Spring Start
A 4-Phase Orientation Experience
Start your UNC experience in January with a four-phase Orientation experience designed to help you prepare, connect and feel at home. Your transition begins before you arrive on campus and continues throughout your first year at the University of Northern Colorado. Whether you are beginning college for the first time, transferring from another institution or pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, each phase helps you build confidence, connect with resources and find your community. New Student Orientation and Winter Welcome Kick-Off are expected and strongly encouraged for all new spring-start undergraduate students.
Phase 1 – Pre-Orientation and Virtual Engagement
Beginning October 15, 2026
Your Orientation journey begins with the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course, which will appear on your UNC Admissions Portal checklist on October 15.
Work through the course before your January arrival to learn about essential campus resources, community expectations and steps to prepare for your transition.
Pre-Orientation helps you:
- Build familiarity with UNC before arriving on campus
- Explore information at your own pace
- Prepare to participate in New Student Orientation
During November and December, the Office of New Student Orientation and Transition Programs will also host webinars to help you learn more, ask questions and prepare for the spring semester. Webinar topics, dates and participation details will be announced soon.
Advising and Class Registration
Academic advising and class registration are a separate process from New Student Orientation. Your Admissions Portal checklist includes instructions for signing up for an advising and class registration appointment. You are expected to complete advising and class registration before attending Spring New Student Orientation.
Phase 2 – New Student Orientation
Friday, January 8, 2027
Spring New Student Orientation (NSO) brings new Bears together in a close-knit setting to build connections, explore campus resources and prepare for their first semester at UNC.
January 8 is the only Spring NSO date, held just before classes begin Monday, January 11. Sign up through your UNC Admissions Portal.
- Check-in: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Welcome lunch and program kick-off: Begin at noon
Optional Morning Opportunities
Before NSO begins, explore campus and take care of remaining next steps.
- Campus Tours: Explore key buildings, resources and academic spaces with current students, including personalized stops based on your sign-up selections. Residence halls are not included.
- Academic Advising Drop-Ins: Get help with your class schedule, academic plans and remaining questions. For directions or a golf cart ride to your college’s advising center, visit the Orientation Leaders in the Campus Commons Lobby.
- Campus Business: Pick up your Bear ID or books and get answers about parking or your bill. University offices are open throughout the day.
Your Student Experience
You’ll participate with a small group of new students led by an Orientation Assistant, who will guide conversations and help you connect throughout the day.
Your experience includes:
- Joining the Community of Bears: Build connections through activities and conversations about belonging, your transition and first-semester goals.
- Bears Look Out for Bears: Explore campus expectations, support resources and your role in creating a safe, respectful community.
- Resource Fair and Campus Presentations: Meet campus partners, ask questions and discover resources that support your success.
- Small Group Connections: Get to know other new Bears and reflect on what you’re learning throughout the day.
Family and Friends at NSO
While students participate in their sessions, supporters will join a dedicated Family and Friends Track. Through sessions and conversations with university staff, you will:
- Explore campus resources and how students access support
- Learn about student well-being, safety and accountability
- Understand what to expect during your student’s transition and first year
- Connect with other UNC families and supporters
- Leave with clear next steps before classes begin
Phase 3 – Transition to Campus
Move-In – Friday, January 8, 2027
Residential students can move in on the morning of January 8, before New Student Orientation programming begins at noon. Whether you live on campus or commute, NSO and Winter Welcome offer opportunities to meet other Bears, get familiar with campus and build your community.
Winter Welcome Kick-Off – Saturday, January 9, 2027
Continue your welcome weekend with opportunities to connect, explore and get involved. The Office of New Student Orientation and Transition Programs hosts Winter Welcome Kick-Off in collaboration with campus partners to help you feel at home and discover ways to engage at UNC.
Winter Welcome Continues
Winter Welcome extends through the first two weeks of classes with programs and activities for all students. Offices and departments across UNC contribute to this shared welcome effort, creating opportunities to meet people, explore campus life and stay connected as the semester begins. Visit BearConnect for event details and the latest schedule.
Phase 4 – First-Year Experience
Ongoing connection and support
Your transition to UNC continues after Winter Welcome. Throughout your first year, the Division of Student Affairs and partners across the university provide ongoing communications and access to resources that support your success. As you build your UNC experience, stay connected with campus information, explore opportunities to get involved and reach out when you need support. This phase helps you continue building community and know where to turn as new questions and needs arise. Find opportunities to connect throughout Winter Welcome and beyond. Use BearConnect to view event details, build your schedule and stay up to date with changes.