2020-2021 CBA Scholars Academy Handbook

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THE CBA SCHOLARS ACADEMY HANDBOOK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOLAR

2020-2021

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CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

1

MISSION

3

HISTORY

WHAT MAKES A SCHOLAR

3

EXPECTATIONS

5

COMMUNICATION

6

REQUIREMENTS

7

4

ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS

17

PRIVILEGES

19

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

18

COHORT REPRESENTATIVES

19

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DEAR SCHOLARS, The spring semester of 2020 was certainly an unexpected one, and the lasting effects of COVID-19 will make this upcoming academic year unique. However, I have no doubt that we will rise to the challenge and find ways to not just get through obstacles, but thrive in spite of them. I am looking forward to trying new ways to engage with you and ways for you to engage with each other. Through this, we may even find better ways to stay connected that we would not have tried if we had not been forced to do so.

This year, I have made quite a few changes to the requirements after listening to feedback from many of you.

First, the point system is simplified. Categories are gone so there are no longer minimum point thresholds.

Excellent, acceptable, and unacceptable standing have been replaced with excellent and probationary. In addition, the number of points required has changed, decreasing as cohorts reach seniority. Scholars begin to look beyond their college experiences and towards their next steps in life around junior year so I adjusted the points system to reflect that.

For better accountability, we will also be reviewing points and determining excellent and probationary standing at the end of each fall and spring semester instead of just at the end of the academic year. This will help keep all of us accountable to maintaining the high reputation of the Scholars Academy and all its members.

Thank you all for starting and continuing to be in the Academy. You have made my life full, and I look forward to all we will accomplish this next year.

Best regards,

Bethany Hughes Director, CBA Scholars Academy University of Nebraska at Omaha

The policies of this handbook may be changed at anytime by the Scholars Academy and/or College staff. It is the Scholars’ responsibility to keep abreast of any new policy changes. Scholars will be notified of any policy changes in writing.

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MISSION The CBA Scholars Academy invests in the present and future of high-achieving business students. We are equipping Scholars to make a positive impact in their communities by providing challenging coursework in the classroom, connections to businesses and thought-leaders in the field, and unique opportunities for growth in self-awareness.

WE MEET THESE GOALS BY PROVIDING: • an annual scholarship of at least $5,000 to each Scholar to help with tuition costs.

• space and support for student-led community service projects each year.

• a study abroad trip junior year and a generous stipend to offset travel costs.

• retreats for cohorts to build community.

• seven courses that the Scholars complete throughout their four years in the Academy.

• room for organic relationships and mentorship by matching Scholars to business professionals for a mentorship program each year.

• exposure to the business community with company visits throughout the academic year.

HISTORY An honors program specifically for business students was the long-time vision of Dean Louis Pol and CBA faculty. Following financial gifts from the Virginia Pettengill Estate, Carl Mammel, and Dennis and Ruth Duffy, that dream began to take shape in summer 2014 with the hiring of the first director.

After nearly a year of developing programming and recruiting high school seniors, the director and faculty committee selected the first cohort of 20 incoming freshmen in spring 2015.

Twenty incoming freshmen are added to the Scholars Academy every year, following an extensive application process that includes cover letters, resumes, and a day of interviews. The Scholars Academy reached full capacity in fall 2018 with four cohorts.

WHAT MAKES A SCHOLAR While Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and have diverse personalities, all Scholars are expected to exemplify the following traits: Commitment • CBA Scholars are committed to their educations and put forth their best work in the classroom, challenging themselves while expanding their knowledge.

• They are committed to their futures and make those investments now.

• CBA Scholars are committed to each other and participate enthusiastically in the program.

Passion • Passion is giving more than what it is required.

Different individuals carry their passion differently; sometimes it’s loud, sometimes it’s not. No matter the style, it means going the extra mile.

Character • Scholars want to make the world a better place, not just for themselves but for others as well.

Generosity • Because others believe in the program and make investments in it, CBA Scholars are given many perks—including scholarships, mentorship, and other unique opportunities. Scholars are expected to pay-it-forward by being generous with their time and their talents.

Initiative • CBA Scholars are go-getters. They don’t wait for others to make their dreams a reality.

