Key Help Topics

Need to Know Info

Key Help Topics for Current Extended Campus Students

Find directions, tips and answers for accessing your student accounts, registering for your courses, accessing your courses online, paying your bill, ordering transcripts and more.

Explore the Help Topics

What is Ursa?

Ursa is the university’s online single point of access to secure information for students, faculty and staff. After you activate your account, the Ursa login link is always available in the yellow Student Resources box on these pages.

With Ursa, you’ll be able to:

  • View and search the catalog and schedule of classes
  • Register for courses
  • Check your BearMail (university email)
  • See campus announcements
  • Accept or decline financial aid awards
  • Check financial aid status
  • View and pay account balances
  • View grades
  • View your student records and progress toward graduation
  • View and order transcripts

New Students – Activating Your Ursa Account

*** As a first time UNC student, you have to activate your account. This only needs to be done once. ***

Follow the Ursa Account Activation Instructions. Please note:

  • You will learn your Ursa Username/PDID during the activation process. It will be the first four characters of your last name and a randomly chosen 4-digit number (e.g. smit1234 or fox4321).
  • You will set up your password during account activation.

Additional tips/notes:

  • You will need to input your Bear number (you will receive this with your admissions information) for this process. This number will be required for all transactions with the University. If you do not know your Bear Number you can find it by using the Bear Number Lookup tool.
  • If you have a pop-up blocker installed on your computer, you will need to follow the instructions on the screen to remove the pop-up blocker in order to access Ursa.
  • If you still have problems after that, please contact the Technical Support Center at 970-351-4357 or 800-545-2331.

Accessing Ursa

Once your account is activated (this may take up to 30 minutes) you can log onto Ursa

BearMail is the official email for UNC students and your BearMail address is how you will be contacted for any information concerning your classes, status, changes in scheduling, etc. Your BearMail account information is provided with your admission information.

You can access your BearMail from this page via the link in the Student Resources box, from within Ursa, or by visiting BearMail.

  • The first part of your BearMail address will be the same as your Ursa username (the first four characters of your last name and a randomly chosen 4-digit number): e.g. smit1234@bears.unco.edu or fox4321@bears.unco.edu.
  • Your password is the same as your Ursa password.

Federal Financial Aid is Available for Degree-Seeking Students

Degree-seeking students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA; see the link below).

Please visit the following pages for key dates and support regarding the FAFSA application cycles, including the UNC FAFSA Priority Filing Date for each upcoming academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August):

Minimum Credit Hour Requirements

Bachelor’s degree students: enrollment in a minimum of 6 credits per academic term for part-time financial aid eligibility. Full-time enrollment is based on 12 credits.

Master’s and Educational Specialist (EdS) degree students: enrollment in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for part-time financial aid eligibility. Full-time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

Doctoral degree students: enrollment in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for part-time financial aid eligibility. Full-time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

Certificate, licensure and endorsement-only students: non-degree seeking students aren’t eligible for aid through FAFSA. Your Program Coordinator may be aware of your eligibility for any discipline-related or campus-based aid if available.

The 2026-27 UNC Scholarship Application is Live

The application opens each November for all admitted degree-seeking students. The current scholarship application is for scholarships that are awarded for the 2026-27 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).

Priority Application Deadlines Each Year

The deadlines vary based on which type of student you are. The priority deadlines are…

  • February 1st for new first-year and continuing undergraduate U.S. students.
  • June 1st for new undergraduate transfer students, graduate students and all international students.

However, we encourage everyone to apply as early as possible for full consideration for eligible scholarships.

Students admitted after June 1 each year can still complete the application through the end of the calendar year, but priority consideration for scholarships are given to applicants who meet their respective deadlines stated above and most scholarships are awarded to applications received by June 1.

Applying for UNC Scholarships

To see your eligible scholarships and apply, you will find ‘how to’ information on the Office of Financial Aid’s UNC Scholarships page.

