Returning to UNC

Alumni and Former Students

When you return to finish your degree, navigating the technical side of registration, course selection, and scheduling can feel overwhelming. The Registrar’s team is here to guide you through every step, from accessing your student records to understanding degree requirements and managing enrollment deadlines. We provide personalized support to ensure you complete all necessary paperwork correctly and stay on track for graduation. With our help, you can confidently handle the administrative details and focus on your academic success.

Finishing Your Undergraduate Degree at UNC?

We’ll Help You Get Back on Track! Whether you took a break or life took you in a different direction, UNC is ready to welcome you back.

You’ll need to reapply through Admissions to get started.

Here’s what to do:
  1. Complete the Returning Student Application. This updates your student status. You’ll get a confirmation email once it’s processed (please allow 24 hours).
  2.  Activate Your Ursa Account. Ursa is your online student portal. Need help logging in? Contact Technical Support at 970-351-4357.
  3. Meet With Your Advisor. You’ll need your advisor’s help—and your PIN number—to register. Not sure who your advisor is or want to change your major? Contact the department directly.
  4. Register for Classes. Check the pre-registration schedule and plan ahead.
  5. Apply for Housing and/or Financial Aid. If you need support with housing or tuition, be sure to take care of those applications early.

Reach out to Student Academic Success at probation@unco.edu before submitting your application. They’ll guide you on any steps you’ll need to take.

If you’re still exploring whether finishing your degree is the right move, we’re happy to help.
Contact our Graduation team for a review of your remaining requirements:
  • 970-351-4862 (option 3)
  • graduation@unco.edu
Let’s figure it out together—you’ve got options.

Second Bachelor's Degree

Whether you’re looking to change careers, build new skills, or explore a new field, UNC is here to support your next step.

You’ll need to apply through the Admissions Office as a second bachelor’s degree student. Visit Admissions to get started.
You can pursue a second bachelor’s degree in a different program by following these steps:
  1. Complete the Returning Student Application. This updates your student status. You’ll get a confirmation email once it’s processed—please allow 24 hours.
  2. Connect with Your New Program. Contact the department of your new major. They’ll complete a major/minor change form and send it to the Registrar’s Office at Bear Central in the Campus Commons.
  3. Meet With Your Advisor. You’ll need to meet with an advisor to plan your courses and get your registration PIN.
  4. Activate Your Ursa Account. Ursa is your student portal for registration and more. Need help logging in? Call Technical Support at 970-351-4357.
  5. Register for Classes. Check the pre-registration schedule to plan ahead.
  6. Apply for Housing or Financial Aid (If Needed). Be sure to submit any housing or financial aid applications early to secure your spot.

Graduate School

Start by submitting your application to the Graduate School. That’s your first step toward becoming a Bear.
  • Complete the Returning Student Application to update your student status.
  • Once it’s processed (please allow 24 hours), you’ll receive a confirmation email.
You can fill out the Non-Degree Application to take graduate-level courses while your grad school application is under review.
Keep in mind: Non-degree graduate students aren’t eligible for financial aid.
Make sure to check in with your Graduate Program Coordinator. They’ll help ensure any classes you take now can count toward your degree later.

Non-Degree Seeking

UNC welcomes visiting and non-degree seeking students—whether you’re here for personal enrichment, transfer credits, or graduate-level learning without committing to a full program just yet.

  • You’ll need a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit the Non-Degree Application online
  • Look out for a confirmation email with next steps (please allow up to 72 hours)
Just a heads-up: Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.
  • Complete the Returning Student Application to be reinstated
  • You’ll get an email once your account is reactivated and ready to go
Thinking about grad school or just want to take a class or two? You can apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student:
  • Submit the Non-Degree Application online
  • Check your email for confirmation and next steps (please allow 72 hours)
  • Be sure to talk with your Graduate Program Coordinator if you want courses to count later
We’re glad you’re interested in learning with us—whether you’re here for one class or the first step in something bigger!