First Flight: New Student Week

All students will receive a fully updated 2026 First Flight schedule when they arrive on campus. Full event schedule and details are on the Campus Groups App in the First Flight Event Hub.

Check back in June for more information regarding moving into residence halls.

Commuter Students

Check back in June for more information regarding commuter check-in.

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 Sunday evening through Tuesday​. 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?

A draft of the schedule will be provided closer to the date.

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 Sunday. 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 2025-2026 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 will be scheduled during First Flight.

When do I meet with my faculty/academic department?

All students will meet with their department on Tuesday August 18^th in the morning and from there will meet with their faculty individually. It is crucial that you are available on Tuesday morning to attend these important meetings!