LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky is calling on faculty and staff to volunteer during Technology Takeover, the annual distribution event for student iPad kits being held from 8-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, Aug. 20 at The Cornerstone.

According to a university announcement, volunteers are needed to help welcome the Class of 2030 and create a supportive experience for incoming freshmen. Interested campus community members can sign up for volunteer shifts through an online form, with various roles available each day. All volunteers are asked to arrive 15 minutes early for a brief training session.

Since 2019, UK has provided every incoming degree-seeking, first-time undergraduate student with an iPad Air preloaded with university-specific apps, along with an Apple Pencil and keyboard. The program has proven effective, with the university achieving a 70% graduation rate and a 90% retention rate for students between their first and second years, while reducing IT costs by 60%.

The initiative serves as a cornerstone of UK's broader Smart Campus strategy, designed to level the digital playing field for students. The university reports that approximately 25% of students come from families with an average annual income of $25,000, making equitable access to technology a critical component of student success.

According to the Smart Campus team, the program aims to support student learning and success, improve graduation rates, shrink the digital divide, equip faculty with appropriate tools, foster digital literacy and coding skills, and promote overall student wellness. "At UK, we want technology to do more than connect students — we want it to propel them," the team stated. "This program helps ensure every student starts on equal footing, with access to the tools they need to thrive in today's world."

UK has deployed more than 30,000 iPads to students since the program launched. Questions about volunteering can be directed to smartcampus@uky.edu.