Preparing for Your First Semester at UNO
Now that you have enrolled in your first semester of classes at UNO, let's make sure you're set up for success!
After You Enroll in Classes at UNO
- New Student Guide
- Academic Calendar
- Accessibility Services
- Finances
- MavCARD
- Parking & Transportation
- Textbooks
Post-Enrollment To-Do List
You've done it! You've enrolled! Now, it's time to tie up all the loose ends and prepare for the beginning of the semester.
1. New Student Guide
The Arts & Science’s Fall 2024 Undergraduate Guide is a valuable resource that includes everything a new student needs to know to successfully begin their journey at UNO and in the College of Arts & Sciences, including an introduction to every CAS major, minor, and certificate program!
2. Academic Calendar
As a new student, it can be hard to keep track of all the important dates throughout the semester, let alone know where to find all that information. We've made it simple by compiling all the dates, breaks, and other important dates and information in this Arts & Sciences Advising Academic Calendar!
3. Accessibility Services
The Accessibility Services Center (ASC) collaborates with students, administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure access to reasonable and appropriate student disability accommodations for academic programs, student involvement, and residence life. Visit the ASC website to find out more about the accommodations process and how to get started.
4. Finances
Navigating paying for college can be overwhelming, but UNO has excellent resources to help you! Our office of Financial Support & Scholarships can answer your questions related to the FAFSA, scholarships & grants, loans and more. We also have the office of Cashiering and Student Accounts that can answer questions related to tuition & fees, refunds, student bills & accounts, payment plans, and past due balances.
Here are answers to some common financial questions:
- Q: When will I receive my bill for classes?
- A: Your tuition and fees for the Fall 2024 term will become viewable on MavLINK in July once tuition rates for the upcoming academic year are finalized.
- Q: Is there a way I can calculate how much my bill will cost before my tuition becomes viewable in July?
- A: Tuition rates and fees will not be finalized for the 2024-2025 academic year until July. You can view the tuition rates of the prior academic year and student fees from the prior year – however, these are subject to change and are not guaranteed to be indicative of the rates you will pay.
- Q: Once I register for classes, am I on the hook for paying for them?
- A: You are only responsible for paying for any classes you are enrolled in by Tuesday, September 3rd – the second day of the 2nd week of classes.
- Q: How do I pay my bill?
- A: You can find information on your options for paying your bill here.
- Q: I have other questions about paying for classes. Who can I contact?
- A: You can contact Cashiering & Student Accounts at 402.554.2324 or unocsa@unomaha.edu for more information
5. MavCARD
After you have enrolled for classes, it's time to get your MavCARD (student ID)! Visit the MavCARD Services website for instructions on how to upload a photo and get your card.
6. Parking & Transportation
Before classes begin, it's important to think about how you will get to campus everyday. UNO has various parking garages and lots for personal vehicles, as well as a variety of sustainable options for commuting to, from, and between the UNO campuses. Visit the Parking Services website to begin planning for your transportation needs.
7. Textbooks
Textbooks for the Fall 2024 semester typically go on sale in The Maverick Store starting in August. You can find the textbooks required for your class through MavLINK - How to Buy Textbooks
You can also view the Arts & Sciences Student Resources Handout for a quick reference of everything UNO has to offer.
Academic Success
Meet our Academic Success Coordinator, Tory Robinson, and learn how to set yourself up for academic success in your first semester at UNO.
Your path to academic success will involve honing a variety of complex skills that directly contribute to your ability to learn and study effectively. Prior to your first semester at UNO, you will want to explore the four academic success skills - Time Management, Learning Style, Communication & Self-Advocacy, and Wellness - highlighted in the interactive document below and identify the areas that you may need to work on.
Download a PDF copy
More Academic Success Skills
UNO Academic Resources
- Your Instructor - If you are struggling in a class or have questions about the material, be sure to talk to your instructor as soon as possible so they can help you!
- Language Lab - An English language support service where students can receive one-on-one help with grammar, vocabulary, reading, conversation, and other English language concerns.
- Math-Science Learning Center - Tutoring services for a variety of math and science subjects.
- Speech Center - Personalized support to help you create, improve, practice, & enhance both your presentations and overall skill as a speaker.
- Writing Center - Tutoring services for any writing project.
Getting Involved
According to US News & World Report (2011), there are 5 big reasons that students should get involved in their campus communities...
2. "It helps them build community: Since they're leaving their family and sometimes their friends behind, getting involved helps them discover new friends with similar interests."
3. "It allows them to discover their passions and strengths: These will follow them all through life. It allows them to discover what they don't like, too."
4. "It's a résumé builder: Freshman year is not too soon to begin thinking about positioning yourself for future employment."
5. "Sometimes, busier kids do better in all areas: This will vary a lot by the student, of course, but more free time does not always equal better grades. Being involved will require some organization and time management on the part of the student—and that's a good thing."
Involvement is by far the greatest part of college-life, and there are tons of ways to get involved at UNO, whether through a student organization, doing student research, or taking a campus job. Please feel free to browse through the links below to see how you can get involved on campus.
Student Involvement
- Student Organizations
- Greek Life
- Volunteering & Service
- Student Government
- Spirit & Tradition
- Maverick Productions
- Dance Marathon
- Competitive Sports
- Cultural Programs
Academic Opportunities
Campus Employment
Resources:
Mayfield, Julie. Mayfield, Lindsey. (2011, September 13). 5 Reasons for Getting Involved in College—And How to Go About It. US News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/twice-the-college-advice/2011/09/13/5-reasons-for-getting-involved-in-college-and-how-to-go-about-it.