Advising for Visiting Students

Student working on laptop

You may take classes at UC without being enrolled in a UC degree program. This type of student is referred to as non-matriculated, which is an academic term meaning "not enrolled in a degree program."

For advising-related questions, including help for visiting students and senior audits, please contact our advising team.

 

Advising for visiting students

To best assist you, please be aware of what services our advising team provides.

Our advising team can:

  • Help you navigate UC tools and technology
  • Help you navigate the registration system and permissions process
  • Answer basic questions about policies, procedures, and resources
  • Answer questions about undergraduate programs and connect you with an Admissions Counselor, if you are interested in enrolling in a program at UC

Our advising team cannot:

  • Advise on graduate programs
  • Advise on pre-requisites for non-UC programs
  • Register you for classes or issue course permissions
  • Advise on how a UC course will meet program requirements at a different institution

 

Apply to become a non-matriculated student

Before you apply, please be aware of the following:

  • Are you transferring your UC coursework back to your home institution?
    It is highly recommended that you verify with your home institution the transferability and applicability of the UC course(s) prior to registration.
  • No financial aid for non-matriculated students
    As a non-matriculated student please be aware that you will not be eligible for financial aid. Financial aid is limited to students in a degree-seeking program.
  • Tuition cost per credit hour
    Please note that the tuition cost per credit hour varies by campus. See all tuition prices.

Step 1: Complete the Basic Data Form. This form enables our Registrar's Office to create or update your student record. NOTE: The Basic Data Form is currently undergoing security updates by the Registrar, and will not be available until November 25th, 2024 for submissions for Spring 2025.

Step 2: Approximately 2-3 business days after submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email from the Registrar's Office. This email will be sent to the address you stated in the Basic Data Form. Please note that if you were previously a student at UC, you will not recieve this email.

 

Once you're a non-matriculated student

After successfully completing the application steps and receiving the confirmation email, you are ready for the next steps. The following guide provides information on how to register for classes and stay connected.

 

Your UC username (aka 6+2)

When accessing the tools referenced throughout this guide, you will need your UC username, commonly known as your 6+2. Instructions on how to set up your 6+2 are outlined in the confirmation email from the Registrar’s Office.

Connecting at UC

For security purposes, your UC email is the official way for UC faculty, staff, and students to connect with you. Please make sure you routinely check your UC email at mail.uc.edu.

Find and register for classes

You can search for classes in Catalyst, which is UC’s central student information system. Once you’ve found your class(es), you can register, but before you do so, please be aware of the following:

  • Bursar Pre-Registration Agreement: Complete all service indicators (holds) listed on your account in Catalyst. A common one is the Financial Agreement Information You will be required to release this hold before you are eligible to register.
  • Course permission: Make sure you meet any prerequisites listed for the class or classes you are interested in. If you do not meet the prerequisites for a class, you can request class permission. This process varies by college, so make sure you follow the instructions.

Manage your class

Most classes at UC use Canvas for learning materials, lectures, and assignments. As a student at UC, you will also have access to a broad selection of online tools, such as Office 365 and WebEx. These tools are housed under Canopy.

If you have advising needs

Most advising offices use My Bearcat Network for appointment scheduling. As a non-matriculated student, you may schedule an appointment with one of our advisors for any advising needs. Please note, we are only able to advise on undergraduate courses.

Request your UC transcript upon completion

When you have successfully completed your UC coursework, review the process for requesting a transcript. You can also use your transcript as proof of enrollment.


Resources for Non-Matriculated Students

Bearcat Card Student ID

All Cincinnati students are required to have a photo ID, the Bearcat Card. A valid student ID is required to use libraries, computer labs, sport and recreation facilities and campus dining centers. The UC ID also serves as the Bearcat Campus Card, a debit card that can be used in all campus vending machines, shops and campus bookstore, as well as select off-campus eateries.

To obtain a student ID card, please contact the Badge & Key Office.

Canvas

Canvas is the univerity's learning management system that allows instructors to post course syllabi and instructional materials, send notifications, provide discussion boards for students, and much more. Once you are officially a student and have registered for courses, you will automatically be granted access to the course in Canvas.

Bookstore

Our bookstores offer all required and recommended textbooks and course packs plus everything from school supplies to light dorm room furniture. In-store and online.

UC email

A UC email account is provided to all University of Cincinnati students and will be used for all official university communications.

Enrollment Services

Enrollment Services enables you to take care of business online or in person without having to run all over campus. You can register for classes, accept your financial aid award, pay your bill, check your grades, request a transcript and more.

Parking

View parking maps, buy your parking pass, and get updates about event parking. Motorist assistance is also available.

Student Health Insurance

Student Health Insurance is required if you enroll for six or more credit hours. Eligible students are billed automatically for single coverage unless insurance is waived or dependent coverage is requested.