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Office of Undergraduate Studies

October 5

 

Withdrawing from Courses

As explained in a previous newsletter, dropping courses can impact scholarships, financial aid, course progression, eligibility for the dean’s list and even health insurance benefits.   
Here are some points for discussion when talking to your son/daughter about this issue:

  • Is the student attending class, doing the readings before class and performing assignments on time?
  • Has the student asked for help or interacted with the instructor to learn why he/she is not performing well?
  • Is student taking advantage of available help (tutoring-call the department, resource room/assistance centers, UTAC help sessions)
  • Has student discussed the Pass/No Pass option with his/her adviser?
  • Is student’s work schedule impeding academic progress (student is working too many hours)?
  • If student drops hours, can he/she still add mini-courses to regain full-time status?

Parent Tip:  Encourage student to examine their behaviors before withdrawing from courses.  Often students do not examine all of their options before they withdraw.

Power of Possibilities

At this time in the semester, students may be having second thoughts about their major interests.   The Power of Possibilities website is a great way for your student to search UNL for majors that match their interests. 

http://possibilities.unl.edu/

Parent Tip:  Students who have a general idea of their major interests have the best success in selecting best-fit courses for their eventual academic program.  Priority registration for the spring semester and advising meetings are right around the corner…it’s time for students to soul search!  No password is needed…even YOU can get on the site and enjoy the university’s wide variety of offerings.

Other major exploration resources:
Exploratory Courses:  http://www.unl.edu/dgs/explore06.shtml
Tips for Choosing a Major:  http://www.unl.edu/dgs/careertips.shtml
Career Guide to UNL Majors:  http://www.unl.edu/careers/careerguide/interest.shtml
Career Assessment:  http://www.unl.edu/careers/explore/assess.shtml

Holds on Record (prepare for priority registration)

When a student owes money, has incurred fines (parking, library etc.) or is past due on submitting documents like transcripts from high schools/colleges or immunization records,  a “HOLD” is placed on the student’s record.  This hold will prevent your student from registering for spring classes.  Note:  The Office of Admissions will place a hold on the record of students who fail to submit their FINAL high school transcript and college transcripts. 

Parent Tip: Students can check their student account via their WAM page at any time.   Holds are removed immediately if the student pays their bill with cash, credit card or with money orders.  Personal checks must clear the bank (may take up to two weeks) before Student Accounts will remove a financial hold.  If the student has a question about bills they should contact Student Accounts (472-2887).  Students can call their adviser with questions about how to remove holds other than financial holds.

Priority Registration for Spring 2010

Starting October 26th, your student will register for spring 2010 classes.  Your student should make an appointment with their adviser NOW to prepare for registration.  Students who wait to see their adviser until the week they register may find they have to wait an hour to see an adviser, whereas if they come in early to mid-October, their wait will be minimal.

Parent Tip:  Remind your student to make an appointment to see his/her adviser now.

An Event for Undecided Majors

Join UNL Career Services and the UNL General Studies Advisers at:

MAJOR MISSION
Choose A Major.  Get to the Next Level.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Anytime between:
Noon-6:00 p.m.
225 Nebraska Union - City Campus
http://www.unl.edu/dgs/MajorMissionFlierfall2009.pdf

We teamed up on this event to help you explore your interests and connect them to UNL majors.    Note that it is conveniently scheduled before you see your adviser to determine next semester's courses.  We hope to see you there!  If you cannot attend, call 472-3145 to see a Career Counselor or stop by Canfield #33 to see a General Studies adviser.

Pass/No Pass Reminder

Friday, October 16, is the LAST DAY students can change their grade status for one or more courses to or from the Pass/No pass option.   If a student takes a course on the P/N basis and earns a grade of “C” or better, they will receive a “P” for the course.  Neither the “P” nor the “N” will affect their GPA.  Grades lower than a “C” will post to the student’s record as an “N” for the course.  A “P” means the student passed the course and that the credit may be used to meet degree requirements.  Not all courses can or should be taken P/N.  Students may make the grade option change on their WAM but SHOULD NOT wait until Friday afternoon to make the change, as this can be a problem if they encounter technical difficulties!  

Parent Tip:  Students who cannot drop courses and still be considered full-time may want to consider the pass/no pass option.  Students should talk with an adviser about this option BEFORE changing their grade status to pass/no pass.

FALL BREAK

Students have a fall break on Monday and Tuesday October 19-20, 2009.  University offices are open for business, but no classes will be held.

Parent Tip:  Fall break is a great time for students to take a breather.  If they happen to be in Lincoln, it is a good time to do some academic planning with an adviser, as we are open! 

Student Development

Common issues students face in October

  • My roommate is starting to drive me crazy!
  • I miss the rituals from high school, such as fall football games.
  • I just took my first test, I have always gotten great grades but I was disappointed in the grade I received.
  • I have found a lot of organizations to get involved in, but balancing those and my school work is stressful!

How the parent/guardian can assist…

  • Plan a visit home! Keep in mind while your student will be excited to see you, they will still want to catch up with friends from home as well.  We discourage students from going home every weekend, however, as it is difficult from them to assimilate into the college environment if they are not on campus.
  • Ask your student how they are managing their time and offer assistance with time management techniques.   We recommend students work only 10 hours/week if they are a full-time student.
  • Also, inquire about how your student is doing in classes.  Have they met with any of their professors during office hours to introduce themselves and ask any questions they might have, especially about recent test and homework grades?    Remember to plug UNL’s academic resources (http://www.unl.edu/ous/academic_support/support.shtml)