RISE Scholars Program
RISE Scholars: Launching great beginnings at Otterbein!
RISE is designed to help new Cardinals like you understand how to anticipate the challenges associated with starting college. You’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge that will help you succeed here. The best way to get started is to ensure you have a great support system on campus. RISE will get you connected to your new home and campus community. RISE will also give you insight into where and how to get support and help if you ever need it. This is your personal path to RISE to success at Otterbein.
What does it mean
to be a RISE Scholar?
- It means belonging to a group of students who are all experiencing college for the first time, and navigating it together.
- It means working with a Success Coach over the summer to prepare for your arrival at Otterbein throughout the early arrival program, RISE, and throughout the first year of college!
- It means building community, and getting to know faculty, staff and peers prior to and during the school year.
What is a
Success Coach?
- Success Coaches from Student Success & Career Development work with incoming first year students weekly, one on one, to help them be the best students they can possibly be.
- They want students to get a jumpstart on college and be someone that can listen, answer questions, and encourage successful habits.
- Success Coaches are welcoming faces and allies from day one, and inspire students to be the best versions of themselves!
What is the RISE
Early Arrival Program?
- It is a time where RISE Scholars will arrive on campus prior to First Flight to get to know everyone, meet faculty and staff, and experience college life.
- There will be time set aside to build connections with other students and space to hear about the campus and culture.
- We’ll also spend time learning about how to be successful at Otterbein, engaging with faculty in students’ respective majors, and understanding what it takes to be an Otterbein Cardinal!
Schedule of RISE Events*
Friday, August 15, 4-7 p.m. (7-9 p.m. optional)
> RISE Welcome: Students and Families
> Dinner Included
> Dessert Reception for Families
> Activity with Mentors and Students
Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
> Work with RISE Mentors
> Time with Faculty
> Lunch Included
> Support Services Overview
> Designing your Otterbein Program
> Dinner Included
> Coaching Pods
> Activity with Mentors and Students
Sunday, August 17, 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m.
> Resources on Campus
> Scavenger Hunt
> Walk your Schedule
> Lunch Included
> Goals and Celebration
> First Flight Begins at 4:00
*This schedule is subject to some potential changes. A final schedule for this year’s event will be shared with RISE scholars as soon as it is available.
Student Quotes about the RISE Program
“My favorite part about RISE is, surprisingly, walking around campus. We’ve walked around campus a decent amount since the beginning of RISE and it has helped me become familiar with campus and make me feel ready for school.”
“I learned my way around campus better, which is huge for me, and I learned how to get help when I need it! I also liked meeting with someone in my major.”
“I thought it would be hard for me to make friends or meet people that I can genuinely connect with but it was easy with RISE!”
“I learned to think about going into college as an opportunity — not a chore.”
“I think going around campus and meeting in your specific major was significant for me because I knew where my classes were and how to approach my major.”
“You’ve got this. Take it in, have fun, trust in yourself.”
“Pay close attention to information you feel like you would have questions about. Valuable information and advice is being given to you for free, use it wisely.”
“One particular aspect that surprised me is how genuine the professors and staff are. They truly want to see us succeed, grow, and develop. They want us to know it’s okay to fail sometimes as well, which can be difficult. They want us to learn from our mistakes and know how to become the best versions of ourselves.”
“Take advantage of opportunities, get to know the school more, and break out of your shell.”
“Time management is EVERYTHING. I knew it was a lot of college but I didn’t realize it was literally every single thing you do.”
“The idea offered that a student should study outside of their class for twice the duration of said class surprises me. It impacted my perspective as it made me realize how much time I will have to devote and how I’ll have to manage my time so I have enough time for everything.”
“I really liked COSI! It allowed me to talk with my friends and share experiences as well as look at some really cool stuff.”
“Take advantage of this opportunity to meet new people and staff and know everyone is willing to help.”
“Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Everyone is adapting and confused and possibly anxious. It is so much better to get used to talking to people now rather than wait. Plus everyone enjoys to be asked how they are!”
“Make friends. Study in groups. Explore.”
“Something that surprised me was when I had learned that I have the support from my professors and that they would help me when I need it.”
“The activity that stood out the most was the vision board. I had created some before, but never really made one for a realistic future and it was very helpful in seeing what I wanted.”
“Just be positive about everything. You won’t like everything but you will make friends and that makes it so much easier to be away from home.”
“Understand that there are so many people on your side willing to help you at any point in time.”
IT’S EASY TO SAVE YOUR SPOT AT OTTERBEIN!
