Final Reminders
Getting To Us
Parking will be free in the Cornerstone (South Limestone) Garage. This is the only approved visitor parking. Use this address in your maps app:
409 South Limestone
Lexington, KY
Learn more about Lexington, local restaurants, attractions and options for overnight accommodations at visitlex.com.
After You've Parked
Follow signs to the third floor pedway to campus in stairwell A. Cross the pedway and follow signs to check-in.
You’ll enter Gatton Student Center nearest the glass doors under the big, blue UK logo.
Check-in will be open from 7:30-8:15 a.m. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Helpful Packing and Travel Tips
1
Bring a Device
You are expected to bring a laptop (or tablet) with you! Please bring a personal device rather than a school-issued Chromebook.
2
Food Provided
A continental breakfast, as well as lunch at Champions Kitchen, are included.
3
What to Wear
Dress casually with the weather in mind — umbrella, coat, etc. Wear comfortable shoes. Students and guests should expect to walk moderate distances outside, between meeting locations
4
Program Time
Plan to be on campus until 4:30 p.m. If you do not participate in the full program, you will need to attend a summer orientation.
Your Canvas Prep Course
Students must complete the Merit Day prep course in Canvas, available at www.uky.edu/canvas.
The biggest piece of advice from previous Merit Day attendees is to make sure you know how to navigate myUK GPS, UK’s schedule of classes, course registration and degree planning system.
Your Canvas course has the training tools you need!
Major Change Deadline
You will attend meetings and complete advising with your admitted academic college, unless you are approved for a major change before Merit Day.
Major change requests must be submitted at least 7 days before your Merit Day.
If you wish to change your major, follow the steps and complete the form at go.uky.edu/majorchange.
Advising Prep Form
Complete the Advising Prep Form in your Merit Day Canvas course (www.uky.edu/canvas) at least 7 days before your Merit Day.
Your academic college will use the information you provide on the Advising Prep Form to prepare for your course registration at Merit Day.
WildCard Mobile ID
New students now receive their WildCard student ID as a mobile credential in their phone’s digital wallet.
While you won’t pick up a physical ID at Merit Day, now is a good time to set up your WildCard Mobile ID and upload your photo!
Visit wildcard.uky.edu for details.
Merit Day Agenda
Students and guests should download the UK Guides app from their phone’s app store to see the full, detailed schedule, available beginning February 23.
Download the UK Guides App on the App Store for Apple products and Google Play for Android!
A printed program will not be provided.
Other Helpful Information
Lewis Honors College
Merit Day invitations are independent of any Lewis Honors College applications or decisions. Lewis Honors College admission decisions were released in mid-February.
Lewis Honors College Open House
Lewis Honors College admitted students who are registered for Merit Day are strongly encouraged to attend an Open House at Lewis Hall the evening before their Merit Day. Check in will be open from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m., with the event concluding at 6:00 p.m, ET. Free parking for this reception is available at the Rose Street Garage (301 Hilltop Ave.) beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Lewis Hall (420 Hilltop Ave.) is a 5-minute walk from this garage.
WildCard ID
New students now receive their WildCard student ID as a mobile credential in their phone’s digital wallet.
While you won’t pick up a physical ID at Merit Day, now is a good time to set up your WildCard Mobile ID and upload your photo!
Cancelling Your Merit Day
Full refunds will only be issued for cancellations requested by the Monday prior to your Merit Day.
If you are requesting a refund due to cancellation, please submit your request in writing via email to orientation@uky.edu. Refunds will only be processed after receiving the request via email.
After attending Merit Day:
Merit Day attendees who notify us by email by May 1, 2026 after participating in Merit Day that they will not enroll at UK will receive a refund of the $125 enrollment pre-payment, but they will not receive a refund of the $125 Merit Day orientation fee.
To request this refund, students must notify the University of Kentucky by May 1, 2026 in writing via email to orientation@uky.edu. Refunds will only be processed after receiving the request via email.