United States, including its cultural products, traditions, and institutions . A successful essay in this category will demonstrate a detailed, sophisticated understanding of the target culture, its institutions, tradition and products. Analysis/interpretation reflects a nuanced understanding of the context(s)/ways(s) in which meanings are negotiated in the target culture and takes varying perspectives from within the target culture into account. Relevant/related social and/or historical examples and/or artifacts are discussed to support claims. Analysis/interpretation also reflects a high degree of cultural self-awareness. Student provides pertinent examples and is able to contextualize interpretations within broader cultural narratives.
• Relate cultural products, traditions, and institutions of your own culture(s) to those of a culture outside the United States . A successful essay in this category will demonstrate a high degree of awareness of similarities and/or differences between cultural institutions in target culture and their own cultural background and articulate these in detail using specific, relevant examples and personal experience. Comparison and/or analysis demonstrates a detailed, sophisticated understanding of the target culture, its institutions, tradition and products. Student demonstrates a high degree of cultural self-awareness. They provide appropriate examples and are able to contextualize personal experience within broader cultural narrative.

Option 2: Short reflective essays tying together the following components (1-2 pages each):

• Your globally-focused coursework, your experiences learning a new language, your time abroad, and an international activity  in the U.S.
• See below for more pointers for this type of essay.

_____________________________________________________________________________

GUIDELINES FOR REFLECTIVE ESSAYS (Option 2 listed above)

Each of the two essays must be between  400-600 words in length (1-2 pages) , and each must weave together the following elements ( keep in mind that you must tie the elements together in a way that flows well and creates one cohesive essay, rather than disparate sections ):

• One  approved internationally-focused activity  you have attended in the U.S.
• Your experiences during your education abroad program
• Language acquisition and/or comprehension
• Something you learned in a globally-focused course you have taken

If one or more of these elements is missing, you will be required to revise your essay.

You may wish to consult class notes, your journal, your photographs, and messages you wrote to family and friends as you gather ideas for this essay.  You may decide to focus on a positive experience that has inspired you, such as an insight gained in a class discussion, or an experience you enjoyed abroad; or you may be willing to share a dilemma you faced, or a fundamental question raised by an unexpected confrontation.  Please organize each of your essays in this way:

1.   Open your essay  by describing an actual experience, a reaction, an issue or a problem you encountered because you were living, studying, or working in an international context. Please note that this must be factual, not fictional.*

2.  Offer a comparison, or extend that description, by referring to  all of the following  in the next few paragraphs: the  event or activity in which you participated in the U.S. ; your  education abroad experience ; the world  language (s) in which you have learned to communicate; and what you have learned in  a course .  Remember that this is an opportunity for you to highlight the work you have done as an undergraduate in a way that allows you to tie together the skills, knowledge, and interests you have acquired.

3 .  Close your essay  by explaining how the experience, reaction, issue or problem was resolved or how it affected you, and by evaluating its impact upon your education, your personal goals, or your worldview.

* Please note : Descriptions of courses, education abroad, and language acquisition in your essay will be compared to those recorded on your transcript.  For this reason, we will be worried about plagiarism if you describe a scene in a courtroom in Mexico even though you were granted credit for working in a clinic in Guatemala.

Students who plan to use this essay as a rough draft of an application for further study, for a graduate fellowship, or for a volunteer position, and who will therefore stress the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they have gained abroad, may want to look at  this useful website .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what are the university of kentucky essay prompts.

I've been looking into University of Kentucky and I'm curious to know what the essay prompts are for their application. I want to make sure I put my best foot forward. Can someone provide me with the prompts or direct me to the right resources?

Unfortunately, it's hard to give a universal answer to this question, as recently there have been some years when University of Kentucky requires additional, school-specific essays, and others when they require only your main Common App essay. To be sure you know what all the requirements will be for you, check Kentucky's website, or their profile on the Common App, on August 1st before your senior year, as that's when any supplemental prompts for the coming applications season are released.

If there are any Kentucky-specific supplements, it's important to answer these prompts honestly and authentically. Show the admissions team who you are and what you're passionate about, and let your personality shine through so they can see exactly why you'd be such a good fit for their school.

Additionally, if you want help refining any of your essays, whether your personal statement or a school-specific supplement, consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace. A more objective set of eyes can often help you identify any typos or grammatical errors, as well as give you a more objective sense of whether your ideas are coming across clearly.

Good luck with your application to Kentucky!

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Frequently Asked Questions

I have questions about admission., what are the requirements to be admitted to uk.

As a transfer student, with a 2.0 GPA and 24 earned credit hours, you can be admitted into the majority of UK's programs of study. However, there are a number of majors that are considered selective, which have slightly higher GPA requirements. Please note, UK has adopted a test-optional policy through the 2028-29 academic year. This means students who have earned less than 24 hours can be considered for admission without standardized test scores.

Read about Transfer Admission Requirements

What majors are selective?

Majors in the Colleges of Business and Economics, Communication and Information, Design, Engineering, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health are considered selective.

Do any colleges have additional applications?

Yes, the Colleges of Design, Fine Arts and Health Sciences have required additional applications for prospective students. 

College of Design Admissions

College of Fine Arts Admissions

College of Health Sciences Admissions

How do I apply?

Apply Online 

I can't find my major on the application.

Some majors are designated with a Pre- status until you obtain major standing here at UK. If you're having trouble finding your major, try looking in the P section of the alphabetical dropdown menu when you select your major in the  online application .

How is KY residency determined?

Kentucky residency is evaluated by the residency team in the Office of the Registrar. Read more about residency here  or email your questions to  [email protected] .

Where do I send my transcript? Does it need to be a hard copy?

We will accept both hard-copy official transcripts as well as digital copies, provided that they are sent to us by the institution that you previously attended and are indeed official copies. Have digital transcripts sent to  [email protected] and hard-copy transcripts can be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 100 Funkhouser Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0054 .

How can I check my application status?

You can check your application status by logging into the  online application  and clicking the Check Status link under the Already applied? header.

When will I know if I'm admitted? How long does it usually take?

You will receive a letter in the mail regarding your admission decision about three to four weeks after we receive your application and supporting documents.

How do I confirm my admission?

You will confirm your acceptance offer by registering to attend a Big Blue Nation Orientation . Once you receive your acceptance packet in the mail, follow the instructions to set up your linkblue account and choose an orientation date.

