Fall 2023: Branch Out and Explore Difference
August 14, 2023
Welcome to the class of 2027! And to all of our returning students, we are so glad to see you back on campus. There is no place like Nebraska, especially at the start of a new academic year.
We expect the new academic year will be full of exciting intellectual challenges and wonderful community-building opportunities for everyone on campus. We hope you will make the most of the fall semester, whether exploring new academic programs and courses, joining a Recognized Student Organization, cheering on Husker athletics, or experiencing some of the arts and culture in Lincoln.
When asked recently for what advice I would give for incoming freshman at UNL, my answer was the following (and it applies to all students): Branch out and explore difference. I encourage every student to embrace this time in their life as a unique opportunity to embrace the exploration of human diversity in all of its forms and varieties. Join an RSO, take a course out of pure curiosity, visit a museum, reach out and learn from everyone who crosses your path while you are here.
The College of Arts and Sciences is home to committed, kind, and caring faculty and staff who are here to help support your journey in higher education. We are fond of saying, “Let curiosity move you to do big things.” This is another way of saying that we encourage you to cultivate and sustain a growth mindset (See C. Dweck, 2006). This is a mindset that that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and new discoveries; a mindset that embraces the value of continuous learning from a diverse array of sources and people. When we embrace this mindset as a caring and supportive community of learners, we are capable of truly remarkable things.
The College of Arts and Sciences is a special place because of the incredible people who constitute this community. Be sure to regularly check here on our website for inspiring stories about our faculty, staff, and student achievements throughout the year.
Have a great fall semester and never hesitate to reach out for any assistance you may need along the way. A few key college and campus resources include:
- The college's Academic and Career Advising Center
- Center for Academic Success and Transition
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Center for Advocacy, Response and Education
- Gender and Sexuality Center
- University Police: 402-472-2222 or 911
- UNL Report, for any incident of concern
Additional messages from Dean Button can be found here.