Move-in appointments for new international students, and those who are taking part in the Black Creatives Institute will be staggered on August 14, in order to provide social distancing as everyone moves in. Residential students will be emailed a link to sign up for the day and time that work best for them.

Additional details will be emailed to students with confirmed places in housing. Feel free to contact Residence Life and Housing at studenthousing@otis.edu for any questions or concerns.

Program Goal:
Fostering community among Black-identified creatives by providing holistic support of their personal growth, identity formation, cultural development, and career development to create a stronger sense of belonging within the Otis College community.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• As a result of participating in the summer bridge program, students will:
• Gain a strong network of creative colleagues through peer engagement and support.
• Explore and expand upon their identity as a Black creative.
• Develop tools around self-efficacy in order to foster self-confidence and personal empowerment as a Black creative.
• Gain an in-depth understanding about campus resources that will assist students in being successful personally, academically, and socially.
• Develop strategies and skillsets to actively engage in their academic experience, including studio preparation.

How to Register:
If you self-identify as a Black creative and are an incoming new student who would like to participate in this free program, Register Here!

Who is Eligible?:
All incoming new students are eligible for this program. This program is focused on Black-identity development and being a Black creative and will offer opportunities for students to self-explore and build connections around this focus.

This year, the Black Creatives Institute will take place in-person in the Residence Hall on campus with a small contained group over the course of three days as an immersive experience prior to Orientation Week. Monthly meet-ups and programming throughout the academic year will take place as well. We will implement rapid COVID-19 tests prior to the start of the program, requiring all participants to move in August 14 in order to ensure everyone is safe. Once the vaccine is widely available, we will require proof of vaccination and/or be able to offer the vaccine upon move-in, as well as a rapid test in order to be as safe as possible. The program dates are as follows:

Sunday, August 15–Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Move-In will happen on Saturday, August 14 in order to account for rapid COVID-19 testing/vaccinations prior to the start of the program

Monthly Cultural Wealth Sessions, occurring September through April covering the following topics:

• Academic Success and Resources
• Career Development
• Financial Literacy
• Identity Development

Program Fee:
This program is completely FREE! All interested students must register for the program and will receive more information on the program schedule. 


More about the In-Person Experience: 
All students participating in this program will be invited to participate in the program in-person, and encouraged to live in the residence hall for free during the program. Each program session will build upon each other and provide a comprehensive experience that will allow students to build community among each other while networking with creative mentors such as faculty, staff, and continuing students. The Black Creatives Institute will also offer social programming in the evenings for incoming new students to get to know each other in a more casual way, allowing them to develop a sense of belonging with our Otis community. 

Move-in appointments will be staggered between August 18 through August 19, in order to provide social distancing as everyone moves in. Residential students will be emailed a link to sign up for the day and time that work best for them.

Additional details will be emailed to students with confirmed places in housing. Feel free to contact Residence Life and Housing at studenthousing@otis.edu for any questions or concerns.

This is an optional program for international students to have the chance to meet and connect with their Team International Student Outreach members or international Peer Mentors.

Lunch will be served on campus in the Commons at 12:00 PM.

Please check back in mid-June for more information about how to register.

The college is excited to welcome all newly admitted International students! The International Student Virtual Orientation Session is your first chance to learn about all that Otis College has to offer you. You’ll receive valuable information to ease your transition to campus and life in the USA, as well as federal requirements to maintain your student visa status. You will also have the opportunity to engage with your Team International Student Outreach (TISO) leaders. 

All newly admitted International students are required to attend. 

Register Here!

Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

6:00pm               Welcoming Remarks

6:15pm               Meet the Team International Student Outreach Leaders (TISOs)

6:30pm               How to Complete Orientation on the Nest

6:40pm               Tech Essentials

7:15pm               Pathways to Success/Student Rights and Responsibilities

7:35pm               Maintaining Visa Status and Q&A

8:15pm               Campus Resource Panel

8:25pm               Final Q&A

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New Owl Welcome Day includes four Virtual programs: First Generation Family Orientation, Family and Friends Welcome, Letting Go, and The Welcome Ceremony. In mid-June, when you are able to register for New Owl Welcome Day, you and your loved ones may choose to attend one, a few, or all of those programs. Please see the details for each program. 

