Navigating URSA: Your Guide to the University of Northern Colorado's Student Portal

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) provides students with a powerful online portal called URSA (Ursa). URSA serves as a central hub for managing academic records, registering for courses, accessing important information, and much more. This guide will walk you through the essential functions of URSA, ensuring you can navigate the system with ease and make the most of your UNC experience.

Activating Your URSA Account

For first-time UNC students, activating your URSA account is the crucial first step. This is a one-time process that grants you access to the system's features. Follow the Ursa Account Activation Instructions to complete this process.

Understanding Registration

Registering for classes is a core function of URSA. Here's a breakdown of key aspects to keep in mind:

Registration Dates

Current students are assigned specific times during the latter part of each academic semester to register for courses in the following semester. You can find your assigned registration date on URSA under the Student Tab, via the "Your Date to Register" link.

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Undergraduate students require a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) each semester to register for classes. Your PIN is distributed by your assigned academic advisor. Declared students (those who have chosen a major) can find their advisor's name in URSA under Registration and Grades/Register for Classes by clicking on “View Student Information.” If no advisor name is listed, contact the department of your major to have one assigned. Students declared as Exploring are advised by Soar. Keep in mind that the PIN changes each semester and is essential for registering for upcoming semester classes. Summer and Interim Winter Sessions do not require a PIN. If you misplace your PIN, contact the advisor who issued it.

New Student Orientation and Registration

New first-year students will register for classes prior to their first semester during their scheduled Advising/Registration session. New Student Orientation supports the successful transition of incoming students to the University of Northern Colorado through a collective effort of the campus community. New freshmen are expected to attend an orientation program that provides essential information about the University and special assistance in registering for classes. The Office of Academic Support and Advising conducts the undergraduate New Student Orientation program throughout the year. Visit www.unco.edu/orientation for additional information. The Graduate School conducts orientation for new graduate students.

Registration Priority

Students are released for registration of future terms based on the number of credits they have successfully completed at the time registration begins, starting with students who have the highest number of credits downward. Faculty and staff also have specific registration windows.

Checking Your Registration Status

You can verify your registration status on the Student Tab by clicking on the "Registration Status" link in Ursa. It's also crucial to check for any holds that might prevent registration by using the "View Your Holds" link.

Registering for Courses: A Step-by-Step Guide

URSA offers several ways to find and register for courses:

Using CRNs: If you know the CRNs (five-digit class codes) for the courses you want to take, go to the Enter CRNs tab and enter them. Click on Add to Summary to add the courses to your registration summary. Then Click Submit at the bottom of the page.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'
Finding Classes: On the Find Class tab, you can search for courses by selecting a subject or multiple subjects. Find your program in the list (organized by Area of Study) based on your location and the term you started the program. The courses scheduled for your program will be listed.
- To select a class, click on the Add button. Go to the bottom of the page and click on Accept/Submit button to add the class to your schedule. You will see a Save Successful message in the upper right-hand corner of your browser and in the course Summary area.
Variable Credits: 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. Click the number of credits you want and click Submit.

Important Reminders Regarding Course Access

Even after successful registration, you won't be able to interact with the course in Canvas until the first day of class. Your professors will typically not open the course until the first day of class.

Key URSA Features and Information

URSA provides access to a wealth of information and tools. Here's a rundown of some important features:

Schedule of Classes

The Schedule of Classes can be found by accessing Ursa and selecting “Look Up Classes” or at www.unco.edu/sched.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Advisor Information

Declared students are assigned a faculty advisor. Advisor names can be found in URSA, under Registration and Grades/Register for Classes by clicking on "View Student Information." If an advisor name is not present, call the department of your specified major to have an advisor assigned.

Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF)

Colorado Resident Undergraduates should authorize Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) in URSA.

Academic Standing

Some students may not be aware of their academic standing, which can be found in the Registration and Grades section under View Student Information (Category on the Student Profile). Standing is determined by the cumulative grade point average.

Additional Academic Considerations

Beyond the core functions of registration and accessing information, URSA is indirectly connected to a number of academic policies and resources that are important for students to understand:

Class Attendance

Regular class attendance is assumed. Instructors will outline their policies on absences in the syllabus. Students are responsible for requesting approval for any absences from instructors.

Directed Studies

Directed Studies are available in most disciplines.

GPA and Grading

UNC follows a 4.0 scale with +/- grades.

Repeating Courses

Students can repeat courses multiple times, but hours will only be awarded for one passed completion. Keep in mind how Grade Replacement, Repeats, or Fresh Start might affect your academic record. Your advisee should NOT register for the course a second time if they have already passed it.

Incomplete Grades

If a student receives an Incomplete grade, they have one calendar year to change the grade.

Transfer Credits

Courses with a grade of “C-“ or higher are eligible for transfer. However, courses taken as part of Associate of General Studies (AGS) degrees are not transferable to UNC. Students are generally routed to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation of transfer credits.

Challenge Exams

In accordance with CCHE policy, students may request a challenge exam in lieu of an LAC course.

MMR Vaccines

You need to submit proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines.

Course Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines

The course drop and withdrawal deadlines are strictly enforced.

Resources for Students

UNC supports many services for students.

Financial Aid

UNC offers a variety of scholarships to help pay for the cost of education. One popular source of financial aid is student employment. You can apply for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid programs online at www.fafsa.gov. Students are responsible for all charges incurred. UNC Global study abroad portal on the UNC Education Abroad page can help you apply financial aid toward approved education abroad programs.

Academic Advising

University policy entitles each student to academic advising.

Progress Reports

You pull the feedback for your Progress Report through EAB Navigate. Filter by Date and Student List as applicable.

Academic Probation

Academic Probation means a student has a GPA less than 2.0 (1.99 and below).

Tips for Effective URSA Use

Check URSA Regularly: Make it a habit to check URSA frequently for important announcements, updates, and deadlines.
Utilize the Help Resources: If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to utilize the help resources available within URSA or contact the appropriate UNC department for assistance.
Meet with Your Advisor: Regularly meet with your academic advisor to discuss your academic progress, plan your course schedule, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

tags: #University #of #Northern #Colorado #URSA #guide