OCS Application Process

You’ll begin with the Denison OCS Application. The application steps help you explore the OCS process and program options. This is your only chance to apply for Summer 2027, Fall 2027, or Spring 2028 programs. There's no commitment associated with opening an application, so we recommend opening one even if you're still uncertain about applying. 

Start the application by searching for a program called *Denison OCS Application*. After you click APPLY to get started- anytime before November 9th- you will watch the Study Abroad 101 videos, which walk you through your next steps. The deadline to complete everything is November 19th, but we suggest you submit your application as soon as you can.

OCS Application Checklist

1. Study Abroad 101 video module and assessment

2. Attend at least one OCS Group Advising Session - hosted every XXX and XXX*

3. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss how OCS will work with your academic plan 

4. Review programs available on our Approved Programs List and meet individually with an OCS advisor if you have questions

5. Carefully read through and sign off on the OCS policies in the application

5. Complete the Program Preference Proposal for your top three choices and click submit by November 19th!

*Fall 2026 Application Cycle: Group Advising starts XXXX date! 

The first session is on September XXX and meets in XXX! After that, times/locations are:

• Mondays in Burton Morgan 115, 4:00pm - 5:00pm 

• Thursdays in Slayter Auditorium,  11:30am - 12:30pm

There will be no Group Advising over Fall Break. 

Please note: Participation limits are placed on individual programs and terms (fall and spring). Space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to when you submit your completed application. We strongly suggest that you complete the OCS application as early as possible to have the best chance to secure your preferred semester and program of study. 

AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

We review OCS applications on a rolling basis in the order that they are submitted. If there are any issues with your application, we will email you requesting more information and/or reopen your application for you to edit. If your top choice is full at the time we review your application, we will review for your next choice. 

Once the review is complete, we will email you with our conditional approval of your application and any notes we'd like to share for your consideration. You will be asked to wait for official approval during the Spring semester before taking any further action. 

During the spring semester our office will review fall grades and reach out with the official approval decisions. From there, you will have Denison pre-departure requirements to complete in the Via Global application portal. At the same time, you will need to complete an application with your program provider directly. See the next tab for more information.

Once your OCS application is officially approved by our office you will be instructed to begin the application process with your program provider. This application is independent of the application you submitted in Via Global. Please note that approval by our office does not guarentee approval by your program provider, so it is in your best interest to apply early. You are responsible for submitting the program application in full by the program provider’s deadline (these vary among programs, so be sure to note the deadline for YOUR program). If you should not be accepted into your program, we will work with you to identify an alternate option, but if you wait too long, program deadlines for other programs will have already passed.

As part of your application process with your provider, you will be asked to complete a home school authorization form in which our office must sign off to verify that you have been approved by Denison. You can send this form to OCS Advisors Sarah Jones (joness@denison.edu) or Mia Miller (millermia@denison.edu) and we will complete this on your behalf. 

After you receive official approval from Denison, you will be asked to complete additional tasks that will be added to your Denison Via Global portal. This will happen around the time you begin applying to your program provider, who will also have tasks for you to complete. You will be asked to upload important information, read through a series of policies that impact off-campus study, and sign waivers. You will also find instructions for processes that must be completed outside of your application prior to departing for your off-campus study program (e.g., the course approval process to ensure credits from off-campus study transfer back to Denison). Once all requirements are submitted, you will participate in our pre-departure orientation, which is mandatory for all students to secure final approval for off-campus study, so please note and adhere to deadlines provided. 

Denison’s Orientation is offered virtually and consists of a series of videos, handouts, and a final assessment. Students approved for off-campus study during summer or fall semester must participate in the orientation in the spring. Students approved for off-campus study during spring semester must participate in the orientation in the fall. Failure to complete this orientation successfully will result in Denison revoking approval of your off-campus study plans. 

Just prior to orientation, our office will verify your disciplinary status with the Office of Community Values and Conflict Resolution.