Orientation Questions

General Orientation Questions

When will I receive my orientation confirmation?

Once you have completed and returned the New Student Information/Orientation Form to the Orientation Office you will then receive an orientation confirmation letter with an orientation brochure, hotel listing, and campus map.

How do I know which orientation to attend?

For those who live beyond a radius of 250 miles, for your convenience we offer the September orientation on the Wednesday before school starts. If you are interested in participating in a fall athletic activity or marching band, it is highly recommended that you attend one of the summer orientations in July or August.

What if I can't stay the whole day? What do I need to attend?

It is in your best interest to attend the entire orientation session. You will not only make connections with faculty, staff and fellow students, but you will also take care of confirming your registration and taking your student ID picture. If you must miss any of the program, you must make special arrangements in advance to ensure you are ready when the academic year arrives. Please call (614) 823-3202 or email the orientation office (Orientation@otterbein.edu) to make these arrangements.

What if I can't come to orientation?

The first day of classes will be Monday, September 10. Cardinal Cards will be made the first week of school from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. The Bookstore, Security, Housing and the Business Office may be other areas to connect with during the first few days.

May I bring a friend to orientation?

You will be divided into a small group of 15 students where you will meet new students. You will participate in various activities with only this small group (your friend cannot come with you). If you still want to bring a friend, bear in mind that there is a cost for anyone other than the new student to attend orientation. The fee is the same as that for parents: $40 for the first person, $20 for additional.

Common Book Assignment

When is my Common Book writing assignment due?

Friday, before the first day of fall quarter at your Integrative Studies class at 10:15 a.m.

If I don't come to orientation until the September date, when do I get my Common Book?

You'll receive your book and writing assignment in the orientation confirmation packet sent to you when you return the New Student Information/Orientation Form to the Orientation Office.

Commuters

Do I have to come to all of the orientation sessions?

You are encouraged to attend the entire session to meet other commuters, learn more about the campus and help new students become familiar with the area. Orientation is planned by students for students.

Course Registration

What courses should I take?

In the "Registration Guidebook for Freshman" you will find degree requirements listed alphabetically. Undeclared is listed at the end. You will receive this Guidebook once you have been accepted and have paid your $150 deposit.

Do I need to have my course schedule done before orientation?

Yes! You will meet with a pre-assigned faculty counselor during orientation who will confirm your schedule. Keep in mind that the schedule you submit is a draft and you will have lots of opportunities to ask questions, verify your choices, and make changes before the year begins. This draft schedule simply allows us to begin planning course sections and begins to teach you the process of course registration.

Residence Halls

May I see my assigned room?

No. There are summer camps on campus so rooms are being used. However, sample floor plans are available for each residence hall here. We will also offer a residence hall tour, but you will not be able to see your assigned room - just a sample room on campus.

Who is my roommate?

Roommate information will be sent out the first weeks of August.

Parent Issues

What does the parent/guest fee cover?

The parent fee is $40 for the first guest, and $20 for each additional guest. The fee offsets the cost of meals, housing, orientation supplies, administration and facility fees. It is not possible to deviate from these charges even though some parents may not attend all the sessions/meals.

Will I spend the day with my son or daughter?

No, the orientation program is actually two programs, running concurrently: one for parents and one for students. Your son or daughter will be grouped with other incoming students and will spend time confirming their registration, participating in a sample class, and getting to know their classmates better. Parents will have programs and sessions designed to meet their needs as parents. You may see your son or daughter at lunch, but for the most part, you will spend the day separate.

Placement Testing

Do I have to take the Math inventory?
Yes, all students (except those pursuing a BFA degree) have some type of math requirement. Unless you have Otterbein transfer credit for the course(s) you need, or for the specific prerequisites, the inventory is required for placement. Even if you do not plan to take a math course right away, we recommend you take it while you are knowledgeable about the subject content.

Do I have to take the foreign language placement test?
Yes. It is recommended that everyone take this placement test in case you change academic majors. You should take the placement for the language in which you intend to enroll. For example, if you took French in high school and want to take Spanish in college - we still ask that you complete the Spanish placement exam.

How do I take these placement tests?
Our Placement Exams are administered online through Blackboard, our campus classroom management software program. Instructions were included in the mailing you received from the Registrar's office and the full instructions are available at www.otterbein.edu/placement. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Orientation office at (614) 823-3202 or Orientation@otterbein.edu.

Transfers

Do I have to attend orientation?
The Orientation program in July and August will help you complete your schedule, get your ID card and have a detailed tour of the campus. You'll be grouped with other transfer students just like you!

If I'm a transfer, do I have to complete the common book writing assignment?
You only need to complete the writing assignment if you are taking an Integrative Studies class (100, 105, 110, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180). Otherwise, the book is a gift to you.