Fall Start

Your transition to the University of Northern Colorado begins well before you arrive on campus—and continues through your first year. At UNC, Orientation is not a single event. It is a thoughtfully designed, four-phase experience that supports you every step of the way.

Orientation Experiences

A 4-Phase Orientation Experience

Your transition to the University of Northern Colorado is not a single event—it’s a multi-phase experience designed to support you from the moment you commit through your first year on campus.

Our 4-Phase Orientation approach helps you build confidence, stay informed, connect with others and fully transition into life at UNC.

Phase 1 – Pre-Orientation and Virtual Engagement

(May–June)

Starting Friday, May 1, 2026, students will begin their Orientation journey through the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course.

This course introduces essential campus resources, community expectations and key preparation steps before attending New Student Orientation.

This phase is intentionally designed to:

  • Build confidence early
  • Reduce stress by pacing information
  • Prepare students to fully engage during Orientation

Throughout May and June, the Office of New Student Orientation and Transition Programs will also host a series of live webinars. These sessions provide flexible opportunities for students and supporters to learn more, ask questions and stay connected.

Phase 2 – New Student Orientation

(July–August)

New Student Orientation (NSO) is your structured, full-day Orientation experience focused on connection, clarity and preparing for your transition to UNC. Register for your preferred Orientation date in the UNC Admissions Portal.

In-Person Sessions

  • Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Thursday, July 16, 2026
  • Saturday, July 18, 2026
  • Monday, July 20, 2026
  • Wednesday, July 22, 2026

During your session, you will:

  • Meet your Orientation Small Group led by one of our Orientation Leaders
  • Attend a college-based meeting to connect with academic leaders in your college and major
  • Explore and connect with campus resources
  • Build community with other new Bears
  • Leave with clear next steps

Family and Friends at New Student Orientation

Family and Friends are an important part of the transition experience at UNC. During New Student Orientation, supporters will participate in a dedicated Family and Friends Track designed to help you better understand campus resources, student support services and what to expect throughout your student’s first year. While students engage in their Orientation experience, families and supporters will connect with university staff, learn about the student experience and build community with other Bear families beginning their journey at UNC.

  • Connect with other UNC families and supporters throughout the day
  • Attend sessions designed to help you support your student’s transition to college
  • Learn about campus resources, student support services and key university processes
  • Engage with university staff, campus leaders and current student leaders
  • Leave with a stronger understanding of how to support your student throughout their first year at UNC

Virtual NSO Session

Thursday, July 30, 2026

A structured, live online experience for students unable to attend in person.

While there is not a dedicated Family & Friends track during the Virtual NSO session, family members and supporters are encouraged to join their student throughout the experience if they would like. This session still provides important information, opportunities for connection, and insight into the student transition experience at UNC.

Final In-Person NSO Session

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

This session is reserved for students who are unable to attend a July session due to distance, travel constraints or later admission.

  • Held the day before Move-In
  • Space is limited
  • Students within 125 miles are strongly encouraged to attend a July session

Students with unique circumstances are encouraged to contact New Student Orientation and Transition Programs.

How Are In-Person and Virtual NSO Different?

New Student Orientation is designed to ensure every student—regardless of how they participate—receives the information, resources and support needed to begin their journey at UNC with confidence. While both formats share the same core goals and outcomes, they differ in how students experience connection, engagement and interaction throughout the day.

In-Person New Student Orientation offers a fully immersive, on-campus experience in Greeley. Students have the opportunity to physically explore campus, engage face-to-face with Orientation Leaders and staff and build connections with other new Bears in real time. This format is ideal for students who want to experience the energy of campus, get comfortable navigating UNC and begin forming relationships before the start of the semester.

Virtual New Student Orientation provides a structured, live online experience that delivers the same essential content in a flexible and accessible format. Students and their supporters can participate from anywhere while still engaging with staff, asking questions and learning about campus resources. This option is designed for those who are unable to travel to campus, ensuring they still feel informed, supported and prepared for their transition to UNC.

Phase 3 - Transition to Campus

New Student Days and B.I.G. Bear Welcome Kick-Off (August) As you arrive on campus, your transition continues through New Student Days (NSD) and the B.I.G. Bear Welcome Kick-Off. This phase is focused on helping you settle in, build relationships and navigate UNC with confidence.
A smiling student pushes a large blue move-in cart outside a residence hall while two UNC staff members in matching shirts walk alongside, laughing and supporting.

Wednesday

Kick-Off Your UNC Journey – The adventure begins! Move in, meet your floor and commuter peers, and join the full class of new Bears for our high-energy Kick-Off Ceremony. The evening is all about settling in, connecting with your community, and starting to feel at home.

Students sit around a table laughing and playing the game “Headbands” with cards on their foreheads during New Student Days.

Thursday

Build Your Community – Spend the day exploring your academic home, connecting with faculty, and discovering the many resources available to support you. You’ll also dive into small groups, traditions, and community expectations that make UNC such a welcoming place. The evening brings opportunities to meet new friends and relax with fun social activities.

B.I.G. Bear Welcome

B.I.G. Bear Welcome Kick-Off opens the doors to all students, bringing the campus together for high-energy events, involvement opportunities, and moments that make UNC feel like home. B.I.G. Bear Welcome Kick-Off leads into B.I.G. Bear Welcome, a multi-week celebration packed with events, student life activities, and campus traditions—all building up to Homecoming Week.
A large crowd of students gathers on a grassy field with multiple blue UNC Dining Services tents and barbecue grills set up, smoke rising as food is being served.

Friday

Bear Pride in Action – The weekend launches with signature campus traditions that bring all Bears together. From resource fairs and spirit rallies to socials and evening events, today is about showing your UNC pride and celebrating with the entire community.

UNC marching band members play brass instruments indoors, wearing navy “Pride of the Rockies” shirts and ball caps.

Saturday

Explore & Engage – Discover ways to get involved and find your place at UNC. Whether through involvement fairs, athletic events, or outdoor and campus traditions, this day is packed with opportunities to connect, cheer, and celebrate with friends old and new.

Phase 4 - First-Year Experience

Orientation does not end after Move-In. Throughout your first year, the Division of Student Affairs continues to support you through intentional communication, programs and resources designed to help you succeed. This ongoing phase ensures you stay connected to campus, continue building community, know where to go for support and feel confident navigating your college experience.

Our Events Are On BearConnect!

Stay connected! Use BearConnect to view all event details, build your schedule, and stay up to date with changes.

BearConnect

What This Means for You

Each phase plays a different role in your transition:

  • Phase 1: Prepare and build your foundation
  • Phase 2: Learn, connect and get ready
  • Phase 3: Arrive, belong and engage
  • Phase 4: Grow, succeed and thrive

Together, these phases create a more flexible, supportive and intentional start to your experience at UNC.