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Undergraduate Student Enrollment Guide

Newly admitted students can find a list of next steps below to enroll at Otis College.

Step 1: Secure your Spot at Otis College

You’re in! Now secure your spot in the incoming class by paying the $300 nonrefundable tuition deposit at https://www.otis.edu/deposit. Please also submit the Reply Form from your student portal

  • Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
  • Fall Deposit Deadline: May 15

After these dates, deposits will continue to be accepted as space remains available. 

Step 2: Financial Aid – Apply and Accept Awards

  • Admitted students who want to be considered for financial aid should review the Financial Aid Application Guide
    • Submitting the FAFSA (U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents) is the first step to applying for aid.
  • Once you have applied and been awarded, you can view your financial aid and accept your awards on Dashboard at my.otis.edu. Students with a U.S. address will also be sent an award letter via postal mail.
  • Dashboard is a custom portal which allows you to view and accept your financial aid, pay your tuition bill, clear holds and much more. You can log in using your Otis ID number and password, which was provided to you on your acceptance letter. 
     

Step 3: Apply for On-Campus Housing

  • On-campus housing in our Residence Hall and Park West Apartments is available for full-time students beginning in the fall and spring. To apply for housing, you will need to submit the $150 application fee at https://www.otis.edu/deposit along with your $300 tuition deposit. Housing can be limited, so it is recommended that you submit your housing application fee as soon you know you're interested. The priority deadline is May 1st for fall housing. 
  • Once the application fee has been submitted, Residence Life and Housing will contact you via email with directions on how to complete the online Housing Application. You are not officially on the list for housing until you submit your application.  
  • More information about Off Campus Housing options can be found here.
  • For more information regarding the Residence Hall and required meal plans, visit the Residence Life and Housing page.
     

Step 4: International Student Documents

  • All international students who require an F-1 visa must submit an I-20 Request Form, Financial Guarantee form and provide a bank statement documenting sufficient liquid assets of one year's estimated cost of attendance in order to be issued the I-20. 
  • Current F-1 students must also submit the SEVIS Transfer-In Verification Form, to be completed by the DSO at their current institution.
  • You will receive an email with specific instructions once you submit your $300 tuition deposit.  This documentation should be uploaded to the student portal or submitted via email to Admissions at admissions@otis.edu. We recommend that students complete this process as soon as possible after they deposit.
     

Step 5: Take the Writing Placement Assessment (WPA)

  • Incoming students must take the Writing Placement Assessment (WPA) which is proctored by Examity over your webcam.
  • You can register for an appointment by going to the Dashboard and clicking on the link under WRITING PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT. This will take you to Examity to set-up your profile and schedule your appointment at a time convenient for you. Times are listed in the time zone that you select. Find out more about the WPA and the Examity platform here
  • The WPA can be waived if a student has a prior Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution where English was the language of instruction or has received either a score of 590 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test, 24 on the ACT ELA section or a score of 4-5 on the AP English Language or English Literature test or certain IB or A-Level scores. Transfer students who receive transfer credit for Writing in the Digital Age will also be waived from taking the WPA. See a complete list of ways to waive the WPA here. Please contact Admissions if you think that you should be waived from this requirement. Find out more about the WPA here.
  • The WPA is a one-hour timed essay designed to assess your English reading and writing proficiency. The assessment is used to place you in the level-appropriate English course. You will not be able to register for classes until you have taken or been waived from the WPA, and attended Owl Onboarding.  
  • The WPA must be completed before July 1st.
     

Step 6: Attend Owl Onboarding Zoom Info Session

All new incoming BFA students are required to attend Owl Onboarding over Zoom. This session will cover information like important enrollment steps and summer deadlines, payment information, FERPA, and more. Students cannot move forward in the Advising / Course Registration process until they have attended Owl Onboarding.  You will be invited to register for a session via email.  The session is offered several times throughout the summer. Please sign up for the soonest session you are available to attend so you can complete advising and registration. Register here. You will not be able to register for classes until you have taken or been waived from the WPA, and attended Owl Onboarding. Complete Owl Onboarding by July 1st.

