By Kylie Burness

Next year’s incoming freshmen may find it easier to connect with their class due to a new online program being offered in the fall.

NetworkBlue, a new social networking environment moderated by Online Community Manager Christopher Rice, will, according to its Web site, help build real connections amongst students and between students and the university in a safe, private space.

With the high popularity of social networking sites amongst college students such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, the university will take its own spin on all three. By invitation only, NetworkBlue will allow its future and current students to connect with one another on an academic and social level, said Randolph Hollingsworth, provost assistant in Integrated Academic Services.Organizations already on board with NetworkBlue are K Crew and Student Government, said Ben Duncan, communications director of SG.

“I think teachers that use Facebook for academics could get a little weird, but I think a site like NetworkBlue that is going through the university would be a really good idea,” said Melanie Pynappel, a journalism freshman.

Duncan hopes students will be the driving force for NetworkBlue, whether they use it academically or socially.

“It’s a great way for teachers to connect with students outside the classroom,” he said.

Kelly Prickett, an early childhood education freshman, believes NetworkBlue will be comparable to Facebook, which she used to find her roommate for freshman year.

“I think such a site as NetworkBlue would be very helpful when finding a roommate you could be compatible with,” she said. ­­

“I was so scared coming into UK and knowing four people from my high school,” Pynappel said. “I think the site will help someone like me, knowing no one, be able to recognize familiar faces as soon as they get here.”