Pre-Orientation Programs

Ambassadors of Change  is a weeklong program filled with engaging opportunities focused on service and leadership! Participants will engage in daily hands-on service projects at local organizations, interact in small groups with their peers, and discuss social issues with community members. Fun evening activities round out each day, providing plenty of opportunities throughout the week to get to know fellow classmates and the great city of Indianapolis!

What past participants have said:

• “I loved every moment of Ambassadors of Change. My most favorite experience was when all of us went to the Paramount School. It was really eye-opening and impactful to watch everyone working together as a team.”
• “So many great things about Ambassadors of Change, how do I pick just one? My favorite service site was seeing behind the scenes of one of my favorite local restaurants, Cafe Patachou when we partnered with The Longer Table. They do such cool things in our community and teach kids about the importance of healthy food and providing access to it. My favorite social event of the week was definitely lip syncs! So fun and funny.”
• “Ambassadors of Change taught me not only how to get involved in the community, but also how to step up as a leader and do what needs to be done. It taught me how to be more open about who I am and my experiences which I can definitely use in the future as a way help others and even become more of a leader and an active citizen.”
• After spending my first week with Ambassadors of Change, I knew I found my people here on campus. I’m still friends with those who were in my small group!”

Program Dates: Monday, August 17 – Saturday, August 22, 2026
Participant Fee: $375
 Fee includes early move-in, 3 meals/day, snacks, transportation, t-shirt, entertainment, and more!

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in this program

Dawg Days is a 4-day program filled with exciting and engaging opportunities to build community with a diverse collection of students.

Check out the Dawg Days 2023 Video!

Students who identify as people of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or religious minorities often face different challenges than their peers with identities in the majority on campus, therefore, Dawg Days exists to support and prepare students to have a successful and sustainable transition to Butler.

Hosted by the Efroymson Diversity Center and led by a diverse group of student mentors, this program provides historically marginalized underrepresented students and/or their allies with an enriching opportunity to maximize belonging at Butler University through intentional mentorship, access to campus resources, identity development, social engagement, and community building.

Program participants can expect to attend outings around Indianapolis, learn about helpful resources for success at Butler, participate in games/fun activities, dialogue about different cultures, gain support from intentional mentors, and much more!

See testimonials from previous Dawg Days participants: 

• “I met so many people in such a short time that I believe I’ve formed deep bonds with. I also came to call the DC my second home on campus.”
•  “Participating in this program was the best thing I’ve done while attending Butler. The impact of the experience on me will last forever. I’ve made diverse, lasting friendships, discovered numerous opportunities, received advice that saved me from negative situations, both academically and personally, and so many other positive attributes that shaped me into the successful student I am in my second year.” 
• “I made lots of friends, found so many resources, and met some amazing people. I am glad I signed up and made it to the program, and got this opportunity to meet people I could relate to.”
•  “This program helped me make friends with individuals that I am still friends with, and it has honestly helped mold me into the young woman I am now at this point of my college career. I found a safe haven at Butler—the Diversity Center.” 

Program Dates: Wednesday, August 19 – Saturday, August 22, 2026
Participant Fee: $250

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in this program.

Welcome to Esports Park, the premiere collegiate esports facility in Indiana. Here you’ll find the resources for all your competitive gaming needs. From our state-of-the-art production room to our streaming rooms, you’ll soon find why we’re back to back Big East champions.

Other features we offer:

• Gaming lounge
• Team rooms
• Tournament stage

During Esports Park 101, we will be giving comprehensive tours of these aspects, discussing our Esports Communication minor offered at Butler University, and of course, gaming! This will be a two day event on Thursday and Friday, August 20 and 21.

Butler Esports Highlights:

• 2023, 2024 League of Legends Big East Champions
• 2023, 2024 Rocket League Runner Up Big East Champions

Program Dates: Thursday, August 20 – Friday, August 21, 2026
Participant Fee: $200

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in this program

Experience Butler’s Recreation & Wellness programs and facilities in this program! Participants will learn about what Recreation and Wellness has to offer, make lasting friendships with fellow first-year students, engage in friendly sports and group fitness activities, and compete in a battleship tournament in our Aquatic Center. All students are welcome to apply, regardless of your experience level or physical ability. Play hard, be you, and be well!

What’s included: t-shirt, snacks, swag bag, breakfast, lunch, and two dinners.

Program Dates:

• Thursday, August 20th, 2026  – 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 21st, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Participant Fee: $100 

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in this program

Your new “home away from home,” Indianapolis, is an award-winning city in some surprising ways:

• Best Places to Go in 2026 (Conde Nast Traveler’s)
• IMS Museum: 2026 World’s Greatest Places (TIME)
• Best Children’s Museum in the Country (USA Today, 2025)
• America’s Next Great Food Cities (Food & Wine, 2022)

Join us as we head “Into the City” and experience the energy, culture, and opportunity that make Indianapolis such a dynamic place to live and learn. Explore Butler’s connectivity to the city—geographically, culturally, and historically—while immersing yourself in some of Indy’s most iconic neighborhoods, experiences, and destinations.

