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Current Undergraduate Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Procedures

  • How can I change my major/minor within CBA? How can I change my major/minor to CBA from a different College or vice-versa?

    Changing majors/minor within CBA: To change your major and/or minor, call 472-2310 to set up an appointment to meet with an academic adviser in the Undergraduate Advising Office (CBA 138). The adviser will help you change your major and/or minor within the College.

    Changing majors to CBA from another UNL College: To declare a major in the College of Business Administration from another College, students are required to have a 2.5 GPA and attend a Business Orientation Session. These are offered at various times throughout the semester. You should call the Undergraduate Advising Office, 472-2310, to discover a time that works well with your schedule.

    Changing majors from CBA to another College: Students wishing to change their major from CBA to another College should call 472-2310 and make appointment with an academic adviser in the Undergraduate Advising Office, CBA 138. During this meeting you will be informed of CBA's return policy should you decide to return to CBA at a later date. The academic advisers will fill out the top portion of the College Degree Major Adviser Change Form (CDMA) and give you your academic file to take to your new College.

  • How do I go about adding a minor?
    To add a minor, you should call 472-2310, to schedule an appointment to meet with an adviser. They will assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork.

  • Should I consider a minor?
    Adding a minor, although not required, either in business or in another field, allows you to explore other areas in depth. At the same time, they could help you to stand out from other job candidates, making you more marketable. Minors usually entail 12-18 credit hours, depending on the minor. With careful schedule planning you can obtain a minor through your elective hours and not pay for additional credit hours.

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General Requirements

  • What courses qualify for Essential Studies in Modules 1 and 2?

    Courses that qualify in Modules 1 and 2 are courses that have been identified by the College as Essential Studies (ES) in the areas of:

    • Area A, Communications
    • Area B, Mathematics & Statistics
    • Area C, Human Behavior, Culture & Social Organization
    • Area D, Science & Technology
    • Area E, Historical Studies
    • Area F, Humanities
    • Area G, Arts
    • Area H, Race, Ethnicity & Gender

    To find specific courses you can look in the CBA section of your Undergraduate Bulletin, or you can find a list of qualifying courses in the front of your Undergraduate Bulletin, or by using the ES Tool that is available online at http://www.cba.unl.edu/ugrad/esadvisingtool/Default.aspx. NOTE: Business courses do not qualify in these Modules and these courses must be taken for a grade.

  • What are Essential Studies courses?
    Essential Studies (ES) courses are courses that "provide students a context for understanding the breadth of human endeavor", (Undergraduate Bulletin, pg. 14). These courses expose students to diverse subject areas and aid in creating a foundation and understanding for different perspectives. ES Tool

  • Can I use one ES course to satisfy two requirements?
    No. The Undergraduate Bulletin states, "while an ES course may encompass more than a single area of knowledge, it CANNOT simultaneously fulfill an ES requirement for two areas". On the other hand, from Module 1 and 2, 9 hours must be at the 300-level, so while meeting the Module 1 or 2 specific ES area, if you take it at the 300 or 400-level, it fulfills the requirement for the 9 hours of 300-level course work required for Module 1 and 2.

  • Can my business courses qualify as Essential Studies, Module 1 and 2 courses?
    No. Essential Studies (ES) areas are designed to expose you to subject areas outside your major. Since you are a business major, no business courses qualify.

  • What are Integrative Studies courses?
    Integrative Studies (IS) courses are courses taken on campus giving students a true UNL experience. They incorporate critical thinking, writing, oral expression, and analysis and are "intended to engage students in actively developing their ability and desire to analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex material and positions" (Undergraduate Bulletin, pg. 14).

  • Where can I find course that qualify for Integrative Studies?
    You can find a list of Integrative Studies (IS) courses in the front of your Undergraduate Bulletin. You can also find them in the College of Business Administration section of the Undergraduate Bulletin with the Essential Studies courses. The courses listed in BOLD print are designated IS courses.

  • What constitutes an elective course?
    An elective course can be any course that does not already fulfill a degree requirement in the College of Business Administration. These courses can also be used to pursue a second major or minor in or out of the College.

  • Do I need to take an International Business course?
    Yes, unless you are majoring in Accounting. Accounting majors are the only CBA student not required to take an International Business course (IBCR). Students who plan carefully can double count their International Business course (IBCR) and in their Module 5, Major or Module 6, Business Electives. Actuarial Science majors will use their IBCR for their Module 6, Business Elective course.

  • Is there a recommended sequence for my coursework?
    Yes. CBA has developed a course sequencing guide. To access this information go to (LINK to new sequence guide).

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Policies

Honors and Scholarships

  • How do I know if I am on the Dean's List?
    Students must complete 12 graded classroom hours for that semester (P/N hours do not apply) and carry a minimum of 3.6 GPA. Students, who receive a 4.0 GPA that semester, will be recognized by an asterisk behind their name.

  • I made the Dean's List, but my name did not appear on the website or in the newspaper.
    If you selected to restrict your information to outside sources, no information about you can be disclosed. This includes honors you receive while attending UNL.

