General Overview of the 2024 First Flight Schedule is available here.

All students will receive a fully updated 2024 First Flight schedule when they arrive on campus.

*Events and times subject to change.

New students living on-campus will move into their assigned residence hall on Wednesday, August 21, from 9 a.m. – 12noon. Students who are arriving early for band, fall sports, NEST, RISE and August orientation will move in on their assigned time. First Flight activities begin in the late afternoon on the 21^st, so all new students should be checked-in and ready to say good-bye to their families and guests by 3 p.m. on the 21^st.

Commuter Students

Commuter check-in will take place in the Riley Auditorium on Wednesday, August 21^st at 2:00pm. After check-in, you will have a commuter meeting at 3:00pm to help you prepare for fall semester. After this you will meet your First Flight color team, where you will receive your Cardinal Card, meal passes for the week, and other very important information!

Transfer Students

Transfer students are welcome and encouraged to attend First Flight, if they are interested. While many of the events and programs are geared toward traditional, first-time college students, First Flight is an excellent opportunity to meet other new Otterbein students.

Why do I need to attend New Student Week: First Flight?

All first-year students are expected to attend all First Flight events and programs. During First Flight you will attend several academic programs including Academic Convocation, two meetings with your First Year Seminar class, and an important appointment with your Department and your faculty advisor. In addition to important academic meetings, First Flight is an important time to learn your way around campus and to get to know other students before classes begin.

I have a conflict during First Flight, what do I do?

New students are expected to attend programs on Wednesday evening through Friday. During this time you will have important meetings with your department, your advisor and your First Year Seminar class. You should treat those programs as you would a class on your schedule. If you have an unavoidable conflict, you should contact the Orientation Office.

What happens during First Flight?

Feel free to review the draft schedule.

I am not living on-campus and do not have a meal plan, can I eat during First Flight?

All new students are given a wristband during First Flight that serves as your meal pass. All incoming first-year students, and transfer students who register, will have meals provided starting with dinner on Wednesday. The last First Flight meal is brunch on Sunday.

How are our First Flight teams assigned?

Teams are assigned based on your FYS/TYS course for 2024-2025 school year. Multiple courses will be combined together to form a color team so you will get to know other students, as well as the students in one of your classes.

When do I need to turn in my Common Book Assignment?

You will turn in your Common Book Assignment during your first, First Year Seminar/Transition Year Seminar meeting which is scheduled for Thursday, August 22.

If you are not scheduled to take a First Year Seminar in the fall, you will still have the opportunity to meet with your FYS/TYS instructor during this time. If you have misplaced your Common Book Assignment you can find the assignment here.

When do I meet with my faculty/academic department?

All students will meet with their department on Friday morning and from there will meet with their faculty individually. It is crucial that you are available on Friday morning to attend these important meetings!