Early Knights Program

Students at silent disco

Connect with classmates and check out campus before classes begin!

Check out our Early Knights Program

During the Early Knights Program, students will connect with other incoming students, learn about available resources, and get familiar with campus before everyone else arrives! This program is free to students and includes food for the week as well as housing for residential participants. Students will also complete a free one-credit hour class: BU 199 – Career Pathways Exploration.

This program would be a great fit if you identify with any of the following:

  • First generation (I am among the first generation in my family to EARN a college degree). 
  • Accessibility Needs (I have a current accommodation with the Accessibility Resource Center, or I plan to meet with the Accessibility Resource Center to obtain my accommodations). 
  • I come from a family with high financial need. 
  • I need academic support. 

The goals of the program are to:

  • Begin to develop a sense of belonging by forming meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and student leaders within the Bellarmine community.
  • Engage in an inclusive campus community by participating in shared experiences that value diversity, connection, and mutual respect.
  • Recognize campus support resources that promote academic success, personal well-being, and persistence.
  • Practice help-seeking and self-advocacy skills by recognizing when support is needed and accessing appropriate resources. 

 

IMPACT Categories

The Early Knights program supports students in Bellarmine’s four areas of IMPACT: wellness, belonging, purpose, and engagement.

ENGAGEMENT

EK participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Participate in community engagement in the Louisville area
  • Connect with leaders of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
  • Connect with professional staff from academic services and student affairs (Accessibility Resource Center, Swope Counseling Center, Residence Life, etc.)

WELLNESS

Students will learn about the eight dimensions of wellness:

  • Physical
  • Social
  • Intellectual
  • Occupational
  • Financial
  • Environmental
  • Spiritual
  • Emotional

BELONGING

Students will be exposed to:

  • Identity registered student organizations (RSOs)
  • Their community and impact network
  • The crossing crew, your personalized guide for the Early Knights program
  • Interpersonal skill-building
  • Intentional team building and social interaction

PURPOSE

Students will be required to take a one-credit hour course during the Early Knights Program. BU-199 is a course designed to help students reflect on the connection between their major and career outcomes. Whether you have already selected a major and feel certain in your choice, are undecided, or are simply curious about your career options, this course is designed for you!

Course Description: BU-199 is a course designed to guide students through a reflective process in pursuit of a fulfilling major and meaningful career throughout their time at Bellarmine and beyond. For students who are uncertain of a major, or certain of their major but uncertain about a career, BU 199 offers a pathway to reflect, explore, and learn about oneself and all the possibilities Bellarmine has to offer.

Program Dates

The Early Knights Program will take place August 9-12, 2026. Early Knights is an optional program and does not excuse the student from Week of Welcome. Upon acceptance, all Early Knights activities are required unless stated otherwise.

What To Expect*

August 9th

  • Move-In & Commuter Check-In
  • Student & Family Welcome
  • Session Student & Family Dinner
  • Student Evening Activities (Optional)

August 10th

  • BU-199 Instructional Time
  • Community Engagement
  • Interpersonal Skill Building
  • Small Group Team Building
  • Evening Activities (Optional)

August 11th

  • BU-199 Instructional Time
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Small Group Team Building
  • Alumni Networking Dinner
  • Residence Life Social (Optional)

August 12th

  • BU-199 Instructional Time
  • Small Group Team Building
  • Engaging Wellness Activities
  • Taste of 502 Dinner

*Activities are subject to change

Contact Us

This program is hosted by Bellarmine’s Accessibility Resource Center, Center for Community Engagement, Career Development Center, Dr. Patricia Carver Center, The Dean of Students Office, and Pioneer Scholars Program.

If you have questions about the Early Knights Program, please contact Seth Kelly (skelly@bellarmine.edu) or Merris Barber (mbarber3@bellarmine.edu).