Dr. Loni Yost, Executive Director
Powell 152
Phone: (859) 622-3855
www.studentlife.eku.edu

The mission of Student Life & First-Year Experience is to enhance the quality of life of Eastern Kentucky University students by supporting the University's commitment to the academic success and holistic development of every Colonel. Our goal is to foster intellectual, physical, and social development through programs and direct services which challenge and support students as they develop attitudes, abilities, and skills for life-long learning within an ever-changing global environment. The first step to getting involved is visiting our website: www.studentlife.eku.edu.

Activities

At EKU, you’ll do so much more than just go to classes and study. You’ll meet new people. You’ll have fun. You’ll make lifelong memories. Check out upcoming events at studentlife.eku.edu.

First-Year Experience

First-Year Experience (FYE) serves to help you connect to EKU inside and outside the classroom and empower you with experiences and resources to make your first year a powerful, engaging experience. We strive to build all FYE programming on these three pillars:

• Excite your Colonel spirit by embracing EKU traditions and embarking on your individual “Eastern Experience.”
• Exchange dialogue, ideas and perspectives with faculty, staff, and peers to connect with the greater EKU community.
• Excel inside and outside the classroom by establishing positive habits that will help make you a successful Colonel at EKU and beyond.

Our cornerstone FYE program, Big E Welcome, will allow you to build friendships and connections with other first-year students, equip yourself with skills to excel in the classroom, and truly welcome you into the EKU experience! Your Colonel Crew Leader (a current EKU student) will lead you through the festivities and share the weekend with you.

Community Service

From disaster relief to blood drives, EKU students are changing the world one project at a time. Whether serving on an Alternative Break trip or right here on campus, our service projects offer you the opportunity to make new friends, build your network, and grow as an individual. Our projects fit perfectly into a wide variety of majors, minors, and concentrations to provide offerings that fit everyone’s interests.

Colonel’s Cupboard

The Colonel’s Cupboard is an on-campus food pantry that assists EKU students who may be experiencing food insecurity. We also offer toiletry items and clothing items through Closet TransForm housed within the Colonel’s Cupboard.

Fraternity & Sorority Life

EKU is home to a vibrant fraternity and sorority community with four governing councils: Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Panhellenic Association (CPA), and Interfraternity Council (IFC).

Visit greeklife.eku.edu to learn more about the recruitment process and these values-based organizations focusing on scholarship, service, leadership, and life.

• Scholarship – Each chapter has scholastic standards members are required to meet.
• Service – Greeks regularly dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to bettering the world in which we live. This is accomplished through philanthropy and community service efforts.
• Leadership –Fraternity and sorority life provides a premier leadership opportunity on a college campus. Members have many opportunities to lead within the chapters and in the community.
• Life – Membership is a lifelong commitment. Fraternity and sorority members value brotherhood/sisterhood and being together for support and fellowship.

Leadership

Cultivate your leadership skills to help you be successful during your time at EKU and beyond. Participate in leadership programs, workshops and conferences, and check out leadership lectures and special guest speakers throughout the year. Don’t forget to check out the annual Student Excellence Awards recognition program!

Parent & Family Programs

The EKU Parent & Family Network serves to empower EKU parents, family, and friends with resources, timely and important information, and programs to support the success of their Colonel. The network assists in helping families stay connected and informed on the EKU community. More information can be found at www.familyprograms.eku.edu.

Student Organizations

SL&FYE is home to a variety of Registered Student Organizations (RSO) that EKU students are welcome to get involved with at any time! RSOs at EKU include a group of 6 or more current EKU students who have formulated an organization for a common purpose. Student organization information can be found at www.studentlife.eku.edu/student-organizations.