How do I sign up for a Big Blue Nation Orientation? Do I have to attend one?

Sign up for your Big Blue Nation Orientation via myUK, following these instructions . Attendance is required for all students, with the exception of summer non-degree students and military-affiliated students with verifiable orders that interfere with the orientation dates.  At BBN Orientation, you'll sit down with your academic advisor and schedule your first semester of classes here at UK  - you don't want to miss out on that!

orientation.uky.edu

When can I register for my classes?

You will be able to register for classes with the help of your college advisor at your  Big Blue Nation Orientation . After your first semester, you will register for classes during priority registration. You will be assigned a window when you may register for classes online through the myUK portal. 

Do I have to pay the $50 application fee?

The application fee is required to process your application. However, there are opportunities for free applications at certain recruitment events and on Transfer Tuesdays.

How do I apply if I'm not a US citizen?

If you hold a current US visa or will need to apply for one, complete the international application  here . All other prospective students will complete the domestic application. Once your admission officer receives and reviews your application, our International Student and Scholar Services team will contact you a list of needed items.

When can I transfer? Do I need a certain number of hours?

You can transfer with any number of credit hours earned after high school graduation. If you have 24 or more earned credit hours, we will only require a transcript from each college or university you have previously attended. If you have 23 or fewer earned credit hours, we will also need your high school transcript and your ACT/SAT scores (optional through 2028-29) in addition to your college transcript(s). UK is test-optional for admission through the 2028-29 academic year; this means students with less than 24 earned hours may be considered for admission without standardized test scores. Learn more about our test-optional policy here . You can find more information about this on our  Transfer Requirements  page.

Are there expiration dates on my ACT or SAT scores?

We are not be able to accept ACT or SAT scores that are more than five years old. If your scores are more than five years old, you will either need to retake the ACT or SAT, attend a community college until you have earned at least 24 credit hours or students may also choose to apply using our test-optional policy. Applying test-optional meaning students with less than 24 earned credit hours may be considered for admission to UK without standardized test scores. Learn more about our test-optional policy, which runs through the 2028-29 academic year, here .

What about my AP scores? Do those expire?

Unlike ACT/SAT scores, AP scores do not expire! Please see the CollegeBoard’s  AP website  for information regarding their maintenance of AP records.

I have academic questions.

How long until i can graduate.

While it is difficult to know exactly how your credits will transfer unless you've applied, your college-assigned academic advisor will be able to give you a better forecast of your degree progress, which often depends on course availability and pre-requisites. For a general summary of the courses you will have left to complete your degree program, a  transfer advisor  can assist you in an advising appointment.

Can I see the UK course catalog?

The course catalog is housed by the Office of the Registrar. You can find a full list of yearly course offerings  here , and if you're curious about specific semester offerings, contact the Registrar  here .

Do you have online classes?

UK does offer online classes. In fact, many UK programs, certificates and degrees can be completed online through UK Online . Semester offerings can be found in the course catalog maintained by the Registrar . 

What degrees do you offer?

UK offers 200+ undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines including STEM, business, health care, the humanities, arts and design, education and the social sciences. Explore all of our majors and minors  here . If you're unsure of what might be the right major for you,  contact a transfer advisor  for guidance.

Who is my academic advisor?

While in the process of transferring to UK or completing coursework through other institutions, a transfer advisor will serve as your resource. The transfer advisors are divided by regions for in-state transfer students and by alphabetical order of your last name for out-of-state transfer students. Find your dedicated transfer advisor  here . 

Can you lift my advising hold?

Advising holds are lifted automatically for new students during their  Big Blue Nation Orientation , where you will meet with a college academic advisor and schedule your first semester of classes. 

What is GETA?

GETA is the Kentucky statewide General Education Transfer Policy, an agreement between all Kentucky public institutions that facilitates the transfer of general education coursework. Eligible students can be certified in up to five categories from their previous institution to complete the corresponding categories at UK. Check out the detailed GETA breakdown on our  Transfer Requirements  page.

I have course equivalency questions.

Will all of my credits transfer.

UK accepts up to 67 hours of college-level credit from 2-year institutions and an unlimited number of college-level credits from 4-year institutions. So, yes! Your credits will be processed and matched to UK courses with the help of an equivalency officer. Your transfer advisor can help you understand how those credits might apply to your intended degree or which degree might incorporate the most of your past work.

Do you accept dual-credit coursework?

UK does accept dual credit issued from accredited higher-learning institutions. If you took college-level classes in high school, the college or university that awarded this credit must send a transcript for it to be added to your UK record. Dual-credit coursework can not be accepted from only a high-school transcript.

Does UK offer dual-credit courses I can take?

UK has limited opportunities for high school students to earn UK credit as part of their high school coursework (most of these opportunities are available in high schools that are part of our Next Generation Scholars Network ). However, a transfer advisor can help dual-credit students determine which classes offered by other universities may transfer to UK as required coursework.

How can I see how my credits will transfer in to UK?

You can check your transfer credits in one of two ways, and both are accessed from  myUK  - your myUK GPS degree audit and your UK unofficial transcript.

• To access your degree audit, click the Student Services tab in myUK, followed by the Degree Planning and Registration (myUKGPS) subtab. This shows how your previous coursework applies to your UK major. You'll also register for classes in this system at your Big Blue Nation Orientation.
• To access your unofficial transcript, click the Student Services tab in myUK, followed by the myRecords subtab and the Unofficial Transcript link in the sidebar. This view will show you how your credits transfer in a line-by-line fashion.

How long will it take for my equivalent courses to show up in my UK student records?

Once you have received your acceptance packet in the mail, it will likely take around two weeks for your transfer coursework to be added to your student record. Our office processes transfer coursework in the order it was received, so if it's not currently appearing on your UK unofficial transcript, that doesn't mean that none of your coursework will transfer. Rather, we just have not had a chance to process it on our end yet!

I have questions about my transcript.

How do i get my transcript.

College transcripts can usually be obtained from the student records, registrar or bursar's office at your current (and previous) institutions. There is usually a small fee associated with the request. Official transcripts can be sent electronically by the institution directly to [email protected]  or mailed in a sealed envelope to Office of Undergraduate Admission, University of Kentucky, 100 Funkhouser Bldg., Lexington, KY 40506-0054.

