A new Union student rappels from a cliff in the woods near Cumberland Falls as part of Welcome Weekend activities.

Union’s Welcome Weekend Brings 200 to Campus

Over two hundred new students were treated to a weekend of adventures and activities during Union College’s annual Welcome Weekend.

The weekend helps students get to know each other, the region, and the college. Students are split into small groups, which must work together as they compete, serve in the community, or attend group sessions. Groups reconvene for larger events, including an opening concert and an academic induction ceremony.

Canoeing requires that students work together as they bring the canoe to shore..

One of the more unique features of the weekend is the outdoor adventure. Vans take groups of students to locations throughout the region where they can rappel, explore caves, go mountain biking, enjoy a hike, or canoe. The adventure helps build community—a key factor in whether students successfully complete their college careers—while introducing students from around the country and world to the vast natural resources and recreational opportunities southeastern Kentucky has to offer. The outdoor adventure is organized with the help of Union College Outdoors, which hosts outdoor recreational opportunities for students throughout the year.

Though shuffling more than 225 people around the region can be a challenge, college officials believe it’s important to acquaint new students with the area and the campus community. “We can do things like this because of our size,” says Jerry Jackson, Union’s Dean of Enrollment Management. “It’s unusual for faculty and staff to join students for this type of activity, but it’s important to set the tone early that, at Union, you’ll get to know the people who are teaching you in the classroom. We’re a close community, and that benefits our students. They can be more than a number here.”

Enjoying the view just after exiting a cave in Rockcastle County.

The approach seems to work. According to Mr. Jackson, Union has exceeded its enrollment goals for the fourth consecutive year.

A video of Welcome Weekend activities will be available on Union’s website within the next week. It can be viewed at www.unionky.edu.

August 27, 2007

[Top]