Orientation Programs

Student Orientation Guides (SOG)

The Student Orientation Guides (SOGs) are a large group of over 70 sophomore, junior, and senior students who volunteer to coordinate, organize and lead activities during Welcome Week. Students selected for the Orientation staff participate in training and learn to facilitate group discussion, answer questions and generally act as guides to Butler's newest students in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Each of these SOGs will be leading one of several Orientation Groups through Welcome Week, helping the new students to become well acclimated to Butler's campus as well as college academics and the Butler community.

After Welcome Week is over and the new students are well into their first year of college, the guides' connection with their groups is not over.  Many of the guides keep in contact with their group, often having a reunion later on in the semester to meet up and see how the first semester is going. Often times, this connection lasts for years to come.

After completing, First-Year Student Orientation, Remix or January Transfer Orientation, opportunities are available to apply for a position on the Student Orientation Guide Team. To be considered, a student must:

  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Show leadership experience and campus involvement (preferred)
  • NOT be on any current judicial or academic probation with Butler University

Furthermore, a student can expect the following responsibilities if selected as a SOG:

  • Act as a guide for a specific group of first year students during Welcome Week
  • Read the selected orientation book and facilitate group discussion in conjunction with a Faculty Orientation Guide (FOG)
  • Lead group discussions
  • Disseminate accurate information about university services, resources and campus life
  • Adequately and fairly portray the University, its policies, agencies, services, and people to the new students
  • Introduce guest speakers or workshop presenters
  • Actively participate in Welcome Week events
  • Connect students to appropriate resources throughout Welcome Week and the following year
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

Want to become a SOG?

Interested in being a Student Orientation Guide for the 2013-2014 academic year? New and Returning SOG Applications are due before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 11th, 2013. Please follow the steps below:

Step 1:

Fill out the application here: DEADLINE PASSED!

Step 2:

Have a reference fill out the SOG Reference Form below. Reference forms are to due by 5pm on Monday February 11th, 2013. References will be accepted from Professors/Academic Advisors, Student Organization Advisors, University Staff, Coaches, Employment Supervisors and Resident Assistants. References from family members and other students will not be accepted.

Have your reference fill out a form here: DEADLINE PASSED!

Step 3:

An interactive group process will occur in mid-February. Sign-ups will be available at the PuLSE Office starting Monday, February 11th, 2013 through Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 at 5pm.

Please note: You will only need to sign up for one block. Each block lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Group process is one of two phases that determine the final SOGS for the upcoming year.

Next Steps:

If selected to continue with the process, you will receive further notification via email from the PuLSE Office. If not selected to continue with the process, you will also be notified via email. Final SOG decision emails will be distributed before Spring Break.

If selected as a Student Orientation Guide for the 2013-2014 Academic Year, you will be expected to attend Orientation Guide trainings in the Spring of 2013 and the Fall of 2013.

Suggest A SOG!

Know someone who would make a great Student Orientation Guide? Let us know!

For more information about becoming a Student Orientation Guide or Orientation in general, please contact Caroline Huck-Watson.