New Graduate Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Northern Colorado! We'll help make your transition to UNC an easy one.

Newly Admitted Students

Students in Extended Campus programs: Please visit the Extended Campus Current Students section for information tailored to your needs.


URSA, Email and eBill

Activate Your Online URSA Account
You can activate your URSA Account 48 hours after you have been admitted. You will be unable to activate it before then. For help, direct your questions to (970) 351-4357 or receive step-by-step directions. You will need your Bear Number (which can be found in your Admissions Portal) and your date of birth. Once your account is activated, the system will assign you a Personal Digital Identity (PDID) and your university email address. Please make note of your PDID, you will use it to log into URSA after your account has been activated. You can now register for classes.

Check Your Bearmail Account — UNC’s Student Email Service
You will be receiving important emails from us in your BearMail account such as financial aid and faculty correspondence. Visit bears.unco.edu to get started. It is important to note that this is the only email UNC will use to communicate with you moving forward.

Check Your eBill — UNC’s online bill payment service.


Submit your Immunization Records

All students taking courses through UNC in a classroom setting or are pursuing an online program that requires five or more consecutive days on campus are required by Colorado State Regulations to supply immunization documents showing two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (coded MMR). These records can be uploaded below. All records should be turned in prior to registration. If you are having problems locating your records, there are a number of options available to you. Please contact Deb Miller at 970-351-1919 or via email at debra.miller@unco.edu and she’ll be happy to assist you.


Register for Courses

Ready to register?
If you need help navigating UNC’s online registration system, please visit the Registration Assistance page. If you’ve already activated your student account in Ursa, log in a click on the “Student” tab to get started.

Don’t know what courses to register for? Contact your advisor, who is listed in your Admissions Portal.


Register for Orientation

Visit the New Graduate Student Orientation webpage. You can also check out the Orientation Guide (GO! Guide).


Academic Advising

All graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Your program may have other standards that you must meet, so be sure to check with your advisor.

Master’s Students
The graduate coordinator in your program will help you understand your program requirements. They will also create a plan of study and mentor you in your studies and research.

Doctoral Students
Select a faculty member to serve as your research advisor and to direct your dissertation.


Recommended Tasks for Your First Semester


Need additional assistance?

Whether you need help with your account, help finding housing or help with financial aid resources, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at grad.admissions@unco.edu. You’re the reason we’re here!