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EXPECTATIONS Incoming freshmen are chosen for the Academy based on their potential to be leaders within the University and College communities. As Scholars, they are held to a high standard of character, academic rigor, and integrity and should adhere to the expectations outlined below.

CONDUCT

RSVPS

The Scholars Academy is known within CBA, and its reputation is determined by the Scholars. The actions of the individual Scholar affects the reputation of all Scholars; the actions of all Scholars affects the reputation of the individual Scholar.

Throughout the year, the Scholars attend events, including retreats and company visits. To accurately plan for these, the Academy gathers RSVPs prior to the events. It is imperative that Scholars attend any event for which they RSVP “yes”. No-shows will result in loss of points.

GENERAL CONDUCT As ambassadors of the Scholars Academy, Scholars are expected to act professionally and respectfully. This includes interactions with faculty, staff, other Scholars, employer partners, guests to our campus, and other University students.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Like all students at the University, Scholars are expected to comply with the UNO Student Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may be grounds for consequences, including loss of program benefits and/or dismissal from the Scholars Academy. The code of conduct may be reviewed on UNO’s website.

INTERVIEW DAY Interview Day is held each spring to interview candidates for the incoming cohort. Scholars in the sophomore and junior cohorts are required to volunteer for the day.

RETREATS Freshman and sophomore Scholars have a retreat during the academic year. Scholars are expected to attend the entirety of these retreats. Coming late or leaving early will result in point deductions for the retreats.

ACADEMIC HONESTY Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating or helping others cheat, will not be tolerated.

Any Scholar determined not to be upholding the positive reputation of the Scholars Academy, especially in the area of conduct, may be dismissed from the Academy and all benefits of the Academy revoked.

COMMUNICATION Good communication is key to being a successful Scholar, whether in-person, over the phone, or through e-mail or text. Regardless of the method of communication, etiquette is mandatory.

EMAIL Most digital communication will be through email. The director Bethany Hughes’ email is bjhughes@unomaha.edu, and she checks it regularly when in the office. Remember, email is NOT the same as a text message to a friend. A professional email has the following characterstics: • A proper greeting. When writing a new email string, your email should start with “Hi/Hello/Good Morning/Etc. Bethany” or just “Bethany.” Then, include a comma and start your email in a new paragraph.

• End the email with a salutation (i.e. Thanks! or Best, or Have a good day!)

• Finally, be sure to add your name after the salutation.

The director will request that any email sent without all of the above elements be resent.

PHONE/TEXT You may call the Scholars Academy office at 402.554.3192 anytime during regular office hours. Outside of office hours, please leave a message.

Another option is to call or text Bethany’s cell number at 402.819.8078. This is NOT to be used for emergencies and is still only used primarily during regular office hours. If you have an on-campus emergency, call 402.554.2911.

OFFICE HOURS Every Scholar is required to meet with the director at least once each academic year. Freshmen and sophomores are required to meet twice, once each semester. Bethany holds office hours on the following days of the week: • Mondays, from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Tuesdays, from 9 to 11 a.m.

• Wednesdays, from 9 to 11 a.m.

• Thursdays, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Scholars may make an appointment with Bethany on Canvas, under Assignments, Meeting with Director.

COMMUNICATION VIA CANVAS All requirements are tracked through Canvas under Assignments. Scholars may subscribe to threads to follow announcements on various topics (e.g., study abroad opportunities, job and internship postings, general announcements). The calendar on Canvas is kept up-to-date with upcoming events. Scholars are responsible for all content communicated through Canvas.

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REQUIREMENTS As a member of the Academy, Scholars have a contract with the Scholars Academy to fulfill the requirements outlined in this section. Based on how many points a Scholar has at the end of each semester determines his/her standing and the privileges awarded the following semester. Requirements are tracked in Canvas under Assignments.

POINT SYSTEM Scholars’ progress in the Academy is tracked through a point system, similar to a point system within a college class. Scholars earn points throughout the year for completing requirements. Any Scholar who does not complete the minimum point requirement will be on probation for the following semester. The number of requirements a Scholar must meet are reduced each year, with the highest commitment freshman year.

GPA Scholars are required to maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Any Scholar whose GPA is below a 3.2 will be on probation.

