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, we will provide you with important information and tools to help you become the most successful Otis Owl that you can be. 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 Hub.
   The online orientation hub 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. More information will be shared via email a few weeks prior to New Student Orientation.

International Student Orientation

The College is excited to welcome all newly admitted International students! The International Student Orientation Session is your first chance to learn about all that Otis College has to offer you. You’ll receive valuable information to ease your transition to campus and life in the USA, as well as federal immigration requirements to maintain your student visa status. You will also have the opportunity to engage with your Team International Student Outreach (TISO) leaders, who will serve as your support for the academic year.

All newly admitted International students are required to attend. 

The schedule will be shared in July.

Welcome Ceremony

Join us for the official kick-off to O-Week at our annual Welcome Ceremony! Registration is included through the Orientation registration. ALL new students must arrive at the Forum at 9:00am located in the Academic Building (next door 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. 

Kick-Off Programming

After the Welcome Ceremony, new incoming students are invited to join our Orientation Leaders in exciting programming. You’ll have the chance to meet new students throughout the various programs. More information of our kick-off programming will be shared in July.

Foundation & Foundation Transfer Student Orientation

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted Foundation and Foundation Transfer students! This in-person orientation day 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 required to attend.

Registration will go live in July.

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 have an opportunity to connect with other students.

All newly admitted Graduate and Upper Division Transfer students and Exchange Students are required to attend.

Registration will go live in July.

Celebrate the end of O-Week at our closing program! This event is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership and Residence Life & Housing. Stay tuned for more details!

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).

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.