Beginning with a workshop at the close of their summer advising conference in June, incoming Scholars attend three transition workshops before the first day of class; parents participate in two of these workshops. During the workshops, RSP staff discuss a variety of topics including: important keys to college success; the family's role in a successful transition; practical information about the start of the term; the Program's expectations for Scholars and the Scholars' expectations of the Program; campus and community involvement; book buying (including a book buying "expedition"); and student computer accounts.

These dinners, held the evening before classes begin in the fall and spring semesters, bring all the college Scholars together and help to kick-off the new term with food, fellowship, and entertainment. The dinners also provide RSP staff with an opportunity to share some last minute details regarding the beginning of another semester.

The Scholars take a 3-credit, full semester university orientation course (UK 101) during their first semester where they learn helpful study strategies including note taking, critical thinking as well as time management. Students also develop library and electronic access skills and an increased awareness of University resources, including the Career Center, The Study and The Writing Center. The student also comes to understand the purpose and nature of a college education in order to make the most of opportunities at the University. Second in the seminar series is UK 100, a 1-credit, full semester course. Taken in their sophomore year, scholars increase their knowledge of UK's Career Center as it pertains to their individual major/career choice; enhance their leadership skill set and continue to develop unique strengths in their academics, career, and beyond. Finally, students participate in an Internship, practicum or co-op usually during their junior year but prior to graduation. These structured experiences not only provide the scholar an opportunity to gain professional experience in their respective field but also to develop skills such as professionalism and leadership as well as to network.

Program staff members meet individually with every student during the course of each semester. First-year students meet monthly, graduating seniors meet two-three times a semester, students on scholarship probation meet every other week, and all other students meet twice per term. They discuss the student's overall university experience and his/her academic progress and campus involvement, they engage in academic and personal planning, and they address any questions or concerns. Staff members are also available for impromptu meetings or inquiries.

The RSP student opportunity plan is designed to serve as a guide for accomplishing the Program requirements.

• Freshmen Opportunities Plan (DOC)
• Sophomore Opportunities Plan (DOC)
• Junior Opportunities Plan (DOC)
• Senior Opportunities Plan (DOC)

Each month, Robinson Scholars choose one of several small group meetings to attend. The meetings provide the students with an opportunity to share ideas, questions, and concerns. The meetings also provide the Robinson Scholars Program staff with a touch point to the students and with an opportunity to discuss pertinent and timely issues (exams, on-campus events, special opportunities, points of general concern, spring break cautions, etc.).

Just before the midterm of each semester, the Program mails student progress reports to the instructors of every Robinson Scholar. The progress reports have a general response area but also provide space for specific comments. Faculty members return those reports to the Robinson Scholars Office, and Program staff members conference with each student for whom a sub-standard progress report is received. In addition, the University has implemented the “Early Alert System” which enhances our communication and with other faculty and staff with regards to student classroom behavior.  This allows staff to meet with “early alert” students to discuss problems and possible strategies to improve the student’s academic performance.

The Program assigns each incoming Robinson Scholar a "veteran" Scholar who serves as a mentor. The mentors touch base with their Scholars at least eight times per semester, either by phone, by email, or in person. The Scholars have the opportunity to meet their mentors for lunch or dinner throughout the semester, and the mentors make themselves available for student questions or concerns. Students in the mentoring program also have the opportunity to participate in special social and cultural activities throughout the year.

Robinson Scholars participate in a number of individual and group service activities during the academic year. The Program expects students to engage in at least five hours of community service each semester. Entering freshman participate in a day long community service called Fusion prior to the first day of class. This provides new students with the opportunity to learn about their new community as well as create new friendships. Continuing students have the opportunity to participate in group projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, and DanceBlue.

Robinson Scholars participate in social and cultural activities throughout the year. The Program sponsors some of these outings, including the popular Ethnic Supper Club series, while providing tickets and passes to students for other events.

Walking Wednesdays

Beginning Wednesday, September 10, 2008 – Wednesday, November 19, 2008
12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
Location: 211 Funkhouser Building

Want to head off the dreaded "Freshman 15?" Combat the "Sophomore Slump," etc., etc.??? Walk with the RSP staff every Wednesday (weather permitting) for 50 minutes during lunch. Get your heart pumping and legs moving while having fun chatting with your fellow scholars and RSP staff. BYOS (bring your own sneakers). RSP Sponsored.

