Frequently Asked Questions
How does online and distance education work?
Most distance courses do not have a regular meeting time. These courses are called asynchronous and include such formats as online, e-mail and Blackboard. Even though these courses do not have regular meeting schedules, students are still required to meet assignment and exam deadlines as outlined by the instructor.
Some distance classes meet at scheduled times, including those that are delivered via interactive TV or through desktop videoconferencing. These courses, called synchronous, require students to meet at least once a week.
What degree programs do you offer?
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln also has a University Bookstore where texts for some Semester-based courses and Summer Independent Study courses can be purchased.
Will I be expected to come to campus? What are the on-campus requirements?
The MS in textiles, clothing and design requires one semester on campus. The deaf education and severe disabilities endorsement/M.Ed. programs involve periodic visits on-campus each semester. The masters degrees in Teaching Learning and Teacher Education my require some on-campus attendance. Students in the Ph.D./Ed.D. program in Educational Studies with a specialization in educational leadership and higher education are required to participate in one or more on-campus summer sessions. Graduate requirements are set at the departmental level (or by your supervisory committee if you are a doctoral student) and can vary, so please contact your departmental advisor for specific information.
I am an adult student returning to school. What can I expect?
Are your programs and courses accredited?
In addition, various colleges, schools, departments, and programs within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are accredited by their respective professional accrediting agencies (for example: architecture, business, education, engineering, journalism, nursing, psychology).
How do I get started?
Many distance students apply to their degree program as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student." This allows them to register for graduate courses while they are completing the admission process to their specific program (this requires a $45 graduate application fee). Students that apply as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student" and then later apply to a degree program may be assessed an additional $45 application fee. However, academic colleges are not required to accept credits taken before acceptance into the degree program. Before you enroll in classes, please contact an adviser in the college to which you seek admission.
I have questions about what courses I should take. Do you have an academic adviser?
How much do your courses cost?
Is financial aid available?
For information about financial aid, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
16 Canfield Administration Building
P.O. Box 880411
Lincoln, NE 68588-0411
Phone: (402) 472-2030 or (800) 742-8800, ext. 2030
Fax: (402) 472-9826.
Where do I find out what courses are available?
Where do I get the materials for my course?
Contact them by phone: (402) 472-7300 or (800) 735-6835; e-mail: nutext@unl.edu; fax: (402) 472-7970. You are not obligated to purchase your books from this vendor.
Will my computer be able to handle online courses?
It is important that you are familiar with the technical requirements of your program and test your equipment ahead of time. Software and technology assistance is also available through the UNL Help Desk.
Is there technical help available?
For technical assistance, contact the Information Services Computer Help Desk, toll-free (866) 472-3970 or local (402) 472-3970; email: helpdesk@unl.edu. The Help Desk hours are 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. (Central Time), seven days a week.
Do I have access to library services?
For library assistance, contact Professor Kate Adams, Distance Education Coordinator, phone (402) 472-2560; email: kadams1@unl.edu.
Do I need a student identification card?
If you need a student ID card, and if you are a distance education student living/working in Lincoln, please go to the NCard office in the lower level of the Nebraska Union on the UNL campus. You may schedule an appointment after regular hours with the NCard office by calling (402) 472-7331.
If you are not a Lincoln area distance student, please contact Extended Education & Outreach at (402) 472-5515 for your NU ID number and an application for an NCard.
Will UNL distance education courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
Are students with disabilities able to take distance education courses?
All accommodations are authorized on an individual basis and must be approved through the Services for Students with Disabilities office. To request accommodations as a distance student, contact Services for Students with Disabilities
132 Canfield Administration Building
Lincoln, NE 68588-0401
Phone: (402) 472-3787, TDD (402) 472-0053.
Whom do I contact if I have more questions?
We can be reached at 1-866-700-4747 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) or (402) 472-2175, e-mail: unlextended@unl.edu.
Do I have to go to campus to take my exams?

