Frequently Asked Questions

Aims2UNC streamlines the two-way path between Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. This program is designed to help you earn your associate’s degree at Aims Community College and earn your bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado.

Program Basics

• What are the Aims2UNC benefits?

  Streamlined Advising: Aims2UNC students receive streamlined advising from staff members that are familiar with the degree requirements at both Aims and UNC. This ensures that students are taking courses at both institutions that will contribute to their associates and bachelor’s degrees, while also utilizing various cost saving measures, including our cooperative and consortium agreements, to help them complete their degree in the most efficient and economical way possible.

  Engagement Activities: Participants of the Aims2UNC program are classified as students on both campuses once they are accepted into the program. This allows the participants, while taking classes at Aims, to utilize the facilities, services, events and organizations unique to each intuition throughout their college experience. The Aims2UNC program’s goal is to build a sense of community and belonging on both campuses in an effort to promote academic success, and personal growth.

  Cost Savings: Aims2UNC participants also have the ability to earn a renewable Aims2UNC scholarship that can equal as much as $750 a semester as they pursue their degree at Aims. Coupled with the already affordable cost of tuition at Aims and various forms of institutional support, Aims2UNC students experience a direct financial impact as they pursue a four-year degree from UNC.   

• What are the program requirements?

  Current Aims students that have graduated from high school, or have a high school degree equivalent,  are encouraged to apply if:

  • You are declared in an applicable AA, AS, or AAS degree program,
  • You are enrolled in at least one class at Aims for the semester you begin the Aims2UNC program,
  • You are in academic good standing at Aims,
  • No holds at UNC or Aims that would preclude you from joining the program*, and
  • Have at least two semesters remaining at Aims before graduating with your associates.

  *Holds that would preclude you from joining the program, include but are not limited to, academic probation/ suspension at Aims, academic suspension from UNC, conduct holds through the Dean of Students at UNC, and Accounts Receivable holds totally more than $200 at UNC.

  If you are interested in the program, and are not currently an Aims student please visit https://www.aims.edu/admissions/apply and see How to Apply tab.

• Who can join the program?

  Individuals 18 years old or above are encouraged to apply for the Aims2UNC program*. Student who would benefit from this program include:

  • Current Aims students who want to simplify their transition and to earn their first bachelor’s degree at UNC,
  • High school graduates that would like to earn an associate’s degree from Aims en route to a four year degree from UNC.
  • Students who have previously been denied admission from UNC
  • Students who have been placed on academic probation at UNC
  • Anyone looking to experience the benefits of Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. 

  *Students that will turn 18 years of age during their first semester in the program are welcome to apply

• When to join this program?

  To enjoy the maximum benefit of the program, we encourage students to apply to the program at the beginning of their academic journey. That being said, we will accept students up until their last semester at Aims in order to provide a seamless transition to UNC.

• How do I get into the program?

  If you meet all program requirements (see above section), and would like to apply for the Aims2UNC program please visit How to Apply and submit the Aims2UNC Application. Please note that you will have to:

  • Create and activate an account through UNC Admissions (it is strongly encouraged to use your aims.edu email account), and
  • Select “Start New Application” > “Nondegree Seeking” > “Aims2UNC.”
  • Please select the term you would like to join the program for your Aims2UNC application.
  • If you are asked to pay an application fee, please stop and contact the Aims2UNC staff at 970-339-6557 or aims2unc@aims.edu. 
• What if I attended Aims or UNC before?

  You are welcome to join the Aims2UNC program if you have attended UNC or Aims in the past so long as you have not previously earned an associate's or bachelor’s degree!  Your first step is to check your eligibility under the Program Requirements section of the FAQs. If you have questions please contact the Aims2UNC staff at 970-339-6557 or aims2unc@aims.edu. 

• What if I applied to UNC but was denied admission?

  The Aims2UNC program is perfect for students who plan to go to UNC even if they were denied admission previously.

  Contact an Aims2UNC Transition Advisor at 970-339-6557 or aims2unc@aims.edu.

• I’ve confirmed my residency or immigration status at Aims for tuition purposes, do I have to re-confirm my residency again at UNC?

