Academic Support and Advising

Information for Freshmen

What to Expect

Students can expect a high-energy program that introduces them to the academic and social life of the University, informs them about getting involved at UNC, educates them about our history and traditions, and initiates them into the Northern Colorado Experience. STUDENTS MUST STAY FOR THE ENTIRE TWO-DAY PROGRAM IN ORDER TO REGISTER FOR COURSES.

Students will interact with others who are also beginning their college career, and will be guided by an upper-class student known as an Orientation Leader. Their Orientation Leader (OL) will help them throughout Orientation, from finding campus resources to answering questions to giving advice about campus life. Their OL has been thoroughly trained in academic advising, and will assist their students in learning the academic policies and requirements of the University and the student’s major program.

Where to Check In

Students and their guests are asked to park at the University Center in lots A or B and check in at Wiebking Hall. Weibking Hall is one block north of the University Center on the east side of 10th Avenue. In Weibking Hall, you will receive your packets and pick up your room keys. You may then put your belongings in your room and head to the Welcome session at the University Center.

What to Bring

  • Your UNC Bear Number (typically 80XXXXXXX) – this is your student identification number and will be used by many offices, so memorize it ASAP
  • Casual dress and comfortable walking shoes
  • Personal belongings (change of clothes, toiletries, shower shoes, bug spray) for two days
  • Students applying for student employment must also bring a photo ID and either an original Social Security card, a certified birth certificate with the raised seal, or a US passport. Students will use these documents to complete an I-9 form at Orientation
  • Results of your Spanish Placement Exam-If you are a student who is intending to take a Spanish course at UNC, you must take the Spanish Placement exam and bring the results with you to orientation. The Placement Exam can be accessed on-line at http://www.unco.edu/hispstds/span_placement_exam.html. You will work with an advisor from the Spanish program at orientation.
  • Your Bear Pride!

What to Send

  • Transcripts from any other institution from which you will receive college credit (including college courses taken in high school and programs such as CU Succeed)
    • Send transcripts to the Office of Admissions at least two weeks before your session; if that is not possible, bring transcripts with you to Orientation
  • Scores from Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams
    • Send scores to the Office of Admissions at least two weeks before your session; if you have not received your scores at the time of Orientation, notify your Orientation Leader at orientation
  • Immunization documentation
    • Send immunization documents to the Student Health Center at least two weeks before your session; if that is not possible, bring documentation to Orientation

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    Immunizations

    Colorado State Law requires all students enrolled in one or more classes, physically attending classes on campus, and born on or after 1 January 1957, to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Acceptable documentation includes a signed official immunizations record of two MMRs, with the first MMR dose administered no earlier than 4 days before the first birthday, and the second dose of MMR at least 28 calendar days after the first. In lieu of immunizations documentation, an official laboratory report showing immunity to MMR is acceptable.

    Medical, religious, and personal exemptions are allowed by law. However, in the event of an outbreak of any of these diseases, exempted students may be subject to exclusion from school until the campus quarantine is lifted. The University is not responsible for any liability the student may suffer because of an exemption and resulting unexcused absence exclusion and/or quarantine from classes.

    The meningitis vaccine is not required; however, the State of Colorado does require that the University provide you with information regarding meningococcal disease and obtain documentation that you received this information. Some meningococcal disease facts are included below:

    1. Meningococcal disease is a serious disease.
    2. Meningococcal disease is a contagious, but largely preventable, infection of the spinal cord fluid that surrounds the brain.
    3. Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in dormitories are at a modestly increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
    4. Immunization against meningococcal disease decreases the risk of contracting the disease.
    5. Additional information about meningococcal disease is available at the following web sites or your primary care provider:

    To download a copy of the official State of Colorado immunizations form, go to the Student Health Center Site. If you have additional questions or need a form mailed to you, please contact the Student Health Center office at 970-351-1919. Immunizations documentation may be faxed to 970-351-3234.