• ERA 2019 Group giving a Heisman pose with 1972 Heisman award winner Johnny Rodgers.

    Omaha ERA


ERA Participant Comments

"Definitely attend ERA!  It was the most amazing experience for me and I would give anything for it to last longer than it did."

"It was an awesome experience.  The peer coaches are incredible, and the staff are really nice and incredible people who provide an excellent college experience."

"ERA was one of the best decisions I've made in my life, it really helped with the transition." 

"This is the best way to prepare yourself for the upcoming year and I would attend again in a heartbeat."

"The instruction, activities, and interactions all increased my knowledge in a fun environment. My calculus prep skills have been fully refreshed and new skills were learned as well."


Contact:
Elle Straatmann

Take full advantage of your first year in the College of Engineering through the Engineering Readiness Academy (ERA).

August 17 - 22, 2024

APPLICATION NOT YET OPEN

ERA refreshes students on concepts needed for college-level Calculus through hands-on activities – all week before classes start!

Students who benefit the most from ERA tend to have taken math through pre-Calculus but could improve with a refresh on Algebra and Trigonometry concepts before beginning Calculus in college.

Benefits

  • Receive credit for ENGR 10 so you don't have to take it in the fall (depending on your major, programs, etc.)
  • Connect with other incoming engineering students before classes start
  • Move into your permanent residence hall early
  • Re-start your brain in preparation for your fall math class
  • Get advice from current engineering students about academic, personal, and professional success in college
  • Build a relationship with College of Engineering faculty and staff who can continue to support you into the year

Eligibility and Requirements

To apply and participate, you must:

  • Be an incoming 2024 first-year freshman admitted to the UNL College of Engineering on Scott Campus in Omaha
  • Have completed freshman orientation and be enrolled for Fall classes by ERA start date
  • To ensure a successful program experience for all, complete and active engagement in all program activities is expected 

Application Information

If you submit your application for: You should submit your application by: You will receive email notification of your application status by:
Priority Consideration June 2 June 7
Standard Consideration July 7 July 12

You will be informed of your acceptance to the program soon after submission of your application, as spots are limited to 30.

Program Fee

The total cost of ERA is $200 and should be paid no later than July 19.* This fee goes toward your housing (those moving on campus will have their early move-in fees covered), meals, and all activities throughout the week, and the College of Engineering pays the remaining costs of your participation.  Those accepted to the Academy will be contacted via email with payment and required paperwork instructions.

*There will be no refunds after July 19.

If you are interested in attending ERA, but may need financial support, please contact Meaghan Milburn at mmilburn3@unl.edu or call her at 402-472-2927.

Accommodations

If you require accommodations, please work directly with UNO's Accessibility Services Center (ASC).  This will ensure that we can fulfill all accommodations appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students participate in ERA?

Space is limited to 30 students. If you really want to participate in ERA, we recommend targeting the priority consideration deadline of June 2.

Can I still participate in ERA if I’m also planning to participate in other activities that week (e.g. TLC/Buffett, Goodrich, marching band, etc.)? What if I have a scheduled appointment or work?

We encourage you to consider and compare the requirements for any programs you are thinking about joining or participating in.

For ERA, you must attend the full schedule every day from August 17 through August 22. This means that programs like the TLC Welcome or Marching Band would conflict, as those may also require your participation for full days.

Please work with your employer in advance to request the week of ERA off and appointments should not be scheduled during ERA. Any appointments that cannot be rescheduled should be discussed with ERA staff and will be handled on a case by case basis.

If you are unsure, reach out to ERA staff to discuss.

Where do we stay during ERA? Will I have to move to a new room at the end?

Those planning to live on campus are encouraged to move into their permanent room for the academic year on Friday, August 16. This is the room you chose during the housing process in late spring. Please come prepared to fully move in by bringing all your belongings with you. This also means that your early move-in daily cost is covered by your ERA fee.

To request an early move-in, please contact one of the following after receiving your housing assignments (these should arrive mid-July) and let them know you are participating in the Engineering Readiness Academy:

  • Scott Campus Housing (Scott Court/Scott Crossing/Scott Hall/Scott Village): leasing@scottcampus.com / (402) 778-6541
  • Dodge Campus Housing (University or Maverick Village): unohousing@unomaha.edu / (402) 554-6605
  • JPII Newman Center: Beth Carlson, bethcarlson@jpii.org / (402) 557-5575. *NOTE: Housing assignments may arrive earlier than mid-July*

If planning to live at home or off-campus, you will need to commute in for ERA programming. We ask participants to please plan for travel time when checking in to ERA in the mornings.

Will meals be covered during ERA?

Student lunches and dinners will be covered for all students on Aug. 17th & 18th. Those who purchased an unlimited meal plan will be able to start using their plan on Aug. 19th for any meals at Scott Café. Those not on an unlimited meal plan will have their meals covered by the ERA fee. Snacks will be available in the morning and afternoon.

All meals at Scott Café will require students to have their MavCard on hand. Scott Café offers an all you can eat hotline buffet, grilled to order items, salad bar, dessert, beverages, and more!

If I’m bringing a car to campus, where will I park?

There will be free open parking (no permit required) during ERA in UNO garage stalls and student/faculty/staff surface lots. If planning to purchase a parking permit for the academic year, you should have those purchased before the start of classes. Please go to the Parking & Transit Service website to learn more about parking and purchasing permits.

Will I have access to Wi-Fi when on campus?
  • For UNO Wi-Fi access, go to this website for login and setup information
  • For access to Wi-Fi while at Scott Café or in Scott Housing:
    • Network - Scott Campus
    • Passcode - mavericks
What items do I need to bring for daily ERA activities?
  • Instruction Items: Calculator (TI 83 or 84 acceptable but not necessary), laptop/tablet, notebook, pencil/pens. Laptops will be available to reserve for those who need one.
  • MavCard and other photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
  • Comfortable, casual clothes and tennis shoes – you will be inside in cool classrooms and outside for some activities
  • Backpack or drawstring sport bag
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Raincoat and/or umbrella on days it may rain*
  • Bug spray & sunblock for outdoor activities*
    *suggested but not required
Where do I go if I have additional ERA questions?

Those accepted to ERA can join us for a Virtual Q&A session on July 25, 6-7pm.  Parents and gaurdians are welcome to participate as well.

  • Zoom Meeting Link:

    Meeting ID:

Contact Elle Straatmann, ERA coordinator, at elle.straatmann@unl.edu or 402-472-7072.