Step 7: Clear your Registration Holds

You must fulfill the following requirements prior to registration (every semester) at my.otis.edu

  • Update your Emergency Notificaiton number- this is your cell/mobile phone number. It’s used for emergency notifications and is your primary contact number for the college. The international access field can be used for international phone numbers.
  • Sign your Enrollment Agreement – these are the terms that you are agreeing to when you enroll at Otis. Sign your agreement electronically by entering your name. You can download a PDF for your records as well. 
  • Go to the Dashboard at: my.otis.edu and login with your Otis College credentials. You will see two buttons at the top "Emergency Notification Update” and "Complete Enrollment Agreement."

You will not be able to register for classes if these holds have not been cleared.  You will be instructed on how to clear these holds during Owl Onboarding (see step 6 above). 

Step 8: Course Registration

  • In order to register for classes with an advisor over Zoom, all students must first complete the WPA online or be waived of the requirement, and attend Owl Onboarding. Once registration is open, deposited students who have completed WPA and Owl Onboarding will receive an email to set-up their Zoom advising appointment with an advisor. 
     

Step 9: Submit your Student Immunization Form

  • All incoming students, both undergraduate and graduate students, are required to submit their immunization records, complete a TB screen and provide documentation of immunity to certain infectious diseases. If you do not complete required forms and turn in required documentation by the deadline, you will not be able to attend classes and will have a hold placed on your account. Incoming students are permitted to satisfy immunization requirements at the Student Health and Wellness Center prior to the start of the semester.
  • Find forms and additional submission instructions here
  • New incoming students for Fall should submit their Immunization and New Student Health forms by July 1.
  • New incoming students for Spring should submit their Immunization and New Student Health forms by January 11.

Step 10: Student Health Insurance

  • You are automatically enrolled in the College's health insurance plan and the cost is included in your tuition. The student health insurance plan is a PPO plan with full benefits, dental and vision, low co-pays, low deductible and free/unlimited access to the Student Health and Wellness Center on campus and more. Read up on the school’s plan here as it comes with great benefits and is a low cost for what you are receiving. You may want to keep it even if you already have insurance. However, should you decide to keep your own health insurance that meets specific requirements, you can waive the College's plan by completing an online waiver by August 1 for Fall and by February 1 for Spring. Please find waiver requirements and instructions here.
     

Step 11: Make your Tuition Payments

  • From Dashboard, click "View my Tuition Statement" to see your bill. 
    • Fall Deadline: August 1
    • Summer Deadline: June 1
    • Spring Deadline: January 8
  • View our quick video on how to pay online here. To make a payment, click "Pay my Bill" from Dashboard. You will automatically be billed for Student Health Insurance and can waive it by completing the waiver process under Step 9. 
  • You will want to accept your financial aid on the Dashboard before paying your bill or your balance may not be accurate.
  • Payment Plans are available to split your remaining balance into either 5 or 4 payments spread out over the course of the semester. To view Payment Plans, log into your Dashboard, click on "View My Charges and Payments" and then on "Payment Plans". 
  • Please note that tuition increases on average 3% each year.
     

Step 12: Submit Final Official Transcripts

  • All students are required to submit final, official transcripts or graduation certificates/diplomas from all institutions attended confirming graduation date to the Admissions office. Transfer students with courses in progress must submit official final transcripts. Students who do not submit required documents by the start of classes will have holds placed on their accounts. 

 

Orientation: The Orientation Week (O-Week) schedule for Spring 2024 will be posted at https://www.otis.edu/o-week once it is available.

Hardware and Software Requirements: View the hardware and software requirements by major here

Defer or Cancel Admission: Admitted students can request a deferral of admission for up to one year. To request to defer, please complete the Reply Form from the student portal.  Admissions may request additional information including a new portfolio or updated transcripts. You can also use the Reply Form to cancel your admission if you will not be attending the College.

