Instructors have the option of opening the course early for students. They can open the course up-to one week prior to the official start date. But cannot require ANY TYPE of work done prior to the first day of class. 

Step 1: Login to your course, locate the gear icon at the top right of the page, click on it with your mouse and select Edit settings.

Step 2: From the General tab, locate the Course visibility drop down menu and change from Hide to Show.  

Step 3: At the bottom of the page click on the Save and display button. Your course is now available for students to access it through the Bruin Portal.