KEARNEY – New students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will participate for the first time this spring and summer in a series of remote experiences to enroll for the fall semester.
Signup for the new remote New Student Enrollment is underway.
With a combination of traditional skits, interactive activities and guidance from New Student Enrollment leaders, the events that begin May 27 help new Lopers get oriented to campus, meet faculty and advisers, discover a full array of supports and success strategies and get to know student leaders.
The “NSE” Days typically are held from May to July on campus, but with ongoing uncertainty about health directives and in-person campus access, the NSE program has been reorganized as a series of learning modules and experiences, with live video conversations and virtual learning on demand through UNK’s learning management system.
“The NSE days are a highlight in students’ UNK experience, as well as a time of excitement for their families, as they transition to becoming a university student,” said Brette Ensz, assistant director for UNK’s First Year Program and NSE co-coordinator. “We’ve taken the best parts of NSE and modified them to an online format, still allowing for that personal interaction that students are looking for.”
Signup for NSE opened in late March and the first registration slots filled quickly, said Brad Green, NSE co-coordinator and associate director of undergraduate admissions. That’s because the first choice of fall classes opens to the earliest registrants.
“The ultimate goal for students is to get registered for their fall classes,” Green said. “Students will have one-on-one assistance from an adviser to get registered – via Zoom – and a chance to get their questions answered on academic topics such as their program of study, tutoring and course technology, plus all the student-experience areas like housing, dining, student organizations, parking and everything that a new student is learning about.”
When students choose their NSE date they will receive via email a series of links to learning modules and discussions, culminating with their enrollment appointment, with additional follow-up information. Students can complete their NSE activities in one day or over several days – whichever is convenient for them. Parents and students’ guests/partners will also have information sessions.
Anyone who is lacking access to the internet or a computer can complete the NSE process by calling the Admissions Office at 308-865-8526. Dates for NSE are scheduled through July 22.
Students audition to become NSE leaders and are selected for their scholarship, communication skills, leadership and ability to represent their colleges. Their involvement in the remote activities will be instrumental in the process.
For more information, visit unk.edu/NSE.
UNK’s NSE leaders, listed by hometown, are:
Columbus – Adrian Almeida
Edison – Mariah Watson
Giltner – Alex Goracke
Grand Island – Brian Mora Ramirez
Omaha – Olivia Slater
Wood River – Jazmin Matias-Trejo
York – Holly Rockenbach
First Year Student Coordinator
O’Neill – Makenzie Petersen
