Honors First-Year Orientation
Hi new honors scholar!
Experience excellence and innovation come to life at WKU's M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan | Honors – where students embark on a transformative journey of discovery, connection, and empowerment, setting the stage for an extraordinary academic year ahead. This immersive event lays the foundation for success, fostering a sense of community, leadership, and resilience that defines the WKU experience. Join us in embracing the future with confidence and enthusiasm!
During your time within the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan | Honors, you will learn what to expect as an MHC scholar, know whom to go to for information and advice and surround yourself with peers who will support you throughout your collegiate career all the while experiencing fun social programs (like our traditional skits) and opportunity to settle into the WKU campus before classes begin with your direction and counselors.
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan - Register Now
Explore below the amazing students, faculty, and staff partners that make the honors-track of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan a unique experience for our honors scholars!
Direction Leaders
They don’t just show up—they run the show. DLs are the ones behind the scenes (and often on the stage) making sure everything flows, everyone’s included, and no one gets left wondering, “What’s next?”
Here’s what they’re all about:
- Lead the Leaders – DLs coordinate our amazing Honors Counselors and make sure each small group is thriving.
- Plan the Fun – From skits to icebreakers to those quirky name games you secretly love, DLs help create the orientation experience.
- Bridge Builders – They help new Hilltoppers connect not just with their small groups, but with the entire honors fam.
- Voice of Experience – Need the real talk on classes, clubs, or how to balance it all? They’ve been there, and they’re here to guide you through it.
Orientation wouldn’t be the same without them—and neither would your start in Honors.
South
I had such a wonderful time getting to know my campers last year. Watching them fully engage and grow in confidence was just amazing. That experience inspired me to continue being a part of this event and contribute even more this year as a direction leader.
North
I chose to be a direction leader because the MHC is awesome and every scholar deserves an epic experience! As a Direction Leader, I want to help set the tone for an exciting and inclusive week, where both counselors and campers feel motivated and connected.
West
Being a part of Honors MASTER Plan—first as a participant, then as a counselor—has been incredibly rewarding. I’m passionate about creating a supportive environment and helping students feel at home in the MHC. It’s an honor to be part of a team that helps shape such an important first week.
East
I loved being part of Honors M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan last year. The experience was incredibly meaningful and fun. I’m excited to help create that same sense of belonging and enthusiasm for new scholars.
Honors Counselors
Honors Counselors are upper-division students who serve as mentors and guides for incoming Mahurin Honors College scholars during August orientation. They lead small peer groups, facilitate community-building activities, answer questions about WKU and honors life, and help first-year students navigate their academic and social transition. Your honors counselor will reach out to participating honors students in early August to start sharing information and to get you hyped for orientation and life on the hill.
Direction reveals coming in late July!
Session Facilitators
Session Facilitators are MHC faculty and staff who partner with Direction Leaders and Honors Counselors to co-lead interactive content sessions during MASTER Plan orientation. These facilitators help guide discussions, share insights about the honors experience, and create space for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community. Their role is to enrich the sessions with perspective, provide support to the student leaders, and help set the tone for a welcoming and engaging transition into MHC life.
Direction reveals coming in late July!
Professor, Biology
The Honors track of MASTER Plan is one of the best ways to build trust, community, and confidence before classes even begin.
Asst. Director of Enrollment; LLC Teaching Fellow
The energy during orientation week is contagious. It’s a privilege to watch students settle into their WKU home.
Asst. Director of Honors Academics
I’m excited to see students grow from day one—asking bold questions, making new friends, and realizing they’re not alone on this journey.
Honors Academic Advisor
I love co-facilitating with student leaders—it models the kind of collaborative learning we value in honors.
Kick off your WKU journey with a week designed just for Mahurin Honors College scholars! The Honors track of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is a tailored orientation experience that helps you build community, connect with faculty and mentors, and get a head start on your college transition. You’ll join a small group of fellow Honors students, participate in engaging sessions co-led by Honors staff and student leaders, and explore what it really means to thrive in MHC, while also meeting and connecting with other students of the class of 2029.
For the full M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan schedule, please visit this page.
The honors-track of orientation utilizes the existing schedule while customizing the session content and adding a few honors-only events.
Below are the honors add-on events to complement the overall orientation experience; schedule subject to change.
Honors Welcome Day
This is a required kick-off event for all incoming Mahurin Honors College students in participating halls before the full M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan orientation begins.
You’ll spend the day with your Honors Direction group engaging in team-building activities, getting to know your peers, and meeting Honors staff and faculty who will support you throughout your time at WKU and during orientation. We’ll set the tone for your MHC journey—reflecting on what it means to be a Hilltopper, a scholar, and a member of a close-knit, high-impact community.
This day is all about connection, confidence, and community—and it’s the perfect launchpad for the rest of your orientation week. Lunch is provided. Full-day participation is expected.
Spencer’s Coffee Walk with DLs
Start your morning off right! Join your Direction Leaders for a walk downtown to Spencer’s Coffee on Wednesday, August 13. Grab your favorite drink, explore BG, and get to know your fellow Honors students along the way. Meet us in the lobby of HCIC by 8:30AM. See you there!
Pelican’s + Playlists = The Perfect Honors Chill-Out
After a full day of orientation activities, swing by the back lawn of HCIC for a relaxed evening with Pelican’s Snow Cones, good music, and great company. It’s the perfect way to unwind, meet fellow Honors students, and soak in those sweet summer vibes.
Quantities are limited, so come early to grab your favorite flavor and hang out with us as we celebrate the start of your WKU journey in true Honors style.
Morning Run with Nina
Rise and shine! Join Nina for a refreshing morning run on Wednesday, August 14 at 7:30 AM. We’ll meet in the HCIC lobby and hit the campus paths for a light run to start your day strong. All paces welcome!
Build Your Own Boba Bash
Join us for a hands-on, make-your-own boba tea experience on the HCIC back lawn! Create your perfect cup—pick your tea, choose your toppings, and shake it up just how you like it.
Hosted in partnership with the Chinese Flagship Program, WKU Global, and theMahurin Honors College, this event is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Come sip, socialize, and learn a little more about global engagement opportunities at WKU—one bubble at a time.
Whether you're a boba expert or brand new to the craze, all are welcome. Supplies are limited, so come early and bring your curiosity (and your cup-holding hand).
Granny Crafts with Gannon
Ready to unleash your inner grandma? 🧵🫖 Come hang out with Gannon for Granny Crafts on Friday, August 15 from 8:30–11:00 AM in HCIC. Bring your creativity and enjoy a chill morning of crafting, chatting, and relaxing. All skill levels welcome.
Skit Night + Pizza = A Classic Honors Combo
Wrap up your first week on the Hill with one of MHC’s most beloved traditions—Skit Night. Get ready to cheer on your fellow Honors students as each Direction takes the stage to present their original skits—equal parts clever, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re performing or spectating, it’s a night full of laughs, memories, and inside jokes that will last all semester. Pizza provided.
Note: The Honors programmatic experience is available to Honors students assigned to Minton Hall as part of the Honors LLC and to Honors students assigned to Rodes-Harlin Hall. Honors students assigned to other residence halls will be able to attend select social events during M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan week.
Note: Honors students assigned to Minton Hall or Rodes-Harlin for M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan will be assessed an additional fee of 50.00$ to help us support the programming efforts; this charge will appear on your August billing statement after you've completed orientation.