FINAL EVALUATION At the end of each semester, all Scholars will be evaluated based on their points earned. If any Scholar does not reach the minimum required points for their academic level, they will be on probationary status for the following semester.

PROBATIONARY STATUS Any Scholar who does not reach the point minimum and/or the cumulative GPA minimum at the end of a semester will be on probation. The first semester on probation, the Scholar will not lose any privileges. The second semester on probation, the Scholar will lose his/her scholarship. If a Scholar does not meet the point minimum and/or the cumulative GPA minimum for a third semester in his/her collegiate career, that Scholar will be dismissed from the program.

EXCELLENT STANDING Scholars who earn both the required points and have a GPA of 3.2 or higher will be in excellent standing with the Scholars Academy.

Academic Level

Possible Points

Minimum Points Required

Freshman (2020 Cohort)

490

440

Sophomore (2019 Cohort)

460

410

Junior (2018 Cohort)

290

250

Senior (2017 Cohort), graduating in May 2021 or later

270

250

Senior (2017 Cohort), graduating in December 2020

200

180

FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS

FALL SEMESTER 2020 Requirement All-Scholar Meeting (1)

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

10

September 15, 2020

20

October 1, 2020

10

October 6, 2020

10

November 1, 2020

10

November 3, 2020

10

December 1, 2020

30

December 1, 2020

10

December 1, 2020

30

Mentor Introduction Email Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (1) Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (1)

October 6, 2020

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (2) All-Scholar Meeting (2)

November 3, 2020

Involvement in non-CBA Organization (Fall) Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (2)

December 1, 2020

Involvement in CBA Organization (Fall) Fall Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Meeting with Director

December 4, 2020

30

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (3)

December 4, 2020

10

Total for Fall Semester

200

A freshman Scholar needs to earn at least 150 points from the above assignments to be in excellent standing for spring 2021.

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FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS

SPRING SEMESTER 2021 Requirement

Scheduled On

Due Date

Points

February 1, 2021

20

February 2, 2021

10

March 1, 2021

10

March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021

10

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

50

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (5)

April 1, 2021

10

Mentor Thank You Note

April 1, 2021

20

April 6, 2021

10

April 15, 2021

30

May 1, 2021

10

Update of AW Application All-Scholar Meeting (3)

February 2, 2021

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (4) Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (3) Cohort Retreat

All-Scholar Meeting (4)

April 6, 2021

Annual Report Survey Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (6) Spring Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

Spring Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

Spring Meeting with Director

May 1, 2021

30

Involvement in CBA Organization (Spring)

May 1, 2021

30

Involvement in non-CBA Organization (Spring)

May 1, 2021

30

Total for Spring Semester

290

A freshman Scholar needs to earn at least 440 points from both fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters to be in excellent standing for fall 2021.

SOPHOMORE REQUIREMENTS

FALL SEMESTER 2020 Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

10

September 15, 2020

20

October 1, 2020

10

October 6, 2020

10

November 1, 2020

10

November 3, 2020

10

December 1, 2020

30

December 1, 2020

December 1, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Meeting with Director

December 4, 2020

30

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (3)

December 4, 2020

10

All-Scholar Meeting (1) Mentor Introduction Email Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (1) Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (1)

October 6, 2020

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (2) All-Scholar Meeting (2)

November 3, 2020

Involvement in University Organization (Fall) Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (2)

Total for Fall Semester

170

A sophomore Scholar needs to earn at least 120 points from the above assignments to be in excellent standing for spring 2021.

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SOPHOMORE REQUIREMENTS

SPRING SEMESTER 2021 Requirement

Scheduled On

Update of AW Application All-Scholar Meeting (3)

February 2, 2021

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (4)

Due By

Points

February 1, 2021

20

February 2, 2021

10

March 1, 2021

10

Freshman/Sophomore Scholar Meeting (3)

March 2, 2021

March 2, 2021

10

Volunteer for Interview Day

March 26, 2021

March 26, 2021

30

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

50

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (5)

April 1, 2021

10

Mentor Thank You Note

April 1, 2021

20

April 6, 2021

10

April 15, 2021

30

Involvement in University Organization (Spring)

May 1, 2021

30

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (6)

May 1, 2021

10

Cohort Retreat

All-Scholar Meeting (4)

April 6, 2021

Annual Report Survey

Spring Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

Spring Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

May 1, 2021

30

Spring Meeting with Director Total for Spring Semester

290

A sophomore Scholar needs to earn at least 410 points from both fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters to be in excellent standing for fall 2021.