Can you take my ACT/SAT/AP/dual-credit from a high-school transcript?

Unfortunately, we cannot. You will need to submit documentation from whichever institution supplies the credential. This means contacting (or accessing electronically) services like ACT, College Board or the college/university(s) is responsible for your previous college credit.

Do you need all of my transcripts even if my work from my first school is on my second transcript?

Yes, we have to see all of your college work from the school that actually gave it to you.

I have money questions.

Do you have transfer student scholarships.

Yes! We offer academic scholarships to transfer students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 24 college-level credit hours. We also offer competitive transfer scholarships with their own unique requirements. You can read more about our transfer scholarship opportunities  here .

How much does UK cost?

Tuition at UK, like most public universities, can fluctuate from year to year. You can look at tuition details for the current year  here . It's also important to note that the "sticker price" for tuition is not often what you would wind up paying. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities can play a large role in the final amount due. Use our Net Price Calculator to get an idea of what your expenses might be to attend UK. Feel free to contact a  Financial Aid Counselor  with questions. 

How do I get KCTCS tuition at UK?

A KCTCS degree does not guarantee a tuition adjustment to other Kentucky public institution. However, UK does offer a competitive scholarship opportunity that meets the difference between in-state KCTCS tuition and in-state UK tuition. Read more about the Trustees Scholarship  here .

If I had KEES money at my previous institution, will that transfer to UK as well?

The short answer is that it depends on your specific situation. You have a five-year window from when you first graduate from high school to use your KEES money. Additionally, you must have maintained Kentucky residency during your tenure at your previous institution and not yet received a bachelor's degree. If you meet all of these requirements, your KEES money can still be used at UK. If you have additional questions about KEES, please contact the  Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships .

I'm coming to UK! Now what?

How do i set up my linkblue account.

Your linkblue account is your access to most online portals and resources at UK, so it's critical that you set up it as soon as possible. There are instructions in your acceptance packet, and a step-by-step setup wizard at  newstudent.uky.edu .

The wizard will also assist you on setting up your UKY email address. We encourage students to also set up a recovery email address using their personal email address for their UKY account. You may also forward your UKY email to your personal email address.

What are my housing options? Do I have to live on campus?

Living on campus is a great way to get immediately connected to the campus community and is increasingly the preferred choice of new and returning students. Students are encouraged to apply to housing early; you may apply to housing as soon as you've been admitted to UK. UK offers a transfer-centric Living Learning Program - Transfer Year Experience. The program is designed to support transfer students through their transition to the university and connect them with fellow students, faculty and staff for additional support.

What are my parking options?

Your parking options will depend on your on or off campus status. Students who live in on-campus residence halls may have access to resident lots closer to their halls where as commuter students may have access to commuter lots disbursed across campus. Learn more about parking options and permit costs on  UK Transportation's website .

I'm setting up my linkblue account and I keep getting a communication error message when I'm creating my password. How can I fix that?

That communication error message generally means that there is some type of personal information in the password you're attempting to use, which the system is not accepting. This can include parts of your name, your birthday, your address or any other personal identifying information. Try using a different password, and if that still doesn't work, contact UK ITS at 859-218-HELP (4357).

As a transfer student, can I live in UK residence halls?

Yes, Transfer students are eligible to live in the residence halls.  Our UK Housing Office  can help you learn more about living on-campus and the many benefits for the on-campus Big Blue Nation experience.

What kind of dining options are on UK campus?

When you're on UK's campus, you are never more than three-minutes away from a campus dining location! UK is surrounded by places to eat and has many favorite local and national brand restaurant options incorporated into campus. UK Dining also offers meal plans to utilize the “all you care to eat” campus dining options. Read more about UK Dining as an on-campus and commuter student  here .

I'm a special population.

I'm a military-affiliated student. are there any special options or opportunities available to me.

Welcome and thank you for your and your family's service to our country! Our Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to helping you succeed here at UK. Connect with the VRC to learn more about the opportunities available for you at UK.

I think I qualify for the Project Graduate program. Can you tell me a little more about it?

Project Graduate is a Kentucky-wide initiative to assist adult learners with 80 or more earned credit hours to return to school and finish their first bachelor's degree. You can find more information, including program benefits and contact information,  here .

I'm looking to come back to UK after withdrawing to finish my degree. How do I go about that?

We're excited to have you back! Check out our  readmitted students  page for more information on how to continue your college career at UK.

I've heard you have a dual-enrollment program with Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Where can I find more info on that?

We do! The BCTCBlue+ program is designed for BCTC students who intend to complete an associate in arts or science (AA or AS) degree and then transfer to UK. The program will allow you to take up to 12 credit hours of pre-major or major coursework at UK for BCTC prices while simultaneously pursuing your AA or AS degree at BCTC. You can find more information on the program on BCTC's website  here  or by contacting the program coordinator, Annie Denton, at [email protected] .

If I have dual-credit coursework, should I apply as a transfer student?

Transfer students are only students who have attended another institution after graduating high school , so if you only have dual-credit coursework, you'll still be applying as a first-time freshman. Just make sure you send the Office of Undergraduate Admission a copy of your official transcript from your dual-credit institution so we can add that coursework to your UK student record.

I'm a UK employee - how does the Employee Education Program work?

Great question! UK's Human Resources has an  FAQ page  that covers all the basics. You will need to start the process by applying to UK via our  online application  and filling out the  EEP Tuition Waiver Form .

My question's kinda random.

How do i take a campus tour.

You can sign up for a campus tour through the Visitor Center  website . The Visitor Center can also assist in connecting you with your academic college to schedule a program tour. Be sure to reach out several weeks in advance and we'll help craft a visit tailored just for you! Additionally, we have transfer-student-specific tours offered as part of our  Transfer Visit Days .

I'm new to Lexington - tell me about the Athens of the West.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our hometown because #UKLovesLex. Lexington is a vibrant, friendly community of a little more than 330,000. Our hometown has a close connection with the University and a culture that students describe as close-knit, eclectic, opportunity-rich, and supportive of all things local. Lexington is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. You get the best of both worlds here - city bustle adjacent to campus, nestled in the midst of beautiful rolling hills and immaculate horse farms a short drive out of town. Lexington is a great city with plenty of opportunities to try new things or connect to current interests. Check out  VisitLex.com  to learn more about our hometown.

I have another question that isn't answered here. Who should I talk to?