  This is an exciting aspect of the Aims2UNC program!  If your classification has not changed at the time of transfer, you will not be required to provide additional information to UNC.

• Does the Aims2UNC program guarantee I will get into UNC?

  Aims2UNC streamlines your transition to UNC. Once you are accepted to the Aims2UNC program you are automatically accepted into UNC as a non-degree seeking student (this is what allows you to engage with UNC’s campus). To make the transition as easy as possible, your Aims2UNC Transition Advisor will help you understand specific program requirements for your future major and get you connected to UNC resources. Unfortunately, this is why our program is unable to support academic programs that require a separate application process (i.e. Nursing).

• Do I have to be a full-time student to be in the program?

  No. This program supports your transition regardless of the time it takes to reach your goal. There are, however, scholarship benefits for students who take at least 6 credits per semester Aims.

• Do I need Proof of Immunization to be in the Aims2UNC Program?

  In order to access UNC services and resources, Aims2UNC students need to provide proof of immunization or an exemption before they engage in services on the UNC campus.  The Aims2UNC Transition Advisor can support students who may not have current immunization records. It is important to note, that these records will need to be submitted before a student transitions to UNC anyway so it benefits students to get them submitted sooner rather than later. 

  More about immunization requirements at UNC

Student Resources

• What if I am interested in the program only for the benefits and access to UNC events and services? 

  Benefits and access to UNC events and services are inherent advantages of the Aims2UNC program. We encourage all students to take advantage of all the benefits the program offers if their true intent is to transition to UNC.

• Can I park for free?

  Parking on Aims campuses is free! To get a parking permit in Greeley, visit the Student Activities, Leadership, Inclusion, and Leadership Office in College Center room 131. On the Fort Lupton, Loveland, or Windsor Campuses, you can get your permit at the front desk. Be sure you display your parking permit at all times when parked on the Aims Campus. 

  You can purchase a UNC parking permit through UNC Parking Services.

• Where can I get a UNC Bear ID card?

  Your UNC Bear ID card is your pass to UNC services and select discounted events.  Your Aims2UNC Transition Advisor will help you get a student ID card for Aims and one for UNC.

• What resources can I use at UNC?

  As a participant in the Aims2UNC program, you can participate in any of the following. Most have fees that are covered for you and a few have additional costs. Click on each program/service to learn more:

  • UNC Recreation Center and Outdoor Pursuits
  • Intramural sports
  • Athletic events
  • Student Health Center, Bear Care Plan and Student Health Insurance Plan
  • Student clubs and organizations
  • UNC Libraries
  • Student-price ticketing for performing arts and other events
  • Cultural and Resource Centers/Department of Equity & Inclusion
  • Disability Resource Center
• How do I learn more about being on campus at UNC?

  Aims2UNC students who are living on UNC’s campus or planning on taking one or more courses are UNC will access online orientation. It covers a variety of topics including logistical components like using ID cards, parking passes and library access; information about community expectations including Title IX; a review of the online tools that UNC students use; and campus safety basics.

  Online orientation is in video format and will only take about 45 minutes to complete.

• What do I need to do to use the UNC Campus Recreation Center?

  Your UNC Bear ID Card will give you access to the UNC Campus Recreation Center. Staff will swipe your card at the front door. 

  To find out more about outdoor pursuits and other facilities like the climbing wall or frisbee golf course visit the Campus Rec website or talk with the staff to access all available services. 

• Can I live in UNC’s residence halls?

  Aims2UNC students are not eligible for on-campus housing.

•  What dining options are available?

  Aims Community College has retail dining options at all four campuses. A

  AIMS2UNC students are also eligible to purchase UNC meal plans and there are retail dining options that accept cash and credit cards on the UNC campus.

• Can I get free or discounted tickets for UNC athletics, performances, lectures, and other campus events?

  Yes! Your UNC Bear ID card will get you in free to all UNC athletic events and the student rate to most UNC campus events.

  For free or student rate tickets, students will need to visit, in person the Ticket Office located on the first floor of the Campus Commons.

• Can I participate in Cultural and Resource Center events?