JUNIOR REQUIREMENTS

FALL SEMESTER 2020 Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

10

September 15, 2020

20

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (1)

October 1, 2020

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (2)

November 1, 2020

10

November 3, 2020

November 3, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

December 4, 2020

10

All-Scholar Meeting (1)* Mentor Introduction Email

All-Scholar Meeting (2)*

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (3) Total for Fall Semester

90

A junior Scholar needs to earn at least 60 points from the above assignments to be in excellent standing for spring 2021.

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JUNIOR REQUIREMENTS

SPRING SEMESTER 2021 Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

February 1, 2021

20

February 2, 2021

10

March 1, 2021

10

March 26, 2021

30

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (5)

April 1, 2021

10

Mentor Thank You Note

April 1, 2021

20

April 6, 2021

10

April 15, 2021

30

May 1, 2021

10

Update of AW Application All-Scholar Meeting (3)

February 2, 2021

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (4) Volunteer for Interview Day

All-Scholar Meeting (4)

March 26, 2021

April 6, 2021

Annual Report Survey Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (6) Spring Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

Spring Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

May 1, 2021

30

Meeting with Director Total for Spring Semester

200

A junior Scholar needs to earn at least 250 points from both fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters to be in excellent standing for fall 2021.

SENIOR REQUIREMENTS

FALL 2020 SEMESTER Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

10

September 15, 2020

20

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (1)

October 1, 2020

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (2)

November 1, 2020

10

November 3, 2020

November 3, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

December 4, 2020

10

All-Scholar Meeting (1)* Mentor Introduction Email

All-Scholar Meeting (2)*

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (3) Total for Fall Semester

90

A senior Scholar needs to earn at least 70 points in the fall semester from the above assignments to be in excellent standing for spring 2021.

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SENIOR REQUIREMENTS

SPRING 2020 SEMESTER Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

February 2, 2021

February 2, 2021

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (4)

March 1, 2021

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (5)

April 1, 2021

10

Mentor Thank You Note

April 1, 2021

20

April 6, 2021

10

Senior Survey

April 15, 2021

30

Annual Report Survey

April 15, 2021

30

May 1, 2021

10

All-Scholar Meeting (3)

All-Scholar Meeting (4)

April 6, 2021

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (6) Spring Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

Spring Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

May 1, 2021

10

May 1, 2021

30

Meeting with Director Total for Fall Semester

180

A senior Scholar needs to earn at least 250 points in his/her fourth year to graduate with Scholars Academy honors.

SENIOR REQUIREMENTS (Graduating December 2020)

FALL 2020 Requirement

Scheduled On

Due By

Points

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

10

September 15, 2020

20

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (1)

October 1, 2020

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (2)

November 1, 2020

10

November 3, 2020

November 3, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (1)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Fall Business Visit (2)

Dates Vary

December 4, 2020

10

Meeting with Mentor/Reflection (3)

December 4, 2020

10

Mentor Thank You Note

December 4, 2020

20

Senior Survey

December 4, 2020

30

Annual Report Survey

December 4, 2020

30

Meeting with Director

December 4, 2020

30

All-Scholar Meeting (1)* Mentor Introduction Email

All-Scholar Meeting (2)*

Total for Fall Semester

200

A senior Scholar graduating in December needs to earn at least 180 points in the fall semester from the above assignments to graduate with Scholars Academy honors.

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ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS Scholars are expected to put forth their best work when submitting their Scholars Academy assignments. These are a reflection of you as a professional and the Scholars Academy as a whole.

BUSINESS VISITS You must RSVP to attend a business visit, and if you RSVP, you must attend. If you are unable to come after you RSVP yes, you will have to find another Scholar to replace you. If you do not find a replacement, you will have ten points deducted, which you will have to make up elsewhere.

After attending a business visit, you will have to write a short thank you note to the presenters to earn your points within three days.

These can be submitted on Canvas.