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 859-257-2000 or email us  [email protected] ; we're here to help and will you get the answers you need!

Strategic Plan - Research and Scholarship

2021-2025 university of kentucky research strategic plan, executive summary.

The UK Strategic Plan for Research covering the period of 2015 – 2020 included a strategic objective to expand scholarship, creative endeavors and research across the full range of disciplines to focus on the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, our nation and our world. The plan detailed four major initiatives which served us well as we aligned research culture around this strategic objective.

As a high-level metric of research activity at UK during this period, we experienced an 8.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for grant and contract awards received by UK faculty, staff and students, and a 5.7% CAGR in research and development expenditures (2015-2020). To put this into perspective, our target CAGR for research expenditures within the 2015-2020 Research Strategic Plan was 1.9%. This impressive growth in extramural support of our research mission was achieved through the four major initiatives of the 2015-2020 Research Strategic Plan. In addition to growth in grants and contracts, our faculty, staff and students transformed our research culture to one that prioritizes work that improves the lives of those in Kentucky and around the world.

We have faced challenges impacting every aspect of our university mission since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Research was no exception to upset caused by the pandemic; we were forced to reduce our capacity to very low levels of essential research only followed by a gradual resumption, all the while focusing first on safety. This unexpected situation demanded a new look at how we support and perform research, offering both ongoing challenges as well as new modalities of achieving our goals.

As we accelerate out of the pandemic, we will build upon the overall objective and four initiatives of the 2015-2020 Research Strategic Plan. Through a process of careful introspection, we have revised goals and action items for each initiative to not only move us towards a re-envisioned future but also expand our research mission to improve the lives of our citizens. The following Strategic Initiatives and associated action items will facilitate continued growth, innovation and impact of the research and scholarly pursuits across the range of disciplines that comprise the fabric of our research mission. Finally, the following revised goals and action items are put into the context of UK PURPOSE, the institutional strategic plan.

Strategic Initiatives and Goals

Strategic initiative 1: improve the quality of the research infrastructure across campus..

Over the last 5 years, we have made many changes within our research infrastructure to support the vast array of research across our institution. These improvements to research infrastructure have moved us forward effectively, but there is still much work to be done in the ever-changing research environment.

• Action Item  1:  Grow research staff administration in a manner consistent with growth in extramural grants and contracts and focused on cultivating a culture of belonging, service and support.
• Action Item 2:  Expand staffing in emerging areas to address changes in federal regulations and research compliance.
• Action Item 3:  Strategically evaluate the organizational structure of research support units within the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and research administrative needs within Colleges and Centers to increase efficiency and effectiveness of operations consistent with best practices.
• Action Item 4:  Use the Research Space Workgroup to recommend policies and guidelines related to best practices in space allocation.
• Action Item 5:  Increased emphasis on communicating research successes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Action Item 6:  Recognize research achievements of our faculty, staff and trainees through staff assistance towards the pursuit of relevant honors and awards.
• Action Item 1:  Identify mechanisms to assist with equipment upgrades and needs throughout campus (i.e. individual research programs).
• Action Item 2:  Using the established review process for UK research service core facilities, evaluate potential new equipment needs or upgrades, new core facilities and services to address emerging areas of research (i.e., infectious disease and BSL3 facility), and the potential need to sunset underutilized cores.
• Action Item 1:  Engage with various stakeholders to learn more about existing expertise and create a campus-wide inventory. Identify opportunities for research growth that foster convergence of computational work and data science.
• Action Item 2:  Facilitate development of applications for funding opportunities in data science, major instrumentation/facility grants related to data science, and alignment with multidisciplinary academic programming.
• Action Item 3:  Facilitate the development of an institutional research plan for this emerging research area.
• Action Item 1: Create a Research Leadership academy to support career development in research administration and leadership, develop large programmatic grants, white papers or other mechanisms and avenues that support multidisciplinary research, and develop new research structures around emerging themes.

For more information, please download our full Research Strategic Plan (PDF)

Strategic Initiative 2: Foster an inclusive culture of research success to retain and develop outstanding faculty, staff and students.

The 2015-2020 UK Research Strategic Plan created an exciting and engaging culture around our research mission that made a direct impact on recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty, staff and students. It is imperative that we continue to foster a culture facilitating success of all research in an inclusive, responsible and ethical manner. As important as the research itself, it is vital that UK Research fosters a culture of working together in an inclusive and collaborative manner to improve the lives of citizens of the Commonwealth and the world. Our research must be grounded in responsible conduct and inclusive in design and implementation. Further, our research endeavors must promote and recognize success and lay the groundwork for research career advancement.

• Action Item 1:  Continue programs supporting and recognizing research across the full spectrum of disciplines.
• Action Item 2:  Continue training program offerings that promote a diverse and inclusive research workforce and train the next generation of research leaders.
• Action Item 1:  Continue the Diversity Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Institutional Postdoctoral Enrichment Program (IPEP) training/mentoring program that provides training and research career development of a diverse research workforce. Working in partnership with the Graduate School, expand this program to postdocs and graduate students across campus.
• Action Item 1:  Develop a Research Leadership Academy to mentor research career development and leadership. 
• Action Item 2:  Establish and support the newly reorganized Office of Undergraduate Research to enhance the visibility of and opportunities for students participating in undergraduate research experiences.
• Action Item 3:  Develop stronger relationships with Philanthropy to further enhance the funding base for research and the university community. Enhance the UKRF endowment, the UK Venture Fund and consider a dedicated Philanthropy position.

Strategic Initiative 3: Invest strategically in UK’s existing strengths and areas of growth in selected focus areas that benefit and enrich the lives of those in the Commonwealth.

As the land-grant, flagship public university of the Commonwealth, we support all research across the full range of disciplines. We have an obligation as the University for Kentucky to use our research mission to improve the lives of our citizens. During the 2015-2020 Research Strategic Plan, we:

• Used a systematic process to identify seven research priorities: cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes/obesity, energy, neuroscience, substance use disorders and diversity and inclusion/UNited In True Racial Equity (UNITE). Developed a program of financial support for research in areas not traditionally amenable to external funding.
• Created an infrastructure to identify and support nomination of UK scholars for research honors and awards.

