Navigating Success at UNL: A Guide to the Student Success Hub Services
A degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) unlocks a wide range of career paths. Employers highly value both a solid academic foundation and practical, hands-on experience. The Student Success Hub offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to help students thrive academically, professionally, and personally throughout their college journey. This article provides an overview of these resources and how to effectively utilize them to maximize your potential at UNL.
Building Relationships with Instructors
Establishing connections with your professors is a crucial step toward academic success and future opportunities. Visit each instructor's office hours at least once during the semester. Introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions about the course material, and seek clarification on any areas of confusion. These interactions can evolve into valuable long-term relationships, potentially leading to research opportunities, mentorship, and strong letters of recommendation for future employment or advanced education.
Partnering with Your Academic Advisor
Every student in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is paired with a dedicated professional academic advisor committed to your personal, academic, and professional growth. Your advisor is assigned based on your primary major. You can find their name and contact information on MyRED.
Meeting with Your Advisor
Schedule regular appointments with your academic advisor through the Student Success Hub at my.unl.edu. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to:
- Review and update your degree plan. Your advisor will guide you through the Stellic Degree Management System in MyRED to create both short-term and long-term plans.
- Choose courses that align with your interests while ensuring progress toward your degree.
- Discuss any academic challenges or concerns you may be facing.
Utilizing the Academic Calendar
Stay informed about important deadlines for adding or dropping courses, changing grade options, and other key academic dates by regularly consulting the academic calendar available on the registrar's website: registrar.unl.edu/calendars/academic-calendar.
Read also: Unlocking Potential at UCA
Priority Registration
Take advantage of Priority Registration to secure your preferred courses, days, and times. Early registration ensures the best selection and allows you to create a schedule that fits your needs.
Staying Informed Through Communication Channels
Regularly check your university email account, as this is the primary channel for official university communications. Your academic advisor will also send out periodic updates, typically weekly or bi-weekly, containing crucial information about deadlines, events, campus opportunities, and departmental news related to your major.
CASC 050: Start Smart in Arts and Sciences
Before your first day of classes, complete the online course CASC 050: Start Smart in Arts and Sciences, accessible through Canvas a few weeks prior to the start of the semester. This required course, graded as Pass or No Pass, continues through the first six weeks of the semester and is designed to help you navigate your transition to university life. It provides essential information about campus resources, academic expectations, and strategies for success.
Check-in Meetings
Schedule check-in meetings with your academic advisor early in your first and second semesters (September for Fall, February for Spring) to ensure you are on track and to address any emerging issues.
Connecting with Your Career Coach
Your career coach is a valuable resource for exploring your interests, abilities, and career values. They can help you:
Read also: Opportunities in Student Success
- Identify and prepare for internships, research opportunities, education abroad programs, service-learning experiences, and leadership roles.
- Research career options and graduate programs that align with your academic program and long-term goals.
- Develop your resume and practice your interview skills.
Exploring Career Paths and Opportunities
Meet with a career coach to have a conversation about your aspirations, your desired personal and professional growth, and the steps you can take to achieve your goals. They can help you explore available minors or even a second major to broaden your skill set and enhance your career prospects.
Experiential Learning
Enroll in CASC 097 or 098 when you participate in leadership, service, or research activities to formally document your experience on your academic transcript. This provides valuable recognition for your involvement and demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.
Resume and Interview Preparation
Draft or update your resume and have it reviewed by a career coach. They can provide valuable feedback on content, formatting, and overall presentation to help you create a compelling document that showcases your skills and experience.
Graduation Planning
Apply for graduation as soon as you are eligible and complete the graduation survey to share your post-graduation plans. This information helps the university track student outcomes and improve its programs.
Seeking References
Identify potential references for jobs or graduate/professional school applications among faculty, advisors, and employers. Request their permission to use them as references and keep them informed about your plans.
Read also: Unveiling Success Factors
Job Search Strategies
Begin your professional job search early. If you are graduating in May, start your search in the fall. Utilize the resources available through the Student Success Hub and your career coach to develop effective job search strategies and connect with potential employers.
Responding to Academic Navigators
Academic Navigators collaborate with academic advisors and career coaches to connect you with relevant resources and develop a personalized plan for success. They are excellent listeners and can provide valuable support in navigating the university system.
Getting Involved on Campus
Student Organizations
Join at least two student organizations, including one related to your academic or career interests. UNL offers nearly 500 student organizations, providing ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, develop leadership skills, and enhance your overall college experience. Resources for finding student organizations are available at cas.unl.edu/get-involved and involved.unl.edu.
Stay actively involved with student organizations and seek opportunities to hold leadership positions. These experiences can significantly enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Handshake
Activate your Handshake account, the university's online job-search system. Handshake lists part-time jobs on and off campus, as well as internships and full-time jobs for students and alumni. You can access Handshake through my.unl.edu.
Additional Resources
Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST)
Academic Success Coaches from the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) are available to assist students in transitioning to learning in an online environment. They offer guidance on time management, study skills, and effective online learning strategies.
Student Involvement
Student Involvement fosters inclusive environments where students can discover opportunities for personal and professional development. They provide resources and support for student organizations, leadership programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Student Legal Services (SLS)
Student Legal Services (SLS), a program of ASUN funded by student fees, offers free legal advice and representation to registered UNL students. This valuable resource can help students navigate legal issues that may arise during their college years.
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