Selecting a Major after Foundation Year: All students entering the Foundation program are undeclared and will select their major (and possibly a minor) during their second semester. There are a series of events and opportunities to learn more about the various majors during the foundation year. Foundation Forward provides multiple events every year to help students finalize their major selection. In some cases, majors can become impacted due to high interest in a particular program of study. Based on space availability, enrollment in a specific academic major, area of emphasis, or minor is not guaranteed; students may be subject to academic review by GPA, additional portfolio or other entrance requirements.  Such requirements will be published on the Otis College website prior to open registration for the following semester.

Disability Services: Registering with the Disability Services office to receive accomodations will be done through OwlCare Online. Find out more information about this process here.

 

Graduate Student Enrollment Guide

Step 1: Secure your Spot at Otis College!

You’re in! Now secure your spot in the incoming class by paying the $300 nonrefundable tuition deposit at https://www.otis.edu/deposit. Please also submit the Reply Form from your student portal

  • Summer 2024 (MFA Graphic Design) Deposit Deadline: May 1
  • Fall 2024 (MFA Fine Arts) Deposit Deadline: May 15

After these dates, deposits will continue to be accepted as space remains available. 

Step 2: Financial Aid – Apply and Accept Awards

  • Admitted students who want to be considered for financial aid should review the Financial Aid Application Guide
    • Submitting the FAFSA (U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents) or the CSS Profile (International Students) is the first step to applying for aid.
  • Once you have applied and been awarded, you can view your financial aid and accept your awards on Dashboard at my.otis.edu.  
  • Dashboard is a custom portal which allows you to view and accept your financial aid, pay your tuition bill, clear holds and much more. You can log in using your Otis ID number and password, which was provided to you on your acceptance letter. Learn about Dashboard here.
  • If you have been impacted by COVID-19 and would like to appeal for additional financial aid or if you have a competing financial aid offer from another college, please submit the appeal form here.
     

Step 3: Apply for On-Campus Housing

  • On-campus housing in our Residence Hall is available for full-time students beginning in the fall and spring. To apply for housing, you will need to submit the $150 application fee at https://www.otis.edu/deposit along with your $300 tuition deposit. Housing can be limited, so it is recommended that you submit your housing application fee by the Deposit Deadlines listed above.
  • Once the application fee has been submitted, Residence Life and Housing will contact you via email with directions on how to complete the online Housing Application.
  • More information about Off Campus Housing options can be found here.
  • For more information regarding the Residence Hall and required meal plans, visit the Residence Life and Housing page.
     

Step 4: International Student Documents

  • All international students who require an F-1 visa must submit an I-20 Request Form, Financial Guarantee form and provide a bank statement documenting sufficient liquid assets of one year's estimated cost of attendance in order to be issued the I-20. 
  • You will receive an email with specific instructions once you submit your $300 tuition deposit.  This documentation should be uploaded to the student portal or submitted via email to Admissions at admissions@otis.edu.

 

Step 5: Course Registration

  • Once registration is open, deposited students will receive an email to set-up their Zoom advising appointment with an advisor to discuss and select the appropriate courses for their first semester. 
     

Step 6: Submit your Student Immunization Form

  • All incoming students, both undergraduate and graduate students, are required to submit their immunization records, complete a TB screen and provide documentation of immunity to certain infectious diseases. If you do not complete required forms and turn in required documentation by the deadline of June 1 for Summer (MFA Graphic Design), and July 1 for Fall (MFA Fine Arts) or January 11 for Spring (MFA Fine Arts), you will not be able to attend classes and will have a hold placed on your account. Incoming students are permitted to satisfy immunization requirements at the Student Health and Wellness Center prior to the start of the semester.
  • Find forms and additional submission instructions here. View the Student Health Checklist here.
     