Student Center Late Night Film Series

Thursdays and Fridays beginning August 28, 2008
10:00 p.m.
Location: Student Center Worsham Theatre

The Late Night Film Series shows FREE movies to UK students every Thursday‚ and Friday in the Student Center! See movies like Juno, Tron, Be Kind Rewind, Mallrats, There Will Be Blood, and MORE. Did we mention it was FREE? Check out the calendar at http://www.uky.edu/StudentCenter/FilmSeries/.

Salsa Dancing Classes

Every Friday beginning September 5, 2008
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: King Cultural Center at the Student Center

Salsa dance classes offered every Friday for the novice dancer. Put on your dancing shoes! Olè!

Walk Across Kentucky at the UK Arboretum

Friday, September 26, 2008
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at front entrance of Arboretum

What is The Walk Across Kentucky? "A diverse and unique Kentucky native plant collection; a living museum that captures the spirit of the Commonwealth's landscape; a two-mile paved walkway; seven physiographic regions of Kentucky, including The Bluegrass, The Knobs, The Pennyrile, The Appalachian Plateau, The Cumberland Mountains, The Shawnee Hills, and The Mississippi Embayment."

Take a guided walking tour of Kentucky right here on UK's campus. During this tour, maybe you will discover a little piece of "home." For more information go to: http://www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/brochures/WalkKY.pdf (PDF). RSVP to Susan at susan.holliday@uky.edu by Monday, September 22, 2008. RSP Sponsored.

Don't Dress for Dinner: a play by Marc Camoletti

Sunday, September 28, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Location: Carriage House Theatre at Bell Court

Bernard is planning a weekend with his chic Parisian mistress in a French farmhouse. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, is packing his wife Jacqueline off to her mother's, and has even invited his best friend Robert to provide the alibi. It's foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Of course, a lot does go wrong and an evening of mistaken identity, physical comedy, and crackling dialogue ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Directed by Gary McCormick.

PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PLAY. Register by sending an email to Susan at susan.holliday@uky.edu by Tuesday, September 23. Transportation available upon request. RSP Sponsored.

Cooking Classes

September 22, 2008	October 27, 2008
October 6, 2008	November 10, 2008

7:00 p.m. Location: Erikson Hall

No lectures! No notes! No reading! No homework! All F-U-N! Learn how to impress your date or wow the crowd at a tailgate with our fantastic Cooking Class. Become a master chef for any occasion! Sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

Game Day

September 5, 2008	October 10, 2008
September 12, 2008	October 17, 2008
September 26, 2008	November 7, 2008
October 10, 2008	November 14, 2008

11:00 a.m.
Location: White Hall Classroom Building - Outside

Get pumped up for the Cats to take on our SEC rivals throughout the football season with Game Day! Create all the necessary cheering needs to take UK to the top of the rankings this year! Sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

Hip-Hop Class

September 15, 2008	October 20, 2008
September 29, 2008	November 3, 2008

8:00 p.m. Location: Dance Studio Barker Hall

Learn how to burn those calories off with our Hip-Hop dance classes! This class will take you from wallflower to a grooving machine with hip-hop routines featured in music videos and on the dance floors. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

Massage on the Go

September 24, 2008
October 22, 2008
December 3, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Location: Student Center Lobby near Starbucks

Wind down during exams and midterms with Massage on the Go. Massage stations will be placed throughout campus to give students that well-deserved time-out to relax before their big exam. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

Movie Night and PJ Party

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 109 Dickey Hall

Join us in your most comfortable-est pj's (modesty please!) for a night of movies and fun! Popcorn and refreshments will be provided. Movie TBA. RSVP to Susan at susan.holliday@uky.edu by Monday, October 6, 2008. RSP Sponsored.

Scrapbooking with the Scholars

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: 217A Funkhouser Building

Join us for some scrapbooking fun. Bring your favorite pictures and make some lasting memories! Scrapbooking paper and limited supplies will be provided, but if you want something special, bring it on! Look through our box o'pictures and take a walk down memory lane. Is that YOU as a new scholar??? Snacks provided. RSVP to Susan at susan.holliday@uky.edu by Friday, October 31, 2008. RSP Sponsored.

Gallery Hop

Friday, November 21, 2008
Time: TBA
Location: TBA

Now into its second decade, Lexington's Downtown Gallery Hop continues to be one of the city's most entertaining attractions. Five evenings a year, the connoisseurs, the collectors, and the curious enjoy open house hospitality at dozens of galleries, museums, artists'; studios, shops, and restaurants throughout the downtown area. Downtown Gallery Hop was organized to highlight the work of central Kentucky's outstanding visual artists and to encourage people to acquire original works of art. RSP Sponsored.