RETREATS The freshman and sophomore retreat will be in April 2021. All Scholars in the 2019 and 2020 cohorts are expected to attend the entirety of the retreat. They will also be required to sign an agreement before the retreat to uphold standards of conduct.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS Late assignments will no longer be accepted.

UNACCEPTABLE ASSIGNMENTS All submissions should use proper grammer, complete sentences, and meet the minimum word count. Scholars will have an opportunity to redo one assignment if it does not meet these requirements.

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PRIVILEGES Scholars earn privileges based on their end-of-year standing, determined by points tallied after the each semester. Scholars on probation must return to excellent standing before their privileges are reinstated.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Scholars may hold leadership opportunities as cohort representatives or committee leadership positions. To be eligible for these roles, a Scholar must have earned excellent standing the previous academic semester.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Each fall, two junior Scholars are selected to attend the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association (USPAA) Scholar Summit. To be considered for this opportunity, a junior must be in excellent standing.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Scholars may need letters of recommendation throughout the year. If a Scholar is in excellent standing, they may request a letter of recommendation from a Scholars Academy staff member. Scholars should be aware that going above and beyond expectations will help staff write a better letter of recommendation.

SCHOLARSHIPS Scholars receive a minimum $2,500 each semester, totaling at least $5,000 each academic year. The Scholars Academy scholarships include the CBA Scholars Academy scholarship, the CBA Faculty and Student Excellent Fund, the Fiserv scholarship, the Kiernan scholarship, the Sklenar scholarship, and the Duffy Family scholarship On the first semester on probation, a Scholar will not lose his or her scholarship(s).

On the second semester on probation, a Scholar will lose his or her scholarship(s) for that semester but can remain in the Scholars Academy. Once the Scholar is back to exellent standing, the scholarship(s) will be reinstated.

If a Scholar does not meet requirements for a third semester, he or she will be dismissed from the program and lose all privileges of the program, including future scholarships.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Scholars must have completed or met all the requirements outlined below to graduate with Scholars Academy honors.

GPA

STUDY ABROAD

COHORT COURSES

INTERNSHIP

Scholars are expected to maintain a 3.2 or higher GPA throughout their undergraduate career. They must have a cumulative 3.2 or higher University of Nebraska GPA at the time of graduation to officially graduate with Academy honors.

Scholars are required to enroll in and successfully complete the seven cohort courses. The only exception is if a Scholar is transferring the course equivalent from dual enrollment credit.

Scholars may not enroll in non-cohort sections of these courses at UNO or transfer these courses from another institution if taken while in the Scholars Academy. Scholars must earn a passing grade (“C” or better) in each course to complete the course requirement.

In conjunction with the BSAD 4000 courses Scholars complete spring of junior year, Scholars will travel abroad for a 10-day trip.

This trip is a requirement of the Academy and must be completed for a Scholar to graduate with Academy honors.

Every Scholar must complete at least one internship while pursuing a BSBA. Scholars in the 2019 and earlier cohorts do not need to complete an internship for academic credit, although they may and are encouraged to do so. Scholars in the 2020 cohort and following must complete an internship for academic credit.

Scholars who complete an internship for academic credit must complete the internship class with a passing grade (“C” or better) to fulfill the Scholars Academy requirement. Those who do not wish to complete their internship for academic credit will need to complete a reflection for the Scholars Academy.

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COHORT REPRESENTATIVES

8%

Each cohort selects two representatives, who speak on behalf of the group. They do not put forth their own, personal agendas. As representatives, they meet with the director monthly to discuss the upcoming months and semesters and how the Academy as a whole may benefit.

Freshman representatives will be selected in December of freshman year and serve until the end of sophomore year. Juniors and seniors will be selected between April and September and serve for one calendar year.

The selection process has three steps: 1. Interested Scholars can self-nominate by emailing the director a paragraph on why he/she would like to be a Scholar representative. This paragraph will be distributed to the cohort for the voting process.

2. All Scholars have an opportunity to vote on the individual he/she would like to be the representative. (The votes are not the final say, but inform the decision the Scholars Academy staff makes.) All votes, including totals, are kept confidential.

3. The final decision is up to the director and staff.

College of Business Administration Mammel Hall 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182 402.554.3192 | cba.unomaha.edu/scholars The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UCRPTTEMP1016