In the new Strategic Plan for Research, we will:

• Expand access to and participation within RPAs.
• Support UK researchers across the institution, including those within RPAs, in nominations for research awards and honors.  
• Action Item 1:  Review progress of each RPA towards strategic growth, including quantitative data and highlight drivers of growth. This should include development of a business plan for sustainability.
• Action Item 2:  Articulate a plan to enhance community and belonging within and between RPAs.
• Action Item 3:  Working with the UNITE RPA, develop plans for diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Action Item 4:  Develop commercialization plans/pathways/maps for research within RPAs.
• Action Item 5:  Implement a critical pathways model for RPA member awards, honors and nominations.

Strategic Initiative 4: Strengthen engagement with communities and translate outcomes of research for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In response to the 2015-2020 strategic plan, University of Kentucky Research achieved growth in its research enterprise through partnership engagement. Partnerships were realized through large research projects, innovation-driven economic development initiatives, and infrastructure building through new centers and institutes. UK Research will continue and grow engagement efforts to empower translation of research to improve the lives of the citizens of the Commonwealth and the world. Achieving the 2015-2020 strategic plan goals to increase the impact of its intellectual property portfolio, UK completed its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking metrics relating to commercialization and entrepreneurial activity. Inventions, patents filed, licenses, and startup activity all increased significantly, and critical partnerships were established with local and state stakeholders to foster economic and social impact from UK innovation. UK led numerous important research and community programs and partnerships to realize impact. As a result, a new goal will be to sustain statewide leadership and develop a culture for economic and social impact through research innovation and commercialization.

• Action Item 1: Promote greater awareness of existing community-engaged programs and projects.
• Action Item 2: Cultivate community-engaged research and innovation for continued growth.
• Action Item 1:  Enhance and promote a culture for innovation.
• Action Item 2:  Focus on equitable, innovation-based economic development by broadening participation in innovation and economic impact activities.

Institutional Alignment

University of kentucky strategic plan (uk purpose), university of kentucky research strategic plan, strategic initiative 1: improve the quality of the research infrastructure on campus., acknowledgements, uk research strategic planning working group.

• Rodney Andrews, Senior Associate Vice President for Research
• Lisa Cassis, Vice President for Research
• Linda Dwoskin, Senior Associate Vice President for Research
• Kathy Grzech, Assistant Vice President for Programmatic Grant Development
• Ian McClure, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Impact
• Baron Wolf, Assistant Vice President for Research and Director, Research Analytics

UK Research Strategic Plan Advisory Group

John Balk, College of Engineering Allan Butterfield, Centers and Institutes Kim Carter, Office of Sponsored Projects Administration Billy Clark, Research Information Services Alan Daugherty, Core Facilities Emily Denehy, Staff (Technical) Ella Dunbar, Office of Legal Counsel John Fowlkes, Diabetes and Obesity RPA Jim Geddes, College of Medicine Alison Gustafson, Faculty Senate Larry Holloway Provost’s Office Brian Jackson, Graduate School (Staff/Administrative) Eleanor Johnson, Graduate School (Student) Phil Kern, Center for Clinical and Translational Science Eric King, Federal Relations Helene Lake-Bullock, Office of Research Integrity Betty Lorch, College of Arts and Sciences Joseph Lutz, Graduate School (Postdoctoral) Lesley Oliver, Land Grant Engagement Nancy Schoenberg, Community-Engaged Research Daret St. Clair, Cancer RPA Danelle Stevens-Watkins, UNITE RPA Susannah Stitzer, Staff (Professional/Administrative) Teresa Waters, College of Public Health Donna Wilcock, Neuroscience Priority Area

2021-2025 Strategic Plan

Download our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan

Announcements

In June 2023, the federal government issued an interim rule that prohibits use of the social media app TikTok on any device being used in furtherance of a contract or project funded by federal monies.

• Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing Office of Research Integrity, Office of Sponsored Projects Administration, Proposal Development Office, Vice President For Research What is the new Data Management and Sharing (DMS) policy in brief?
• Apr 17 Office of the Vice President for Research Igniting Research Collaboration program: Highlights from exemplary and transdisciplinary projects Online via Zoom 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Apr 30 Office of the Vice President for Research University Research Professors Panel Discussion Series: UK’s inclusive culture of research success across our wide range of disciplines UK Healthy Kentucky Research Building, room 150 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• May 16 Scholars@UK Open Lab and Training Session Online via Zoom 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

Exceptionally prepare with a CSWE-Accredited B.A. in Social Work

Develop the in-demand skills you need to become a catalyst for change. Graduate ready to make an impact in a variety of settings.

Learn More Today

Complete the form to learn more about this program.

At-a-Glance

Format 100% Online

Cost Per Credit $611

Program Length 4 Years

Total Credits 120

Flexible, Rewarding Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

Develop the skills you need to make an impact in your community. The enriching Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) online program at the University of Kentucky will prepare you for generalist social work practice and/or prepare you to continue your education with a Master of Social Work. You’ll also gain practice and research experience in a wide range of settings.

Learn from our experienced, supportive faculty and graduate exceptionally prepared to make a difference. This CSWE-accredited program will equip you with the ability to serve others and find the right fit for your academic, personal and professional aspirations.

Get Career-Ready with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work

The online B.A. in Social Work from the University of Kentucky will prepare you for a rewarding career in a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030. 1 Social workers can be employed in a wide range of settings, from schools, community-based non-profits and residential treatment programs, to city government, hospitals, the criminal justice system, and more. As a graduate, you will be well prepared to find a career path that best suits your passion and your goals.

A Rigorous Curriculum Rooted in Social Justice

The online Bachelor’s in Social Work provides a curriculum that will challenge you, enrich your academic experience and prepare you for a successful career. Taught by expert faculty, many of whom are licensed social workers, the courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for licensing and taking the next step—whether it’s into the workforce or continuing to graduate study. Eligible students who graduate from UK’s B.A. in Social Work program can complete their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in just one year through UK’s 4+1=MSW Initiative.

The online B.A. in Social Work curriculum also includes field study and the ability to gain real-world experience. With more than 1,000+ field placement options, you will gain experience in a wide variety of social work and inter-professional settings in your community.

Highly motivated and exceptional students may apply for the University Scholars program (USP). You’ll have the opportunity to take up to four MSW courses during your final two semesters of coursework to count dually towards your BASW and MSW degrees.

Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application.

If you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, please review the University of Kentucky admission information .

