First Year Students

There are two methods to register for S.O.A.R. You can either download and mail in the Summer 2013 Registration Form  or complete the online option which will allow you to pay with credit card.

It’s going to be a busy day. But it will be fun, insightful, and leave you eager to come back. Yes, it will be a great day. To get an idea of what your day will be like, check out the 2013 orientation schedules.

2013 Student Orientation Schedule (pdf)
2013 Parent & Family Orientation Schedule (pdf)

Note: These schedules are subject to slight revisions and changes.  We will provide you with a schedule when you arrive on campus.

 

We are so glad you decided to attend Otterbein. Please feel free to use our checklist to help you take steps toward enrolling this fall.

Submit the following:

• Orientation Registration
• Complete the Online Registration Survey (available May 8)
• Health Service Records
• Final Transcript(s)

Also, visit your personal VIP page to see an interactive version of this list!

As a new student, you must complete an online registration questionnaire. Your personalized questionnaire will be emailed directly to your Otterbein email account. You will not be able to complete the questionnaire until that time.

Once you have completed your questionnaire, your first year schedule will be created for you. When possible, your schedule will be designed to fit the preferences and information you provide in your questionnaire.

All students will receive a copy of their personal schedule at orientation. At that time, you will be able to meet with an adviser to review your schedule and make changes, if necessary.

Math Placement
Your math placement is determined by your Math ACT or SAT sub score and your intended major (your highest score will be used). If you do not feel your test score is a reflection of your math ability, you may opt to take the online math placement exam. The online exam will be available after May 1st and must be completed two weeks prior to your orientation date.

For more information review the placement chart and corresponding major requirements. Additionally, review our frequently asked questions sheet for more information.

Modern Language
As part of the course registration survey, you will complete a portion regarding your interest and experiences regarding modern language. From  this survey it will be determined if you will need to meet with the Modern Language department on your orientation day. Students needing meet with the Modern Language department will be notified prior to their orientation session. 

All new students will receive a copy of the 2013 Common Book, Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal at their orientation session. Students attending the August orientation will receive their Common Book in the mail in late July.

After you read the book, complete the Common Book assignment and be ready to turn it in during your FYS meeting time scheduled for Thursday, August 22. You will need to bring both a hard copy and a copy saved to a USB drive.

For information about the assignment, download the forms below:

• Common Book Assignment Description
• Common Book Assignment Document Design
• Evaluation Rubric

Orientation is a great opportunity to meet people and learn about life as an Otterbein University Cardinal. At Orientation you will learn tips on navigating the university system, on succeeding academically and on getting involved in campus life. Additionally, you will meet with an advisor and complete the registration process in preparation for the upcoming semester.

All orientation confirmations are sent directly to students via their Otterbein email account. Emails will be followed-up by a postcard confirming your scheduled date. If you are unsure that your registration has been received, you can call the orientation office (614-823-3202).

You will be emailed a personalized link to a registration survey to your Otterbein email on May 1. You must activate your Otterbein email to get this information. Once you complete your survey, the Registrar’s Office will create your first-year schedule. During orientation, you will meet individually with a faculty advisor to review your schedule and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

First you will need to activate your network account. To do this, go to http://www.otterbein.edu/newuser and enter the PIN provided in your Welcome Letter. You will be instructed to create a unique password. Then, to access your email, from on or off-campus, logon to My O-Zone with your newly activated network account. Click on the New Email link in the upper right corner. Select the Gmail logon. Type in your username. The first time logon password is your Otterbein ID number without the preceding "A." You will be prompted to create a unique password. A good tip is to make your unique password the same as your network password so you do not have to remember two passwords.

Orientation check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and you should expect to be done by 5:30 p.m.

This is a decision you and your family will need to make. There are informational sessions throughout the orientation day especially designed for parents and families. Each guest will need to pay the registration fee. There is a $40 charge for the first guest and $20 for each additional guest.

All guests that accompany you to orientation will need to pay the registration fee. There is a $40 charge for the first guest and $20 for each additional guest. Be advised, guests will NOT be able to accompany you during the day. Parents, family and guests will be asked to attend the parent and family orientation that is scheduled for the day. You will begin the day together, but will not come back together until the end of the day.

Attendance at orientation is expected for all new students. Hopefully, there will be a session available to meet your needs and schedule. However, if you have an unavoidable schedule conflict, contact the Center for Student Involvement at (614) 823-3202.

Yes. It is expected that all first-time, traditional first-year students will attend both orientation and New Student Week. During Orientation you will work with an advisor to confirm your class schedule for the fall. During New Student Week you will attend many important academic meetings that will help you to be prepared for classes when they begin.

You are not required to take placement exams. However, exams are available if you would like to improve your current placements.

For more information about placement please review the mailing you received from the Registrar's office.

No. Your housing and roommate assignments will be complete in early August. During Orientation you will be able to see a sample room, but you will not have your official assignment. You will have an opportunity to interact with the Residence Life Staff during Orientation and they will be able to answer your questions related to living on-campus.

You may or may not have received a hard copy of these course descriptions in your Course Registration packet. If not, you can see the full list of descriptions here.