Find Your Course Registration Numbers (CRNs) on Your Program Page

  1. In this Current Students section of the website, choose Undergraduate Programs, Post-baccalaureate Programs, or Graduate Programs.
  2. Find your program in the list (they are organized by Area of Study). If your program has multiple delivery locations/groups running, be sure that you choose the page based on your location and the term you started the program. [Once you find your page, we recommend that you add it to your bookmarks / favorites as an ongoing resource.]
  3. The courses scheduled for your program will be listed. Each course will have the CRN (a 5-digit number) listed once the number is available. You will use the CRN number(s) to register in Ursa.

Registration Timing/Deadlines

View upcoming registration opening dates and deadlines.

Newly admitted students: please note that when you are first admitted, it may take up to 72 hours before all setup and permissions are enacted to allow you to register for your first program courses.

Logging in to Ursa and Registering

*** Undergraduate students: please note that you will also need to contact your Program Coordinator for your PIN number for each term. This process helps UNC ensure that you are receiving proper advising for progress to program completion. ***

Log in to Ursa with your Username (which is the same as the portion of your BearMail address that is before the @ symbol) and Password. Once you are logged in:

  1. On the Student tab, look under Registration and Grades and choose the Register, Add or Drop/Withdraw Classes option.
  2. Choose Register for Classes, then select a term and click Continue.
  3. Go to the Enter CRNs tab and…
    • Enter the CRNs for your courses. You can add them one at a time or all at once. Click Add to Summary or Add Another CRN as needed.
    • Click Submit at the bottom of the page. Check if the course(s) are now listed as Registered or if any registration errors occurred.
    • If any of your courses can be taken for a variable number of credits, click the Schedule and Options tab (next to Enter CRNs). The number under Cred will be underlined. Select the number, enter the number of credits you wish to take, and click Submit. [Your program page will list how many credits have been assigned for that course for that academic term. You can change this setting up until the Add date for that course.]
  4. Review your schedule for accuracy: go back to the browser tab that has Ursa open. To view your schedule, under the Register for Classes menu you can choose Detail Schedule, Week at a Glance, or Registration History. Each of these options will give you a different view of your schedule.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact the Registrar at 970-351-4862. If the classes are closed, or if it is requiring a prerequisite, please contact the instructor or your program coordinator.

Access Your Online Courses in Canvas

Note: While you may sometimes be able to access your course in advance, you won’t be able to interact in the course until the first day of class. In some instances, your professors will not open the course until the first day of class. If you have registered for the class within the past 24 hours, you may need to wait for the system to update and grant you access.

Logging into Canvas Student Portal at UNC:

  • Canvas username: You will log into Canvas with your full BearMail address (_____@bears.unco.edu).
  • Canvas Password: The same password you use to access Ursa and your BearMail account.
  • Emails sent by others from within the Canvas system will go to your BearMail address.

Canvas Student Support

If you are new to taking an online course, or have never used Canvas as your online course platform, we have helpful resources to get you started. These include:

  • Student Tutorial: this is an example online course that lets you take a self-guided tour of canvas, check your browser compatibility, and more.
  • Guides and setting recommendations.

Canvas Student Support

Develop Good Habits

Online learning gives you flexibility, but success depends on building good habits from the start. These quick tips will help you stay on track.

Prepare and Plan Your Time

  • Read your syllabus and explore your Canvas course site right away.
  • Note assignment deadlines and add them to your personal calendar.
  • Block out regular study time each week. Treat it like an in-person class meeting.
  • Break big projects into smaller tasks with progress checkpoints.

Stay Organized

  • Save your work in more than one place (computer and cloud storage).
  • Use clear file names (e.g., ECLD513_Essay1_YourName).
  • Keep course work in dedicated folders so it’s easy to find.

Communicate Professionally

  • Write clearly and respectfully in discussions and emails.
  • Avoid slang or all caps (which can feel like shouting).
  • Think before you post. Positive communication helps everyone succeed.