  • Will I graduate with Distinction?
    To be eligible for distinction a student must complete 45 graded credit hours (excluding P/N) at UNL prior to the semester they graduate and must have completed 60 graded credit hours (excluding P/N) at the time they graduate. This honor is limited to approximately the top 10% of the graduating class, with no specific grade point average assigned. In general, Highest Distinction is assigned to students with a 3.9 GPA, High Distinction goes to students with a 3.8 GPA or above, and Distinction is assigned to students with a 3.7 GPA or above.

  • How do I apply for scholarships?
    Scholarships are available in CBA for currently students and are determined on a student's financial need and/or academic performance, as well as for specific majors. To be considered in the financial need criteria students need to have completed a current FAFSA. You can access the scholarship form here.

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Grades

  • Can I take a course Pass/No Pass?
    All Module 1-6 course must be taken for a grade with the exception of 398 or 399 courses. CBA students are allowed to take a maximum of 9 credit hours P/N. These courses will fall into Modules 7 or 8 electives. We recommend you talk to an adviser in CBA 138 prior to taking a course P/N to make sure it will fulfill a graduation requirement.

  • Do I have to retake a course that I receive a grade of "C-"?
    No, not unless the course specifically states that a C or better is required. For example: MATH 101 and ACCT 201 require a "C" or better in order for a student to advance on to the next level, MATH 104 or ACCT 202.

  • Can I receive a "D" in a course and have it apply toward my degree?
    Yes, if the course does not specifically state that you must receive a C or better, or is required for you to advance to the next level. However, we do not recommend this. You are expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA to be CBA qualified, which allows you to enroll in upper-level business courses. A 2.5 GPA is also required to apply for graduation.

  • Do I have to have a 2.5 GPA to remain in CBA?
    CBA expects its students to maintain a 2.5 GPA to register for most business courses. However, should your GPA fall below a 2.5 you can remain in CBA. We will work with you to assist you in raising your GPA.

  • How can I raise my GPA to a 2.5?
    The most effective and least expensive approach to raising a GPA is to retake courses you have received a C- or below in. The new grade received in the course completely replaces the old grade. Fact: It takes 3 new courses, where A's are received, to undo the damage that retaking one course will do.

  • Can CBA help me with my academic concerns?
    Yes. CBA has dedicated one adviser, Betsy Klemme, to work with students concerned about their GPA. In addition, CBA has created an Academic Success Packet, available at http://www.cba.unl.edu/current/packet/index.aspx for students to access until they have an opportunity to meet with her.

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CBA Contacts

  • How can I contact my professor?
    Each department has a list of their faculty including their email address, office number and phone number. You can access this information by going to the department's Faculty/Staff website (LINK to Contact page). You can also visit with your professors during their Office Hours which are stated on their course syllabi.

  • How do I know who my academic adviser is? How do I who my faculty adviser is?

    Academic Advisers: CBA has an advising center located in CBA 138. The academic advisers within the Undergraduate Advising Office specialize in University and CBA policies and are able to answer your questions and guide you as you pursue a degree in business.

    Faculty Advisers: Faculty Advisers specialize in their field of expertise. They are mentors and assist students with networking with the corporate world. Faculty Advisers are generally used more frequently by students in their junior and/or senior years at UNL. Your Faculty Adviser is listed at the top of your Degree Audit (DARS) under your name and Social Security number.

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Transfer Questions

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Should I seek an internship?
    Although internships rarely provide academic credit within the College, students are strongly encouraged to seek internships. These valuable opportunities can provide a student with experience in their future career choice and enhance their likelihood for employment.

  • How do I find an internship?
    Representative internships include public accounting firms, banks, insurance companies, oil and gas industries, senator's offices, and hospitals among others. They advertise their internship opportunities on Husker Hire through Career Services. You can register for Husker Hire at Career Services, NU 230. Once registered, you can access Husker Hire at: http://www.unl.edu/careers/hhl/.

  • How do I get credit for my internship?
    If you are interested in receiving credit for an internship you must first find a professor willing to sponsor you. Once a sponsor has been secured, come to the Undergraduate Advising Office, CBA 138 to get an Independent Study (IS) Worksheet. Typically the professor will have you complete additional academic work relaying knowledge learned on the job to the academic subject area. For example: read 2-3 designated books and write a 10 page paper demonstrating your mastery of the applied concepts.

  • How do I find a job?
    Students can find employment opportunities listed in Career News, an online news bulletin, through Career Services. Career News is comes out on the 1st and 15th of each month, and is sent to each student registered on Husker Hire. It lists the most current full-time employment, internship opportunities, event information and campus interviews. To begin receiving Career News go to Career Services, NU 230 or contact Chris Timm, (LINK to Christine K Timm/CSC/UNL/UNEBR).

  • Why should I consider studying abroad?
    Statistically only 3% of the students nation wide participate in a study abroad experience. Employers like to see that a student is willing to go outside their comfort zone and gain different perspectives. Studying Abroad is a wonderful experience, in addition to being a great marketing tool to set you apart from other prospective candidates.

