The University of Nebraska–Lincoln understands that many communities have been affected by COVID-19 causing current and prospective students to be uncertain about their future.
Nebraska’s Offices of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions and New Student Enrollment want students to know that new processes and resources have been implemented to support them during this difficult time.
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
“As Nebraska’s land-grant institution, the university continues to make college affordable and accessible. Many current and prospective students have been impacted and we are here to help mitigate any financial challenges” said Justin Chase Brown, director of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “Our team here at the university is working to provide resources and assistance to our current and future generations of Huskers.”
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is available to support students and families and will make every effort to mitigate financial burdens created by this extraordinary situation. If students have incurred — or will incur — additional expenses or severe financial hardship, they can contact Husker Hub at 402-472-2030 or huskerhub@unl.edu to request a financial aid review for the spring 2020 semester.
Within federal guidelines, a financial aid review may include the opportunity to acquire additional financial aid in the form of federal, state, and/or institutional scholarships or fellowships, grants, and/or loans. Each circumstance is unique and each student's situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis regarding our ability to meet emergency needs with emergency aid. Currently enrolled students who have not applied for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can still do so.
For more information related to financial resources, visit COVID-19 Resources on the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website. In addition, staff are reviewing the details in the recently passed federal CARES Act signed into law on March 27, including additional relief that may be available to students. As details become available, they will be posted on the COVID-19 Resources page on the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website.
Office of Admissions
“COVID-19 has changed the way we connect and work with incoming students, but our level of commitment remains constant.” said Abby Freeman, director of Admissions. “Our first priority continues to be our prospective students and helping them through this difficult time.”
Nebraska’s Office of Admissions has implemented the following changes and accommodations to facilitate the admissions process and protect the health of our prospective students.
Deadline Extensions
Nebraska is here to support our future students impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. For incoming Fall 2020 students, Nebraska’s Office of Admissions has extended the deadlines for applications, certain general merit scholarships and the enrollment deposit to June 1.
Nebraska has also extended the Financial Aid Priority Deadline from April 1 to May 1, granting students who may be eligible for Collegebound Nebraska additional time to apply and submit their FAFSA.
Adapting Admission and Recruitment Events Online
Nebraska has cancelled all prospective student events. Until campus reopens, the offices of admissions and new student enrollment have created new virtual opportunities that allow students to stay in touch with staff and faculty.
• Virtual Campus Tours
• Online Info Sessions — Topics include sessions for seniors, juniors, and transfers, value at Nebraska, and additional information for their academic area of interest. To learn more and get registered, students are encouraged to visit the Online Info Session page.
• Senior Info Sessions — Every Monday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Seniors graduating this spring will learn about the next steps to becoming a Husker, connect with university staff and future classmates and explore how Nebraska will help them on a path toward a successful career.
• Junior Info Sessions — Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Current high school juniors will learn how to get started building their future from day one at Nebraska — including information about the admission process. Participants will explore how Huskers collaborate one-to-one with classmates, faculty and staff to prepare for a great career or graduate school.
• Transfer Info Sessions — Every Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. Students considering transferring to Nebraska will discover how the credits they’ve earned will move them toward a degree at Nebraska — and after that a successful career. During this info session, students will connect with an admission representative and have the opportunity to ask questions.
• Value at Nebraska Info Sessions — Weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Students and their families are encouraged to join us to hear about the competitive scholarships Nebraska has to offer, and how we are among the lowest tuition in the Big Ten. Attendees will learn more about the value of a Nebraska education, how we prepare students for great careers and answer financial aid questions.
• Academic Program Info Sessions — Weekdays at 11:15 a.m. Students can dig deep into an academic area or major that interests them. Students can choose from a variety of academic disciplines and learn more about their fields of interest in an info session hosted by the academic colleges.
• One-on-One Appointments — Students can request a phone or video appointment with a representative from admissions or their area of academic interest.
• Admitted Student Day — Admitted future Huskers were invited to join the Admissions team virtually on April 5 for interactive sessions during our Admitted Student Day Online Experience.
The Office of Admissions is available online to connect with students and ready to assist them with enrollment and admissions needs. During regular business hours, students can chat with admissions staff online (click the blue “LET’S CHAT” button at the bottom right of any page on admissions.unl.edu). Students can also continue to contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@unl.edu or 402-472-2023 or connect with NSE at nse@unl.edu or 402-472-4646 with any questions or concerns.
New Student Enrollment
“At Nebraska, we believe in the power of each person,” said Jenni Brost, director of New Student Enrollment. “We are committed to the success of each new student. Our office will continue to adapt as we help students build connections and prepare for their future as a Husker.”
Registration for New Student Enrollment programs has been extended to April 14. For students enrolled in summer New Student Enrollment sessions, advisors will be scheduling virtual appointments prior to their participation date.
New Student Enrollment is currently developing plans to host a remote/virtual orientation program for fall 2020 admitted students, which includes separate Canvas sites for parents and students for online orientation modules.
New Student Enrollment will continue to communicate directly with fall 2020 admitted students about program adjustments via email, and will update the program website as information becomes available regarding changes to Big Red Welcome, summer orientation and the class registration processes.
Learn more about the most current COVID-19 related updates for prospective students.
View the original article on the Nebraska Today website.