Academic Support and Transition Services

Making the transition to college is a big deal. Part of that transition is the experience of navigating the expectations in the classroom. Otterbein is here to support your academic endeavors as you learn and grow.

From academic advising to disability services, the library and buying your books, we are here to support your success.

On this page:

How do I know what books to buy?

Once you have your schedule for your first term, you will be able to look up the required and optional resources for your classes on the bookstore website. Students who have their textbooks by the first week of class are better prepared for the term and prepared to start from day one. More information about ordering textbooks, and spirit gear, from the Otterbein bookstore is available online at www.otterbein.edu/bookstore.

How to Purchase Textbooks >
New Student Textbook Information >

What resources can the Otterbein Library provide?

The Courtright Memorial Library is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, serving over 250,000 people per year. A member of the OPAL, OhioLINK, and SearchOhio consortia, users can access hundreds of electronic databases and millions of books, eBooks, and journals. Additionally, the Otterbein library has games, DVDs, laptops, and more. You can also learn about opportunities to borrow your textbooks from the library for free.

Stop by the Customer Service Desk to ask questions or email your Personal Librarian. You can also Ask a Librarian, via chat, email, text, or get social with us through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @Courtrightlib. Our Welcome guide for students is a good place to start!

How will I navigate my academic major requirements and expectations?

In addition to learning how to manage the systems that will keep your requirements managed throughout your enrollment, your Academic Advisor will be a great resource to support your academic expectations. Additionally, Student Success and Career Development (SSCD) offers supplemental academic advising through individual assistance along their Otterbein journey.

What if I need tutoring or support in a specific class or subject area?

The Academic Support Center (ASC) helps students develop and strengthen the skills necessary to attain their academic goals. We support student learning and success through tutoring, teaching, disability services, and academic coaching. Professional staff and peer tutors in our tutoring programs work with students in a variety of settings – drop-in, small groups, and one-to-one tutoring. All services are free for Otterbein students. Please contact us by stopping by the Courtright Memorial Library, Room #226 (on the second floor), emailing academicsupport@otterbein.edu, calling 614-823-1610, or visiting the ASC website at www.otterbein.edu/asc.

What if I need accommodations for my disability?

We encourage all students who have a disability to contact DisabilityServices@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1610 to discuss accommodation requests and potential documentation requirements, which may vary by situation and individual. The Disability Services staff will determine appropriate accommodations through an interactive process based on discussion with the student, the student’s history of accommodations, and documentation.

Documentation from a student’s previous school (verifying the diagnosis, the functional limitations, and the recommendations for/history of accommodations) is typically sufficient. A one-page registration form is available on the Disability Services website if a student does not already have documentation. While students may submit documentation and register at any point, we suggest that they do so prior to their first semester when possible. Additionally, informational meetings are available for future and current Otterbein students throughout the year to discuss the process and potential accommodations.

For students starting in fall term, our suggested registration timeline for incoming students is as follows:

• April: Submit documentation.
• May: Receive a follow-up email regarding transitioning to Otterbein; schedule Welcome Meeting for July/August.
• May/June: Return completed Pre-Welcome Meeting questions; Complete appropriate placement exams.
• June/July: Attend S.O.A.R. (orientation).
• July/August: Attend Welcome Meeting.

More information can be found at www.otterbein.edu/ods. The Disability Services office is located on the second floor of Courtright Memorial Library, Room #229.

For students starting in any other term, any contact prior to the start of the term will allow us to best support you.

How can I get help with internship, job, or graduate school searches?

Student Success and Career Development (SSCD) offers holistic career advising. Through individual assistance and a variety of resources and programs we are here to help guide students along their journey toward their career goals. For more information contact studentsuccess@otterbein.edu or call 614-823-1624.

What if I want to study abroad?

If you’re thinking about studying abroad during your time at Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu/studyabroad/ or contact studyabroad@otterbein.edu or call 614-823-1624 to learn more about Otterbein’s study abroad programs.