| Hello all-
Sorry I forgot to report back in! I didn't think there was much new information - but then I sat through freshman orientation a few years ago w/ my daughter at OU - so maybe I tuned alot out. The main thing for us was - very very few air conditioned rooms for the guys. They suggested bringing 3 fans - one to pull air in - one to pull it out - and one oscillating. Seems that some of the older buildings can't handle the electrical needs of AC. Lets hope for a cool autumn and spring!
In addition, the rooms do not come w/ a fridge or a microwave - or a computer. Seems they are working on a plan - to provide a combo fridge/microwave - to rent for the year - it sounded like if the plan was a go - information would be sent out. She also mentioned that a fridge larger than 3.0 cu ft - would probably be too large.
There was a seperate session for computer questions/needs - but I didn't attend that one - my husband did - so I have no info on that.
When we went (July 18) - room assignments had not been started yet. I'm thinking that in early August we will get the news. The 'first' criteria in pairing roommates - is how messy they keep their rooms!
Orientation was well organized - the parents had a 'track' and the kids had a 'track'. The session on the Common Book selection was very interesting - as well as residential life at Otterbein. We did not get to see a dorm room - but now I wish we had at least tried!
There was a part of a session that involved security. I was very impressed by the head of security - he is a former Ohio State Highway Patrol officer - very likable - but no nonsense - and still has that ability to make you feel inches tall (like when you got pulled over for a speeding ticket!!) He teaches self defense classes there (I'm sure they would be excellent) - and also reviewed what Otterbein has done in reaction to Virginia Tech. I wish he could have spoken longer.
Kyle did meet w/ Dr. John to review his schedule - and it really didn't last that long - Kyle had already scheduled on-line.
We were able to sign up for a bank - Fifth/Third - that has an ATM in the student center - it is a great bank - so for those of you out of town - don't hesitate to do that. Not quite sure what the kids talked about - Kyle didn't have a whole lot to say about that. He is on page 50 of the book - says it's confusing (isn't that the point to make them think?! :-).
Really can't think of anything else. I rather feel like I'm on hold - until we find out who the roommate is and where he is staying.
On a side note: our high school is one of 6 in the country to do Phantom of the Opera next year! That is Kyle's dream role - and he is leaving! Sigh. I also heard that Baldwin Wallace and Elon are doing it on the college level.
Hope everyone else is doing well - is this your first child to go off to college? Kyle is our last of 2 - so things will be quite different around here!
Let me know if you have any other questions-
Kate |