New Student Orientation

1. Review and complete all steps in the Student Enrollment Guide.

   Admissions has created a list of steps for undergraduate and graduate students to enroll at Otis College. These steps are important to complete to prepare for a successful transition into the College.

2. Review software and hardware requirements based on your year or major.

   Otis requires that incoming students own a laptop that meets the minimum system specifications for software used in the classroom. The requirements are broken down by foundation year or academic major.

3. Sign up for your Orientation Session(s). Registration for Fall O-Week will go live in July.

   Making the transition to college can be exciting, eye-opening, and perhaps a bit overwhelming at times. Through our Orientation Sessions, we will provide you with important information and tools to help you become the most successful Otis Owl that you can be. Through these sessions, you will learn about strategies and resources you can utilize to strive academically, creatively, and personally during your time at Otis College. Lastly, you will have the chance to ask any questions you have and connect with our Otis College community

4. Complete the self-guided Orientation Course.

   The online orientation course will help you learn about all the resources that you can access as an Otis Owl. Through the course, you will be able to navigate through informational modules that serve as essential introductions to the Otis College student experience. 

   All new students will be able to access the Orientation course through the Nest by August 1, 2024. All new students must complete the online Orientation Course by August 26, 2024. Your orientation course can be accessed by logging on to your MyOtis portal (my.otis.edu), and clicking on “the Nest” below "Campus Applications."

International Student Orientation

We invite all incoming International Students to join us for an opportunity to learn about life at Otis College, review VISA requirements, and connect with other students, staff, and faculty!

This is required for all new incoming international students.

All listed times are in Pacific Time. 

 

Welcome Ceremony

Otis College officially celebrates all newly admitted students at the beginning of their academic year with the annual Welcome Ceremony. You will be officially welcomed during a Convocation-style Welcome Ceremony, taking place in the Commons on campus. President Charles Hirschhorn will formally welcome all new students, along with Otis College faculty and staff. We will be providing one of LA’s iconic donut shops, Randy’s Donuts! 

We encourage students to register for this event. ALL new students should arrive at the Forum, which is located in the Anne Cole Building next to Elaine's Dining, to check-in, get your commemorative T-shirt, and join the pre-ceremony activities! 

All new students are strongly encouraged to attend. 

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Kick-Off O-Week Programming! 

After the Welcome Ceremony, new incoming students are invited to join our Orientation Leaders at Bowlero for bowling, food, and fun! Registration for this event is required and will be part of the Orientation registration sent to your email in July.

Additionally, Foundation & Foundation Transfer students are invited to join the Owl Chats led by our Orientation Leaders. Owl Chats are an opportunity to meet with your assigned O-Week small group to connect and build community! You’ll have the chance to meet other new students throughout the various Owl Chats. We strongly encourage all Foundation & Foundation Transfer students to join the Owl Chats throughout O-Week.

Foundation & Foundation Transfer Student Orientation

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted Foundation and Foundation Transfer students! This in-person orientation is designed to give you the information you need to begin your first-year at Otis College. You will have the opportunity to connect with peers, staff, and faculty, and learn about academic expectations, campus resources, and opportunities for involvement. 

All newly admitted Foundation and Foundation Transfer students are expected to attend. Students only need to attend one session. Registration is required. Registration will go live in July.

Session A 

Lunch with Campus Resources and Vendor Fair (12:15 pm - 1:30 pm)

Join us for lunch and check out our fair with different campus resources and vendors from the local area. Those attending Session A should plan to participate in lunch at 12:30pm. Those attending Session B should plan to participate in lunch before their session at 1:00pm. The fair will take place in  The Commons.

Session B 

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Campus Activities Board Program

Are you ready to make some new Owl Friends!? Join our student programming board, Campus Activities Board in making new connections and friends over community building activities and fun programming in the Commons! 

Upper Division Transfer, Exchange, and Graduate Student Orientation

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted Graduate and Upper Division Transfer and Exchange students! Through this orientation, you will learn about academic expectations, campus resources, and opportunities for involvement.

All newly admitted Graduate and Upper Division Transfer students and Exchange Students are expected to attend. Registration is required. Registration will go live in July.

Additional O-Week Programs

All new students are invited to join additional programming opportunities on campus. These sessions are led by various campus departments or O-Leaders. These are optional programs but are ways to get connected, learn more about resources, or help you prepare for your transition to Otis!

 

Come get groovy with us at the Off the Wall: 70s Day Party in the Commons! There will be a DJ, live jazz band, lawn games, interactive activities, and food! 

We highly encourage dressing up in your 70s inspired outfits! There will be a competition for the best dressed. 

The first 50 attendees will receive an Otis College picnic blanket! We encourage folks to bring a picnic blanket and a friend to enjoy the closing of O-Week.

This event is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership and Residence Life & Housing. 

Parent & Family Orientation (In-Person)

Tuesday, August 20

We welcome all parents, families, and guardians of Otis students to join us in our in-person Parent & Family Orientation. Attendees will learn more about our campus resources such as Campus Safety, Student Health & Wellness Center, Counseling Services, Residence Life, Career Services, Student Engagement and Leadership, and Student Affairs. Registration is required and will be available in July.  This session is intended for parents, families, and guardians ONLY.

Parent & Family Orientation (Virtual)

Wednesday, August 21

We welcome all parents, families, and guardians of Otis students to join us in our virtual Parent & Family Orientation. This session is intended for those who were unable to attend the in-person session. This session will review general information about campus life and provide an opportunity for parents and families to ask any questions. Registration is required and will be available in July.

How do I get access to a student ID as a new student?

• Read and sign the OneCard Agreement form. 

• Once you have completed the agreement, you will be directed with instructions and a link on how to upload your ID Photo. 

• Once the photo ID is approved, you will receive an email. When you receive that email, you can go to the Campus Safety office to get your ID printed (see below for further instructions).

  • Make sure to have a photo ID and your student ID (XID) number ready.

  • New incoming students living on-campus in Fall 2024 will pick up their ID during move-in. 

  • New incoming students not living on-campus in Fall 2024 can get their ID printed during O-Week. 

New Incoming Residential Students: The deadline to have your photo ID uploaded before your arrival is Friday, August 2. All submissions after Friday, August 2 will not be guaranteed to have their ID photo approved and will have to take a photo for an ID at the Campus Safety office. 

For more information on OneCards, click here. 

Will my preferred name show up on my student ID?

Your student ID will list the name you have identified on Student Self Service. If you wish to have your preferred name listed on your student ID, please update your information on the Student Self Service portal. For more information about the Preferred Name Policy click here.