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Getting Started at UNO

Ready to get started? Here is what you need to know and need to do.

Information to help international students prepare to attend UNO and directions for what to do upon arrival in Omaha, Nebraska.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Announcement

All students, faculty, and staff returning from international travel will need to observe a 14-day self-quarantine while following CDC and Douglas County Health Department guidelines. All faculty, staff, and students returning to UNO’s campus after travel within Nebraska or any other U.S. state should self-monitor using the 1-Check COVID mobile app (on Android and iOS devices). Find more UNO COVID-19 information here.

 

Fall 2020 International Student Online Orientation

All new international students, including those transferring from another U.S. school and those moving from ILUNO to UNO, must participate in International Student Online Orientation. Out of an abundance of caution in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), orientation and academic advising for incoming UNO students will be hosted in online formats.

The online orientation course will cover the following topics and more:  

  • Introduction to UNO and Omaha
  • Immigration Regulations for F-1 and J-1 students
  • Title IX and Student Safety
  • Cashiering and Student Accounts
  • UNO Technology
  • Employment and Career Development Resources
  • Transportation
  • Library Resources
  • Counseling and Psychological Services and Culture Shock

Sign up for your online orientation today by logging into your MavLINK account!

How to Register for International Orientation

  1. In MavLINK, click on the "Undergrad Orientation Signup" link (select this link regardless of undergraduate or graduate status). This can be found on the left-hand side of the home page in the Admissions drop-down menu. The orientation registration form will pop up in a separate window.
  2. Review your personal information before completing the form.
  3. Follow the instructions for international orientation registration.

Note: The date shown for online orientation registration simply indicates when you will receive access to the course in Canvas. You are able to complete orientation whenever fits best with your schedule. 

If you are an ILUNO student, please go to Getting Started in ILUNO for your Orientation information.

  

Enroll in Classes - Academic Advising

All international students are now able to enroll in classes in MavLINK. Before you enroll, however, you should connect with your academic advisor. Your academic advisor will be able to tell you which classes you should enroll in for your first semester and help create a plan for success during your time at UNO. Advisors are currently offering appointments via phone or video conference.
 
You can find your academic advisor by visiting the academic advisor webpage. Advisors are listed by college and department.

After contacting your advisor, you should enroll in classes as soon as possible to ensure that you get your first choices. Please remember that you must enroll in twelve (12) credit hours per semester as an undergraduate student.

J-1 Exchange Students should contact Education Abroad for course enrollment.

 

Placement Exams

English and math placement exams are required for all new undergraduate and international students, unless students have credit at another U.S. college or university. If you have English or math transfer credit from another U.S. institution, please contact your academic advisor to see if you need to take the placement exam.   

This webpage provides instructions for how to register and take the English Placement and Proficiency Exam (EPPE).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, UNO has implemented alternative placement strategies for students unable to take the Math Placement Exam (Accuplacer). Learn more about Math course placement here. Your advisor will also provide guidance on Math course selection.

Arrange your Housing

UNO has many options for on-campus housing on both the Dodge and Scott campuses. More information about housing can be obtained on the UNO Housing and Residence Life website.
 
If you wish to apply for on-campus housing, do not delay. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Apply for housing through your MavLINK account.

If you wish to look for off-campus housing, learn about other housing options.

 

Transportation from Eppley Airfield Omaha (OMA)

UNO Sponsored Airport Pickup

If you are arriving on 5-6 August 2020 for required on-campus quarantine, information about moving from the airport to UNO residence halls will be provided by email at a later date.

 

Health Insurance Requirement

All international students and scholars on F or J visas are required to be enrolled in the UNO Health and Dental Insurance Policy through UnitedHealthcare. The insurance charge will be added to your tuition and fees bill. Students sponsored by their home country government with a current financial guarantee on file at UNO that extends through the end of the semester will not be assessed insurance and do not need to request a waiver.
Waivers will only be reviewed for students who have a US based employer plan. They are only available to students who are eligible and the non-UNO policy must contain the following: must pay for care in Nebraska, deductible must be $500 or less, unlimited major medical coverage including pre-existing conditions, unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, meets or exceeds Affordable Care Act requirements, and coverage premium must be paid in full for the entire semester.
Each policy will be individually reviewed before a waiver is granted and must be submitted through the portal on MavLINK. Note: Please disable pop-up blockers and check your UNO email to ensure that your transmission has been successfully sent. 
Students who are eligible to waive coverage under the UNO Student Health Insurance Plan must submit a waiver application and all required documentation no later than (date to be determined). 
J1 Visa Exchange Students Studying as Visiting Non-Degree Students: Reference the email sent to you by the Education Abroad Office providing Health Insurance Policy information. 

For more information, please visit Nebraska Medicine - UNO Health Center.

 

Immunization and TB Requirements

UNO requires all students, including international students and scholars, to provide immunization records in English from your doctor or hospital showing two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) shots or a blood test report from a laboratory or doctor showing you are immune. We recommend getting these immunizations in your home country. If needed, you can get the immunizations at the Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center upon arrival. The cost is covered by your UNO UHCSR student health insurance policy.

If you do not bring these immunization records signed by your home country physician, you must have the first dose of the immunization immediately upon arrival (after quarantine). The second dose must be given 30 days later. You will not be allowed to continue taking classes if this requirement is not met. This policy includes all UNO students, intensive English students in the ILUNO program and IPD students. 

In addition, UNO requires all international students and scholars to complete a tuberculosis test at the UNO Health Center upon arrival (after quarantine). Appointments are required. Call 402.554.2374 to schedule.  

For more information about this health requirement, visit Nebraska Medicine - UNO Health Center. 

 

Navigating Technology

Access your gMAV account to begin using  your UNO student email address, Google Drive, Google Sites, and Google Calendar. 

Log in to gMAV using your NetID and password. To look up your NetID, click here! 

It is important to check your UNO email account regularly. This is where you will receive information from your international programs, your academic advisor, and professors as well as updates from the university.

 

How to Report to International Advising upon Arrival

This is an important SEVIS requirement. Email a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa, and I-94 to International Advising at unointladvising@unomaha.edu. Update your local/current address in MavLINK. This will let us know that you arrived in Omaha.  

Students transferring from another school or changing programs at UNO will need to email International Advising at unointladvising@unomaha.edu to request a new form I-20 with the first two weeks of classes.

As we approach the fall semester and the return to campus, please make note that our office requires scheduled appointments and follows social distancing guidelines. Please check your email regularly for important updates and requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to UNO and Omaha!

 

How to Get your MavCARD

Your MavCARD can be used for accessing parking garages, checking out items at the library, purchasing food or copy services, and receiving discounts at merchants that cater to students.

Learn more about MavCARD Services.

 

For Students Planning to Work on Campus

If you are enrolled full-time, hold an F-1 or J-1 visa, and have an on-campus employment offer, you can apply for a Social Security number.

To request a letter from International Advising for your application to the Social Security Administration, send your UNO employment offer letter signed by your employer and on university letterhead to unointladvising@unomaha.edu. An advisor will give you next steps.

New international students who recently entered the U.S. with an "initial" form I-20 must wait at least 10 days from the date of entry to apply for a number. A receipt from the Social Security office is required to begin work. In addition, new students must be registered in SEVIS for at least 48 hours before going to the Social Security office.

 

For Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may request accommodations to ensure equal access to courses, programs, and activities. Please contact UNO's Accessibility Services Center (ACS):

Phone: 402.554.2872
TTY 1.402.554.3799
Learn more Accessibility Services and Requesting Accomodations