ACADEMIC SUCCESS OFFICES
Memorial Student Affairs Building, Room 163
(308) 865-8214
www.unk.edu/lso/
Academic Success is a collaboration of offices that provides resources for student success at UNK and beyond. To that end, we
offer seven services that can help students earn better grades, graduate on-time, and become life-long learners.
The first four services are most useful when preparing to start classes at UNK. Indeed, it is never too early to start
planning for success. After students have arrived on campus, we urge them to take advantage of all seven services. Taking full
advantage of the available resources will not only help students perform academically, but also connect them with a diverse group
of fun, interesting, and engaged peers and staff.
- Student Support Services (SSS)—this federally-funded TRIO program offers
comprehensive, individualized academic support for students who meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:
- Are first generation – neither parent nor guardian has earned a four-year degree
- Are income eligible – based on annual low income levels established by the federal government and verified by a
completed Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Have a documented disability
Fall and spring SSS-sponsored activities include:
- Peer mentoring
- Cultural events
- Supplemental advising
- Performance monitoring
- One-on-one success coaching
- Three-credit college transition class
- Financial literacy programming
- Scholarship and financial aid information
- Major and career explorations
- Student leadership opportunities
- Networking to other campus offices
To apply for SSS, visit the SSS page for an application to print, complete and mail in; sign up during
Summer Advising and Enrollment (SAE); or contact the SSS office at (308) 865-8988 in MSAB 172.
- Disability Services (DS)—assists students who have
a documented disability – defined as learning, physical, medical, and/or psychological impairments that significantly limit
or restrict a major life activity – with arranging accommodations both in and out of the classroom. We recommend
scheduling an appointment with the DS office before the semester begins. Students who register and begin the process for
receiving accommodations as soon as possible are far more likely to be successful than those who wait until classes have already
started.
To get registered and/or for all inquiries, contact David Brandt, Assistant Director, at
brandtdl@unk.edu, (308) 865-8798 or (308) 865-8214, MSAB 175 or 163.
- University Foundations (UF) Classes—this three-credit,
transition class is strongly recommended for first year and transfer students. Credits earned in this graded course may be
counted as electives toward graduation. Course topics include the following:
- Studying at a college level
- Approaching new ideas
- Reading and test taking tips
- Writing and speaking strategies
- Managing time effectively
- Exploring majors and careers
- Getting involved in campus life
- Critical thinking
- Financial literacy
To enroll in a UF class during SAE and/or via My Blue, locate one of several LNSK 103 sections within
the College of Education.
- Study Skills Classes—these one-credit, online
classes are open to all students seeking to develop specific skill sets. Each class takes five weeks to complete, and all work
is done through Blackboard. The classes are graded credit/no credit and apply towards full-time enrollment but do not count
toward graduation. Classes develop skills in the following areas:
- Study skills
- Time management
- Listening and note taking
- Test taking
- Reading improvement
- Critical thinking
To enroll in an online class during SAE and/or via My Blue, locate one of several LNSK 075 sections
within the College of Education.
- Computer Lab—this office is home to over a dozen computers with internet
access. On-site staff provide coaching for common computer applications and coordinate testing for students with accommodations.
The lab is located in MSAB 163 and is open year-round, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
- Supplemental Instruction (SI)—this program organizes group
review sessions throughout the semester for students who want to improve their understanding of the material in selected
courses. The SI leader attends class with students and then leads review sessions outside of class.
For a list of current SI courses, contact the Learning Commons office at (308) 865-8728 in Calvin T. Ryan
Library, second floor.
- Learning Commons (LC)—this new office comprises Tutoring
and the Writing Center. As such, the LC is home to all face-to-face, online, one-on-one, and small group tutoring for the
following:
• Accounting |
• Math for Elementary Education |
• Algebra |
• Organic Chemistry |
• Anatomy and Physiology |
• Physics |
• Biology |
• Political Science |
• Calculus |
• Psychology |
• Composition |
• Science |
• Computer Science |
• Sociology |
• Economics |
• Spanish |
• Family Studies |
• Statistics |
• General Chemistry |
• Teacher Education |
• Geography |
• Trigonometry |
• History |
• Writing |
• Literature |
|
Approximately 35 qualified tutors – who are themselves undergraduate and graduate students – assist with homework,
papers, speeches, take home exams, undergraduate research, application essays, and other projects.
To sign-up, students can do one or more of the following:
- Visit the LC booth at the Blue and Gold Community Showcase
- Stop by the LC on the second floor of C. T. Ryan Library
- Attend "Game Night at the LC" each fall and spring semester.
Once registered, students can walk-in as needed seven days a week, make 30-60 minute appointments online
24/7 for some subjects, view hours on the LC's homepage, or call (308) 865-8728 for tutor availability. The LC opens the first
day of classes and closes the Wednesday of finals week.