• Completed application. Apply now .
• 2.5 minimum GPA on all college work
• Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• A grade of B or better in both SW 124 (or equivalent) and SW 222 (or equivalent), or a grade of B or better in SW 322 (or equivalent)
• A grade of C or better in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
• Written personal essay

Tuition & Financial Aid

The cost per credit hour for the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program is $611 with a total of 120 credits. Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at UK.

We’re here to support you in your commitment to academic excellence and connect you with a variety of forms of financial aid — from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits.

Note that additional fees may apply, and total tuition will depend on factors such as the number of credits taken and time to complete. Tuition rates are subject to annual changes.

Military Student Support

The flexible nature of our Bachelor’s in Social Work online program is ideal for U.S. military service members and veterans. With faculty who have military backgrounds, courses specific to the issues that are relevant to you, and military-specific benefits like our Veterans Resource Center, our mission is to support your academic success.

Faculty: Learn From Experience

UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field — many of them are experienced, licensed professionals who bring their deep passion and practice experience to the virtual classroom.

Learn from professors committed to the ideals of justice and equity in social work.

Why Choose UK Online?

Join the big blue nation.

Joining the online Bachelor’s in Social Work program at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, a thoughtfully designed curriculum, and the highest licensure exam pass rate in the Commonwealth, we make sure you graduate ready and exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.

University of Kentucky College of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Visit our Resource Center to find answers fast.

Students are assessed a $10 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee in addition to tuition, mandatory fees, and any other course-specific fees. You can learn more about all tuition fees here .

The online program is designed for maximum flexibility and may be taken full-time if you have the time to do so successfully. To see the curriculum, view our courses page .

The online B.A. in Social Work does not include any concentrations.

No, prior work experience is not required. You can learn more about our requirements on our admissions page .

You’ll complete 120 credits to earn the online B.A. in Social Work. You can review courses now. Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution, but must complete a minimum of 30 of the final 36 credit hours at Kentucky.

Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application. The requirements for the online B.A. in Social Work include:

• Completed online application form
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
• Transcripts from all completed courses
• A passing grade in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
• A Personal Essay

You can learn more about our admission requirements on our admissions page .

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#:~:text=Overall%20employment%20of%20social%20workers,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade.

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Presidential Fellows

The Nate Morris Fellowship

Since 1970, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Presidential Fellows Program has inspired college students to become the public servants that will guide our nation’s future. Today, the program continues that mission by providing top collegiate students in the United States and around the world with the opportunity to study the U.S. Presidency, the public policymaking process, and our President’s relationships with Congress, allies, the media, and the American public. Over the course of an academic year, the Fellows learn about leadership and governance, share their outstanding research, and explore careers in public service.

Since its inception, the Fellows Program has developed leadership skills in more than 1,500 students. Many of our fellows have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Gates Scholarships. Alumni of the Fellows Program also have the distinction of serving in positions such as Capitol Hill and White House staffers, award-winning journalists, CEOs of corporations and non-profit organizations, senior military leaders, and university presidents and deans.

Through the Nate Morris Fellowship, the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky has a unique opportunity to select one student each year to be a part of this program. 

Learn more about the CSPC

Nate Morris , Chairman & CEO, Morris Industries

Nate Morris in an American Entrepreneur and serves as Chairman and CEO of Morris Industries, a privately held conglomerate headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2010, Morris Industries leverages the power of business to solve some of the America's biggest challenges including resource conservation and national security.

Prior to Morris Industries, Nate Morris founded Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT), one of America's largest waste and recycling companies operating in 50 states and 20 countries. Rubicon was named "One of the World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company, an "Industry Disruptor" by Inc. Magazine, and a Great Place to Work™ for five consecutive years, providing 100% free healthcare for all employees. 

Morris was the first Kentuckian to be named by Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40 list and is a regional winner of EY's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is also the youngest inductee ever to the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

A ninth-generation Kentuckian, Morris’ family descends from Morgan County, in the heart of Appalachia. A product of public schools, Morris was raised in a union household by a single mother. Through academic scholarships and working, Morris attended George Washington University, Princeton University's school of public and international affairs, and Oxford University. HE was elected Phi Beta Kappa and named a Fulbright Specialist.  

Nate Morris is hte founder and Managing Trustee of the Morris Foundatio whose mission is to provide access to the American Dream for all Kentuckians. 

Morris and his wife, Jane, reside at Commonwealth Farm in Lexington. 

Interested students must email a PDF of the following documents to  [email protected] by June 1 :

• Essay on your interest in American government and how the Fellowship would fit into your future career goals. Include a brief summary of one to three topics you are interested in researching.
• Faculty Reference (Provide name and contact information of faculty member that has agreed to provide a recommendation, B&E faculty preferred.)
• An unofficial copy of UK transcript

University of Kentucky Fellows  

Will Ransdell

2022-2023 fellow.

"An Examination of U.S. Oil Sanctions Against Russia Following The 2022 Invasion of Ukraine"

Faculty Mentor: Ana Maria Herrera Ph.D., Professor and Associate Chair

Olivia Jenkins

2021-2022 fellow.

"Women’s Effectiveness in the United States Congress"

Faculty Mentor: Cynthia Vines, Ph.D., CPA, Associate Professor

Dean Farmer

2020-2021 fellow.

James R. Moffett Award Winner

"Do Skills Pay the Bills? Analyzing the Impact of H-1B Visa Recipients on Domestic Wages in Applicable Occupation Sectors"

Faculty Mentor: Christopher R. Bollinger, Ph.D., Sturgill Professor of Economics

Mikayla Mitchell

2019-2020 fellow.

"Congress and the President’s Role in Designing Welfare-to-Work Programs That Promote Economic Mobility"

Faculty Mentor: James P. Ziliak, Ph.D., Gatton Endowed Chair in Microeconomics

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DANCING WHERE THE WILDCATS PLAY

Honoring the Legacy of Lyman T. Johnson

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Patient Finds Answers and Hope

Before receiving an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, Tina Frazier was unable to do many things she loves like working in her yard and playing with her dog "Pepper". Frazier found answers thanks to a dedicated UK neurology team.

Transformative Gifts for UK, Our Commonwealth

UK reaches historic 'Kentucky Can' campaign goal, but it's just the beginning.

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Discover the promise of what faculty, staff and students at the University of Kentucky can accomplish together.