Step 7: Clear your Registration Holds

You must fulfill the following requirements prior to registration (every semester): 

  • Update your Emergency Notification number- this is your cell/mobile phone number. It’s used for emergency notifications and is your primary contact number for the college. 
  • Sign your Enrollment Agreement – these are the terms that you agree to when enrolling at Otis. Sign your agreement electronically by entering your name.
  • Go to the Dashboard at: my.otis.edu and login with your Otis College credentials. You will see two buttons at the top "Emergency Notification Update” and "Complete Enrollment Agreement."
     

Step 8: Student Health Insurance

  • You are automatically enrolled in the College's health insurance plan and the cost is included in your tuition. The student health insurance plan is a PPO plan with full benefits, dental and vision, low co-pays, low deductible and free/unlimited access to the Student Health and Wellness Center on campus and more. Read up on the school’s plan here as it comes with great benefits and is a low cost for what you are receiving. You may want to keep it even if you already have insurance. However, should you decide to keep your own health insurance that meets specific requirements, you can waive the College's plan by completing an online waiver by June 1 for Summer (MFA Graphic Design) August 1 for Fall (MFA Fine Arts) or by February 1 for Spring (MFA Fine Arts). Please find waiver requirements and instructions here.
     

Step 9: Make your Tuition Payments

  • From Dashboard, click "View my Tuition Statement" to see your bill. 
    • Fall Deadline: August 1
    • Summer Deadline: June 1
    • Spring Deadline: January 8
  • View our quick video on how to pay online here. To make a payment, click "Pay my Bill" from Dashboard. You will automatically be billed for Student Health Insurance and can waive it by completing the waiver process under Step 9. 
  • Please accept your financial aid on the Dashboard before paying your bill or your balance may not be accurate. 
  • Payment Plans are available to split your remaining balance into either 5 or 4 payments spread out over the course of the semester. To view Payment Plans, log into your Dashboard, click on "View My Charges and Payments" and then on "Payment Plans". 
     

Step 10: Submit Final Official Transcripts

  • All students are required to submit final, official transcripts or graduation certificates/diplomas from all institutions attended confirming graduation date to the Admissions office. Transfer students with courses in progress must submit official final transcripts. Students who do not submit required documents by the start of classes will have holds placed on their accounts. 

 

Disability Services: Registering with the Disability Services office to receive accomodations will be done through OwlCare Online. Find out more information about this process here.

 

Important Dates

Summer 2024, MFA Graphic Design

  • May 1, 2024: Tuition Deposit Deadline 
  • June 1, 2024: Tuition Due Date
  • Orientation Events: TBA
  • June 10, 2024: First Day of Classes

Fall 2024, MFA Fine Arts

  • May 15, 2024: Tuition Deposit Deadline 
  • August 1, 2024: Tuition Due Date
  • Orientation Events: TBA
  • August 26, 2024: First Day of Classes

 

Department Directory

Admissions
9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 665-6820 | (800) 527-OTIS (6847)
Fax (310) 665-6821
admissions@otis.edu

Career Services
(424) 207-2490
careerservices@otis.edu

Disability Services
(310) 846-2554
cbranch@otis.edu

International Students/veterans
Alia Saeed
International and Veteran Advisor PDSO/SCO
(310) 665-6800
asaeed@otis.edu

One Stop (Financial Aid/registration and Records/student Accounts)
(310) 665-6999
onestop@otis.edu

Residence Life and Housing
(310) 846-2648
studenthousing@otis.edu

Student Activities
(310) 846-2595
studentactivities@otis.edu

Student Affairs
(310) 665-6960
student@otis.edu

Counseling and Psychological Services
(310) 665-6968

Student Health and Wellness Center
(310) 846 5738
studenthealth@otis.edu

Title IX
(310) 846-2554
student@otis.edu

Log-In to Dashboard

Otis Dashboard is an online portal where students can view their financial aid awards/missing documentation, and accept or decline financial aid awards. You can also pay your tuition and review registration information from your Dashboard. To log in, go to the Dashboard at: my.otis.edu and log in with your Otis College credentials. Your log in information was provided by Admissions on your acceptance letter.