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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 1998)
Computer classes allow Lincoln residence By Sandi Alswager Staff writer Starting this semester, UNL stu dents can get a four-year degree through the University of Nebraska at Omaha aviation institute without transferring. . 4 For the past three years, aviation students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln could take some courses in Lincoln, but would have to finish the degree in Omaha. “It remains a UNO degree, but (students) can complete their campus enrollments and minors while taking computer-mediated classes and a few telecommunications courses in their major area,” UNO Aviation Institute Director Brent Bowen said Josh Stutzman, a freshman pre aviation major, said he was happy an aviation program was made available to UNL. “These are great classes, and the instructors are great,” Stutzman said. “A lot of people don’t know about this program.” But many students are hoping that the program can be offered through four years of teacher instruction rather than through computer-medi ated and telecommunication classes, Lincoln Pre-Aviation Coordinator Alicia Martin said. Martin said many students would rather transfer to UNO after about two years of the instruction available in Lincoln than take the computer courses. By taking distance-learning classes in Lincoln, students earn a different degree - a bachelor of gen eral studies with an emphasis in avia tion. By finishing the degree in Omaha, students get a bachelor of science in public administration with the aviation emphasis. Stutzman, who plans to finish the program at UNO, said he wishes he could continue to live in Lincoln. “I hope (UNL) will do the whole program,” he said. “It is convenient to come here.” Martin said the program has grown within the past year. “It really took off last year, and enrollment has been rising ever since,” Martin said. More than 100 Lincoln students have been enrolled in the program, she said; “There was a demand for the pro gram. There are great aviation busi nesses in Lincoln, and a lot of stu dents were driving to Omaha (for the program),” Martin said. Sophomore Pedram Nabegh switched his mechanical engineering major to pre-aviation after he heard about the program being offered at UNL. “I didn’t even know they had it,” he said. Nabegh said his aviation studies were so much more interesting than his engineering studies that he can study twice as long without becom ing bored. After Nabegh completes the two year program, he said, he will have to transfer to UNO. He said he wishes he could get same degree through four years in Lincoln that he could at UNO. u-— I have great enthusiasm for the program. It’s above our expectations.” Brent Bowen UNO Aviation Institute Director Transferring will be hard for Nabegh, who dives for the UNL swim team. But Nabegh said his athletic adviser will try to work something out that will allow him to continue to dive. Another addition to the program is Internet-based classes. Martin said some students like taking classes electronically because they can work on the assignments at their convenience. The computer classes were first offered last year, and more will be offered next year, Martin said. The aviation program caters to anyone interested in aviation, Martin said. It involves all ground skills, intro duction to aviation and flight training, ' with both lower- and upper-level classes being offered Martin said students with majors ranging from pre-veterinary to psy chology have joined pre-aviation stu dents in the program. “I have great enthusiasm for the program,” Bowen said “It’s above our expectations. As long as there is a strong demand, we will continue to provide programs.” Interested students can register for the courses through general regis tration. Students wanting further infor mation can contact the UNL pro gram’s offices at (402) 472-4432, or stop by Neihardt Residence Center, Room 2113,540 N. 16th St . . ''"'iTOiig-i' . 'i.^-v «s£aa •.-‘ Ilf III I I I I I ■ J III ^^B 1 A ‘ f I I I I 1 I I I I I pfl bI I r-i a— 1 . A For more information contact the mmeuc Mandating Office at 472-9839 or huskerfuryOhuskers.unl.edu. HuskerFury is open to every fuii-time student, except student-athletes. pi—,... .-^P- - 1 . • t -a - - . . t s-*-.it tv. r •. *: £-•>* . * rrogram seeks minority mentors By Dane Stickney StaffWriter The Lincoln Action Program is looking for 40 to 50 volunteers of diverse ethnic backgrounds to be positive mentors for Lincoln youth. The program has been providing support for children who are at risk of dropping out of school for the last three years. Program Director Tanya Smith said the program needs more male minorities to volunteer as mentors. “The young men of color that we help through tutoring and other activ ities really need an adult mentor with a background similar to their own.” Each year the program pairs 60 youths with 60 adults in hopes of sup plying much-needed support to junior high and high school students who are at a possible risk of leaving school. Those students usually are from low-income or minority back grounds, so there is a great demand for mentors from all cultural back grounds, Smith said. The mentoring program attempts to improve academic performance, reduce dropout rates and enhance self-esteem through positive one-on one relationships. “If there are men of color who really want to make a difference in a young person’s life, they should real ly consider being a mentor. You can really change the future by helping one young man make the right choic es now,” she said. The program lasts from October to May and requires five to 15 hours of active involvement per month. I" 66 Its fun to hang out with a little kid and be a role model. It is very rewarding to see them get excited about doing homework. They really look up to you.,f Katie Stark mentor Activities include a 90-minute tutor ing session each week, a monthly social or recreational activity and quarterly support group meetings. The youth will visit their men tors’ place of employment or college, and tiie mentor will visit the youth’s school. The program is set to start the week of Oct. 12 with orientations scheduled for the prior week. Mentors must be 18 years old, complete a volunteer application and provide references. Junior education major Juan Izaguirre, a past mentor for the pro gram, said the program rewards the mentor as well as the student “The program helped me grow as a person. It made me feel good to have a positive influence on a young person. Izaguirre said he helped his assigned student with his math class. “Math is hard in high school. I just showed him how to do it and he improved a lot” “It is always a good experience to help young people,” he said. “You can make their life easier just by showing them what you have learned. I got my two cents in where it count ed and hopefully I made a differ ence.” Katie Stark, a elementary educa tion sophomore, is starting her sec ond year as a mentor. “It’s fun to hang out with a little kid and be a role model,” she said. “It is very rewarding to see them get excited about doing homework. They really look lip to you.” Stark said there is more to the program than just doing homework. She and her student went to the mall, played miniature golf and participat ed in a karaoke night “We need more university stu dents to participate in the program,” Stark said. “Kids need an older friend to teach them about morals, plus it feels good to be a positive influence.” The Lincoln Action Program will provide free tickets to movies and community events. Support groups and training are also available. People interested in in becoming Lincoln Action Program mentors should contact Tanya Smith at (402) 471-4515 or stop by the Lincoln Action Program offices at 2202 S. 11* St www.unl.edu/DailyNeb Most NU students (67%) don't ride with a drunk driver Most NU students recognize that riding with a drunk driver is risky behavior and avoid dimbing into a car with a Mend who's had too much. By following a few quick tips—like carrying enough change to call a taxi, establishing an emergency contact person you can reach if necessary, and agreeing to watch out for the friends you party with—can help keep a night of partying safe. Brought to you by Project CARE and the Social Responsibility Committee „ ,w,, „ .. /’ ’ c "> < ■■ * '
