Life Skills Hosts Moving Off Campus Seminar

On Sunday, January 13th, all first-year Husker student-athletes attended the Moving Off Campus Seminar in the West Stadium Club. The seminar provided student-athletes in attendance with helpful financial tips and other important things to consider as they prepare to move out of the residence halls and into off-campus housing. The event was highlighted by four guest speakers covering a wide range of topics important for all first-time renters.

The first speaker of the evening was Associate Director of Compliance, Jena Johnson, who provided information on the monthly stipend process for scholarship student-athletes and tips on how to use those funds as efficiently as possible for various living expenses. She also reminded students about unexpected expenses and the importance of saving for emergencies.

Sammi Cowger, who is the Director of PEO Programs for Nebraska Athletics, was the second featured speaker of the evening and led the group in a budgeting activity where first-year student-athletes learned how much it really costs to live off campus. Other topics covered in this segment included understanding a lease, co-signers, credit checks, and campus resources that can be used to help with the process of moving off campus.

Safety is another important topic for student-athletes to consider when living on their own. Former New York City Police Detective and current Compliance Assistant/Security Expert, Patrick Kelly, addressed the topic of security and how to stay safe when living off campus. Student-athletes were also reminded to avoid behaviors that can have legal repercussions and how the Compliance Office can assist with questions related to law enforcement in the community.

Student-athletes were also given four useful tips on how to be a good roommate from psychologist, Lawrence Chatters. Dr. Chatters challenged the student-athletes to CARE: be Considerate, be Accepting, be Respectful, and be Empathetic. He described these four traits as being at the center of any good roommate relationship.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion including four current Husker student-athletes who shared their personal experiences with moving off campus. The panel members included junior gymnasts Kelli Chung and Catelyn Orel, sophomore women’s soccer student-athlete Mayte Corral, and redshirt junior baseball player Robbie Palkert. 

The Moving Off Campus Seminar is an annual event that is required for all first-year student-athletes and is a part of the 4-year tiered programming of Nebraska Life Skills. To learn more about Nebraska Life Skills, visit Huskers.com/lifeskills.