  Yes! You may participate in events hosted by:

  • Asian Pacific American Student Services
  • César Chávez Cultural Center
  • Center for Women's & Gender Equity
  • Gender & Sexuality Resource Center 
  • Marcus Garvey Cultural Center 
  • Native American Student Services 
  • Stryker Institute for Leadership Development
  • Veterans Services

  Learn more about Equity & Inclusion at UNC

• What leadership opportunities are available? Can I be a student government officer at Aims or UNC?

  You may participate in any of Aims student organizations and leadership activities for which you are eligible.

  If you choose to enroll full time (12 credits per semester) at UNC, you are eligible to hold office in any UNC registered organization.

  See UNC full eligibility requirements

• Can I be a student employee at Aims and UNC?

  Student employment is a great way to foster relationships and stay connected! AIMS2UNC students are encouraged to work on and/or off campus through work-study at Aims.

  Once students transfer to UNC, they are encouraged to get connected with the Center for Career Readiness and use Handshake to find job opportunities at UNC.

• Can I participate in UNC’s club and intramural sports?

  Yes! Some entry fees may apply, depending on the specific sport. More information can be found online at Intramural Sports or Club Sports.

• What do I need to do to use the UNC Student Health Center?

  To use the UNC Student Health Center simply bring your UNC Bear ID, insurance card, and payment at the time of service.

  For students without health insurance, the Bear Care Plan allows you to purchase four (4) visits at the health center for $199.  The Bear Care Plan will cover everything a student has done at the health center with the exception of lab work.  The Bear Care plan never expires and you purchase it whenever you need it.

• Do I have to have health insurance?

  Aims Community College does not require health insurance to be enrolled. Once students transition to UNC, they will be required to have health insurance if they register for nine (9) credits or more a semester. If you have other insurance and wish to waive the UNC insurance plan, you must complete the online waiver by the deadline.   Learn more about UNC's Student Health Insurance Plan

Academic Support & Guidance

• Which majors does the Aims2UNC Program apply to?

  Aims2UNC can support your pursuit of most majors at UNC. Unfortunately at this time, the Aims2UNC program cannot support majors at UNC that require a separate application process- most notably Nursing.

  Some majors at UNC have specific admission requirements that students will need to meet prior to transitioning to UNC in a given major. An Aims2UNC advisor will help identify these requirements prior to our transition, and work with you to help you achieve your goals.

  Students frequently transition from Aims to UNC and select the following majors:

  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Elementary Education
  • Human Services
  • Art and Design
  • History
  • Sociology
• How do I use the UNC Libraries?

  Aims2UNC students have full access to the UNC Libraries with their Bear ID card.  The Michener and Skinner Music libraries offer over a million print and online resources, pc and mac computers, printing, private and group study spaces and other resources for your academic and study needs.

• Can I use the Disability Resource Center at UNC?

  Accommodations provided by Aims and UNC's Disability Resource Center (DRC) will be assessed through standard practices and review of application for non-academic and academic support for needs on each campus.

• Can I participate in UNC’s study abroad program?

  Students are generally encouraged to study abroad their junior or senior year at UNC. Students should plan accordingly, as 20 of their last 30 credits must be taken at UNC. Once you transition to UNC, you can apply to study abroad. We recommend that you discuss the ideal time to travel with the Office of Education Abroad and the Aims2UNC Transition Advisor.

• Aims and UNC have some differences in conditions for academic probation, academic suspension, and academic honors. Whose rules apply to me?

  Aims rules apply to Aims courses and UNC rules apply to UNC courses.

Tuition & Financial Aid

• What is my tuition rate?

  The Aims tuition rate applies when taking Aims courses and the UNC tuition rate applies when taking UNC courses.

• Where will I apply for and receive financial aid?

  While you are an Aims student, your financial aid eligibility will be determined and any awards of aid will be made by the Aims Financial Aid Office. Until you complete your transition to UNC, you are not eligible to apply for financial aid at UNC (including UNC scholarships).

Student Behavior

• Aims and UNC have some differences in their student codes of conduct. Whose do I follow?

