Alexis Page: Star Student of the Week!

This week, the UNK Admissions Office Star Student of the Week is Alexis Page! Alexis is one of our fabulous returning Student Diplomats this fall. She demonstrated so much leadership last week by stepping up during Student Diplomat training and volunteering to give special weekend visits. Thank you for all you do, Alexis!

8/31-9/4 Star Student: Alexis Page

• High School: Crete High School - Crete, NE
• Year & Major: Junior, Molecular Biology, Pre-Med
• Dream Job: Biomedical researcher or trauma surgeon
• Why UNK? The size of the classes and personal relationships with professors -- And the science department is pretty rad!
• Favorite UNK Tradition/Event: The Mantor Hall Donut Hole Eating Contest!

Overcast Fridays Playlist: Enjoy your walk to class

When you need that Friday jam but only a certain vibe can match your mood to the weather.

Happy Friday, Lopers! Enjoy my Overcast Fridays on Campus Spotify playlist this morning on your walk to class.

Listen Here: https://play.spotify.com/user/12156990924/playlist/3sgqJoNmF0AeLjpUaI5DDZ

10 Tips: From Community College to University

 

10 times out of 10, I will encourage anyone to pursue a four-year experience at a university (my experience was incredible, so I may be a bit biased). BUT, this option might not be for everyone. In fact, many students elect to attend a community college—even those who expect to go on to get a bachelor’s at a four-year institution.

Even though you are already a college student, the transition from a community college into a university may not be seamless. Whether you’re transferring, currently enrolled, or maybe just considering your options at a community college, the below tips will better help you navigate through this process.

Disclaimer: Many students think that transferring is a long and painful process. At UNK, we dispel this myth every day by providing comprehensive and highly personal guidance throughout each student’s transfer process. It doesn’t have to be a hassle! Learn more about transferring to UNK here. 

1. Keep your options open.  
National research indicates that community college students who complete their associate’s degree graduate at the baccalaureate at a higher rate. However, you do not have to go to community college for two years. You can transfer into a four-year institution at any time. It can be after two years, or after one semester.

2. Shop around. 
There’s a good chance that your career or degree plans changed since graduating high school. The four-year that you thought you had your heart set on may no longer be the best option for the subject you want to pursue. See what institution can provide you with the best degree options and financial aid packages.

3. Plan ahead.  
The earlier, the better. Plan campus visits while you’re in high school—It’s easier to visit in high school than it is when you’re already in college. Have a few of your top transfer schools selected early on. Then know each of their transfer requirements.

4. Choose a major. 
Because of the reasons in number 5.

5. Know what will actually transfer. 
This is very important. If you are going to a community college to save money, you probably aren’t wanting to spend time and money on classes that won’t transfer. If you planned ahead, you can make sure that every class you take at community college will transfer to your next institution. For example, UNK has a very useful transfer guide that will show you what classes will transfer from your community college and how they will transfer to UNK.

6. Don’t do it alone. 
Utilize your advisers and meet regularly with them. Keep your adviser informed of your transfer plans. Keep in touch with your transfer school—either find an Admissions Counselor or adviser to keep you posted with upcoming dates and deadlines.

7. Get admitted. 
Getting admitted to your new institution is important for obvious reasons. But it’s also important for you to do your research and know if you will need to be admitted into your specific academic program as well. For instance, many athletic training, graphic design, and education degrees require you to be admitted into these programs before entering your junior year.

8. Seek financial assistance. 
If you haven’t already filled out your FAFSFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)—DO IT! Many universities offer great scholarships fortransfer students. Explore those opportunities and work to meet their requirements. And make sure you meet those deadlines!

9. Attend a transfer day. 
Many transfer students don’t think they need an orientation since they are already a college student. But your university will be different. There are many opportunities and advantages in attending a transfer day (and they’re often mandatory) so don’t miss out on that. This is the time when you will meet with an adviser and enroll in classes—So it’s very important!

10. Stay focused. 
If you made it to the end of this list, seems like that won’t be a problem for you. Work hard to finish on time. The farther off track you get from your end goal, the easier it is to give up on your degree. Don’t do that.

These are just a few quick tips. Transferring does not need to be an overwhelming process; the key to success is just good communication. Keep in touch with your prospective transfer schools and keep your community college adviser well-informed of your plans. You're not the only one that wants to see you succeed! 

Live From The Rock Wall

That person down there 30 ft. below me is my friend Ryo Suzuki, an international student from Japan and the best belayer on this side of I-80.

For those of you that have never rock-climbed, this is an incredibly (and incredibly under-estimated) form of exercise-- challenging both physically and mentally.

