Otterbein University > First Year Students

Do you feel that? We do, too.

It’s the excitement of beginning your college career at Otterbein. We can’t wait to meet you, show you around, and welcome you into the Otterbein family.

Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration (SOAR) is a one-day program that will prepare you for your experience at Otterbein University. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor to review your course schedule for fall semester and learn about Otterbein’s academic expectations, as well as begin building relationships with other new students and current Otterbein students. Orientation Leaders will be guiding you through the day and will make sure you are in the right places at the right time!

The dates for SOAR 2012 are Thursday, June 28, Saturday June 30, Friday, July 13, and Tuesday, August 21*. Please click here or see below to download the registration form.

*This session is traditionally reserved for students residing more than 150 miles from campus

First Year Student Orientation Information

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Register for Orientation

Click here to download the 2012-2013 SOAR Registration Form
Orientation Schedule

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.

2011 Student Orientation Schedule (pdf)
Note: This schedule is a sample which is tentative and subject to change for the 2012 summer.
New Student Checklist
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 1)
- Health Service Records
- Final Transcript(s)
Also, visit your personal VIP page to see an interactive version of this list!
Course Registration

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.
Placement Exams

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.

Click here to see 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.
Common Book Assignment
Remember - have your Common Book assignment completed for your first FYS meeting time scheduled for Thursday, August 25!

For information about the assignment, download the forms below:
- Common Book Assigment Description
- Common Book Assignment Document Design

First Year Student Orientation FAQ

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Why do I need to attend Orientation?

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.
How do I know what date I’m scheduled to attend?

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).
How will I register for classes?

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.
How do I access my Otterbein email address?

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. To access your email go to http://ocwebmail.otterbein.edu and log in using your user name (firstname.lastname) and the unique password you created when you activated your account. Start good habits now! You should check your Otterbein email account daily, especially once classes start, for important information on campus.
How long is Orientation?

Orientation check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and you should expect to be done by 5:30 p.m.
Should my parents or family come with me?

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.
Can I bring a friend?

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.
What if I can’t come to Orientation?

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.
Do I have to come to both Orientation and New Student Week?

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.
Do I need to take a placement test before Orientation?

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 and the full instructions are at www.otterbein.edu/placement.
Will I have my housing and roommate assignment in time for Orientation?

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.
Where can I find a copy of the INST 1500: Identity Projects course descriptions?

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.

First Year Students

Do you feel that? We do, too.

First Year Student Orientation Information

Register for Orientation

Orientation Schedule

New Student Checklist

Course Registration

Placement Exams

Common Book Assignment

First Year Student Orientation FAQ

Why do I need to attend Orientation?

How do I know what date I’m scheduled to attend?

How will I register for classes?

How do I access my Otterbein email address?

How long is Orientation?

Should my parents or family come with me?

Can I bring a friend?

What if I can’t come to Orientation?

Do I have to come to both Orientation and New Student Week?

Do I need to take a placement test before Orientation?

Will I have my housing and roommate assignment in time for Orientation?

Where can I find a copy of the INST 1500: Identity Projects course descriptions?

/ Center for Student Involvement

/ Additional Info

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