Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to Admissions-related questions you might have here, and check our COVID-19 website for regularly updated university-wide information.

General Information

• Is the Office of Admissions open?

  At this time Office of Admissions staff are working remotely to support students and answer questions while the UNC campus is closed. 

• Are Admissions staff available for help and support?

  In light of UNC’s campus closure, Admissions staff are working remotely to support our campus community’s health and safety. Our staff is available to answer questions and inquiries. 

  Schedule an appointment

• How can I reach the Office of Admissions?

  We are available to answer your questions via phone or email. You can find our contact information here. You are also able to set up a time to connect with an Admission Counselor via a phone or virtually, just schedule an appointment.

Admitted Students 

• Is May 1 still the Confirmation deadline?

  No. We realize that many students are reassessing their college decision process so we plan to support and celebrate students' decisions to attend UNC throughout the summer.

  If you are admitted to the School of Music or the School of Theatre Arts & Dance, please confirm program deadlines by connecting with Kendra.Schneider@unco.edu.

• Is my enrollment deposit refundable?

  Our enrollment deposit applies directly to your student bill the first semester you enroll at UNC (it is not a fee). However, UNC recognizes that COVID-19 is creating financial uncertainty and will consider requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to your admission counselor with questions. 

• Am I still required to attend Orientation?

  Due to ongoing concerns and preventative measures regarding COVID-19 all on-campus events through July 31, 2020 have been canceled, including on-campus New Student Orientation.

  We are working on virtual delivery and will provide updates on the New Student Orientation website.

• What happens if my parents or I lose our jobs due to Coronavirus? How does this impact my future financial aid?

  If you or your parent(s) have been impacted financially by the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), or by other circumstances, either by loss of income, loss of employment, or other circumstances that significantly impact your or your family’s ability to pay for future educational expenses, the Office of Financial Aid may be able to take them into consideration.

  If you already have a Bear Verification account, log in to your account through Ursa and click on the blue button on the top right that says “Request”, and request a Family Contribution Appeal. If you do not have a Bear Verification account, you may contact the Office of Financial Aid at ofa@unco.edu briefly explaining your circumstances to start your request for an appeal. The appeal will be completed online, and you will need to provide documentation to support your appeal. We are here to help!

  Please note:

  • Loss of income must have occurred for 60 days or more prior to the date of appeal.
  • You will need to be able to document at least a 20% decrease in income for consideration.

  If you submit an appeal, please note that processing times usually are 2-3 weeks, and at times processing times may exceed 3 weeks. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at ofa@unco.edu.

• Can I still apply for financial aid for Fall 2020?

  Even though UNC's priority deadline for aid has passed, students and families are still encouraged to file a FAFSA using the IRS data-retrieval tool when possible. Although campus is temporarily closed, our office will continue to process aid applications and will send out important updates as they become available.

• How can I complete verification now that campus is closed? 

  The verification process at the University of Northern Colorado is completed online through the student’s Ursa account. Students and parents are able to use online based forms to complete verification and e-sign documents. View Instructions on how to create accounts and complete the verification process here. On that same site there are additional instructions on how parent(s) can set up their Bear Verification account.

  If students or parents need to provide other documents, like IRS Tax Return Transcripts, IRS 1040 Forms, W-2s, etc., our systems also allow students to upload pictures (clear and legible), or PDF files. These systems are operational, and files are being reviewed during business hours.

  If you experience issues creating your account or e-signing a document, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid either via email at ofa@unco.edu or call our office at 970 351-4862 Ext. 1 during regular office hours.

• Can I defer my enrollment to later term?

  Yes, students can complete the Change Information Form to defer their enrollment to a later term. Keep in mind students can only defer for 3 consecutive academic semesters. Additionally, if during that time you complete any college-level coursework at a community college or university, you will need to reapply to UNC as a transfer student. You’ll also be required to submit official transcripts. 

Campus Tours and Visit Events

• What events have been impacted or canceled?

  Due to ongoing concerns and preventative measures regarding COVID-19, all campus events and visits through July 31 have been canceled. If you registered for one of these events, you’ll be contacted via email with more details and upcoming virtual opportunities.

  We’ll be updating the UNC Visit website with opportunities to explore our campus virtually. You can also schedule an appointment to connect with an Admission Counselor via a phone or virtually, or start with our virtual tour here.

• Have off-campus visits been impacted?

  Yes, UNC will not attend any college fairs or other school visits funtil further notice, but we’d love to tell you about campus and answer your questions. To speak with an Admission Counselor via a phone or virtually, schedule an appointment.  

• Are there other ways to learn more about the UNC campus?

  Yes! Visit our website to explore virtual events or schedule an appointment with an Admission Counselor. 

• Will events be rescheduled?

  All on campus visit opportunities have turned virtual! Go to the Visit UNC website to learn more.

• Can I come to campus even though events are canceled?

  We strongly advise you do not come to campus to help ensure the safety of our campus community and yourself. We’d love to have you take our virtual tour instead or explore virtual events to learn more about UNC.

Future or Current Applicants

• My SAT Or ACT testing day was canceled, can I still apply?

  Yes! Please reach out to your Admission Counselor if this situation applies to you. We are happy to help you through the application and enrollment steps!

• Can I still send my transcripts and/or test scores to UNC?

  Yes. We’re still processing any application materials that are received. Documents may be submitted through Naviance, admissions@unco.edu, or mail. Please excuse any delays in processing times.

• My plans have changed, can I still apply to UNC?

  Yes — it’s not too late! We’re waiving our application fee through June 15, so apply now. We’re happy to help with any questions you may have