Incoming first-year students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln can get a jump-start on their degree with a new program called the Husker Starter Pack.

The program allows both resident and nonresident first-year domestic students to take summer school classes for $116.67 per credit hour during the second five-week session, which begins July 13. This means all new, first-time students who had planned to start at Nebraska in summer or fall 2020 can take a standard three-credit class for more than half off the regular tuition rate.

“We understand this is a challenging time for students. These students have experienced the cancellations of activities and milestone events they’ve looked forward to for a long time,” said Abby Freeman, director of admissions. “The new Husker Starter Pack will help new first-year students to quickly connect with the university and launch their careers as successful Husker students.”

Incoming first-year students can take any classes offered through the Husker Starter Pack, but the university is encouraging them to complete pre-requisites and general education classes, known as ACE (Achievement-Centered Education). Advisers will help students complete their registration for online summer classes to make sure they match their degree plan.

Some Husker Starter Pack classes include:

• Computer Science I: Engineering and Science Focus
• Technical Communication I
• Writing and Inquiry
• College Algebra
• Introduction to Geology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Theatre
• Intro to Design Theory and Criticism

“In keeping with our land-grant mission, our top priority is providing an affordable and accessible education,” said Elizabeth Spiller, executive vice chancellor. “We are proud of everything these students have accomplished and know they will do great things at Nebraska. The Husker Starter Pack provides them with a great opportunity to get a head start on their college degree.”

The university will continue with remote learning for summer session. More than 100 new classes are being offered this summer, as part of an initiative by the Executive Vice Chancellor’s Office to keep students engaged with the university. Nebraska plans to return to on-campus classes in the fall, taking public-health guidance, safety and social distancing into account.