New Student Orientation

Welcome to O-Week

We are thrilled to welcome you to O-Week, our New Student Orientation! This exciting program is your gateway to discovering everything Otis College has to offer. You'll get to know the campus community, explore various college resources, and start building connections within the Otis family.

Register Now

Fall 2025 O-Week

The New Student Orientation (O-Week) for Fall 2025 is scheduled for August 18 - 23, 2025.  All new incoming students are required to attend Orientation. Orientation is free to attend!

Check out the New Student Orientation Checklist and schedule below.

All times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). 

  1. Review and complete all steps in the Student Enrollment Guide.
    Admissions has created a list of steps for Undergraduate and Graduate students to enroll at Otis College. These steps are important to complete to prepare for a successful transition into the College.
  2. Review software and hardware requirements based on your year or major.
    Otis requires that incoming students own a laptop that meets the minimum system specifications for software used in the classroom. The requirements are broken down by foundation year or academic major.
  3. Sign up for your Orientation Session(s). Registration for Fall O-Week will go live in July.
    Making the transition to college can be exciting, eye-opening, and perhaps a bit overwhelming at times. Through our Orientation Sessions, we will provide you with important information and tools to help you become the most successful Otis Owl that you can be. Through these sessions, you will learn about strategies and resources you can utilize to strive academically, creatively, and personally during your time at Otis College. Lastly, you will have the chance to ask any questions you have and connect with our Otis College community
  4. Complete the self-guided Orientation Hub.
    The online orientation hub will help you learn about all the resources that you can access as an Otis Owl. Through the course, you will be able to navigate through informational modules that serve as essential introductions to the Otis College student experience.
    All new students will be able to access the Orientation course through the Nest prior to O-Week. 

International Student Orientation

We invite all incoming International Students to join us for an opportunity to learn about life at Otis College, understand the VISA requirements, and connect with other students, staff, and faculty!

 This is required for all new incoming international students.

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Check-In Forum
1:00 pm - 1:40 pm Lunch with Otis Community Forum
1:40 pm - 2:25 pm Opening Circle: International Student Experience Forum
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Academic Life Forum
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm Campus Resources: Student Health Insurance, On and Off-Campus Employment, and Getting Connected Forum
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Living in Los Angeles Forum
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Community Building Activity with Team International Student Outreach (TISO) Owl Lounge

Welcome Ceremony

Join us for the official kick-off to O-Week at our annual Welcome Ceremony! Registration is included through the Orientation registration. ALL new students must arrive at the Forum at 9:00am located in the Forum (next door to Elaine's Dining) to check-in, get your Commemorative T-shirt, and join the pre-ceremony activities! 

All new students are strongly encouraged to attend. 

9am - 11am 

Welcome Ceremony 

Forum

O-Week Kick-Off Programming

After the Welcome Ceremony, new incoming students are invited to join our Orientation Leaders in exciting programming. You’ll have the chance to meet new students throughout the various programs. 

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 

Bowling at Bowlero

Bowlero (8731 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045)

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Owl Chat #1: Making Connections

Locations Shared During Check-In

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

BINGO! 

Commons

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted Foundation and Foundation Transfer students! This in-person orientation day is designed to give you the information you need to begin your first-year at Otis College. You will have the opportunity to connect with peers, staff, and faculty, and learn about academic expectations, campus resources, and opportunities for involvement. 

This is required for all newly admitted Foundation and Foundation Transfer students.

Students only need to attend one session. Registration is required. 

Session A (Morning)

8:30 am - 9:00 am 

Session A Check-In

Outside Galef Entrance

9:00 am - 9:05 am 

Welcome 

Forum

9:05 am - 9:20 am

Alumni Keynote 

Forum

9:20 am - 10:00 am 

First-Year Overview: Foundation Studio & Liberal Arts and Sciences

Forum

10:05 am - 10:30 am

Student Life at Otis

Forum

10:30 am - 10:55 am

Campus Resources

Forum

10:55 am - 11:00 am

Break

 

11:00 am - 11:30 am 

Title IX: Sexual Misconduct & Gender Based Discrimination

Forum

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Tech Essentials: Academic Tools for the Classroom

Forum

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Lunch with Campus Resources & Vendor Fair

Commons

12:45 pm - 1:35 pm

Launch your First-Year Game Plan with Career Services

Location TBD

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Owl Chat #2: Living in Los Angeles

Locations Shared During Check-In

Lunch with Campus Resources and Vendor Fair (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Join us for lunch and check out our fair with different campus resources and vendors from the local area. Those attending Session A (morning) should plan to participate in lunch at 12:00pm. Those attending Session B (afternoon) should plan to participate in lunch before their 1:00pm session. The fair will take place in The Commons. 

