LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky community will notice fencing up as exciting developments are on the horizon for central campus. Originally opened in 1969 and centrally located on the UK campus, a $75 million White Hall Classroom Building renovation is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2026.
This project is underway as the 2024-25 school year opens and thousands are arriving to join the UK community for Big Blue Nation Orientation. BBNO is more than just a campus introduction — it’s a pivotal first step in a student’s journey to becoming part of the Wildcat family.
As students prepare to transition from high school to the collegiate environment, orientation serves as the bridge that helps them acclimate to the vibrant life at UK. The university recognizes that this moment is a significant milestone, one filled with excitement, anticipation and perhaps a bit of uncertainty. That’s why the dedicated staff within Orientation and Outreach, housed in the Office for Student Success, eagerly awaits each student’s arrival, ready to provide the guidance, resources and support they need to feel at home from the very first day.
During this year’s June and July BBNO sessions, more than 4,500 freshmen and 700 transfer and readmitted students from 45 states attended orientation. Incoming integrated strategic communication major and business minor Olivia Hunt is one of those incoming freshmen.
To ensure the safety of the campus and the public, the fencing has been placed along the perimeter of White Hall Classroom Building and Miller Hall.
Members of the UK community around the area should walk on the on the sidewalk closest to the Gatton Student Center instead of the one closest to White Hall. Additionally, the walkway between Lafferty Hall and White Hall is closed, but those on campus can navigate between Lafferty and the Lucille Little Fine Arts Library as an alternative.
In addition to fencing being installed, several resources have been relocated during the renovations. These include:
- Mathskeller — moved to 1M11 Patterson Office Tower (located on mezzanine)
- The Wildcat Wardrobe — moved to 1M50 Patterson Office Tower (located on mezzanine)
- The Post Office — moved to 1M10 Patterson Office Tower (located on mezzanine)
- GIS Labs — moved to B28A and B28B in the William T. Young Library
- Ricoh — moved to 100 Blazer Hall Dining
The university will continue to update the campus community as information becomes available.