The Robinson Scholars Program works together with ISFA Foundation Scholarship to provide study abroad experience for students who meets the RSP program requirements.

Download Study Abroad Program application form (DOC).

Deadline: March 3, 2008.

For further information please contact Pam McFarland at 211 Funkhouser Building.

The Program sponsors and co-sponsors a variety of special workshops throughout the year. Workshop topics have included: personal financial management, study skills, time management, long-term planning, healthy living, adjusting to life after college, business etiquette, exam review sessions, and planning for graduate or professional school.

Connecting with Your UK Community

Wednesday, September 10
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
#115 Student Center

Discover the many ways to get involved on campus. Learn about the over 350 student organizations, innumerable campus volunteer opportunities, as well as social and cultural opportunities. But most of all, learn WHY getting involved is so important!

Planning Ahead

Tuesday, September 23
12:30 p.m. – 1:20 pm
Keenland Room, WT Young Library

Get a jump start on the 2008 fall semester! You will plan out your semester according to your course syllabi, so dust off that academic planner, palm pilot, or whatever works best for you and bring both along to this workshop! If you have a visual and/or kinesthetic learning style, this workshop is for you.

Healthy Relationships

Tuesday, September 30
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
#109 Dickey Hall (behind Taylor Education Building)

Is your roommate driving you crazy? College is an exciting time to meet new people and to develop new relationships with staff members, faculty, roommates, classmates, and maybe even a significant other. Of course, in addition to all of your new relationships, you have relationships from back home. Come to this workshop to learn tips on balancing new and old relationships and how to maintain healthy, positive relationships.

Networking and Philanthropy

Tuesday, October 7
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Weldon Suite, E. S. Good Barn

A sense of community brings us together as Robinson Scholars and we feel an overwhelming responsibility to give back to that community. Come to this workshop to learn the true implications of philanthropy and how it can help you network to make friends and find jobs.

Survivor: RSP Edition

Thursday, October 16
4:00 pm– 5:00 pm
#109 Dickey Hall (behind Taylor Education Building)

Scholars, the tribe has spoken! Are you up for the "challenge?" Find out how to get "immunity" against fatigue and stress and learn helpful "survival&q tips for healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and stress management.

Strategizing at Midterm

Tuesday, October 21
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Gallery Room, W. T. Young Library

Okay, so you have an idea of your midterm grades. Are you pumped? Just satisfied? Need to rethink some things? Why not utilize this time to evaluate and strategize for the second half of the spring semester? Please come prepared to set (or reorganize) your short term goals, learn some valuable study skills, and get some important academic resources.

RSP Alumni Panel

Tuesday, November 4
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
#109 Dickey Hall (behind Taylor Education Building)

Come to this workshop to learn helpful tips from past graduates on choosing a major, the top things to do while at UK, finding an internship, applying to graduate school, getting involved on campus, networking, finding a job, and much more! Let RSP Alum help you to get the best experiences possible in college and after graduation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear first-hand from the experts!!!

Securing your Future

Thursday, November 13
10:00 am – 11:00 am
#231 Student Center Room

In this workshop, you will learn resources and tips on how to budget your finances during college and how to prepare for life after college. From credit cards, benefits packages, graduate school loans, and all the way up to retirement, this workshop will help you to make financial decisions that will enable you to secure your future and start your personalized budget today!

Leadership for Everyone

Thursday, November 20
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Gallery Room-WT Young Library

Would you like to feel more connected to the University and each other? You don't have to be in a formal leadership role to make a difference on campus! The Office of Student Involvement asks that you join 8 bright students who have been selected to pioneer and create the NEW Peer Resource Team. You will be provided the opportunity to network with other UK students and learn more about Leadership!

The Robinson Scholars Program Summer Opportunity Grants (SOGs) are designed to encourage Scholars to pursue summer academic, career development, and/or community service opportunities. RSP recognizes that many Scholars may not be able to pursue these opportunities because many are unpaid experiences. An SOG may allow students to participate in these opportunities despite their lack of compensation.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

1. be Robinson Scholars;
2. have completed at least twelve hours of college coursework at the time of the grant;
3. be in good standing with the Robinson Scholars Program;
4. be in good standing with the University of Kentucky or with KCTCS; and
5. be eligible for future funding through the Robinson Scholars Program.

