Incoming Students FAQ

Information for Fall Semester

Welcome to the UNL College of Engineering! We are excited that you will be joining our community of students choosing future careers in engineering, construction, computing and other related fields. This website is designed as a resource for all first-year undergraduate engineers to learn more about:

There is no cost to attend and all new first-year students are expected to attend all of the NUBE Experience events. Click on the link above or read below for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NUBE Experience and why am I expected to attend?
The Nebraska Undergraduates Becoming Engineers (or, NUBE) Experience is a fun and exciting series of events that exposes all first-year students to the College of Engineering and discipline of engineering prior to classes starting. Students who attend the NUBE Experience programs will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current students in their department; interact with professional engineers in a relaxed environment, and learn more about who engineers are, what they do, and the impact they have on our world.

In recent years, the College of Engineering has noticed that students who attend the NUBE program retain to their second year at a higher rate than those who do not. We believe this is because students who experience the program's curriculum (1) have more context by which to approach their first-semester coursework, (2) are automatically networked into the college and industry in Nebraska, and (3) meet other new students who have the same passions.  Aside from the time to attend the program, there is no cost to attend.
What should I expect during my NSE experience on campus?
This day will likely be overwhelming for you and/or your guests. There will be a lot going on. That’s OK. In addition to getting oriented to campus, you will have the opportunity to visit with the College of Engineering for several hours throughout the day. While the some of this time will be spent with current engineering students learning more about items relating to academic success, student involvement, faculty interactions, study abroad, and career development; you will also be advised into classes by an academic advisor and register for classes. Prior to NSE, your advisor will review your transcripts (to include any dual-enrollment, AP, and IB credit) and work with you in a one-on-one environment during NSE to build your fist semester schedule. You will walk away from NSE with a schedule of classes.

College of Engineering faculty, staff, and current students will meet with your guests for about 35 minutes and eat lunch with them as well.

In short, our best advice is to stay engaged and don’t worry if you feel as though you’ve missed or forgot something. That’s the reason for this website. As always, if you have any questions after NSE, please give us a call at 402-472-3160.
Who is my advisor?
You will receive your advisor's contact information when you select classes at New Student Enrollment. It’s important to connect with your academic advisor to ensure you’re on the right path to your goals. Your advisor is largely determined by the academic program you are pursuing and your year in school. You can always find your academic advisor by logging into Student Success Hub (SSH).

If you don't have access to SSH, are unsure who your academic advisor is, or have difficulty scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor, contact the Engineering Student Services office at (402) 472-3160.
Changing classes after NSE
If you’re having buyer’s remorse about specific classes you enrolled in during New Student Enrollment, or whether you need to change your schedule due to a work conflict, contact your academic advisor via phone or email immediately. By contacting your advisor immediately, you will ensure that you are:
  • Registering for the correct courses and sections that will satisfy your degree requirements;
  • Still taking a full course load in order to retain your scholarships and financial aid;
  • Setting yourself up for success by not taking too many credit hours during your first term.
You can connect with your advisor directly, or contact the Engineering Student Services Office at 402-472-3160.
What should I expect during my first week on campus?
The first week of class should be focused on two things - starting healthy habits and expanding your network. The engineering curriculum is difficult so it will be important that you establish healthy study habits immediately. This includes making sure you know where your classes are located, showing up to class on time, taking time to understand your course syllabi, and taking time to study even if you don’t have homework. It is also important to locate all of the resources on campus that will help you be successful should you need some help.

