Huskers Away From Home is a program that matches out-of-state freshmen with local alumni host "families" to give the students a friendly and supportive contact in Lincoln. Host families and their students may schedule get-togethers based on their own time and personal interests, a minimum of twice per semester. Get-togethers are at the expense of the hosts. Huskers Away From Home is sponsored by the Office for Undergraduate Studies and coordinated by the Nebraska Alumni Association.

Here’s How it Works:

Who is eligible to serve as a host? Any alumnus/alumna or friend of the university may serve as a host. Previous hosts have included everyone from empty nesters to young, single folks to young families with children.

Which students are eligible? All out-of-state non-athlete freshmen are invited to participate on a first come, first served basis.  Eligible students will receive an invitation to an informational dinner after the school year commences.

How are students and hosts matched? When signing up for the program, hosts and students are asked to complete a brief questionnaire that will aid us in matching people.

What are the requirements for host families? Host families are asked to engage in a minimum of two additional activities per semester at their expense. Additional get-togethers and contacts are encouraged as everyone’s time allows.

What are the requirements for student participants? Students are asked to make a firm commitment to participating in the program. Although it is sometimes difficult to coordinate schedules, students are asked to recognize that alumni are volunteering their time and effort to make their experience at NU a better one.

Can I still serve as a host if I don't live in Lincoln? As long as you are willing to travel to Lincoln to spend time with your student(s), you may participate. Because of the time demands placed on students, and because some won't have their own vehicles, students should not be expected to drive to another city.

How do I sign up to serve as a host? We are currently seeking hosts for the 2007 – 2008 school year.  Please contact Pam Penner for more information.

How do I sign up participate as a student? An information session for students will be held on Tues. Oct. 9.  All eligible students will receive an invitation after the school year commences.  Students who are unable to attend the session may still participate by contacting Pam Penner.

Comments from participants in the program . . .

Students:
- I think Huskers Away From Home was a very positive experience I would recommend it to any out-of-state student.
- I love the program. My home mom is now a pen pal to my Husker mom.
- No matter how far away I am from home, there is someone here to talk to, to help out or just to hang out with when I’m feeling lonely.

Alumni Hosts:
- I have enjoyed talking to the students we have hosted about how things were going and being able to recommend resources at UNL to help their first year go better.

-(Our student) stayed with us when her dorm closed over the holidays.
- The students are interesting to visit with - they have given us a fresh perspective on college life.
- We enjoyed hearing about college life and how it was so different from our experiences at UNL.

Parents:
- My son referred often to his host as his "foster parent."
- If only I could fully express in words how comforting it was for me to know (my son) had someone to turn to.