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By The Numbers

Invested in infrastructure across campus, including a $256 million multidisciplinary research building and the continued expansion of a $1 billion health care facility started in 2004.

UK is one of only eight institutions in the country with the full complement of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural and medical colleges and disciplines on one contiguous campus.

Average graduating GPA of Lewis Honors students.

New Issue Report

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Tue 26 Mar, 2024 - 5:15 PM ET

Fitch Ratings expects that Kentucky's revenues, primarily income and sales taxes, will continue to reflect both the depth and breadth of its economy but also its slower pace of growth relative to most peers. Fitch anticipates recurring revenues will expand in line with the pace of U.S. inflation over the long term. The commonwealth has solid expenditure flexibility with a moderate burden of carrying costs for debt and pension liabilities and the broad expense-cutting ability of most U.S. states. Kentucky's long-term liability burden is moderately elevated for a U.S. state with debt and net pension liabilities equaling 17% of personal income as calculated by Fitch. Kentucky retains robust gap-closing capacity given its general budgetary flexibility and now-sizable fiscal reserves, and it is less exposed to revenue volatility at times of cyclical economic decline compared to most states. After several years of gradual progress, the commonwealth achieved a structurally balanced budget for the current biennium with no reliance on nonrecurring measures.

Center for Health Equity Transformation

Goals, Mission, and Vision

Our Goal: Conduct impactful research that has the potential to reduce health disparities. Our Mission: Foster research and training to improve the health of Kentucky residents and beyond. Our Values: Achieve health equity locally, nationally, and internationally.

CHET Land and Labor Acknowledgement and Commitment

CHET is located in Lexington, Ky., on the original homeland of diverse Native peoples who arrived over 10,000 years ago, including the ancestors of the Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and other Nations. Today, Kentucky is still home to over 25,000 Native people. CHET recognizes the injustices Native peoples have endured. We also recognize the contributions and sacrifices of enslaved Africans, their descendants, and other minoritized peoples whose labor has been stolen or otherwise have been exploited, despite critical contributions to our society and University. We acknowledge those enslaved, displaced, and dispossessed and, in solidarity, commit to recognizing and honoring their legacies. We join with others in our commitment to value with a living wage all those whose labor continues to sustain the University and Commonwealth of Kentucky. We hope to begin the long process of healing by acknowledging, reconciling, and redressing those histories and legacies through our work and this commitment.

CHET's Statement on Racism

Racism constitutes a public health crisis born out of the legacy of slavery and continued oppression. This public health crisis manifests itself in numerous forms: police violence; severely impeded access to healthcare; and the disproportionate prevalence of many preventable conditions including maternal mortality, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.  Racism is a public health threat that undermines health equity.

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We frequently post information about important health equity topics, upcoming events, and the outstanding work of our many CHET scholars. If you have anything you would like us to promote on our social media pages, please reach out to us at  [email protected] .

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ACT, SAT Optional for Admission to UK in 2021-22

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2020) —  The University of Kentucky is ensuring that the opportunity to access higher education is simpler for prospective students. For the 2021-22 academic year, the university is going “test-optional” for admission . This means that an ACT or SAT score is not required for a student seeking admission to UK.

National research, as well as our own institutional data, indicates that for many students, high school GPA alone is a significant predictor of academic success. 

And for some students a standardized test score may not show all that they are capable of and tell the full story of their potential. A test-optional admissions policy allows the applicant to choose whether SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of the admission review — letting the applicant decide how best to tell their own academic journey.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission will review applications in a holistic manner — taking into consideration the rigor of high school coursework, activities and engagement outside the classroom as well as a written essay.

“In March, we became test-optional for students entering this fall (Fall 2020) as ACT and SAT exams across the country were canceled due to the pandemic,” Scott McDonald, dean of undergraduate admission, said. “We didn’t want a lack of access to a test to prohibit a student from being a Wildcat.”

“As we’ve continued to monitor the pandemic, it only felt right to extend this policy for the 2020-21 academic year as so many standardized exams have continued to be postponed or canceled,” McDonald continued.

In addition to not requiring an ACT or SAT exam score for admission, the university is committed to making scholarship opportunities available to students, whether they apply with or without test scores.

“At the root of every decision we make is ‘what is in the best interest of the student?’” Christine Harper, associate provost for enrollment management, said. “Our team is working to develop scholarship-eligibility criteria based on the holistic view that a student presents in their application. We want as many students as possible to apply to UK and to be considered for scholarships even if they are unable to take the ACT or SAT.”

Students who are ready to join #UK2025 can apply today —  the application for undergraduate admission is open .  

Visit www.applyuk.com and complete your application; students may apply via the UK application, the Common App or the myCoalition application. Students who wish to be considered for academic and competitive scholarships and the Lewis Honors College need to apply by the "Early Action" deadline of Dec. 1, 2020. UK’s "Regular Decision" deadline is Feb. 15, 2021.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.   

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Kentucky state budget and revenue bills clear legislature, head to Beshear

The budget bills outline $33 billion of state government spending over the next two years, with Republicans lauding it as a historic investment in Kentucky education and Democrats criticizing it as falling too short.

The Kentucky General Assembly gave final passage Thursday to two budget bills spending more than $33 billion over the next two fiscal years from the state’s General Fund and budget reserve trust fund.

Members of the Republican supermajority touted the budget as a historic investment in education, infrastructure and paying down Kentucky’s public pension liabilities — all while keeping an eye on hitting tax cut triggers in future years .

Democratic lawmakers criticized the budget bills for coming up short in a time of record surpluses and budget reserves, arguing they should have taken up the call of Gov. Andy Beshear to mandate 11% raises for all K-12 public school employees and fund universal pre-K.

Both chambers also passed a state revenue bill Thursday that included language to ease the path of the state to hit triggers for individual income tax cuts in future years

The passage of the bills came on the final legislative day before the governor’s veto period begins Friday, with lawmakers having the ability to overturn any potential vetoes on the final two days of the session in April.

The legislature first cleared House Bill 6, the executive branch budget bill outlining $30 billion of spending over the next two fiscal years from the state’s General Fund.

A conference committee made up of House and Senate legislative leaders crafted a compromise bill Wednesday to reconcile differences in the versions of HB 6 previously passed in each chamber. The Senate passed it Wednesday evening and the House followed suit Thursday, sending HB 6 to the governor for his signature or veto.

