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New Student Orientation

Welcome to New Student Orientation (NSO) at UNC! This exciting program is your opportunity to begin your journey as a Bear, meet new people, and learn how to navigate your transition to college life. While NSO is not mandatory, it is expected for all incoming students as a foundational step to start your UNC experience.

During New Student Orientation, students will:

  • ✨ Meet current students and connect with future classmates.
  • 🐻 Discover UNC's culture and traditions.
  • 🛠️ Learn about support services and pick up your Student ID Card.
  • 🍴 Eat lunch on-campus.
  • 📚 Meet with academic advisors (First-Time First-Year Students only).
  • 🖊️ Register for classes (First-Time First-Year Students only).

Registration is required and family/friends persons are encouraged to attend. Sign in to your My UNC Portal to register.

Spring 2025 First-Year New Student & Transfer Orientation Dates & Information

Our in-person Orientation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Our Winter Welcome Kick-Off begins with dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 and and runs through Sunday, January 12, 2025.
 


Pre-Orientation Canvas Course

All Spring Start students are required to complete Module 1 of the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course, which will launch in November 2024. This course is an important step to help prepare you for your orientation and academic success.


What you can expect

  • Friday: Welcome Lunch, B.E.A.R. Program (Student Compliance), Our Den (Community Building), Resource Fair
    • Parent and Support Person Orientation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: Small Group Connections, UNC Basketball Game, Student Led Programming by the University Program Council and Office of Health Promotion
  • Sunday: Brunch, Student Social Event

More details will be confirmed as we continue working with campus partners.


Important Notes

Students should regularly check their admissions portal and their email for updates regarding their orientation schedule, Pre-Orientation Canvas Course, and further details regarding mandatory sessions.

Summer 2025 First-Year New Student & Transfer Orientation Dates & Information

Starting classes in the summer or fall of 2025? These are your New Student Orientation dates!


Important Launch Dates

📅 February 3, 2025: Event registration for New Student Orientation sessions opens via your My UNC Portal. Registration for the event is required for attendance. 
📅 March 3, 2025: Access to the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course begins via My UNC Portal. All students are expected to complete the Pre-Orientation Canvas Course. This course is an important step to help prepare you for orientation and academic success. 


New Student Orientation Dates

🏫 In-Person Sessions

💻 Virtual Sessions

  • Tuesday, June 3
  • Thursday, June 5
  • Tuesday, June 10
  • Thursday, June 12
  • Monday, June 16
  • Wednesday, June 18
  • Thursday, July 24
  • Monday, July 28
  • Friday, August 1
  • Monday, June 30
  • Wednesday, July 30

Session Options: In-Person vs. Virtual

🏫 In-Person NSO: Offers a full experience, including Advising and Registration, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with peers and staff in person.

💻 Virtual NSO: Perfect for students unable to travel. Advising and Registration begin July 1, 2025, and are not included in the virtual program. Virtual NSO provides a comprehensive introduction to UNC, delivered online.


Student Tracks

All NSO sessions are open to both First-Time First-Year and Transfer students. Each group follows a tailored track:

  • First-Time First-Year Students: Explore advising, registration, and sessions designed to kickstart your transition.
  • Transfer & Nontraditional Students: Focus on academic transition support and tailored resources to meet your needs, as Advising and Registration are completed beforehand.

Not sure about your status? Contact the Office of Admissions for assistance at admissions@unco.edu


Key Information for All Students

  • 📋 What to Bring: Students will receive a checklist and preparation tips via email after registering for NSO.

  • ♿ Accessibility and Accommodations: Indicate any accommodations, including dietary restrictions or accessibility needs, during registration.

  • 🅿️ Parking and Logistics: Details will be sent via email after registration.

  • ⏳ Missed NSO: Students who do not complete compliance content during NSO will be expected to attend a make-up session during New Student Days.

Tell us which type of student you are to get more information


Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us at: