Denison Service Orientation (DSO)

The Denison Service Orientation (DSO) is a direct-service experience designed to help incoming students adjust to college, build strong friendships, and realize the possibilities available to them at Denison.

Students will participate in a service experience related to homelessness and hunger in the surrounding Licking County area. Experienced student leaders and faculty/staff leaders will guide participants through leadership training, group building, issues education, and direct-service.

Service-Learning is an important area of emphasis at Denison University. Whether students have had previous service experience or not, this orientation is a great way to begin the transition to life at Denison.

Safety & Experience

To maintain the quality of this small group experience and to minimize the risks, we ask that you abide by the following policies: non-prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted during the program. In addition, please do not use cell phones or other electronic devices during the program.

The Schedule

Pre-O Welcome Day is Saturday, August 19, 2023. Participants coming from abroad will move-in on August 16 or 17, and participants from the United States will move in between 9am and 1pm on August 19. On Sunday, August 20, participants will travel by bus to Newark, OH. Participants will return to campus on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Induction Day for Pre-O participants and all other first-year students will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023, and August Orientation (Aug-O) will begin on Friday, August 25, 2023.

What Do I Need to Bring?

Participants will be sent a packing list with their acceptance packet in the summer. Most meals are included, but we ask that you bring an additional $50-$100 to help cover the cost of some meals and/or shopping. The program includes service work with various community partners; long pants and comfortable closed-toed shoes are required.

Fees

The cost of DSO is $300. Questbridge Scholars, Denison-Columbus Alliance Scholars, and students with eligible financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid who are accepted into the program will have their fees waived.