If you don’t see an answer to your question, please reach out. Contact Student Life at studentlife@unl.edu, call 402-472-3755 or join us on Facebook to ask a community of parents.
Academics
Frequently Asked Questions about Academics
Remember that professors are a great resource, too. Students should reach out to ask instructors for recommendations on where they can get additional help understanding coursework.
What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from a course?
Dropped courses may be eligible for a tuition refund depending on the timing of when the student drops the course in MyRED. Later in the semester, students may choose to withdraw from a course.
What should students do if they are unable to attend classes?
Students are expected to attend all lectures, recitations, quizzes, and laboratories regularly. If a student plans to be absent, they should request permission for the absence from the instructor as early in the semester as possible and discuss how this absence may affect their ability to meet the course requirements.
In situations involving medical emergencies, personal tragedy or mental health crises, Student Affairs may provide an absence courtesy notification to instructors.
How often should students meet with an advisor?
Students should meet with an advisor at least once per year, preferably once per semester to discuss course selections and make sure they are on track to graduate. Students can schedule a meeting through My PLAN from the my.unl.edu portal. View advising resources.
How can I access my student’s records?
Due to the FERPA, the federal law that protects students’ privacy, the university is limited in what information it may share with parents. Students may give parents access to some information via MyRed.
Please note that grades for students do not typically appear in MyRed until after the semester is complete. Students should keep track of their grades as the semester progresses.
Where can I find the academic calendar (listing the student holidays and final exam schedules)?
The academic calendar is available from the Office of the University Registrar.
Billing
Frequently Asked Questions about Billing
When are tuition bills available? Due?
Students can set up access for parents or guests to view the bill through MyRed. Bills are generated on or before the 25th of the month and are due by the 12th of the following month. View the Student Account FAQ.
How can I pay my student’s bill?
View payment options.
How can I obtain enrollment verifications for students for insurance purposes?
Upon request, the Office of the University Registrar will provide degree and enrollment verifications to current students and alumni. Parents must have been granted access for a parent to receive the information.
Can my student become a Nebraska resident for tuition purposes?
View the Residency Policy.
Are 1098-T forms mailed out or do they need to be printed out for taxes?
View information about the Form 1098-T.
Living On-Campus
Frequently Asked Questions about Living On-Campus
How do I send a package to my student in the residence halls?
Packages should be addressed to your student with a room number and complete address.
What is included in the residence halls?
Hall amenties can been found here.
Are the residence halls open during breaks?
Yes. All halls are open over university break periods.
What if my student has special dietary needs?
The online menu and menu display boards in the dining centers identify items containing certain allergens. Students living in University Housing with special dietary needs can also contact Dining Services to discuss how to best meet the students needs.
Is there a medical facility or clinic available for students who get sick?
The University Health Center, managed by Nebraska Medicine, offers comprehensive care for students in a convenient on-campus location.
Student Support
Frequently Asked Questions for Student Support
What support is available to my student if they're facing a challenge?
The Student Advocacy & Support Office supports students' unique circumstances by providing individualized support through navigating university and community resources, policies, processes, and conflict. Services include absence notifications, post-hospitalization support, medical withdrawals, re-enrollment, emergency basic needs and more.
Is there help for students with disabilities?
Services for Students with Disabilities is a division of Student Life. Students who need accommodations should register with this office to begin the process. You will need documentation of the disability to complete the registration. Students work with a specialist to review the documentation and build a plan for accommodations.
Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation
Is there a limit to the number of tickets/attendees for graduation?
No, tickets are not required for the ceremony.
Where can I find more information on graduation?
Date, time, location, parking information, how and where to purchase the cap and gown, and diploma pickup information is available at https://registrar.unl.edu/commencement.
Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions about Transportation
How can my student get to/from Lincoln?
While the university does not endorse any particular transportation services, these are the most popular options for students to travel between Lincoln and Omaha.
- OmaLink
Shuttle services for Nebraska and Western Iowa for airline passengers to travel from convenient central locations to/from Lincoln and Omaha airports. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Cost varies. - Leisure Limousine & Sedan
Transportation to/from Lincoln and Omaha airports. Reservations required. Cost varies. Promo codes may be available to students upon request at 402-476-8132. - Uber & Lyft
Rideshare services are readily available in the Lincoln area. Cost varies.
Staying Informed
Frequently Asked Questions about Staying Informed
How can parents & family members be involved and/or stay informed?
All parents & family members of currently enrolled students at the university are eligible to be a member of the UNL Parent & Family Association. Members are encouraged to attend association meetings, sign up for the e-newsletter, and join us on Facebook. If you have questions, please contact Student Life at studentlife@unl.edu or call 402-472-3756.
When is UNL Family Weekend?
Family Weekend is held each fall during a weekend when there is an away football game.