Our orientation program is designed to help you get to know us, start building relationships with your peers, and for us to get to know you. It is full of important information, games, and fun, so have a good time—we know we will.

New Student Orientation at Otterbein University

We are so excited that you are joining the Otterbein community and will become a Cardinal! In consideration of the current guidance on gatherings and events, we want to be mindful of the kinds of experiences our new students and their families may want. You can choose to participate in orientation entirely virtually or participate on-campus. Our on-campus orientation experience will be hosted on Friday, January 5th.

You will need to register so that we can appropriately prepare for your experience.

For more information, contact the Student Success and Career Development (614-823-1624, orientation@otterbein.edu).

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.

  • Orientation Registration
  • Complete the Course Registration Survey sent to your Otterbein email account
  • Final Transcript(s)

Visit your personal VIP page to see an interactive version of this list!

Course Registration & Placement Exams

As a new student, you must complete an online course registration questionnaire. Your personalized questionnaire will be emailed directly to your Otterbein email account.

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

Placement Exams

The most up-to-date information about placement exams is in your Otterbinder, but you can also follow the links below for more information:

Common Book Assignment

Otterbein’s Common Book Program creates a shared experience for the campus community, but especially for incoming students. All new students will receive a copy of the 2023 Common Book for free. You can pick it up on orientation day or once classes start from Student Success and Career Development in 027 Towers Hall.

After you read the book, complete the Common Book assignment and be ready to turn it in to your FYS class.