Register Here!

1. Virtual First Generation Family Orientation | 11:00am- 12:00pm

We invite those students who identify as first generation students to join this session with their families to learn more about the resources available to make your transition to Otis College a smooth one. Learn about all the ways you can get involved, get the support you need, and make the most out of your college experience.

2. Family and Friends Virtual Welcome | 2:00pm- 3:00pm

On New OWL Welcome Day, Otis College welcomes all newly admitted students and their family and friends to the Owl Community. Parents and families will have the chance to learn about campus resources and ask Otis College staff questions during our Family and Friends Welcome at 2:00pm (PT). 

Schedule At-A-Glance: 

2:00pm   Welcoming Remarks

2:10pm    Virtual Orientation Introduction

2:20pm    Campus Resource Panel

2:40pm     Closing Q&A

3. Virtual Letting Go Workshop | 3:30pm- 4:30pm

Parents and families will then have the chance to join the Virtual Letting Go workshop at 3:30 PM (PT), presented by the Otis College Director of Counseling Services, James Birks. This session provides helpful tools on how to best support your Otis College student through their academic journey.

4. Virtual Welcome Ceremony | 6:00pm- 7:00pm

Lastly, all new students will be celebrated during our Virtual Welcome Ceremony in the evening. During this ceremony, we will formally welcome all new students, along with Otis College faculty and staff. We encourage all students to attend.

There are two In-Person Orientation sessions that Foundation and Foundation Transfer students can sign up for during O-Week. These two sessions are offered on Monday (Session A and Session B). Attendees only need to register for one of the sessions being offered. 

This Orientation is especially important for students entering college for the first time or transferring from another college and starting at Otis College as a Foundation student. Students will gain a basic understanding of the college and the Foundation year for the student. There will be an opportunity for students to meet their Orientation Week Leaders and speak with various staff and faculty representing different resources at the college.These sessions take place on the Otis College of Art and Design campus, in the Forum. Lunch will be provided.

Register Here!

Session A: Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

9:00am    Welcoming Remarks

9:10am    Meet Your Orientation Week Leaders

9:30am    How to Complete Orientation on the Nest

9:40am    Tech Essentials

10:05am    Break

10:10am    Academic Overview

10:35am    Pathways to Student Success

10:55am    What's Next!

11:00am- 2:00pm: Information Fair in the Commons 

Session B: Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

11:00am- 2:00pm: Information Fair in the Commons 

2:00pm    Welcoming Remarks

2:10pm    Meet Your Orientation Week Leaders

2:30pm    How to Complete Orientation on the Nest

2:40pm    Tech Essentials

3:05pm    Break

3:10pm    Academic Overview

3:35pm    Pathways to Student Success

3:55pm    Final Q&A 

5:00pm-6:30pm (PT)     Virtual Step Up- Bystander Intervention 

All students are required to attend a Step-Up Bystander Intervention presentation led by our Assistant Dean and Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Carol Branch. 

Bystander intervention is the act of stepping up when there is a problem, rather than assuming someone else will intervene. To prepare you to be a proactive member of the Otis community, the bystander intervention session will help you recognize potentially dangerous situations; provide you with action strategies for intervention and familiarize you with resources for assistance. 

Register Here!

This in-person orientation day is for those students who have previously attended either a two-year or four-year institution and have been admitted to Otis College as a transfer student. You will learn about academic expectations and opportunities for involvement and get the chance to meet your representatives from your academic departments. This is an in-person session that takes place on campus in the Forum. All newly admitted transfer and exchange students are expected to attend. 

All newly admitted Upper Division Transfer students and Exchange Students are expected to attend.

Register Here!

Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

1:00pm    Welcoming Remarks

1:10pm    How to Complete Orientation

1:15pm Meet Your Orientation Week Leaders 

1:30pm    Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) 

2:00pm-Break

2:15pm    Tech Essentials

2:35pm    Pathways to Success

3:00pm Campus Resource Panel & Q&A

3:30pm    Department Meet and Greets

Virtual Registration Day:

Students that have not yet registered for classes will be advised online via Zoom. The One Stop will also be available to help students who have not yet cleared any holds. The Admissions Office will be in contact with students who have still not registered via email with more details. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

The In-Person Graduate Student Orientation session will provide all incoming MFA students with information intended to help navigate their academic program. As an incoming graduate student, you will be able to meet other graduate students, as well as representatives from your prospective departments. This session takes place on our Otis College of Art and Design Campus in the Forum. All newly admitted MFA Students are strongly encouraged to attend. 

Register Here!

Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

2:00pm    Welcoming Remarks

2:10pm    Student Introductions

2:20pm   How to Complete Orientation on the Nest

2:30pm    Pathways to Success

2:45pm    Tech Essentials

3:10pm    Campus Resources

3:30pm    Campus Tours

This In-Person Orientation is specifically for Otis College students who are going into their sophomore/second year, but other continuing students are also welcome to attend. This orientation will provide continuing students with the opportunity to get acclimated to the Otis College campus, as well as the opportunity to connect with their peers and with different campus resources. Lunch will be provided. 

ALL CONTINUING OTIS COLLEGE STUDENTS, REGISTER HERE.

Schedule At-A-Glance (Pacific Time)

10:30am-11:30am  Welcome in the Forum

11:30pm- 2:00pm Information Fair in the Commons

2:00pm - 3:00pm (PT) Meet Your Orientation Week Leaders Online

Register for this session to meet your Orientation Week Leaders virtually and to have the chance to meet and connect with other Otis College students! This is an interactive session that is led by your Orientation Week Leaders. They are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. This is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice! Note: New Upper Division students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

3:30pm- 4:30pm (PT) Virtual OWL CHAT

All Owl Chats throughout the week are different, so please feel free to join a few of them!

Meet your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and connect with your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Note: New Upper Division students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

4:30pm- 5:30pm (PT) In-Person Foundation 101

Learn more about what it means to be a Foundation student and meet the faculty chair of the Foundation Department! 

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

6:00pm- 7:00pm (PT) In-Person Housing Bingo

Housing students are invited to join Residence Life and Housing for a friendly and fun afternoon of virtual BINGO! Win Otis Swag and other items to help you settle into your new home. 

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

3:30pm- 4:30pm (PT) Virtual OWL CHAT

All Owl Chats throughout the week are different, so please feel free to join a few of them!

Meet your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and connect with your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Note: New Upper Division students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

7:00pm- 8:00pm (PT) Virtual International Student Q&A

Otis College DSO, Alia Saeed, will lead an interactive virtual session for international students to be able to ask any questions they may have about maintaining their visa status or succeeding as an international student at Otis College of Art and Design.

Location: Virtual

Register Here!

10:00am- 11:00am (PT) Student Leadership and Getting Involved

Do you want to get involved on campus and find ways to connect with the Otis College Community? Through this in-person discussion with the Director of Student Activities, Erica Javidzad, you will learn about the many opportunities that Otis College students can take advantage of to engage with our community in meaningful ways. You will learn about how to get involved in Clubs and Organizations, Student Leadership Programs and events and initiatives on campus. You will also learn about the Peer Mentor program, and how you can best utilize your peer mentor during your first year. At the Office of Student Activities, we prioritize building community, creating opportunities for student leadership and advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing innovation. We hope you will feel at home here and leave your legacy!

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

 11:15am-12:15pm- Temporary Tattoosday

Come join the Residence Life and Housing Team and your peers in some fun and games with temporary tattoos! All incoming students are welcome to join this event in the Commons.

Location: Otis College Campus, Commons 

Register Here!

1:00pm- 2:00pm (PT) In-Person Foundation 101

Learn more about what it means to be a Foundation student and meet the faculty chair of the Foundation Department! 