Scholars may use SOGs to fund internships, academic research, and/or community service opportunities. Scholars may not use SOGs to pay for tuition and fees for academic credit although they may use the funds for other expenses associated with opportunities for which academic credit is available.

Selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of University faculty and staff. In evaluating applications, the selection committee will place a high priority on opportunities with strong connections to a student's overall academic and career goals, on opportunities with a high level of responsibility, on opportunities that require considerable initiative and creativity, and on opportunities that have the potential to positively impact communities. SOG funds are limited, so the quality of the application is also of critical importance in the selection process.

Grant amount

Grant amounts may vary depending on the nature of the opportunity, the funds available, and the competitiveness of the application. Recipients will receive a check for the grant amount in early May.

Terms and conditions

Grant recipients must sign a grant agreement which outlines the specific terms of the grant relative to the opportunity described in the application. The grant agreement will include a stipulation that recipients file a post-opportunity report, including documentation of how the grant monies were spent. Students who fail to abide by the terms of grant agreement must repay the Robinson Scholars Program in the amount of the grant.

Deadline

Completed applications are due in the Robinson Scholars Program office no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 28, 2008. The selection committee will notify applicants of its decisions no later than Monday, April 14, 2008.

Download application form (DOC).

The Program has partnered with the Center for Rural Health in Hazard, Kentucky, to provide two summer internships for junior or senior Scholars interested in rural health issues. The interns spend eight weeks in residence at the Center, where they engage in rotations among the Center's agencies and conduct a research project.

Download application form (DOC).

To jump start the week, the Program sends an email to the Scholars. These emails, which attempt to be fun, refreshing, and maybe a little corny, highlight on-campus events, special opportunities, upcoming deadlines, etc.

This document (DOC) summarizes planned events for Robinson Scholars during the Fall 2008 semester.

The Robinson Scholars Program provides a small, yet comfortable place for Scholars to relax, recharge, study, print a paper, gather with each other, or chat with staff.

Students are only eligible to receive one university-wide scholarship at the University of Kentucky. Consequently, Robinson Scholars are not eligible to receive additional funding through the Office of Academic Scholarships. Scholars may be eligible to receive UK departmental scholarships.

The Chellgren Center for undergraduate excellence also offers external scholarships.

External (or third-party) scholarships are awards sponsored by corporations, foundations, civic groups, or any other organization interested in promoting education. You are eligible to compete for external awards and can use those in addition to your Robinson Scholarship. Keep your eyes open for postings on billboards around campus, especially in departmental offices, and for information in the Kentucky Kernel. You should also conduct an online scholarship search using a reputable scholarship search engine such as the free ones listed below.

• Fast Web
• Petersons
• College Board

Also be sure to contact your and your parents' employers, churches, credit unions, and local organizations to see if they offer college scholarships.

• Academic Enhancement, located in The Thomas Clark Study (3rd floor Commons) provides a variety of study resources including tutoring, study skills/strategies as well as related workshops and programs
• Student Support Services, located at #6 Alumni Gym, provides eligible students additional personalized tutoring
• The Writing Center, located in W.T. Young library (5th floor), offers individual and group consultations on prewriting, writing, and rewriting
• The Mathskellar, located in the basement of Patterson Office Tower (POT) is the Math Resource Center. Faculty, Graduate Students, and Undergraduate Assistants for 100 level courses hold office hours M-F 9-5pm
• Residence Life offers tutoring in the residence halls for certain courses.
• Need help with a specific course? Check with the Department Office.
• Use your connections! Send an email to robinsonscholars@lsv.uky.edu to other Robinson Scholars on campus to form a study group.
• The James W. Stuckert Career Center provides students with career exploration and job search tools.

Please find below a list of websites to explore that offer a plethora of study skill information from Critical Thinking to Research and everything in-between:

• University of Cincinnati Academic Coaching
• Study Guides and Strategies/Joe Landsberger
• EducationAtlas Study Skills Guide
• Study Guide Zone
• Study Tips.org
• How to Study.com: A Study Skills Resource Site
• A Research Guide For Students
• Dr. Freedman's Math Help
• Virginia Tech Study Skills - Self Help Information
• College Confidential
• Time Management
• UK Student Life

Download program handbook (PDF). If you would like to obtain a hard copy of the handbook, contact Susan Holliday at the UK Office.