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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Computer Science & Engineering

All the Answers and More

Undergraduate Advising FAQ's

 

What are Integrative Studies (IS) courses?

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A selection of courses from across the curriculum have been identified as belonging in the IS category.  Computer Science students must pass at least 10 of these courses while Computer Engineering students must pass at least 9.  Most of these courses are already part of the program in English Composition, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, etc. Computer Science students should see that at least 2 of these courses are picked up in general studies, and a 400 level IS is picked up, most likely from CSCE 423, 461, or 476.  Computer Engineering students should see that at least 1 IS course is picked up in humanities/social science electives.  Transfer student situations are treated differently, and they should check with their advisors.

What are minimum acceptable grades?

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Computer Science majors must receive at least a C in all CSCE courses that apply to the degree.  P/N may be used for up to 6hours in the major (and the minor), but complete a substitution form and discuss it with your advisor.  To avoid being placed on probation and ultimately dismissed, the gpa, both semester and cumulative, should stay above 2.000.

Computer Engineering students must receive at least a C in CSCE 156, 230, 235, ELEC 213, 233, MATH 208, PHYS 212 and all their prerequisites in order to be considered for formal admission to the program.  Both semester and cumulative gpa must be at least 2.500 for formal admission.  If the cumulative gpa drops below 2.400, a student will be on "restricted" status, may be removed from the College, and can not graduate for the College.

How can I find my TA?

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Maps of TA offices (all in the 501 Building) are posted near the Department Offices.  Names and numbers are given.  For email addresses use the 'finger' command.

How can I change my major?

  1. Talk to your advisor.
  2. Ask for your advising file from your Department or College office. For Computer Science or Computer Engineering, this is Avery 256.
  3. Take the advising file to your College Dean's office.  For Computer Science, this is the Arts & Sciences Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall. For Computer Engineering, this is the Dean's Office, 181 W Nebraska Hall. There you will get a signature on a form.
  4. Take the advising file to your new College Dean's office and get another signature.  If your college remains the same, steps 3 and 4 can be combined.
  5. Take the advising file to the new Department or College office. Again for incoming Computer Engineering and Computer Science students, this is Avery 256.
  6. Talk to your new advisor
What is the Admission process to Computer Engineering?

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Details are spelled out in the Formal Admission to the Degree Program section of the CE Requirements.  Very briefly, thre is a check after the first couple years of study to identify those students likely to succeed in our program.  Those who do not pass this check are advised of alternatives that will more likely find success.

What must be done to prepare for graduation?

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  1. File for a Senior Check at least one or two semesters prior tograduation.
  2. Early in the semester of graduation, file for the degree.  This requires a $25 non-refundable fee.  Watch carefully for the deadline!
  3. Make certain all fines, fees, and other expenses are paid.
What is the Senior Check?

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Both computer science and computer engineering majors must go through a senior check process that, in a sense, provides a guarantee that successful completion of a specific set of classes being taken and to be taken will lead to the degree.  This should be done while there is still time to make adjustments for the last one or two semesters, should adjustments be needed.  Computer science students file for the senior check with the Records Office in the Administration Building, and the process may take a few weeks.  Computer engineering students can pick up the form from the Department office and schedule a brief appointment with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor.

Can internships be taken for credit?

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Generally internships are NOT for credit.  While they provide invaluable on the job experience, they usually do not include material of an academic nature, nor can it be easily monitored. In some cases you may find a professor who will agree to coordinate with the job supervisor.  In these instances a contract must be completed with all parties, and extra readings, reports, meetings, etc. may be included.  The papers can be obtained from the SEIC office,  Nebraska Union, room 345.  Credit for Computer Engineering students would not substitute for any requirements.  Credit for Computer Science students may possibly  substitute for the additional 6 hours of computer science electives.
Computer Engineers should check the College web pages, specifically http://www.nuengr.unl.edu/Engr/Studentpro/Coop.html for co-op and internship information.

When are the deadlines and finals this semester?

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A complete university calendar can be found just inside your Schedule of Classes tabloid.  This is available online via the UNL home page  http://www.unl.edu or specifically at  http://www.unl.edu/regrec/calensub.htm.
One additional deadline for the Department is for applicants to the Computer Engineering program.  That is about 4 weeks into each semester.

Why do I need an account on cse?

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In addition to regular coursework and a wide variety of excellent resources, the Department is using cse for official announcements.  You are responsible for monitoring cse email on a regular basis!  If for some reason you prefer some other account, at a minimum place a .forward file in your cse account so that this email is forwarded to you.

What are the general studies requirements?