UNK's rock wall is located in the new wellness center facility and has created quite the buzz on campus. Several students have taken such an interest in this new hobby (and, added bonus, intense exercise) that they have created traveling rock climbing teams in which they attend competitions. UNK Outdoor Adventures has also been leading groups of students on some really cool trips. One of which was a spring break trip to Arizona where students had the chance to climb actual rocks. Cool.

To keep up to date with all things Climbing Wall and Outdoor Adventures related, check them out on social media!

• Facebook: UNK Outdoor
• Twitter: @UNKOUTDOOR
• Instagram: @unk_outdooradventures

Advice from President Calhoun

Greetings, Fellow Americans: Live from the Office of the UNK Student Body President/Student Regent is Evan Calhoun-- Here to give you some valuable insight and advice in getting the most out of your college experience! 

Calhoun's Advice: My advice for new students would be to meet new people and to get involved! College is a great growing and learning experience for everyone and it will go by fast! So, go out there, and meet new friends, join an organization, and most importantly have fun! College is what you make it, so you might as well make it fun!

Student Government: For freshman, I would highly recommend getting involved with Student Government because of all the different networking one gains from being a member! If you are looking to get involved but don’t quite yet want to tackle a HUGE responsibility then I would recommend running for Freshman Senator! This is an awesome opportunity for incoming freshman who are passionate about Student Government. If elected, one gets the opportunity to sit in all of the meetings and truly learn the formality of Student Government-- And have a fun time doing it!

...................................

Name: Evan Calhoun

From: North Platte, Nebraska

Major: Business Administration emphasis in Marketing 

Career Goals: "Own my own company!"

Campus Involvements: 

• UNK Student Body President/Student Regent
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity member
• Avid intramural participant 

Where I can be found on campus: One can find me at the Cushing Coliseum utilizing the awesome workout facility, rock wall, or playing intramurals. I can also be found at the Nebraskan Student Union in my office behind the Welcome Desk, ANY Loper Athletic event cheering on the Lopers, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity house, or West Center where all my classes are!

Fun Fact: I have had grey hair since Freshman year of High School! 

Things You Take To College But Don't Actually Need

You're super excited to come to college so you're going to do what I did: Force your parents and little brothers to help you carry every conceivable item that you might ever need into your 12'x12' dorm room. Don't do that.

Below are 5 things that you will take to your dorm that you will never need.

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1. Your Entire Closet // It's time to make some sacrifices. Check out the recent blog post "What Clothes to Bring to College" for some good detailed advice.

2. Anything that can start a fire because you'll be that person // This stuff is already outlawed by residence life because we don't trust you to not burn down the building after you forget to remove the aluminum flavor packet from your late-night Ramen. But you don't want this stuff anyway. Microwaves, toasters, hot plates. They take up a lot of space. They smell. And there's one available to you just down the hall.

3. Extra furniture // 1) It stinks to move. 2) You might not really need it. // If you're able to wait on it, decide later if it's something that you really want/need in your room. I had a futon in my dorm room for three years and it ended up just being a throne for all of our unfolded clothes and bags. We didn't need the extra seating. No one wanted to hang out with us...

4. An iron and ironing board // This tops the list of pointless crap I had in my room that I never ever used. Even when I lived at home I didn't iron my clothes. Why did I think I needed to in college? All I wore were yoga pants.

5. All of your Harry Potter books // I know this isn't a mistake that only I made. Because my freshman year roommate also brought all of hers. Yep, kid you not. We did not need two sets / 20 pounds / all of our shelf-space taken up with Harry Potter books. Or maybe we did. Idk.

Your High School Schedule vs. Your College Schedule

So yeah, this is a really rough idea of what an average college student’s schedule might look like. You might have a science lab thrown into one of your afternoons. You might not. Maybe you never have class until noon. Maybe you’re done with class at noon. Perhaps you’re taking a night class. IDK. You chose your schedule, not the public school system.

Either way, you’re entering a world where, for the first time in your life, you’re expected to manage your own time with time that you’ve never had available before. You’re leaving the structured schedule you’ve spent years mastering and are entering what could be chaos.

Time Management Tips:

• GET INVOLVED. Everyone says this, because yeah it's fun and it'll make college more enjoyable and you'll meet more people (blah, blah, blah). But you actually need to do it. You need structure in your schedule. 
• Get a planner. A planner. Your phone. The back of your hand. Whatever. You need it. Find what works best for you.
• And then, write down everything. 
• Do your homework as you get it. Don’t let yourself fall behind. Look at all of that free time you have in your evenings.
• Give yourself a day off. I told myself that I would never do schoolwork on Saturdays. It allowed me to have one day off and forced myself to work even harder on Sunday nights. Reward yourself.

What are some tips or strategies that you've used to help you manage your time? Please share!