Session B (Afternoon)

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch with Campus Resources and Vendor Fair

Commons

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Session B Check-In

Outside Galef Entrance

1:00 pm - 1:05 pm 

Welcome 

Forum

1:05 pm - 1:20 pm

Alumni Keynote 

Forum

1:20 pm - 2:00 pm

First-Year Overview: Foundation Studio & Liberal Arts and Sciences

Forum

2:00 pm - 2:05 pm

Break

 

2:05 pm - 2:30 pm 

Student Life at Otis

Forum

2:30 pm - 2:55 pm

Campus Resources

Forum

2:55 pm - 3:00 pm

Break

 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Title IX: Sexual Misconduct & Gender Based Discrimination

Forum

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Tech Essentials: Academic Tools for the Classroom

Forum

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Launch your First-Year Game Plan with Career Services

Location TBD

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Owl Chat #2: Living in Los Angeles

Locations Shared During Check-In

Campus Activities Board Program

Join our Campus Activities Board in their kick-off program to get you connected! Enjoy food and activities while making new connections! 

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Campus Activities Board

Commons 

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted Upper Division Transfer, Graduate, and Exchange students! Through this orientation, you will learn about academic expectations, campus resources, and have an opportunity to connect with other students.

All newly admitted Upper Division Transfer, Graduate, and Exchange students are required to attend. Registration is required. 

8:30 am - 9:00 am 

Check-In

Outside Galef Entrance

9:00 am - 9:05 am 

Welcome 

Forum

9:05 am - 9:30 am

Connecting with Peers

Forum

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Student Life at Otis 

Forum

10:00 am - 10:25 am 

Title IX: Sexual Misconduct & Gender Based Discrimination

Forum 

10:25 am - 10:30 am

Break

 

10:30 am - 11:00 am 

Tech Essentials: Academic Tools for the Classroom

Forum

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Studios, Shops, and Labs Overview

Forum

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Breakout Session:

Upper Division Transfer & Exchange Students: Liberal Arts & Sciences Overview

Graduate Students: Community Connection with MFA FA & MFA GD Programs



Forum



Galef

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 

Lunch with Campus Resources and Vendor Fair

Commons

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm 

Campus Resources Tour (Optional)

Tour Starts in Commons

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Launch your Career Plan with Career Services

Location TBD

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

MFA Meet & Greet with Departments

Location TBD

All new students are invited to join additional programming opportunities on campus. These sessions are led by various offices and departments. These are optional programs to get connected, learn more about resources, or prepare for your transition to Otis!

No registration is required to attend.

10:00 am - 10:45 am 

Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) Workshop

*All Foundation and Foundation Transfer students are HIGHLY encourage to attend

https://otis.zoom.us/my/otisslc 

11:00 am - 11:45 am 

Nest Course Review 

*All Foundation and Foundation Transfer students are HIGHLY encourage to attend

https://otis.zoom.us/my/otisslc 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Break

 

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Wellness Workshop with Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

Location TBD

Program in Development!

Location TBD

2:00 pm - 2:55 pm

Ergonomics and the Artist 

Commons

Colors & Connection

Location TBD

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

StepUp!: How to Intervene and Support Your Friends

https://otis.zoom.us/my/oweek 

 

Celebrate the end of O-Week at our closing program! Stay tuned for more details!

 

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

O-Week Closing Program

Commons 

Tuesday, August 19 | Parent & Family Orientation (In-Person)

We welcome all parents, families, and guardians of Otis students to join us in our in-person Parent & Family Orientation. Attendees will learn more about our campus resources such as Campus Safety, Student Health & Wellness Center, Residence Life, Student Engagement and Leadership, Disability Services, One Stop, and Campus Safety. 

Registration is required. This session is intended for parents, families, and guardians ONLY.

5:30 pm - 6:45 pm

Campus Resources Panel

Forum

6:45 pm - 7:30 pm

Parent & Family Social Hour

Bobrow Green (Outside Galef)

 

Wednesday, August 20 | Parent & Family Orientation Overview (Virtual)

Those who are not able to join us for the in-person Parent & Family Orientation are invited to join our virtual Parent & Family Orientation Overview. This session will review general information about campus life and provide an opportunity for parents and families to ask any questions. 

Registration is required.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (PDT)

Parent & Family Orientation Overview (Virtual)

https://otis.zoom.us/my/oweek 

How do I get access to a student ID as a new student?

  • Read and sign the OneCard Agreement form

  • Once you have completed the agreement, you will be directed with instructions and a link on how to upload your ID Photo. 

  • Once the photo ID is approved, you will receive an email. When you receive that email, you can go to the Campus Safety office to get your ID printed (see below for further instructions).

    • Make sure to have a photo ID and your student ID (XID) number ready.

    • New incoming students living on-campus in Fall 2025 will pick up their ID during move-in. 

    • New incoming students not living on-campus in Fall 2025 can get their ID printed during O-Week. 

New Incoming Residential Students: The deadline to have your photo ID uploaded before your arrival is Friday, August 1, 2025. All submissions after Friday, August 1 will not be guaranteed to have their ID photo approved and will have to take a photo for an ID at the Campus Safety office. 

For more information on OneCards, click here

Will my preferred name show up on my student ID?

Your student ID will list the name you have identified on Student Self Service. If you wish to have your preferred name listed on your student ID, please update your information on the Student Self Service portal. For more information about the Preferred Name Policy click here

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Contact Us

If you have questions on how to get involved or how to get engaged with the Otis Community, reach out to us via email below.

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