Take full advantage of your first year in the College of Engineering through the Engineering Readiness Academy.
Scott Campus (Omaha)
August 15 - 21, 2025
ERA refreshes students on concepts needed for college-level Calculus and Chemistry through hands-on activities – all a week before classes start.
Students who benefit the most from ERA tend to have taken math through Pre-Calculus in high school but could use a refresh on Algebra and Trigonometry concepts before beginning Calculus in college.
All incoming, first-year students admitted to the UNL College of Engineering or the pre-engineering program in Lincoln are eligible to apply.
BENEFITS
- Receive credit for ENGR 10 so you don't have to take it in the fall (depending on your major, programs, etc.)
- Connect with other incoming engineering students before classes start
- Move into your permanent residence hall early
- Re-start your brain in preparation for your fall math class
- Get advice from current engineering students about academic, personal, and professional success in college
- Build a relationship with engineering faculty and staff who will continue to support you throughout your time at Nebraska
APPLICATION INFORMATION
| If you submit your application for: | You MUST submit your application by: | You will receive email notification of your application status by: |
| Priority Consideration | April 30 | May 15 |
| Standard Consideration | May 30 | June 15 |
PROGRAM FEE
The total cost of ERA is $200 and should be paid no later than July 14*. This fee goes toward your housing, meals, and all activities throughout the week**. The remaining costs of your participation is covered through a generous gift from one of our key sponsors. Once you receive an acceptance, then we will request payment.
* There will be no refunds after July 14.
** If you are interested in attending ERA but need financial support, please contact Elle Straatmann at elle.straatmann@unl.edu or call 402-472-2927.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require accommodations, please work directly with UNO's Accessibility Services Center (ASC). This will ensure that we can fulfill all accommodations appropriately.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPANT COMMENTS
- "Definitely attend ERA! It was the most amazing experience for me and I would give anything for it to last longer than it did."
- "It was an awesome experience. The peer coaches are incredible, and the staff are really nice and incredible people who provide an excellent college experience."
- "ERA was one of the best decisions I've made in my life, it really helped with the transition."
- "This is the best way to prepare yourself for the upcoming year and I would attend again in a heartbeat."
- "The instruction, activities, and interactions all increased my knowledge in a fun environment. My calculus prep skills have been fully refreshed and new skills were learned as well."
Contact:
Elle Straatmann
Director of Academic Planning & Process
elle.straatmann@unl.edu / 402.472.7072
FAQs
How many students participate in ERA?
Space is limited. If you really want to participate in ERA, we recommend targeting the priority consideration deadline of April 30.
Can I still participate in ERA if I’m also planning to participate in other activities that week (e.g. TLC/Buffett, Goodrich, marching band, etc.)? What if I have a scheduled appointment or work?
We encourage you to consider and compare the requirements for any programs you are thinking about joining or participating in.
For ERA, you must attend the full schedule every day from August 15-21. This means that programs like the TLC Welcome or Marching Band would conflict, as those may also require your participation for full days.
Please work with your employer in advance to request the week of ERA off and appointments should not be scheduled during ERA. Any appointments that cannot be rescheduled should be discussed with ERA staff and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If you are unsure, reach out to ERA staff to discuss.
Where do we stay during ERA? Will I have to move to a new room at when it's over?
Those planning to live on campus are encouraged to move into their permanent room for the academic year on Friday, August 15. This is the room you chose during the housing process in late spring. Please come prepared to fully move in by bringing all your belongings with you. This also means that your early move-in daily cost is covered by your ERA fee.
To request an early move-in, please contact one of the following after receiving your housing assignments (these should arrive mid-July) and let them know you are participating in the Engineering Readiness Academy:
- Scott Campus Housing (Scott Court/Scott Crossing/Scott Hall/Scott Village): leasing@scottcampus.com / (402) 778-6541
- Dodge Campus Housing (University or Maverick Village): unohousing@unomaha.edu / (402) 554-6605
- JPII Newman Center: Beth Carlson, bethcarlson@jpii.org / (402) 557-5575. *NOTE: Housing assignments may arrive earlier than mid-July*
If planning to live at home or off-campus, you will need to commute in for ERA programming. We ask participants to please plan for travel time when checking in to ERA in the mornings.
If I’m bringing a car to campus, where will I park?
There will be free open parking (no permit required) during ERA in UNO garage stalls and student/faculty/staff surface lots. If planning to purchase a parking permit for the academic year, you should have those purchased before the start of classes. Please go to the Parking & Transit Service website to learn more about parking and purchasing permits.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi when on campus?
- For UNO Wi-Fi access, go to this website for login and setup information
- For access to Wi-Fi while at Scott Café or in Scott Housing:
- Network - Scott Campus
- Passcode - mavericks
What items do I need to bring for daily ERA activities?
- Instruction Items: Calculator (TI 83 or 84 acceptable but not necessary), laptop/tablet, notebook, pencil/pens. Laptops will be available to reserve for those who need one.
- MavCard and other photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, state ID, etc.).
- Comfortable, casual clothes and tennis shoes – you will be inside in cool classrooms and outside for some activities.
- Backpack or drawstring sport bag.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Raincoat and/or umbrella on days it may rain*
- Bug spray & sunblock for outdoor activities*