As a member of a Learning or Themed Community, you will be invited to participate in exclusive events and activities only available to community students. These experiences provide you with opportunities to explore possible majors and career paths, make connections with faculty and staff in your academic interest area, and get to know other first-year community students. Participation in these outside-of-class events is always voluntary, but we're confident you'll find many memorable, can't-miss experiences!
Each Learning or Themed Community will host individual events for its members. Examples of possible experiences include behind-the-scenes tours of relevant businesses or organizations, dinners with faculty or alumni, meetings with visiting scholars or presentations by on-campus speakers, academic success workshops, and hands-on activities that are both social and educational. In addition, all Learning or Themed Community students will be invited to participate in other program-wide experiences, such as the Welcome Event, Trivia Night, and the Participation Race.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears - Oh, my!
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | Omaha, NE
An experience for the 'Pre-Vet: The Path to Veterinary Success' community, that has become a tradition, is visiting the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. While this experience is fun and exciting, especially for our out-of-state students who may have never visited before, the trip also allows students to speak with animal health, animal husbandry, and zookeeping experts to learn more about the career.
In the past, the communities have been able to get behind-the-scenes tours of the veterinary facilities and spoken with the Director of Animal Health, Dr. Yaw; the aquarium to learn about all that goes into the maintenance, animal care, and reef preservation efforts; the reptiles in the Desert Dome to get up-close and personal with some exotic species and even feed some alligators; and some of the large birds of prey who are ambassadors to the zoo and help teach young students about their species.
Get a Clue!
Squirrel Cage Jail | Council Bluffs, IA
To look towards the future, one has to know about the past and what a better, interactive way than to explore museums! The 'Experience Life Sciences' community took to the historic Squirrel Cage Jail to learn about the past of criminology and forensic science.
This 1885 jail, now turned museum and historical society, allowed the students to embrace a much more unusual past to what is known today in the world of law, criminology, and forensic science. This unique experience provided to students a more interactive way to see history and create memories alongside their peers to take with them as they build their own careers.
That's the Ticket
"93.7 The Ticket" with Ahmad Green | Lincoln, NE
From the press box to the court, 'Pressbox: Sports Media and Communication' ventures all over to see the variety of career opportunities available for students. One exciting opportunity, of many, was the previous trip to the "93.7 The Ticket" radio station. Much like many opportunities, this trip allowed students to see what a radio station looked like, speak and connect with a variety of staff members to better understand their positions, and get a glimpse into their own future careers. However, what made this trip extra special was their visit alongside NFL, All-Pro running back, Ahmad Green.
Not only an exciting opportunity to build rapport with someone who has built a name for themselves and had a long-standing career, but to see what advice and guidance they can provide to build the students' own careers.
Part of the Herd
Nebraska State Fair | Grand Island, NE
One adventure 'Ag. Futures: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, & Service' has done is taking a trip to the Nebraska State Fair! Not only is this trip an opportunity for fun, great bonding, and delicious fair food, this is a chance to see all the amazing technology, strategies, and leadership available in the world of Nebraska agriculture and natural resources. Whether you want to taste the variety of tasty foods, watch the different animal shows to see who can get "Best in Show," observe the latest and greatest in Future Farmers of America (FFA), or just walk around with friends, 'Ag. Futures' does it all!
Seeing the Nebraska State Fair is especially exciting for a lot of our out-of-state students because, while many State Fairs have some commonalities, there are always going to be differences from state to state. We want to showcase what Nebraska has to offer and build memories along the way!
Out on a Limb
Limb Lab | Lincoln, NE
The health, nutrition, and human sciences have so many career directions a student can take! Having the opportunity to get out and talk to professionals in the field is a great way to see what may be the best fit for you.
The 'Exploring Health and Medicine' was able to do just that at the Limb Lab! This specialty lab works to create prosthetics and orthotics for a wide-variety of clientele. Students were able to see the science behind these creations and learn what it takes to become the individual that makes them! Talk about finding the right fit.
Engineering Connections
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum | Ashland, NE
We are lucky to have the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum within reach of campus! This facility is dedicated to restoring and preserving aircrafts and artifacts from the past, especially those from the Cold War, while looking towards the future of air and space innovation. Which is exactly where our variety of engineering students come into the picture!
The 'Engineering and Computing to Change the World' students traveled to the museum to meet with staff, tour the facility, and gain inspiration for their future careers! What mysteries of exploration are still out there to be discovered? How can their imagination spark innovation to meet those mysteries? This is the starting line for their marathon towards their next adventures.
