Parents and Family

Welcome to the Otterbein Family.

So, you want to know what Otterbein is all about? Our orientation program will show you what it means to be a proud parent or supporter of your Otterbein student.

Otterbein University strongly encourages parents and guardians to attend Orientation with their student. We have separate sessions for family members that will help you prepare to send your student to Otterbein. You will also learn more about programs and services provided by Otterbein, get any questions answered, and meet faculty/staff and other parents/guardians.

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Parent and Family Orientation Information

Orientation Registration

To register to attend, complete the New Student Orientation Form. There is no cost for students to attend orientation; however, there is a $40 fee for the first parent/family member and a $20 fee for each additional guest. Guests may register to attend when completing the student registration form. Please return the form to the following address, or you can fax it to 614-823-1050:

Send your completed New Student Orientation Registration Form to:
Otterbein University Campus Center
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081

For questions please contact the Orientation office at orientation@otterbein.edu or 614-823-3202.
Orientation Schedule

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. A light breakfast, lunch in the Cardinals Nest, and snacks throughout the day will be provided.

Download the Parent Orientation Schedule (pdf)
Download the Student Orientation Schedule (pdf).

Note: These schedules are subject to slight revisions and changes.
Resources

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

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Parent and Family Orientation FAQ

Why should I attend orientation with my student?

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.
What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee for parents, family and guests covers all materials, meals, supplies for the day-long program
What time does orientation start and when can I expect to be done?

Orientation check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and you should expect to be done by 5:30 p.m.
My student lost the registration form, where can I get another?

Your student can log-in to their personal V.I.P. page to print another form or download the form here. You may also call the orientation office at 614-823-3202.
I have not gotten a confirmation for the date I registered for, what do I do?

All orientation confirmations are 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)
Will I be with my son or daughter during the day?

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.
How will my student register for classes?

All students will be sent a personalized link to a registration survey to their Otterbein email on May 1. Students must activate their Otterbein email to get this information. Once a student completes their survey, the Registrar’s Office will create a first-year schedule for the student. During orientation, students will meet individually with a faculty advisor to review the schedule and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
I have questions about Financial Aid, can I meet with someone that day?

The Financial Aid office will be available to answer questions during orientation. If you have many specific questions, it is in your best interest to call the Financial Aid office (614-823-1502) before orientation to be sure your questions can be addressed individually.
We are coming from out of town, where can we stay?

Click here for a list of hotels near Otterbein's campus.

Parents and Family

Welcome to the Otterbein Family.

Parent and Family Orientation Information

Orientation Registration

Orientation Schedule

Resources

Parent and Family Orientation FAQ

Why should I attend orientation with my student?

What does the registration fee cover?

What time does orientation start and when can I expect to be done?

My student lost the registration form, where can I get another?

I have not gotten a confirmation for the date I registered for, what do I do?

Will I be with my son or daughter during the day?

How will my student register for classes?

I have questions about Financial Aid, can I meet with someone that day?

We are coming from out of town, where can we stay?

/ Center for Student Involvement

/ Additional Info

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