  Aims2UNC students will be held to both the Aims Code of Conduct and the UNC Student Code of Conduct (BEAR Code). Under the BEAR Code, a person is a student from the time they are issued a Bear Number until the time they are awarded a degree by UNC or until their date of withdrawal from UNC, whichever occurs last. Until a degree is awarded or a person withdraws from UNC, a person’s student status continues uninterrupted. In addition, a person is a student for the purposes of the Code when they engage in conduct while a student that constitutes misconduct under the Code. Therefore, a person cannot avoid student status under the Code by withdrawing or by the awarding of a degree if they engaged in the misconduct while they are a student.

  The BEAR Code applies to misconduct by a student that occurs on UNC Property or off-campus, including but not limited to misconduct occurring at UNC Sponsored Activities. It includes misconduct that occurs between semesters or when classes are not in session.

  Students found in violation of the Aims Code of Conduct and the BEAR Code may be subject to disciplinary processes at both institutions. 

• How are my FERPA rights affected by participating in Aims2UNC?

  FERPA is the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. It regulates what information about a student at UNC or Aims can be shared with any other person or institution.

  Aims and UNC will share all student information including academic, disciplinary, other similar records. Students participating in the Aims2UNC program sign an agreement permitting UNC and Aims to share information appropriate to the program.

• Which institution maintains my official transcripts and other records?

  Aims maintains the official records for Aims courses, financial aid, etc. UNC maintains the official records for UNC courses, financial aid, etc.

Aims2UNC Communications

• How will I receive relevant Aims2UNC communication?

  Your Aims email is a key component to staying informed about what is happening on campus. You will be able to set up your UNC email to forward to your Aims email. Your Aims2UNC Transition Advisor will assist you in setting up your UNC email address so it forwards to your Aims email address while Aims is your primary institution. If you choose not to forward your UNC email you will need to make sure you check both e-mails regularly for new messages.

• What information and services are online, and how do I access them?

  For Aims, login to myAims with your myAims username and password to access all online services for Aims. These services include: updating personal information, registration, payment of tuition, financial aid related information, your class schedule, requesting unofficial transcripts, reviewing degree progress through DegreeWorks, and accessing your online course shells (AimsOnline) for both in-person and online classes.

  For UNC, access your student needs via Ursa. UNC also utilizes DegreeWorks, the online course management system called Canvas, as well as your bearmail account.

• Who do I contact for help and questions?

  If you have any questions about the Aims2UNC program, or services or programs that are available to you as a program participants, contact an Aims2UNC Transition Advisor at 970-339-6557 or aims2unc@aims.edu.

• How do I know if there is an emergency or weather that closes Aims or UNC?

  Both Aims and UNC will work individually to notify all students of any emergency on either campus. Closures due to weather are always published on each institutions’ website homepages.

  • Aims offers emergency text notifications through Aims RAVE alert system. More information can be found here.
  • UNC offers emergency alert via multiple notification avenues. Learn more about UNC alerts here.

Transition and Graduation

• What are the Aims2UNC transition requirements?

  As Aims2UNC students transition to UNC, they will need to meet the following requirements in order to be considered for guaranteed transition:

  • Cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average for college level courses
  • At least 12 completed credits at Aims
  • Meet all criminal and disciplinary requirements determined by UNC
• What is required or what can I expect during the transition process to UNC?

  During your final semester at Aims you will complete an Aims2UNC Transitions Orientation on the UNC campus where both Aims and UNC staff will support you throughout the transition process.

• Where do I apply for graduation?

  You will apply at Aims for Aims degrees and certificates and you will apply at UNC for your bachelor’s degree. Be sure to observe both institutions’ graduation application deadlines for the term you wish to graduate.

  • More information about Aims graduation process
  • More information about UNC's graduation process
• Can I transfer to UNC before I complete my Aims degree? Can I transfer my UNC credits back to Aims and use them to complete my Aims degree?

  Yes! This process is called reverse transfer and adds true flexibility to your academic journey! Though we encourage Aims2UNC participants to complete their A.A. or A.S. degree in its entirety prior to transitioning to UNC, reverse transfer allows those who would like to transition prior to their degree completion at Aims the ability to do so with the opportunity to complete their A.A. or A.S. using their UNC credits.