Student Advising Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it possible to change academic advisors?

A: Yes. Visit the Civil Engineering departmental office on your campus and complete the form to make this request. In Lincoln the office is W348 Nebraska Hall and in Omaha visit 200E PKI.

Q: Where do I get the call number for a course that lists "****" so I can pre-register?

A: Visit the Civil Engineering departmental office on your campus and sign up on the waiting list.

Q: Can I take a class Pass / No Pass?

A: In Engineering, the only classes you can take pass/no pass are up to 12 hours of social science/ humanities courses.

Q: Can I take a CE class without having all the prerequisites?

A: At the 100, 200, and 300 level, the answer is almost always no. If you enroll in a class without the prerequisite, you may be required to drop the class during the first week or two of the semester. No individual other than the chairman of the department in which the course is taught (or his designated representative) has the right to waive prerequisites. If you feel you have a good reason for asking for an exception to the prerequisite rule, please see the Department Head.

Q: I earned a grade below a "C" in a course. Should I retake the class?

A: Any case where a student earns a grade less than a "C", the CIVE faculty generally encourage retaking the class. This is especially true if the class is a pre-requisite to another course required for the BS CIVE degree. In some cases, students must retake a class before being considered for admission to the CIVE Degree program. Admission to the CIVE Degree program is required to take 400-level CIVE courses. Although the Civil Engineering Admissions Committee reviews files on an individual basis, the following criteria related to the retaking of courses is used.

• Students must earn a "C" or above in Phys 211, EM 223, EM 325, and EM 373, and
• earn a grade of "C" or above in all math, science, and engineering courses required for the BS CIVE degree if the student has a GPA less than 2.70.

Q: I want to transfer a class from another Nebraska College/University, is there a table of equivalent classes?

A: Yes, there are tables on-line (http://admissions.unl.edu/tequiv/index.asp) that list the UNL equivalent to many classes taken at other Nebraska community colleges and 4-year colleges. UNL uses these tables to identify the equivalent course for transfer credit whenever possible.

Q:Do I have to complete the College of Engineering Freshman and Sophomore Seminars?

A: These two seminars are required for Lincoln-based students only. All freshman are required to register for and complete Engineering 010. All sophomores are required to register for and complete Engineering 020. Students that transfer from another University or College with 27 or more hours may ally in 114 OTHM (Engineering College Deans office) to Engr 010 waived. All students transferring less than 65 credit hours must take Engr 020. For Engr 020, transfer students with 65 or more hours will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Dean’s office (114 OTHM) based upon whether the student has had an internship, coop, or professional job; visit 114 OTHM to arrange for the review.

Q:I am finding classes like ENGM 223, ENGM 325, and ENGM 373 are tough and I would like split these up and take one a semester. Is that acceptable?

A:Note that ENGM 223, 325, and 373 are pre-reqs for most CIVE 300-level classes, the 300-level CIVE classes are pre-reqs for the 400-level classes, and these classes are required for admission to the CIVE degree program. Thus delaying taking any ENGM class will likely delay your graduation.

Q:Do I have to apply for admission to the degree program or is this done automatically?

A:The department automatically considers students when a student reaches 43 hours -- that is, you will not have to apply. Please note that many students are put on "hold" until completing all of the science and engineering coursework listed in the CIVE degree plan for the first four semesters. Admission to the degree program is required to take any 400-level CIVE class. For complete information regarding admission to the degree program, students should refer to the UNL Undergraduate Catalog (http://www.unl.edu/unlpub/undergrad/).

Q:Can I take all my Technical Electives in Civil Engineering?

A:Yes. But you can also take up to 6 credit hours from the approved list of courses in Science, Mathematics, or Other Engineering. See the approved list in this packet.

Q:Can a Design Elective course count as a Technical Elective after the Design Elective requirement has been fulfilled?

A:Yes.

Q: Are there any pre-requisites for Senior Design (CIVE 495)?

A: Yes, for entry into the Senior Design course, students must have completed all required courses in 4 of the 5 areas of specialization (environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources) and be concurrently enrolled in the final required course. Senior status will require the senior check be approved and on file in the civil engineering office.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions from Students Considering Transferring to CIVE from Architectural Engineering.