Take full advantage of your first year in the College of Engineering through the Engineering Readiness Academy.
August 17 - 22, 2024
ERA refreshes students on concepts needed for college-level Calculus and Chemistry through hands-on activities – all a week before classes start!
Students who benefit the most from ERA tend to have taken math through Pre-Calculus in high school but could use a refresh on Algebra and Trigonometry concepts before beginning Calculus in college.
All incoming, first-year students admitted to the UNL College of Engineering or the pre-engineering program in Lincoln are eligible to apply.
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 engineering faculty and staff who will continue to support you throughout your time at Nebraska
APPLICATION INFORMATION
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If you submit your application for:
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You MUST submit your application by:
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You will receive email notification of your application status by:
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Priority Consideration
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May 1
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May 21
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Standard Consideration
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June 1
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June 21
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PROGRAM FEE
The total cost of ERA is $200 and should be paid no later than July 14*. This fee goes toward your housing, meals, and all activities throughout the week**. The remaining costs of your participation is covered through a generous gift from one of our key sponsors. Once you receive an acceptance, then we will request payment.* There will be no refunds after July 14
** If you are interested in attending ERA but need financial support, please contact Elle Straatmann at elle.straatmann@unl.edu.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require accommodations, please work directly with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). This will ensure that we can fulfill all accommodations appropriately.
Additional Information
ERA Participant Comments |
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"ERA has given me the confidence to start college off right!" "ERA showed me the possibilities and the opportunities that surround engineering." "This gave me such a good head start on college by meeting and connecting with people, getting familiar with the campus, and knowing what professors expect out of students." " Amazing people, amazing team, amazing activities, amazing time." "There is a lot more help on campus than you can even imagine." "ERA has taught me that I'm capable of more than I thought before." "Meeting the peers and the faculty in the college of engineering is the best thing you can do as they can provide you with connections for jobs, internships, and even undergraduate research. Having the support network is phenomenal." "It is the most fun you can have coming straight out of summer, hands down." |
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 May 1.
• Can I still participate in Era if I’m also planning to participate in other activities that week (e.g. Marching Band, Sorority Recruitment, 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 Sorority Recruitment 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 Saturday, August 17. 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 UNL Housing after receiving your housing assignments (these should arrive mid-July) and let them know you are participating in the Engineering Readiness Academy: housing@unl.edu.
If planning to live at home, you will need to commute in for ERA programming. We ask participants to please plan for travel time when checking into ERA in the mornings.
Will meals be covered during ERA?
Student lunch and dinner will be covered for all students on Aug. 17th. Those who purchased an unlimited meal plan will be able to start using their plan on Aug. 18th for any meals at the UNL dining halls. 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.
Meals will be provided either at Abel Hall Dining or Cather Dining and will require students to have their MyRed card on hand. To see what items are being offered in the dining halls, see https://dining.unl.edu/daily-menus.
If I’m bringing a car to campus, where will I park?
If planning to purchase a parking permit for the academic year, you should have one purchased before the start of classes. Student permits for Fall semester start on August 1. Please go to the Parking & Transit Service (https://parking.unl.edu/) to learn more about parking and purchasing permits.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi when on campus?
For access to wi-fi on campus, go to https://services.unl.edu/service/network-wi-fi to set up your eduroam access.
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.
- MyRed card 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 guardians are welcome to participate as well.
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://unl.zoom.us/j/91415156899
- Meeting ID: 914 1515 6899
Contact Elle Straatmann, ERA coordinator, at elle.straatmann@unl.edu or 402-472-7072.