The final version of HB 6 increased public education spending from previous versions of the bill, now raising the per-student SEEK funding formula of K-12 public schools by 3% and 6% in the next two fiscal years. It also increased spending on public school districts’ transportation costs, covering 90% of those in the first year and 100% in the second, based on the current year’s levels.

Clearing the chamber late Wednesday, Republican Sen. David Givens of Greensburg called HB 6 “the best education funded budget in the history of the Commonwealth” and said he was excited about the message it was sending to current and prospective teachers.

“Current teachers that may be thinking about retiring — don't,” Givens said. “Don't retire. Number one, we need you in the classroom. And number two, we're gonna reward you. These pay raises will have such a positive impact on your pension when you retire.”

Democratic Sen. Reginald Thomas of Lexington said the budget didn’t go far enough for education, as they should have tapped into the state’s record surplus and budget reserve trust fund to direct funding outside of the SEEK formula to mandate districts give 11% raises to all school staff.

“It confounds me and confuses me that we can't find the will and the way to fund those professionals who educate our children and grandchildren, who want to prepare those children to be the next generation of leaders in our state,” Thomas said.

GOP Senate President Robert Stivers from Manchester said it was not wise to “tinker with” the state’s SEEK formula, as what was advocated by Thomas and Beshear could create disparate levels of funding for different districts and run afoul of state law.

“This is a solid budget,” Stivers said. “It is the best budget that has been proposed or passed by the General Assembly.”

The bill dropped language previously added by the House that threatened local school districts with state takeover if they failed to make progress on employee recruitment and retention — worrying districts who could still not provide significant raises, even with the SEEK increase.

Elsewhere in HB 6, language that was inserted in the House to defund a state program directing people to drug treatment instead of jail was removed from the final bill. A last-minute amendment in January prohibited funding for the Alternative Sentencing Worker Program within the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy, which employs social workers who coordinate with court officials on treatment plans for defendants. The program and its funding will continue with the removal of that language from HB 6.

A late amendment in the Senate that could have entirely defunded Kentucky’s new Office of Medical Cannabis was also changed in the final version of the bill, most likely freeing up that funding.

The previous version said the office could only receive funds if there is “a propensity of federal and international peer reviewed, published research with conclusive evidence as to the efficacy of medical cannabis.” The final bill changes that language to say funding is allowed when its oversight board of physicians and advisors finds “a propensity of peer-reviewed, published research with sufficient evidence as to the efficacy of medical cannabis” — a much lower bar.

The budget bill also left out significant funding sought by GOP Sen. Danny Carroll of Benton to expand child care and build new youth detention facilities . Carroll was pushing for $300 million of additional funding for child care providers to prevent many from going out of business in the wake of federal grants expiring, as well as more than $100 million to construct two new detention facilities for girls and another facility for high-risk youth. Neither request was funded.

The bill also creates an additional 1,925 Medicaid waivers slots to allow people to remain in their home instead of being institutionalized.

Billions spent from budget reserve, with exemption from tax triggers

Lawmakers on Thursday also finalized and passed another state spending bill and a revenue bill after a conference committee hammered out a compromise between the chambers — both of which may have huge impacts on whether Kentucky hits tax cut triggers in future years.

House Bill 1 appropriates $2.7 billion from the state’s budget reserve trust fund for one-time infrastructure spending projects and public pension payments. The bill passed both chambers with a large bipartisan majority.

The two chambers met in the middle on the compromise bill, as the original House version had $1.8 billion of spending and the Senate version had $3.5 billion of spending.

The final version of HB 1 includes $230 million of pension payments, but dropped $440 million of spending on road projects that were in the Senate bill. The bill also cut a proposal — first proposed by Beshear — to spend $75 million on a “13th” monthly check for retired state workers to account for inflation and the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees for more than a decade.

Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel, the Senate budget committee chairman from Ryland Heights, said the massive investments in the legislation were made possible by years of sound fiscal policy and restraint set by the legislature, which created Kentucky’s record $3.7 billion “rainy day fund.”

“This bill reflects a long period of intense discipline by the members of this body and the members of the House,” McDaniel said. “We found ourselves in a place where we are called upon to act in ways that we've really never seen before… to invest in the future of the Commonwealth, to invest in the future of our communities and for all of our people.”

House Bill 8, the revenue bill, makes a variety of changes to the state’s tax code, but its key provision is language to amend Kentucky’s 2022 law that set up a trigger mechanism to potentially lower the income tax rate by half a percent each year if certain budget thresholds are met. Kentucky’s tax rate has already dropped to 4%, though the state did not hit that threshold last summer because General Fund spending was $435 million too high in that fiscal year.

Though the trigger law already exempts spending to pay down the state’s public pension debt, HB 8 would now exclude any appropriation from the budget reserve trust fund, so long as it is specifically identified in a spending bill as not being subject to the trigger law.

This mechanism is in HB 1, as the bill uses “notwithstanding” language to disregard the existing trigger law and say its non-pension appropriations — $2.5 billion — do not count as General Fund spending under it.

Republicans’ longtime goal is to eliminate the income tax, with Senate budget committee chairman Chris McDaniel saying earlier this month they tried to keep spending low enough to improve the odds of hitting future tax cut triggers.

As the House took up HB 6, Democratic Rep. Chad Aull of Lexington referenced these tax cut triggers in his floor speech against the bill, saying Kentucky is falling behind neighboring states on teachers’ salaries and universal pre-K because of Republicans’ pursuit of tax cuts.

“We have decided, as a body, our top priority is to hit these artificial triggers so we can cut the income tax,” Aull said. “That's our top priority. It's not our schools. It's not our kids. It's not the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Among the last-minute changes added to the revenue bill, HB 8, were new tax incentives for an unnamed data center project in Louisville that would make a $450 million investment.

The bill also included a late change to exempt bullion — such as gold and silver bars — from the state sales and use taxes.

Democratic Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong of Louisville noted that while the bill exempts bullion from the sales tax, it did not pick up on Democrats’ call to exempt diapers from the sales tax.

Beshear now has two weeks to either sign or veto the bills, or let them become law without his signature. The legislature returns to Frankfort April 12 for the final two days of the session, where they can override Beshear’s vetoes and pass new legislation that cannot be protected by a veto override.

This story has been updated to include additional details.

State government and politics reporting is supported in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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