The Otterbein Summer Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) welcomes new students to campus each year for information sessions and activities to make their transition to Otterbein a smooth one. This year, the SOAR team is preparing to welcome more than 600 new Cardinals over six orientation days from June until August, starting with sessions on June 17 and 18.

After moving to a virtual program in 2020, the orientation staff is eager to host sessions on campus this year.

“We have focused on doing everything possible to host an in-person orientation experience so our new students and their guests can truly feel the campus experience,” said Colette Masterson, director of the Center for Student Involvement and SOAR supervisor.

The on-campus programming has been altered for the comfort and safety of all participants as Otterbein transitions to a more traditional in-person experience. Changes include half-day sessions with smaller groups, rather than the typical full-day sessions with larger groups.

“Though we will have limited time on campus with incoming students and their guests, we will utilize technology resources to share information and engage throughout the summer,” Masterson said.

Organizers say the smaller orientation groups and use of technology will allow new students to get to know one another and engage more quickly with their Orientation Leaders.

Additionally, Otterbein no longer requires masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated people, although it remains a mask-friendly campus. Unvaccinated people must wear masks while inside buildings on campus.

For more information on SOAR and our Orientation Leaders, visit www.otterbein.edu/orientation.