First-Year Experience Seminars Strengthen College Transitions at UNO
A new approach to First-Year Experience (FYE) seminars is taking root across all six UNO colleges, making the transition to college more meaningful and supportive for first-time students.
Academic Affairs is pleased to share this year’s committee members for the Educational Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC), a campus-wide curriculum committee appointed by the Faculty Senate. EPAC advises the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs about most curricular activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, proposals for new programs, courses, and significant course revisions. EPAC's review of proposed curricular changes occurs after college and department or school reviews. We welcome this year’s committee:
Claudia Garcia, College of Arts and Sciences
Elizabeth Wessling, College of Business Administration
Kenneth White, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Paula Jakopovic, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Agatha Owora, College of Information Science & Technology
Julie Blaskewicz Boron, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Isabel Soto Luna, Criss Library
Keep Shaping UNO's General Education Curriculum
As the semester gets underway, UNO’s revised general education curriculum, MavEd, continues to move forward with strong momentum, thanks to the collaboration and leadership of faculty and staff across all colleges. With its focus on critical thinking, integrative learning, and intercultural awareness, MavEd aims to deliver a more intentional and relevant academic experience for students aligned with the mission of UNO as an urban metropolitan university.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to get involved, there’s still time this fall. Opportunities remain available, supported by Academic Affairs, the Center for Faculty Excellence, and the Weitz Innovation Fund:
The MavEd Course Design Workshop returns this month (September 2025), offering structured support for faculty redesigning courses around MavEd’s core elements. Additional sessions will continue in future semesters.
Also launching this fall:
The MavEd Orientation – for faculty and staff interested in refining their understanding of the revised curriculum and exploring new ways to support student success.
The MavEd Innovators Professional Learning Community (PLC) – a collaborative space to share ideas, pilot innovations, and support each other in the transition.
To everyone who has already contributed – thank you. Your engagement is helping shape the future of general education at UNO in meaningful and lasting ways.
Welcome YSEALI
UNO is excited to welcome back the YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) to campus! Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Educational & Cultural Affairs Bureau, YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO and partners have hosted almost 600 civic youth leaders and 16 cohorts since 2015, and are excited to continue implementing this signature program building leadership capacities of youth and strengthening ties across Southeast Asian countries and between them and the U.S. To learn more about this program and get involved, check out our YSEALI website.
Annual Study Aboard Fair
UNO Education Abroad is preparing for the annual study abroad fair! On Wednesday, September 17, representatives from UNO's global partners, study abroad alumni, exchange students, and faculty that offer Global Courses will all be present to meet with students and answer questions about study abroad. New for 2025: Folk Dance, Show & Tell, and Sip and Explore Activities. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend.
The Engaged & Empowered workshop series launches this fall to build civic knowledge, leadership skills, and pathways to action. Held monthly on the second Tuesday from 11 A.M. to Noon, sessions are open to all in partnership with UNO’s Office of Engagement, Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and Civic Nebraska. Browse the Office of Engagement online calendar.
September 9, 2025 – How to Navigate the NE Legislature
October 14, 2025 – Voting Rights in Nebraska
November 11, 2025 – Civil Discourse (Purple Screening)
December 9, 2025 – Joining a City/County Board or Commission
February 10, 2026 – Community Actions: Canvassing & Phone Banking
March 10, 2026 – The Power of Storytelling and Media in Creating Change
April 14, 2026 – How to Contact Your Elected Officials
Encourage Your Students to Give Back in Just 60 Minutes!
Hosted by UNO’s Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs, these events connect students with local organizations for just one hour of hands-on volunteering. Snacks are provided. Events take place on the first Wednesday of every month, starting in September, from Noon to 1 PM. Browse the Office of Engagement online calendar.
Human Subject Research at UNO The IRB staff within the UNMC Office of Regulatory Affairs will lead an educational session for UNO researchers on September 8 from 12 to 1 PM. They will cover common questions, important reminders of specific policies, and suggestions and recommendations relevant to UNO researchers.
As a UNO faculty member, you have access to MaxQDA software, a qualitative data analysis software. Please contact your College IT Director for more information about MaxQDA software or to request a MaxQDA license installed on your University computer.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
University of Nebraska at Omaha, Academic Affairs, 6001 University Dr., Eppley Administration Building 202, Omaha, NE 68182, 402.554.2262, academic.affairs@unomaha.edu
