Commuter Resources

Commuter Student FAQ

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• Who is considered to be a commuter student at Otterbein University?

  Any student who does not reside in any of the residential halls would be considered a commuter student.

• How can I find out what’s going on at Otterbein?

  Check your campus email and My O-Zone for campus announcements and campus events. You can also check the Otterbein University web site. If you’re not on campus, and need additional information please call 614-823-3211 or e-mail Kadia Reid, kreid@otterbein.edu, in the Center for Student Involvement (CSI).

• How will I know if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather?

  Should there be a campus emergency, health alert, weather-related closing, or need to disseminate other pertinent information to the campus community, the University's new emergency notification system, Cardinal Red Alert, sends text messages, voice messages, TTY/TDD messages and emails to the community. Also check the Otterbein University website, your campus e-mail and your local news and radio stations for any announcements of cancellations or delays. Please ensure you sign up for Red Alert.

• Where is a good place to study and/or do homework?

  The library is probably the best place for commuters to do homework.

• Is there anywhere commuter students can go to hang out or relax?

  There is a Commuter Lounge (Towers Hall basement) with vending machines, lockers, and a kitchenette area designed for commuter students. In addition, commuter students are encouraged to hang out or relax in the Campus Center and watch TV, plays games, etc. in between classes.

• Where can I leave my belongings between classes?

  The Center for Student Involvement provides lockers for students to rent. These lockers are located in the commuter student lounge. However, we suggest that you do not place any valuables in these lockers for security precautions.

• Why won't my Cardinal Card let me into any of the residence halls?

  It's the same reason for all students. Residential students' ID cards only work for the residence halls they live in. In other words, if a student from one hall wanted to visit someone from another hall, he or she would have to contact that person so he or she can open the door. This is for the safety and security of our students to prevent any intrusions. There are call boxes outside the entrance of each residence hall so you can contact someone to let you inside.

• Where can I park on campus?

  The Otterbein University Police Department is responsible for parking administration. Please see the Parking section for all information about parking lot locations, permits, licenses, etc.

• Will someone escort me to my car?

  If you would like an escort to/from your car, please contact the Otterbein University Police Department at (614) 823-1222 to request an escort to your vehicle or class. This service is provided to all students on campus late at night, and to students that have injuries that limit their ability to walk to/from class or other areas on campus.

• Are there any meal plans designed for commuter students?

  Bon Appétit at Otterbein offers Block Meal Plans for Students. However, the ‘Munch Money’ option is perhaps best for commuters. You can access healthy, nutritional food choices when you are on campus. It works exactly like a debit card and you may purchase separately or add to a meal or block plan. Additionally, there is no expiration throughout the school year. Call 614-823-1250 for more details.

• What should I do if I lose my Cardinal Card?

  IMMEDIATELY report your lost or stolen Cardinal Card to the Campus Center Office at (614) 823-3202 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or to the Police department (614) 823-1222 after hours. Replacement cards can be obtained in the Campus Center during business hours. Please refer to Cardinal Card FAQ’s for additional information related to lost/stolen, or proper use of your card.