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First Year Experience

The First Year Experience program at Otterbein is a comprehensive program to support all aspects of a student’s transition into the Otterbein community. The program focuses on both classroom and out of class resources and experiences to ensure the success of all new students. The First Year Seminar is a signature component of the FYE program and serves as the beginning course in the Integrative Studies curriculum.

FYE Mission, Goals and Outcomes

First Year Seminar

What is a First Year Seminar (FYS)?

First Year Seminars serve as the first course in Otterbein’s Integrative Studies (general education) program. The seminars are diverse in topic and disciplinary perspective, but share a set of goals and outcomes related to student learning and transition into the Otterbein academic community.

The seminars are taught by a wide range of faculty and are designed to provide students with an introduction to interdisciplinary learning. In other words, they’ll help you understand what Otterbein classes will be like for the next four years! Students should choose a seminar that seems interesting to them; no major requires one specific seminar. Therefore, the seminars are also a great way for students who are undecided or unsure of their major to explore different topics or areas.

To learn more about this year's FYS Courses please review the descriptions in our First Year Seminar Guide.

New for 2012! Leadership Living Learning Community – Program Pilot

The FYE Program is piloting a new element to our comprehensive program this coming Fall. Select incoming students will be invited to participate in our new Living Learning Community (LLC) centered on the issues of Leadership.
The new Leadership LLC will bring together all of the Leadership seminar students in a shared residential experience in the Hanby-Clements Complex. Your participation in the new Leadership LLC will give you access to several of Otterbein’s most highly regarded faculty experts on leadership while also affording additional special opportunities including:

  • A personal assessment of your leadership strengths;
  • An emphasis on mentoring including training to build your skills and the chance to apply them first-hand as a mentor;
  • A series of out-of-class shared experiences intended to develop your leadership skills as an individual while fostering the team’s collaboration;
  • Social and networking activities with LLC members and campus leaders;
  • And, shared reflection activities tracking your experiences and development.

If you have received a letter inviting your participation and would like to accept this invitation, please contact Kate Lehman at klehman@Otterbein.edu or 614-823-1624. If you did not receive an invitation, but would like additional information, you can also contact Kate Lehman (at the information above).

LLC Frequently Asked Questions

  • I was planning to commute from home this year. Does that mean that I cannot participate in the LLC?

    No – you are still welcome to participate! We have a limited number of spots held for students who may be commuting from home. You will have access to the residential complex common areas during shared programming times to allow you to still make connections outside of class with your fellow LLC members. Contact Kate Lehman today to confirm your spot.

  • I have been invited to the Honors Program at Otterbein and I know there is also an Honors housing option. Can I do both?

    Unfortunately, you cannot live in both residential communities. However, you can still participate in the Honors program without living in the designated building (and students do this every year!). The choice is up to you! You can participate in the LLC and still be in the Honors Program or you can opt not to participate in the LLC and live in the Honors building instead. Both are good choices!

  • I am really interested in the topic of leadership, but would like to take a different First Year Seminar. Can I still participate?

    At this time, we are limiting participants to students who are enrolled in the designated First Year Seminars. However, we anticipate that we may have a few spots available on a waiting list for additional students. Final decision on whether or not you can participate will be made by July 15. We would ask that you commit to taking LEAD 1000, Finding your Leadership Potential, during J-Term. Having an academic connection to the LLC is an important component and we don’t want you to feel left out of one of the signature elements of the program. You may indicate on your housing form you wish to live in the Clements/Hanby complex to be near the LLC members. Some complex activities focusing on leadership will be open to all residents in the complex.

  • My best friend and I want to be roommates. I want to do the LLC option, but they aren’t interested. Can we still be roommates?

    Yes! Students with mutual roommate requests may participate in the LLC even if their roommate is not interested. A number of activities in the residence hall will be open to LLC and all hall members, so you will be able to attend some activities with your roommate and your classmates.

/Contact FYE

The Center for Student Success is your contact for FYE and is located in Barlow Hall, behind the Rock, next to the Center for Career Planning.

 

Office Hours
M-Th: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
F: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

p / 614-823-1624

 

Kate Lehman, Assistant Dean for Student Success
studentsuccess@otterbein.edu