The Bearcat Portal is your student information hub and self-service center for  actions you need to take prior to attending BBO and your first semester, including registering for BBO. Take some time to get to know the portal as you will use it through BBO and beyond. One of the first task items you can complete in your Bearcat Portal is confirming your admissions to UC.

You can register for orientation as soon as you confirm your admission to UC. This is the first step in the Orientation process and we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to reserve your preferred in-person date and time. See how to register and what to expect at Orientation.

Within two weeks of confirming your admission to UC, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your UC email account. Once you have set up your email account, all future communication from UC will be sent to this email, so make sure you check it regularly for important information.

If you don’t receive an email with instructions within two weeks, please check that you have fully confirmed your admission, including submitting the confirmation form and the confirmation fee. If you have completed these steps, but have not received the email, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Canvas is UC’s primary learning management system. This is where your professors and instructors will share information and materials related to your classes. To access Canvas, follow these steps:

1. Go to uc.instructure.com
2. Log in with your Central Login information (the same username and password you used for your UC email above)

If you need technical assistance with Canvas, please contact the IT Service Desk.

During the spring, the Office of Admissions invites students admitted for the following fall to attend an in-person or virtual Admitted Bearcat event. This event is not part of the BBO programming, but it is a great opportunity to learn more about next steps in admissions, housing, orientation, and financial aid. If you have questions about the Admitted Bearcat events, please contact the Office of Admissions.

English and Math placement tests are required to make sure you enroll in classes at levels that are appropriate for you. Your academic advisor will use your test scores to place you in the correct classes, so we strongly encourage you to take your placement tests at the earliest available sessions.

Learn more about the English Placement Test and the ALEKS Math Placement Test.

The Bearcat Card is your official student ID. It also works as an access card for UC buildings as well as a method of payment in several locations, both on and off campus.

To sbumit your photo for your Bearcat Card, go to your Bearcat Portal and complete the task item. Once your Bearcat Card Photo is approved you will be notified and you will be able to pick up your card during your in-person Orientation event.For more information check out the Keys & Badges Office.

The Bearcats Bound Orientation app is your go-to guide for BBO and a companion to getting acclimated to campus. We encourage you to download and explore the app before coming to campus. You can also access the app content from a computer, using the desktop version.

Check in advance how to get to campus and where to park. This information is also available in the mobile Bearcats Bound Orientation app.

We have designed a special orientation for families that will explore the many changes parents and guardians face when their students go to college. This orientation will address topics such as safety, health issues, financing college, and residence hall living. There will also be an introduction to UC Parent & Family Programs. All programs will be informal with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

We look forward to welcoming our international first-year Bearcats at BBO. Visit International Admissions' website to ensure you complete all pre-arrival tasks before coming to in-person orientation.

If you, a family member, or a guest need accommodations for a disability during on-campus BBO, please contact us at orientation@uc.edu as soon as possible.