HUSKER STUDENTPOWER
P is for Purpose icon
PURPOSE
O is for Ownership icon
OWNERSHIP
W is for Well Being icon
WELL-BEING
E is for Engagement icon
ENGAGEMENT
R is for Relationships icon
RELATIONSHIPS
At Nebraska your success is driven by Husker Student POWER, a simple phrase that is more than a spirited cheer. Huskers think boldly, propel ideas further, and persevere through challenges. As you embrace new opportunities and explore university resources, you’ll discover your POWER: Purpose, Ownership, Well-being, Engagement, and Relationships.
PURPOSE
Find, deepen, and achieve your purpose for pursuing higher education
Why are you here? What do you want out of your Husker experience? Whether you’ve planned your future since you were five or you're totally undecided about your major, honing your purpose is key.
Explore new areas and develop your sense of purpose through the following campus experiences:
Attend a “welcome event” sponsored by your college and/or department
Meet with an academic success coach to plan a study schedule and set goals
Visit instructors during office hours to discuss success strategies and career planning
Join a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) related to your academic or extracurricular interests
Find more ways to achieve your purpose
Shridula Hegde
- Orientation Leader
“Have you ever wanted to do something new but stopped because you were afraid of rejection? My first semester at UNL, I thought of joining the ballroom dancing company because I missed dancing. But then I found out I had to audition. When you come to campus, dare yourself to try something new. Now, I am an active member of the ballroom dancing club. Do not let the fear of rejection stop you, because the answer will always be a no if you never ask.”
Shridula Hegde, orientation leader
OWNERSHIP
Take ownership of your story and your educational journey
What’s your story? Our culture, values, and experiences shape who we are. Your story is important to our Husker community—and it’s only just beginning. Step outside your comfort zone, discover different viewpoints, and gain global perspectives as you engage in conversations and experiences with peers whose opinions, customs, identities, and personal lifestyles differ from your own.
Learn about yourself and peers through the following experiences:
Participate in Husker Dialogues
Explore Education Abroad) opportunities
Attend open houses and events at the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, LGBTQA+ Resource Center, Women’s Center, Lied Center and more
Engage with a peer mentor
Learn more ways to take ownership
Molly Durham
- Orientation Leader
“I am a prime example of someone who had no idea what they wanted to do after college. I was so focused on trying to decide on a major that would lead to a happy and successful future that I lost sight of what is really important. Spend less time worrying about what you will be doing in ten years and more time focusing on what interests you. By doing this, you will have a better college experience and obtain a more valuable degree in the end.”
Molly Durham, orientation leader
WELL-BEING
Be the best version of yourself
College is the ultimate test of balance and taking care of your well-being is crucial. Whether you're looking for stress management activities, encouragement for healthy eating, a workout partner, or financial tips, you’ll find a variety of activities and support services to help you succeed.
Create the life you want with a well-being coach
Work out or try a group fitness class at Campus Recreation
Join a spiritual or religious Recognized Student Organization
Explore campus resources for emotional well-being
Take care of your well-being
Emily Witzenburg
- Orientation Leader
“Sophomore year, my test anxiety spiraled out of control. I didn’t talk about it with anyone because I was embarrassed. My friend convinced me that I should go speak to someone about the way I was feeling, and I am so glad I did. Here at UNL, we have Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, right here on campus. I was able to understand that I did not have to feel like that all of the time. It is important to know that what you are feeling is valid and it is important that you have someone to talk through things with.”
Emily Witzenburg, orientation leader
ENGAGEMENT
Engage in experiences that prepare you to excel in a global society
Develop your leadership skills through involvement in student government, clubs, volunteering, or campus employment. Getting involved on campus and in the community allows you to create meaningful contributions and gain relevant experience for the future.
Apply for on-campus employment
Apply to serve on a student government committee
Register to vote and exercise your right to vote
Apply to participate in undergraduate research
Engage in your college experience
Jared Long
- Orientation Leader
“I was nervous about attending such a large university in an unfamiliar place where I knew no one. But when I got to campus, I got involved in organizations like Student Government and the Honors Program, I went to every event I could like Party at the Union and the Big Red Welcome Street Festival, and I started introducing myself to my professors. Pretty soon, campus started feeling like a much smaller place. I recognized people as I walked to my classes, my new friends introduced me to Nebraska traditions like Runza, and I quickly realized that 1/3 of the student body at UNL is out of state students.”
Jared Long, orientation leader
RELATIONSHIPS
Build relationships with your peers, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
Campus may feel a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! The key is to put yourself out there and be open to everyone you meet. Build relationships in small groups—in your classrooms, residence halls, study groups, and student organizations. Relationships will help you stay motivated and support your goals.
Get to know peers living in the residence halls
Join a learning community
Participate in sorority or fraternity recruitment
Become a volunteer or attend Campus NightLife and union programs
Learn about how to build more relationships
Zak Folchert
- Orientation Leader
“My first test in college was for an introductory course in Chemistry. When I got my score back, I was disappointed and I knew I needed to seek out help. By going to my Teaching Assistant’s office hours, I was able to establish a community not only among the TA’s in the resource center, but with other students who were taking the same classes as I was.”
More details at: https://huskerstudentpower.unl.edu/