Ask for Help Early

  • For technical issues, use the Support link in Canvas or contact the Technical Support Center.
  • For course questions, post in a discussion board or email your instructor directly. Check your course Syllabus for how to contact your instructor.
  • Don’t wait until you’re stuck. Reaching out early will save you time and reduce your stress.

Final Note

Online learning is flexible, but it takes planning and persistence. Stay organized, manage your time, and ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!

Have a Dependable Desktop or Laptop

You don’t need the latest, greatest computer. You need dependable basics, including:

  • A reliable internet connection.
  • A desktop or laptop with an updated operating system and updated software.
  • Microsoft Office (available free to all UNC students).
  • A updated PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat.
  • Webcam and microphone for live sessions and proctored exams.

View the current requirements and technical tips for using Canvas.

Use Mobile Devices Wisely

Canvas apps for iOS and Android make it easy to check announcements or discussions on the go. Don’t rely on a phone or table for exams or major assignments. Use a computer for the best experience.

Download the Canvas Student Mobile App: Android | iOS

Contact UNC Technical Support

UNC Technical Support

UNC uses a secure electronic billing (e-billing) system. You will receive notification of an available electronic bill via an email sent to your BearMail address. eBill notifications will be sent only to the student unless the student has added an authorized payer to their student account and the authorized payer has submitted a valid email address for receipt of e-bill notifications. Please pay your bill by the due date listed on your eBill. Failure by you or your authorized payer to check eBill availability will not constitute valid grounds for waiving service charges or holds on registration, grades, or diplomas. You can pay your bill in Ursa, by phone at 970-351-4862, mail, or email at bursar@unco.edu. The Bursar’s Office accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Other Novus Card) cash, or checks. For more detailed information on how to pay a bill, visit the Bursar’s webpage.

Parking at the Denver and Loveland Centers is free. However, if you should have to go to the Greeley campus, parking is not free and is closely monitored year-round on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lots are not monitored for permits on nights and weekends. For more information about parking on the Greeley campus please visit Parking Services.

Students taking classes at Centerra, Lowry, or the Greeley campus can use the BearPrint printing system to print in the computer labs. Once you click the print button you will be prompted to enter your username and password (same username and password you use for Ursa). The charges for printing will be applied to your student bill. At some locations, you can use the scanner and print system to copy papers or information for class.

Graduation Requirements for Your Program

Refer to your UNC Catalog:

Program elements can change over time. Your personal graduation requirements are tied to the official UNC Catalog of the academic year under which you declared your primary major/program.

To view the courses and requirements you will need to complete your program:

  1. Go to the UNC Catalog
  2. Choose the correct undergraduate or graduate catalog (see notes above). Academic years run from Fall term through the following Summer term.
  3. Find the exact academic program for which you were admitted in the navigation of the catalog:
    • Undergraduate Students: choose Undergraduate Programs then choose the category (bachelor’s, certificate, etc.) that applies to your program.
    • Graduate Students: choose Graduate Programs then choose the category (master’s, doctoral, etc.) that applies to your program.

Updating to a New UNC Catalog

If you need to update to the current catalog version without changing your major/program (because your catalog has expired or if you need to be to updated to new program requirements), you will need to complete a form to update your records.

  • Undergraduate students: please visit the Registrar’s Forms page. You will use the “Major-Minor Change Form.” Look for the “Change of Catalog Year” section of the form.
  • Graduate Students: please visit the Graduate School Forms page. You will use the “Change of Term Request” Form.

Applying for Graduation

Undergraduate

View the Undergraduate graduation deadlines.

Graduate

View the Graduate School graduation deadlines.

Students can obtain Unofficial Transcripts in Ursa as described in the “Checking My Grades” section. Official Transcripts can be ordered online through the Office of the Registrar transcripts page.

Student Resources

Student Services Is Here to Help

Extended Campus is here to help you with registration, billing, financial aid and any other concerns as you complete your program. Email, text or schedule a meeting for support:
Email: kaitlin.mack@unco.edu | Text: 970-373-2812
Email: katie.roberts@unco.edu | Text: 970-373-2708

Meet with Student Services