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

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 $40 for the first guest and $20 for each additional 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.
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 Cardinal's Nest, and snacks throughout the day will be provided.
- Download the 2016 Sample Family Schedule (PDF)
- Download the 2016 Student Sample Schedule (PDF)
Note: These schedules are only samples and are subject to revisions and changes for the 2016 summer.
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

How does my student register for Orientation?

Have your student complete the online SOAR Reservation Form and payment at as soon as you can to increase your chances of coming to your first choice of dates. 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.
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 7:45 a.m. and you should expect to be done by 5:30 p.m. You should plan for your student to stay the entire day.
I have not gotten a confirmation for the date I registered for, what do I do?

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)
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 by May 9. 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?

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.
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

How does my student register for Orientation?

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?

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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