TOPS Summer Orientation

OSU TOPS Campus Orientation

The OSU TOPS Campus Orientation is conducted in two phases on campus during the summer and at the start of the fall semester, spanning a total of five days. Participation is required for all students who are accepted into the program each fall and is a mandatory component for beginning the TOPS Program.

2026 Orientation Dates: TBD

The OSU TOPS Campus Orientation is a comprehensive on-campus learning experience designed to provide incoming students with a structured introduction to the program, establish foundational expectations, and facilitate meaningful campus engagement through interactive and experiential learning opportunities.

During the orientation program, students will:

• Gain a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of a TOPS student at The Ohio State University

• Learn about available course offerings and register for classes for their first term

• Obtain their BuckID and complete the required background check for the TOPS ID through The Ohio State University Medical Center

• Meet fellow first-year students and begin building connections within the cohort

• Immersion into student life at The Ohio State University through participation in the TOPS Program

• The opportunity to reside in university residence halls and experience campus dining facilities

• Classes focused on developing the academic and personal skills necessary for college success

• Informational interviews and/or job shadowing experiences to support career exploration and preparation

• Recreational activities and events on campus and throughout the Columbus area