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

7:00pm-8:00pm (PT)     Virtual International Student Q&A  

Otis College DSO, Alia Saeed, will lead an interactive session for international students to be able to ask any questions they may have about maintaining their visa status or succeeding as an international student at Otis College of Art and Design.

Register Here!

10:00am-11:00am (PT)- OWL Chat

All Owl Chats throughout the week are different, so please feel free to join a few of them!

Meet your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and connect with your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Note: New Upper Divison students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

4:00pm- 5:00pm (PT) Ergonomics & The Artist

Learn how to position the body while practicing your art to help prevent long term health problems. Students will learn techniques for proper posture, stretching and movement. This session is led by the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Location: Commons

Register Here!

6:00pm - 7:00pm (PT)- Honors Reception

Join LAS faculty at a reception to meet new and continuing Honors students and to learn more about this four-year LAS program! (restricted to students who are currently enrolled or who have been admitted into Honors)

Location: Galef 207

10am- 11am (PT)- OWL Chat

All Owl Chats throughout the week are different, so please feel free to join a few of them!

Connect with your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and with your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Note: New Upper Division students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

11:30am-12:30pm (PT)- Ergonomics & The Artist

Learn how to position the body while practicing your art to help prevent long term health problems. Students will learn techniques for proper posture, stretching and movement. This session is led by the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Location: Commons

Register Here!

4:30pm-5:30pm PT)- Navigating the Classroom with Learning Differences: Intro to Disability Services (Virtual)

Dr. Carol Branch invites you to join this session virtually to learn more about Otis College Disability Services and resources that are available for students with learning differences.

Location: Virtual

Register Here!

6:00pm- 7:00pm (PT)- Virtual Alumnx Explo Series

Join us for the Otis Alumnx Exploration Series, a monthly virtual discussion hosted by Otis College of Art and Design, where the audience is invited to explore an Otis Alumnx’s art and design practice, perspective, and ideas. All panel discussions and interviews are free and open to all. During this interactive Virtual Alumnx Explo Series session, you will have the chance to meet and learn from Davis Ngarupe (Cook Islands / USA), who is a partner and a creative director of Actual Source with JP Haynie (USA). 

Location: Virtual

ZOOM LINK: otis.zoom.us/my/otisalumnxevents

11:00am-12:00pm (PT)- In-Person Foundation 101

Learn more about what it means to be a Foundation student and meet the faculty chair of the Foundation Department! 

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

12:30pm-1:30pm (PT)- OWL Chat 

Connect with your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Note: New Upper Division students also have the opportunity to choose their own peer mentor if they would like one.

Register Here!

2:00pm- 3:00m (PT) Student Leadership and Getting Involved

Do you want to get involved on campus and find ways to connect with the Otis College Community? Through this in-person discussion with the Director of Student Activities, Erica Javidzad, you will learn about the many opportunities that Otis College students can take advantage of to engage with our community in meaningful ways. You will learn about how to get involved in Clubs and Organizations, Student Leadership Programs and events and initiatives on campus. You will also learn about the Peer Mentor program, and how you can best utilize your peer mentor during your first year. At the Office of Student Activities, we prioritize building community, creating opportunities for student leadership and advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing innovation. We hope you will feel at home here and leave your legacy!

Location: Otis College Campus, FORUM

Register Here!

3:30pm-4:30pm (PT) Final OWL Chat 

All Owl Chats throughout the week are different, so please feel free to join a few of them!

Connect with your incredible Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and your peers by joining this interactive OWL Chat, led by your Orientation Week Leaders. Your OWLs are here to support you through your Orientation Week. Each OWL Chat will consist of different discussions, such as "What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Otis College Student", "Self Care Tips for Art Students", "How to Get Involved" and more!

Foundation and Foundation Transfer students will also be able to choose one of the Orientation Week Leaders as their Peer Mentors/ TISO (International Peer Mentors) through their orientation course on the nest by the end of the week. Joining several OWL chats is a good way to get to know them all a little better before submitting a final choice!

Register Here!