Parents and Family

Complete the online SOAR Reservation Form and payment as soon as you can to increase your chances of coming to your first choice of dates. This form requires payment via credit card. There is only a fee to attend orientation if the student is bringing guests.  The fee is $10 for each guest.  Due to limited space, students are only able to bring a maximum of four guests. 

If you have a concern with the payment option or guest policy, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 614-823-3202 or orientation@otterbein.edu.

Our Orientation sessions have been designed to meet your needs, answer any questions that you have about your student's success, and prepare you for the next step with your student.

• Download the  Spring Orientation Schedule

For additional resources for parents and family, please visit our Parent and Family web site.

Have your student complete the online SOAR Reservation Form and payment as soon as you can to confirm your attendance. This form requires payment via credit card.

If you have a concern with this option, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 614-823-3202 or orientation@otterbein.edu.

The information that is shared during orientation is designed to help students be successful during their first year of college. As a parent or family member that will be supporting their student during college, the information that is shared will be helpful as the student makes their transition to Otterbein. Attending orientation is also an excellent way to learn more about the campus resources available to your students and an opportunity to meet Otterbein faculty and staff.

The registration fee for parents, family and guests covers all materials, meals, supplies for the day-long program

Orientation check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:00 a.m. You should expect to be done by 2:00 p.m.  

All orientation confirmations will be sent directly to the student via their Otterbein email account. Emails will be followed-up by a postcard confirming your scheduled date. If you are unsure that your registration has been received, you can call the orientation office (614-823-3202)

Students and parents will begin the day together, but will split into separate sessions before lunch. Most parents and family members have different questions than students so we provide programs that fit the needs of parents specifically. While parents attend their sessions, students will be getting to know other first-year students, meeting with a faculty advisor, and learning more about being a successful Otterbein student.

Your student will be emailed a personalized link to a registration survey to your Otterbein email. They must activate their Otterbein email to get this information. Once they complete their survey, the Registrar’s Office will create your student’s schedule. During orientation, your student will meet individually with a faculty advisor to review their schedule and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

Staff members from Student Financial Services will be available to answer questions during every orientation session. If you have many specific questions, it is in your best interest to call the Student Financial Services (614-823-1502) before orientation to be sure your questions can be addressed individually.

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