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Computer Engineers have a formula involving 6 courses in 6 areas. See the advising brochure and undergraduate bulletin for more information, and for the most up to date list including IS courses, see http://www.nuengr.unl.edu/Engr/join/HSS.htm
Computer Science students should see their advising brochure and the undergraduate bulletin for lists of courses.  More help can be obtained at the Arts & Sciences Advising Center, Oldfather 107.

What courses transfer?

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Evaluation of transfer hours is done by the Colleges upon a student's admission to UNL.  This process may take a while.  The Chief Undergraduate Advisor has information regarding transfers from other University of Nebraska campuses and the Nebraska Community College system.  You are welcome to inquire regarding courses that would be recommended.

How can I get a Mathematics minor?

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Computer Science students for the first time this year may take a mathematics minor.  Students from earlier years may choose this option, but must also accept the rest of the "package".  Details in included in the advising brochure.  Briefly, this involves taking at least 12 hours of natural science courses from a  selected list.

Can Computer Engineering students get minors?

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Yes, though minors generally involve additional hours of coursework before graduating.  The undergraduate bulletin has a list of minors with details.  Applicatants should fill out a form available in the College Dean's office, W 181 NH.

I'm interested in graduate school here!

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Great choice!  Make sure you have at least 3.000 gpa.  Computer Science students should include CSCE 430 (Computer Architecture), CSCE 451 (Operating Systems), and CSCE 322 (Programming Language Concepts) among their electives.  You will need letters of recommendation.  Check in the Department office for admission information and description of options.

What happens if I drop below full load?

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As long as your hours remain at or above 12 hours, you are at full load.  Going below MIGHT influence scholarships and loans so be sure to check with them at 16 Administration Building. Housing is generally safe down to half load, but you may wish to verify at 1100 Selleck.  International students may have difficulties with visas!  In some cases, the Chief Undergraduate Advisor can sign forms from International Affairs indicating extra hours are being taken from another institution such as Southeast Community College.

How do I find Honor's Project ideas?

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Talk to the professors and explore their web pages to discover research interests and active work.  Also check in the Department office for lists of research interests.   Interdisciplinary theses and projects are also welcome.

I have a problem with a TA or faculty member.

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In nearly all cases other than abuse, students should recognize that they paid for and are entitled to the educational services promised by the University and Department.  You have the right and responsibility to contact the individual in question regarding the problem without fear of retribution.  If this meeting does not resolve the problem, the Department Chair should be contacted.
For further information, check with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor.

What is ACM and when does it meet?

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ACM is the Association for Computing Machinery, the international professional organization for people in the computing industry.  Details of the student chapter are on line at http://acm.unl.edu and the general home page is at http://www.acm.org.

Can I skip a prerequisite to XXX?

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Prerequisites have been carefully established over the years, and generally should be followed.  There are very limited exceptions. Students whose backgrounds include substantial programming may enter CSCE 156, and upon successful completion apply for credit for CSCE 155.  Students whose course histories may not fully reflect their preparation for a course may inquire with the professor for permission to enter a course.  Prerequisite tests are being given in all required Department courses now, and the results, if poor, should be very carefully considered.  Instructors have the right to require withdrawal of students who do not meet the prerequisites.

Where can I get tutoring?

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A list of tutors is posted outside the Chief Undergraduate Advisors office at 259 Avery.  It is available on line via ACM at http://acm.unl.edu/tutoring.html.  At the beginning of each semester students are invited to offer their services through these lists.

Where is Lost and Found in Avery Hall?

Go to the Department Office, Avery 256.

How can I get more complete course descriptions?

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The Chief Undergraduate Advisor and the Department Office keep course descriptions and outlines that are more complete than in the undergraduate catalog.  Instructors may also be able to provide syllabi for their courses and be available for consultation.

How do I declare a Minor?

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Computer Science students fill a form at the Arts & Sciences Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall.  Computer Engineering students fill a form at the Dean's office, 181 W NH.

How can I get a new undergraduate bulletin?

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New bulletins are very cheap at the University Bookstore.  For previous years, check with the Advising Center, Dean's office, Chief Undergraduate Advisor.  You are entitled to graduate under the catalog for the year you entered UNL, up to 10 years past.  You may opt to any newer catalog.

How do I get substitutions and waivers approved?

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Each College has forms for substitutions and waivers, and copies should be available in the Department office.  They may require a variety of signatures and supporting documentation.

I have been academically suspended!  Help!!

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You have two semesters (including summer, possibly) to be away from UNL.  During that time, work, take courses at a community college, in other words - anything to demonstrate your preparedness upon applying to return.  If you wish to appeal, Computer Science students go straight and immediately to the Arts & Sciences Advising Center, 107 Oldfather; Computer Engineering students get appeal forms at the Dean's office, 181 W NH, and get immediate help from the Chief Undergraduate advisor, 259 Avery.