The Gateway Experience

Kick-Off The Graduate Core

The MBA505 Gateway Experience course is designed to be the first 500-level class MBA students take, as it provides an introductory experience to “kick off” the graduate core. This 1 credit hour course introduces experiential learning, integrates business concepts and tools, and sets expectations for the graduate program. The Gateway Experience has proven to be a hands-on, fun, bonding experience for new students.

This one-time experience takes place over a three-day period and includes a Thursday evening welcome dinner, an all-day Friday research session, and an evening or Saturday library session. Attendance at all three days is required for on-campus MBA students. 

When is Gateway offered?

Gateway is offered three times a year, either before or during the first week of classes each semester.

It is possible to enroll in other 500-level courses the same semester you complete MBA505 Gateway Experience. If there is a time conflict with another one of your courses, email mba@butler.edu to ask that your enrollment in MBA505 be granted.

Fall 2023

Saturday, August 12, 2023 | 1:00PM-5:00PM
Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 5:30PM-9:30PM
Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 8:00AM-4:00PM
Registration for Fall 2023 MBA505 closes at 5pm on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. 

Yes, It’s Required.

MBA505 Gateway Experience is a mandatory course for completion of the on-campus MBA program, and is designed to be taken prior to any other 500-level courses. If necessary, a student may take MBA510 or MBA515 before taking MBA505, but only with the permission of the MBA Director. These are the only exceptions allowed.

Students must complete MBA505 Gateway by the end of the second semester in order to continue the MBA program.