New Student Orientation (O-Week)

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

   Admissions has created a list of steps 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 Sessions that will be taking place throughout the week. Registration will go live on August 1, 2023.

   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 Student Leaders, other Otis College students, and members of our community.

4. Complete the self-guided Orientation Course through the Otis College learning management system, The Nest.

   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 11, 2023. All new students must complete the online Orientation Course by August 28, 2023. Your orientation course can be accessed by logging on to your Otis College student dashboard (my.otis.edu), and clicking on the Nest icon on the right side of the page, below “Events&edquo;

Writing Placement Assessment (WPA) & Late Registration

Writing Placement Assessment & Late registration is available for students who still need to take the WPA and register for the Fall semester. There will be representatives from One Stop, Student Financial Services (SFS), Academic Advising, and Foundation Advising. Students who still need to register will be contacted directly from Admissions with more information. 

Note: If you have already registered for your Fall 2023 Courses, you do not need to attend this session.

International Student Orientation

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted International students! The International Student Orientation Session is your 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 U.S., as well as federal requirements to maintain your student visa status. You will also have the opportunity to engage with other students, faculty, and staff.

This is required for all new incoming international students.

Welcome Ceremony

There is no registration required for this event. 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 current and new students throughout the various programs.

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 expected to attend. Students only need to attend one session. Registration is required. Registration will go live on August 1, 2023.

Session A (Morning)

Lunch with Campus Resources and Vendor Fair (12:00pm - 1:30pm)

Join us for lunch and check out our fair with different campus resources and vendors from the local area. Those attending Session A (morning) should plan to participate in lunch at 12:15pm. Those attending Session B (afternoon) should plan to participate in lunch before their session at 1:00pm. The fair will take place in The Commons. 

Session B (Afternoon)

Find Friends & Movie Night

Are you ready to make some new Owl Friends! Join our Peer Mentors in making new connections and friends over community building activities and a movie night in the Commons. Bring your blankets!

Upper Division Transfer and Exchange Student Orientation & 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 on August 1, 2023.

Additional O-Week Programming

All new students are invited to join additional programming opportunities on campus. These sessions are led by various campus offices 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!

Y2K Party: Automatic, Supersonic, Hypnotic, Funky Fresh!

Celebrate the end of O-Week at our Y2K Party: Automatic, Supersonic, Hypnotic, Funky Fresh! There will be games, y2k themed activities, food, and more! This event is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership and Residence Life & Housing.

Tuesday, August 22 | Parent & Family Orientation (In-Person) 

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, Student Engagement and Leadership, and Student Affairs. Registration is required and will be available on August 1, 2023. This session is intended for parents, families, and guardians ONLY.

Wednesday, August 23 | Parent & Family Orientation Overview (Virtual)

Those who are not able to join us for the in-person Parent & Family Orientation are invited to join our Dean of Student Affairs in a virtual Parent & Family Orientation Overview. 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 on August 1, 2023.

1. 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 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 and Security office to get your ID printed.

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

  • If you are an on-campus housing student, you will receive your student ID upon move-in.

The deadline to have your photo ID printed prior to your arrival is Sunday, August 7th. All submissions after August 7 will not be guaranteed to have their ID photo approved and will have to take a photo for an ID at the Safety and Security office. 

For more information on OneCards, click here. 

2. 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.