UK ITS powers second year of the Student Tech Checklist during annual Tech Takeover event

Close to 6,000 first-year University of Kentucky students walked into the Cornerstone building during this year’s Tech Takeover event, they were greeted by the university community, and Scratch and the Wildcat, before being handed the Student Tech Checklist — a list of technologies students need throughout the academic year.

Designed by University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (UK ITS), 2025 marked the second year students received a Tech Checklist handout just before picking up their new iPads.

The Student Tech Checklist aims to equip students with the tech resources needed for their iPads, and throughout the year, to help them get connected and comfortable with the digital tools they’ll use on the first day of class.

A growing tradition

Last year, Enterprise Systems Associate Director Nick McClure and UK ITS student employee Evey Wright introduced the Badger Booper system, a badge reader that scans students’ WildCard Mobile IDs or physical IDs to check into an event.

Wright customized the program used to connect to the Student Tech Checklist.

“We knew Badger would be a hit back in October of 2023 at CyberCon, and it's so awesome to see it living up to its potential,” Wright said. “It's so cool as a young programmer to see your code is not just useful, but in use.”

When students arrived at the Cornerstone, they scanned their student IDs and a screen displayed a checklist showing which technology resources students had completed and which still needed attention.

A UK employee then completes the checklist process by marking which technology resources still need attention and providing each student with a list.

Associate CIO and Enterprise Chief Technology Officer Adam Recktenwald said Tech Takeover is a great opportunity for ITS to participate directly with UK’s newest students.

“This year, we've had folks contribute in many ways — starting with the first step of 'booping' them in to grab their Tech Checklist and iPads — all the way through to helping with UK Invests enrollment,” he said. “It's a high-energy, impactful event, and I'm incredibly proud of how the team comes together for students! ITS is grateful to be part of this event.”

Improving the Student Tech Checklist

Since 2019, UK’s Smart Campus iPad Initiative has distributed thousands of new iPads to every first-year and eligible transfer student.

This year, UK ITS improved the Student Tech Checklist to include QR codes for multi-factor authentication (MFA), UK Invests, Wildcard Mobile ID, Canvas and eduroam, UK’s Wi-Fi network. The checklist also included information about how to subscribe to ITS alerts, newsletters and where to find Tech Help.

Communications & Strategic Engagement Director Marci Adams said handing out the Tech Checklist at Tech Takeover is one of her favorite ways to connect with students.

"In the second year of our Student Tech Checklist, I was proud of the engagement and interaction we had with our new UK students,” she said. “It’s not often our staff get to connect one-on-one, and I love the opportunity to show we’re more than just IT nerds — we also care about supporting students in their academic journey."

Tech resources at Tech Takeover

UK ITS employees offered tech help to students as soon as they walked in the door.

Whether helping set up WildCard Mobile IDs or MFA or referring them to additional campus staff on hand, students were able get in-person help with campus technology.

Smart Campus Lead Rosa De La Rosa said the Fall 2025 Tech Takeover event was a success thanks to the support of volunteers, tabling partners UK ITS and Student Success.

“This event simply wouldn’t be possible without volunteer and partner support and collaboration. Shoutout to UK Information Technology Services for their Student Tech Checklist — an invaluable resource that truly helps students hit the ground running,” she said. “The checklist ensures our students are prepared and supported from day one. Together, we successfully deployed nearly 6,000 iPads and helped create a smooth, impactful experience for our students.”

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