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Creating environments that support student success

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Welcome to The College OT

I develop novel and pratical student success resources for higher education professionals so they can spend more time on where it matters most – helping students succeed!

The College OT Vision

By equipping you with powerful tools and insights, The College OT helps faculty and administrators feel supported while their students succeed.

Ways The College OT can help

Faculty and student success professionals

We have practical skill-building resources, including specialized workbooks for at-risk students and comprehensive guides for college life mastery. These are perfect for advising sessions, as course materials, or for additional support. Whether you help students struggling to adapt to college life or who are looking for ways to be more successful, our tools provide personalized strategies and evidence-based support you need to help students not just survive college, but truly thrive.

Administrators and faculty

Consider adopting The Occupations in Higher Education Transitions Inventory (OHETI), a research-backed tool designed to help you understand how well students are adapting to college life across 10 essential areas.

  • The tool is grounded in occupational adaptation theory with ongoing validation studies.
  • It addresses wellness, academics, and life skills in one integrated assessment.
  • Students receive immediate, personalized strategies—not just data
  • Aggregate data informs strategic planning and resource allocation
  • Personalized support from Dr. Karen Keptner who brings extensive experience in student success and occupational therapy

Occupational therapists

Join our Community of Practice – OT-U connects occupational therapy professionals and educators who are passionate about supporting student success through evidence-based, holistic approaches. Whether you’re an OT working in student services, a faculty member integrating wellness into curriculum, or an administrator seeking comprehensive support strategies, OT-U provides the professional network you need.

About The College OT

Growing up I didn’t have the resources to plan my educational journey – and I struggled a lot. Once I got to grad school, it just got worse. Now I work on supporting students so that they don’t feel so alone in the college journey.

Now, with over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist (don’t know what an OT is?), I’ve dedicated my career to teaching, direct OT practice with college students, and research on student success.

My mission? To transform campus environments into spaces where every student can thrive. I want to collaborate with professionals to create spaces where skills and support intersect to help students succeed.

Reach out at kkeptner@gmail.com for ideas, information, or to explore how we can work together.

woman with brown shoulder length hair and a beige long sleeve shirt. Sitting with hands in front of her.
Karen Keptner PhD, OTR/L, The College OT

Recent Posts

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Blog by Topics

  • study tips
  • stress
  • test anxiety
  • coping skills
  • time managment
  • email management
  • focus
  • balance
  • healthy eating
  • leisure

Everyday Academia Podcast

  • Navigating College Life Through Occupational Performance
  • Bridging Student Success and Occupational Therapy
  • The Impact of Occupation-Based Group Interventions on University Freshmen
  • OTs in Higher Ed
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