Destination KU
Registration for Destination KU is CLOSED. If you have questions, please email us at groupvisits@ku.edu.
The college admissions process can be stressful. Destination KU's goal is for students to begin connecting with academic programs, support services, and their peers. Students and families will hear from KU Admissions, academic, and student support services staff as they begin to look on the horizon towards their ultimate Destination - KU!
Destination KU is an event for admitted seniors and transfer students held in the spring at the Jayhawk Welcome Center and the Kansas Union. The event is open to all admitted seniors and transfer students. While Destination KU will cover a wide range of topics as students prepare for their first semester, some programming is geared towards first-generation students (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree), and students from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.
Schedule
Check-In will begin at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, located at 1266 Oread Ave., Lawrence, KS 66044. While families check-in, there will be a small information fair with support services showcasing programs for first-year students.
The official welcome and opening remarks will take place across the street from the Jayhawk Welcome Center at the Kansas Union in Woodruff Auditorium, on level 5. An overview of the day will also take place during this time.
These sessions are designed for students and families to learn more about their academic interests. Have more than one interest area? That's okay! Students and families can choose to attend academic information sessions from the following academic areas, which are offered again in the second session unless otherwise noted.
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences - Kansas Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- Criminal Justice and KU Edwards Programs - Regionalist Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- Hawk Link, Supporting YOU at KU - Bruckmiller Room, Jayhawk Welcome Center
- Major Exploration - Jayhawk Exploratory Advising - Centennial Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- Pre-Health Paths (Pre-Med, Pre-Veterinarian, Pre-Optometry, etc.) - Alderson Auditorium, Level 4, Kansas Union
- School of Architecture and Design - Jayhawk Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Business - Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Education and Human Sciences - The Jay, Level 1, Kansas Union
- School of Engineering - Big 12 Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Health Professions/UCHAMP - Divine 9 Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication - Malott Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Music - Governor's Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Nursing - Pine Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Pharmacy - English Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Social Welfare - International Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- University Honors Program - *Second Session Only*
These sessions are designed for students and families to learn more about their academic interests. Have more than one interest area? That's okay! Students and families can choose to attend academic information sessions from the following academic areas, which are offered again in the second session unless otherwise noted.
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences - Kansas Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- Criminal Justice and KU Edwards Programs - Regionalist Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- Hawk Link, Supporting YOU at KU - Bruckmiller Room, Jayhawk Welcome Center
- Major Exploration - Jayhawk Exploratory Advising - Centennial Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- Pre-Health Paths (Pre-Med, Pre-Veterinarian, Pre-Optometry, etc.) - Alderson Auditorium, Level 4, Kansas Union
- School of Architecture and Design - Jayhawk Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Business - Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Education and Human Sciences - The Jay, Level 1, Kansas Union
- School of Engineering - Big 12 Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Health Professions/UCHAMP - Divine 9 Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication - Malott Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Music - Governor's Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- School of Nursing - Pine Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Pharmacy - English Room, Level 6, Kansas Union
- School of Social Welfare - International Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
- University Honors Program - Berkley Family Presentation Room, Jayhawk Welcome Center
The menu includes:
- Southern Style Chicken Tenders
- Mashed potatoes with brown gravy
- Salad
- Buttered Corn
- Roll with Butter
- Chocolate Brownies
- Lemonade, water, and iced tea will also be served
After lunch, there will be programming for students and families pertaining to their first year at KU.
12:00 pm - Introduction to Financial Aid and Scholarships at KU, Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (all students and families)
12:45 pm - Students will split from their parents/guardians/guests to attend the following:
- Things to Know for your First-Semester: A Conversation with current Jayhawks (admitted seniors), Big 12 Room, Level 5
- Transferring to KU and Next Steps (admitted transfer students), Kansas Room, Level 6
- Supporting your Students with TRIO SES & STEM (parents/guardians/guests), Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5
We round out the day with closing remarks and giveaways!
We invite all admitted students to pick up their Rock Chalk Ready Yard Signs at the Jayhawk Welcome Center lobby at the conclusion of the program until 5 pm.
After the formal program has concluded, students and families/guests can choose their own afternoon adventure based on what information they would like to have before departing campus. These optional sessions include the following opportunities:
DROP-IN OPPORTUNITIES
2:30 - 4:30 pm: Financial Aid & Scholarships Help Room - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Big 12 Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
Financial Aid and Scholarships staff will be available for one-on-one drop-in meetings. NOTE: This will be a popular option, so there may be a short wait time.
2:30 - 4:30 pm: Major Exploration with Jayhawk Academic Advising, Jayhawk Room, Level 5, Kansas Union
Are you undecided on your major? Are you having a hard time narrowing down your major interests? Do you have questions about how transfer credit/AB/IB Credit, or dual credit counts towards your degree program? Maybe you are a little apprehensive about what classes will be like during your first semester. Join advisors from Jayhawk Academic Advising and begin the conversation regarding advising and enrollment.
NOTE: You will NOT enroll in classes. Enrollment takes place with your academic advisor at Orientation during the summer for seniors, and during your Welcome Advising Meeting for transfer students.
CAMPUS TOURS
First time visiting campus? Join one of our Student Ambassadors and take a walking tour of Jayhawk Blvd! Tours will be begin at the Jayhawk Welcome Center lobby at two different times: 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Tours will last about 45 minutes to one hour and will be round trip to and from the Jayhawk Welcome Center.
ACADEMIC BUILDING TOURS
Are you interested in seeing where you will spend most of your time for class? Check out some of the tours offered at the academic professional schools.
School of Architecture - The Forum, Room 216B, Marvin Hall; Tour begins at 2:30 pm
School of Business - The Atrium, Capitol Federal Hall; Tour begins at 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm
School of Education and Human Sciences - Room 221, Joseph R. Pearson Hall; Drop-Ins from 2:30 - 4:30 pm
School of Engineering - Room G415, LEEP2; Tour begins at 2:30 pm
School of Pharmacy - 2010 Becker Dr.; Building tours and Drop-Ins until 3 pm
HOUSING
Are you living on campus this fall? If so, check out some of the housing tours! More information will be provided during the day.
Parking will be across from the Jayhawk Welcome Center in the Mississippi Street/Kansas Union Parking Garage. You can register your vehicle to park in the garage for free by clicking on the the following link.