Resources & Student Support

Photo of individuals talking at a table during a resource fair

The Off-Campus & Commuter Student Engagement team exists to help provide support services and resources for students. Below you will find a variety of information about various campus and campus resources and services to support your experience as an off-campus and/or commuter student.

Additional questions? Please reach out using the "Contact Us" tab to the left.

Campus Resources

Accessibility Resources

Accessibility Resources is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to the UC experience by providing reasonable academic, housing, and campus accommodations. Through individualized support, students can connect with an Access Coordinator, request accommodations, access assistive technology, and receive guidance on navigating campus resources. Whether you have a permanent disability or a temporary condition, Accessibility Resources is here to help remove barriers and support your academic success and overall well-being.

 

Testing Services

Testing Services supports students by providing a secure, professional testing environment for a variety of academic and professional exams. Whether you need to complete an accommodated exam, take a placement assessment, earn credit through prior learning, or sit for a certification or licensure exam, Testing Services offers reliable testing options and resources to help you meet your academic and career goals.

 

Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center

The Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center is here to support students by providing free groceries, personal care items, and connections to additional campus and community resources. Whether you need short-term assistance or on-going support, the pantry offers a welcoming space where students can access essential items with dignity and care.

 

Campus Dining & 513 Culinary Group

Whether you're on campus all day or just stopping by for a class, Campus Dining provides a convenient dining option to fit your schedule. Provided by 513 Culinary Group, your dining options have never been easier to locate and access when you need a meal or snack while on campus. In addition, they offer a Campus Dining Pass for 36 meals that is designed with commuting and off-campus students in mind, giving you 36 meals per semester to use at a variety of locations, so you can enjoy affordable, convenient, and healthy meal options.

 

Center for Community Engagement

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) connects students with meaningful opportunities to make a difference on campus and throughout the Cincinnati community. Through volunteer service, community partnerships, civic engagement initiatives, leadership development, and voter engagement programs, CCE empowers students to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and create positive social change. Whether you're looking to serve, connect with your community, or grow as a civic leader, CCE offers opportunities to get involved and make an impact.

 

Center for Student Involvement

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) helps students make the most of their UC experience by connecting them with opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build community. Whether you're interested in joining one of UC's hundreds of student organizations, planning campus events, exploring leadership programs, or participating in campus traditions, CSI provides the resources and support to help you find your place and create a meaningful college experience.

 

Fraternity & Sororioty Life

Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) provides students with opportunities to build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, serve the community, and enhance their college experience through membership in one of UC's fraternity or sorority organizations. With a focus on scholarship, service, leadership, and belonging, FSL supports students in finding a community where they can grow personally, academically, and professionally while making a positive impact on campus and beyond.

 

Student Leadership Programs

Student Leadership Programs provides students with opportunities to develop the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become effective leaders on campus, in their communities, and beyond. Through leadership education, workshops, programs, and hands-on experiences, students can explore their leadership strengths, build connections with peers, and learn how to create positive change. Whether you are a new leader or looking to enhance your existing skills, Student Leadership Programs offers resources to help you grow and lead with purpose.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports the mental health and well-being of students by providing confidential counseling, crisis support, consultations, and wellness resources. Whether you're managing stress, adjusting to college life, or navigating a personal challenge, CAPS offers professional support to help you care for you rmental and emotional well-being.

 

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office is here to support students as they navigate challenges and connect with the resources they need to be successful. Whether you're experiencing a personal crisis, facing an unexpected harship, resolving a conflict, or simply aren't sure where to turn, this team provides individualized support, advocacy, and referrals to campus and community resources. Their team works closely with students to promote well-being, remove barriers to success, and help every Bearcat thrive.

 

Student Wellness Center (SWC)

The Student Wellness Center empowers UC students to make informed decisions about their health and well-being by providing evidence-based education, wellness programs, and supportive resources in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Whether you're looking to improve your physical, mental, financial, or sexual wellness, manage stress or learn healthy lifestyle habits, the Student Wellness Center offers workshops, peer education, and resources to help you thrive both in and out of the classroom.

 

Off-Campus & Commuter Student Engagement Monthly Email Newsletter

Join the monthly Off-Campus & Commuter Student Engagement Newsletter to get general and helpful announcements, hear about upcoming events and opportunities to get connected, and to learn about student support resources and services available specifically to off-campus and commuting students. 

 

Parent & Family Programs and Services

The office of Parent & Family Programs partners with families to support student success by providing helpful resources, campus updates, educational programs, and opportunities to stay connected throughout the college experience. Not only do they serve parents and families, they focus on providing resources and support for anyone who is supporting a UC student. From accessing the Family Portal to UC's annual Family Weekend, they provide on-going communications to help families stay informed and connected. We operate with the shared goal of empowering students to grow independently and confidently during their time at UC.

 

Parking & Transportation Services
 
The Parking & Transportation Services office provides a variety of options to help students navigate getting to campus, getting around campus, and accessing the City of Cincinnati. Whether you commuter to campus, live nearby in the Uptown area, or are exploring the city, there are a variety of transportation resources that you can utilize.
 
  • Personal Vehicles & Parking on Campus - Find parking options that fit your schedules and needs, including permitting information, visitor parking, and guidance on where and how to park around campus.
  • Cincinnati Metro - Explore public transportation options throughout Cincinnati, including bus routes that connect students to campus, neighborhoods, and destinations across the city; Metro is free for UC students and is a great way to make your commute easier to get around the city of Cincinnati; To access your free bus pass, complete the following steps:
  • UC Shuttle Service - Utilize complimentary campus shuttle services to travel between and around Uptown campuses, regional campuses, parking areas, and other key locations; Shuttle locations and trackers are available through the TripShot App and are a convenient way to navigate around campus without needing to move your vehicle.
  • Cincy EZ Park App - Use the mobile parking app to pay for parking throughout Cincinnati by the hour, manage your parking sessions, and make parking easier when visiting campus or exploring the city; There are spots throughout Uptown and are conveniently labeled with a sign and session # to apply in your app.

 

University of Cincinnati Public Safety (UCPD)
 
Safety is an important part of your college experience, whether you're on campus, commuting to campus, or living in the surrounding neighborhood. The University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department (UCPD) offers a variety of services and resources to help you stay safe, access assistance when needed, and feel confident navigating campus and the city. These services and resources include:
 
  • Bearcat Card - Your official UC ID provides access to campus buildings, services, dining, recreation facilities, printing, shuttles, and other campus resources.
  • Bearcat Guardian App - A free personal safety app that connects you to UCPD with features like safety timers, emergency contacts, location sharing, and quick access to emergency assistance.
  • Bike & Scooter Registration - Register your bike or scooter with UCPD to improve the chances of recovery if it is lost or stole and to help keep the campus community safe.
  • Pedestrian Safety - Learn more about tips and tricks, campus traffic laws, and best practices for safely walking, biking, and navigating campus roadways.
  • UC Alerts - Stay informed during emergencies by receiving timely notifications about weather, campus closures, safety incidents, and other urgent situations.
  • UCPD Motorist Assistance Program - Receive free on-campus assistance for your personal vehicle with common vehicle issues, such as jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, and more.
  • UCPD's Safety FAQ's - Find answers to common safety questions, explore crime prevention tips, and learn more about the services UCPD provides to support the UC community.

 

Veteran Programs & Services

UC's Veteran Programs & Services supports military-connected students by providing resources, advocacy, and personalized assistance throughout their academic journey at UC. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, or a military-dependent student, the office offers guidance on education benefits, campus resources, transition support, and opportunities to connect with a welcoming military-affiliated community.