The First-Gen Trailblazer Academy is a practice run before your first week at UNK. It’s designed like a real week in college but with expert input on how to establish the habits of a successful student. Over five days, you’ll have experiences both in and out of the classroom.
- Attend mock classes for math and English to refresh your academic skills.
- Meet with tutors during study blocks in your schedule.
- Participate in workshops, eat in the cafeteria, visit campus offices, and spend time hanging out with other students.
We’ll take you all over campus! This includes academic buildings where you’ll go to class, the Nebraskan Student Union where you’ll eat and attend events, the Learning Commons where you’ll work with tutors, the Memorial Student Affairs Building where you’ll meet with academic advisors, and many other key locations.
You are a vital part of our university and you belong here! We will get you off to a great start to help you succeed at UNK. With a preview into college-level academics, early access to campus resources, guided practice using effective study strategies, and a support team who’s here for you, you’ll be off to a great start! You’ll have an opportunity to build strong connections with others who go through the program with you.
A typical day in the program includes one or two mock classes, study blocks, and workshops. There’s also time for meals and fun activities with other students. A day might look like this:
- 8:30 am – Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Team-building Activity
- 10:00 am – Mock Class
- 11:00 am – Mock Class
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Study Block
- 3:00 pm – Free Time
- 4:00 pm – Workshop
- 5:00 pm – Dinner
- 7:00 pm – Fun activity with other students
Students who complete the full First-Gen Trailblazer Academy will receive:
- A preview into college life complete with mock classes, workshops, meals, and study blocks, which are similar to study sessions, but designed with specific goals and strategies to help you manage your time. We’ll teach you how to schedule these and get the most out of them.
- Fun activities to help you build connections with other new students in the program, but also with returning students who will be your mentors.
- A refresher on math concepts and writing skills that are essential for college-level academic work.
- Permission to enroll in a reserved section of LNSK 103: Foundations for Learning in Fall 2023. You’ll get to meet your LNSK 103 instructor and classmates a week before the semester begins.
- A hardcopy of the required textbook(s) for LNSK 103.
- An individual degree-planning session with an academic advisor.
- Early move-in into your residence hall on August 12 and meals during the 5-day program on August 13-17.