You will have an opportunity to expand your network at UNL and in the College of Engineering by attending Big Red Welcome events and “Rock the Block” - an annual event to welcome all engineering students for the fall term. You will have plenty of opportunity to get involved and expand your network throughout the semester and your first year, but it never hurts to make new friends on your residence hall floor and/or in class.
Professional Admission: Explained
There are three levels of admission associated with the College of Engineering that you need to be aware of:
  1. University Admission: All applicants to UNL must meet specific requirements to be accepted. Requirements can be found at http://admissions.unl.edu
  2. College Admission: All applicants to the College of Engineering must meet specific requirements to be accepted. These requirements are located at http://engineering.unl.edu/undergraduate/admission-requirements/.
  3. Professional Admission to the engineering-specific degree program (i.e. Agricultural Engineering).
Once admitted to the College of Engineering, all students need to demonstrate proficiency in their first-and-second year courses to be professionally admitted to their degree program. GPA and course requirements to be considered for professional admission vary from program-to-program. Your advisor will speak with you about professional admission and the requirements for your degree program during your first advising appointment. You can read more about professional admission in the UNL Bulletin at http://bulletin.unl.edu/undergraduate/college/Engineering#academic-programs--policies.
Computer Recommendations
The college has created the following suggestions for students buying a new computer to bring to campus and classes. Please note that if you are a software engineering major, the program has a computer policy specific to the major that you need to follow.

All other engineering majors are welcome to the following suggestions:
  • You may choose either a laptop or desktop computer. Suggestions for Purchasing a Computer
  • There's not a single specification set regarding a personal computer for use in your UNL studies. Most incoming students now use a laptop for portability. Generally, most computers will be adequate since the majority of the work will likely be word processing, spreadsheets, email and web surfing. The more memory you can get, the better (4GB or more). If you get more than 3GB, you'll need to get a 64-bit Windows Operating System to take full advantage of it (most vendors will select this for you, and you can use a 64-bit OS with less than 4GB also).
  • If you think you'll be doing any CAD work on your computer, it may be beneficial to make sure that you have a good video card installed, especially for a laptop; laptop video usually can't be easily upgraded later. Note, however, that CAD software can be expensive, and the college computer labs already have it.
  • If you get a smaller screen size on the laptop for portability, it can be beneficial to get an external monitor for home use. But, be sure to check that the laptop supports it (almost all do).
  • Smaller laptops sometimes don't have DVD drives. This can be an issue if you need to load software and have no other computer available.
  • The computer you use should come with at least 802.11g wireless networking (WiFi), but 802.11n is newer, faster, and the campus is moving to that standard.
  • A good warranty is a major advantage. You may want to consider next day service to lessen the amount of time you may have to be without your computer. It usually costs more, but can pay for itself with peace of mind versus lost productivity.
  • In case something does happen, you should have an external hard drive for backup. Or, at least have some plan for backing up your data.
Calculator Recommendations
To the best of our knowledge, no other departments in math, sciences, engineering, business, or quantitative subjects have specific requirements for calculators. Some instructors may have preferences for one brand or model of calculator. Speak with faculty in these departments if you have questions about the best calculator for these classes.
  1. TI-82: This is a general purpose graphing calculator used in many high schools. This calculator is satisfactory for all math classes. All advanced uses, especially in calculus, are possible for the TI-82. The TI-82 is a good general purpose choice, and is easy to use. The TI-82 may lack some special advanced features used in upper-level engineering and science courses.
  2. TI-83: This is an advanced general purpose calculator. It combines the ease of use of the TI-82 with some advanced features of the TI-85. It is especially well-suited for applications in advanced finance, actuarial mathematics, and statistics.
  3. TI-84: This newest model of the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition calculator is now available. Instructors in the engineering-specific calculus sequence use this calculator. It is especially well suited to help you gain an academic edge from pre-algebra through calculus, as well as biology, chemistry and physics.
  4. TI-85: This is an advanced general purpose scientific calculator. Instructors in the engineering-based calculus sequence use this calculator. It is especially well-suited for applications in science and engineering.
  5. TI-86: This advanced general purpose scientific calculator extends the TI-85 with additional features and greater ease-of-use. Instructors in the engineering-based honors calculus sequence use this calculator. It is especially well-suited for application in science and engineering.
  6. TI-89 & TI-92: These are very advanced scientific calculator/computer. They are suitable for advanced applications in mathematics, science, and engineering. Many Professors do not allow these to be used on exams.
Tutoring and Academic Support