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Graduation

  • How will I know if I will be graduating on time?
    Check you DARS online through your WAM account. All Areas should be marked with an "OK" or "IP". We encourage you to see and adviser in CBA 138 if there are any areas marked "NO" or you have any questions.

  • Will the courses I need to graduate be available?
    Not All courses are available every semester. Plan AHEAD in scheduling the last three semesters of course work to ensure a timely graduation.

  • When do I apply for graduation?
    A student applies for graduation at the beginning of their last semester at UNL. CBA students must have a 2.5 GPA in order to apply. Graduation Services is located in Canfield 109. Information regarding graduation will be sent to you later in the semester.

  • What do I need to know about the graduation ceremony?
    If you have applied for graduation by the deadline date, Graduation Services will mail you a graduation information packet late in the semester.

  • Will I graduate with Distinction?
    To be eligible for distinction a student must complete 45 graded credit hours (excluding P/N) at UNL prior to the semester they graduate and must have completed 60 graded credit hours (excluding P/N) at the time they graduate. This honor is limited to approximately the top 10% of the graduating class, with no specific grade point average assigned. In general, Highest Distinction is assigned to students with a 3.9 GPA, High Distinction go to students with a 3.8 GPA or above, and Distinction is assigned to students with a 3.7 GPA or above.

  • How do I apply for Graduate School?
    You can find out more about the application process by logging onto the Graduate Admissions website at http://www.unl.edu/gradstud. The Office of Graduate Programs, located in CBA 125 is also a great resource for students considering a Master in Business Administration.

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Degree Audit Reporting System

  • I have completed a 3 or 4 hour course but in one place on my DARS it shows it for less credit. What does that mean?
    DARS has the capability to "split" hours. If a requirement will be filled with less than the number of hours listed for the course, it will identify the hours needed, split them off, and move the remaining hours to another section. Continue looking through your DARS to locate the additional hours. They will either be in Module 2 or more likely Module 7 or 8.

  • I have completed a course at another institution that is not showing as fulfilling a specific requirement on my DARS. Why not?
    DARS has the ability to recognize courses from schools with whom we have direct equivalencies (which is, mostly, for Nebraska schools). It cannot read other schools' credit and determine how to place that course. It is best to contact the Undergraduate Advising Office for assistance.

  • I completed a course for a requirement. It is not showing up on DARS. Why not?
    DARS has the ability to recognize grades and interpret whether the course will fulfill a requirement. If this is near the end of the semester, temporary NR (No Report) grades appear and this moves the credit to the end of the report.

  • How do I read my DARS?
    If you take a little time to look over the DARS, you will see that it is very easy to read. The front section gives an overview of the entire document and follows with more detailed information for each of the sections. DARS matches the sections of your Undergraduate Bulletin that talk about academic requirements and utilizing both tools together may be helpful. You might also check the DARS Brochure which provides helpful information as well.

  • I took a class that is not showing up on my DARS. Why not?

    There are potentially several reasons for this:

    1. Near the end of the semester, before final grades have been posted, DARS moves grades to a "NR" No Reporting format. It moves these courses and hours to the end of the DARS until final grades are received.
    2. If you failed the class or did not receive the minimum grade necessary for it to count toward the degree, the course will show up in the section marked hours not applicable toward the degree and also at the end of the DARS noting that they are not counting due to the grade received.
    3. Degree requirements must be taken for a grade. If you took something on a p/n basis, it will show up in electives only, and/or as not applicable toward fulfilling degree requirements.

  • I took a course for more credit hours than is showing up on DARS. Why?
    DARS has the ability to recognize when a requirement and or area is complete with the minimum number of hours required. Once the hour requirement has been met, it has the ability to "SPLIT" the hours and move hours to the next section where the hours may count. This most likely will happen in Module 1 or 2 and the hours will split to Module 2 and/or move to electives, Modules 7 and 8.

  • Why are hours for my second major showing up in electives?
    Your DARS will show a section for the second major, but given that these hours are additional hours, these hours can be used to fulfill appropriate electives, where applicable (Module 6 and 8).

  • Where does my minor show up on DARS?
    You need to formally declare your interest in a minor by filing a CDMAY form in CBA 138. Once done, the minor designation will appear near the end of your DARS. You will also see that the courses used for the minor also appear in the appropriate elective section(s).

  • What does 'Excess Electives' mean?
    Excess eleectives generally indicate that you have taken more than 128 hours. The courses may be needed to meet requirements, especially if you have a minor or second major. They may also be courses that you took that did not meet a requirement in any of Modules 0-8. You need to check through DARS to see if they appear under another requirement or see an adviser. The most likely spot would be IS courses, 300/400 level ES courses, second major or minor.

  • Is the International Business Course Requirement (IBCR) a separate requirement from the hours required for the degree?
    The IBCR is a "separate" requirement that must be met, but hours for this requirement may be used to fulfill another requirement. For example, the international course available in most of the majors as an elective in that major, can be used in Module 5 (the major section), as well as for the IBCR section.

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