International Students

International flags

As an international student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, you embark on a wonderful educational and cultural adventure that can also produce its share of challenges.

CAST can help you make the most of your experience abroad and overcome those challenges.

Through a combination of international-based workshops, one-on-one coaching, and outreach programs, CAST assists you in acclimating to the U.S. higher education system and becoming the most successful student you can be.

Make an appointment with an academic success coach

International Student Resources

First Six Weeks as a Husker  Workshops 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my GPA?

You can check your GPA by looking up your transcript. You can access your transcript on MyRed. You will not have a GPA until after your first term.

How do I read my transcript?

On your transcript you will see these codes:

Your GPA is a calculation of QPTS divided by QHRS

AHRS = Attempted credit hours - The hours for the classes you signed up for and did not drop before the first week of class.

EHRS = Earned credit hours – Class hours you earned a grade included letter grades and P

QHRS = Quality (credit) hours – Class hours you earned a letter grade A, B, C, D or F

QPTS = Quality points – The amount of points you earned based on your grade and credit hours.

After a full four years, a C student has 240 less points than an A student!

Does every grade affect my GPA?

Every time you earn a letter grade, it is calculated into your overall GPA. Pass (P)/No Pass (N), Withdrew (W), and Incomplete (I) grades do not affect your GPA. Your major may not accept Pass/No Pass classes. Check with your advisor before you make any changes.

My grades are good, but I want to do better. Can I make an appointment with a coach?

Yes! The coaches are always available for every student. Make an appointment anytime to help improve your grades! Make an appointment with a coach.

What is academic probation?

Academic probation happens when your GPA falls below a 2.0 for a semester. For an international student, this is very important. Two semesters on probation could affect your ability to maintain student status and stay in the U.S. If you are on Academic Probation, it is important to work closely with support staff such as advisors and coaches to improve your grades.

What is an advisor?

An advisor helps you decide which classes to take and in which order you should take them. It is very important to talk to an advisor before you register for classes. They will know things like:

  • If a class is applicable to your major.
  • If the class has pre-requisites (classes you should take before the class you want).
  • If the class helps you fulfill an ACE requirement

If you are on Academic Probation, advisors can also serve as a recovery coach.

What is an academic success coach?

An academic success coach’s job is to talk with you about how to navigate and succeed in college. They specialize in talking with students about things like time management, note taking, reading, and test-taking. The international student academic success coach can also talk to you about things such as adjusting to the U.S. academic culture, improving your English reading, working with classmates and professors, and generally understanding how being a successful student in the U.S. might require a different approach to being a student.

How can I find a tutor?

There are many options for tutors at UNL, depending on the course. First, check our Study Stop schedule for tutors/learning consultants.

If none of these options work out, you can make an appointment with an academic success coach. They can help you assess your approach to the course and give you advice on how to work with your professor, TA’s and classmates to get the help you need.