Along the way, you’ll begin building meaningful connections with fellow students and a deeper sense of belonging, both at Butler and in Indianapolis, all before you even step into your first class. Here’s what past participants said about their experience:

• “I’m so happy I did Into The City. I was hesitant at first since I didn’t know anyone, but once I got into the program, I realized everyone was just as nervous as I was. This was such a great program to get adjusted to Indianapolis and make friends before Orientation started! I felt ahead of the game knowing I had a few friends and could navigate my way around the city before classes began.”
• “Into the City directly impacted my transition to Butler in such an amazing way. It allowed me to adjust to a new school and environment and make so many friends right away. I still talk to most of the people I did the program with, and seeing friendly faces around campus always brightens my day. My roommate and I did Into the City together which was so much fun because we got to spend a ton of time together and learn more about each other’s likes and dislikes and living styles in general which were all good to know for the rest of the year.”
• “Throughout the program, I learned the power of starting a conversation, because I made some of the best, unexpected friendships. I recommend this program to every incoming freshman to start meeting your fellow classmates early, eat amazing food around Indy, and be surrounded by supportive people from the CaPS office!”
• “Into the City was the first stepping stone into why I believe I had a great time at Butler University. It was where I met some of my best friends. My core group from this program stayed tight all 4 years and we ended up living together as seniors…. Orientation keeps you busy enough to not miss home the first week, but as the events subsided, I still felt comfortable because I had explored the area with this program, and I had some solid friends with me. I think if I hadn’t done this program, I would have had a much more difficult transition.”

Program Dates: Wednesday, August 19 – Friday, August 21, 2026
Participant Fee: $300 

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in this program

Welcome to Sports Town! explores the tremendous sports city of Indianapolis. Participants will learn everything about the rising sports capital of the world that is Indianapolis! We spend three days touring the places and talking with the people that make Indy a sports capital!

We’ll cover mega-events like the Indianapolis 500, the NCAA Final Four, and hosting the Super Bowl. We’ll also connect with Indy sports orgs like the Pacers, Fever, Colts, Indians, and more! Welcome to Sports Town! gives behind-the-scenes access to the people and places that make Indy such a great sports town.

What past participants have said:

• “I want to thank you for helping to make my transition to college easy and fun. I am now at ease. I feel as though I have a great group of friends and I am one step ahead of the game.”
• “Participation opened my eyes to a career I had never imagined but now I know it encompasses many of my strengths and passions.”
• “I already feel at home because of the early days.  I know my campus, I know some faculty, I know my city and I made friends!”

Program Dates: Wednesday, August 19 – Friday, August 21, 2026
Participant Fee: $550

*Participant fee waiver(s) may be available for eligible participants in these programs.

The following program is invite only. If interested in this program, please email learning@butler.edu to indicate your interest!

Embarking on your college journey is a thrilling milestone, and for first-generation students, it often comes with its own set of challenges and questions. Our pre-orientation session, “Empowering Your First Year as a Butler University Bulldog,” is crafted specifically to help first-gen students start their journey with confidence, community, and support. At Butler University, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, and this workshop reimagines the “first-gen identity” as a powerful source of strength, resilience, and unique perspective.

During this session, you will have the chance to connect with staff and student leaders, laying the groundwork for a supportive network even before full orientation kicks off. We will showcase essential campus resources designed to assist you in navigating this exciting transition. With a focus on empowerment, practical strategies, and understanding campus culture—paired with fun and engaging interactive activities—you will leave with a personalized plan to not just survive but to truly thrive at Butler University.

Program Dates: Thursday, August 20 – Friday, August 21, 2026

Q: When are pre-orientation program applications due?
A: The Pre-Orientation Program 2026 application deadline is Monday, June 1.

Q: When will I hear about my acceptance or program placement?
A: Applications are due June 1, 2026. Applicants can plan to hear back by early July. Thanks for your patience as coordinators review applications and we sort out best placement!

Q: Can I apply to multiple pre-orientation programs?
A: Yes. We encourage applicants to apply to multiple programs to ensure entry into one of the programs. Some programs have very limited space so it’s helpful to apply to a few. On the application, you can list your preference of programs. Be sure to put thought into your application essay responses as these are the primary ways we place students!

Q: If I participate in a Pre-Orientation Program, when would I move onto campus?
A: Pre-Orientation Programs students who will be living on campus for the 2026 – 2027 academic year will move into their university-assigned residence hall room on the first day of their Pre-Orientation Program.

Q: What if I have other campus obligations during the Pre-Orientation Program?
A: Participation in all program activities is expected. Pre-orientation participants will not be able to join other programs, practices, or meetings during the week, including evenings. Please plan accordingly!

Q: What happens if I realize my Pre-Orientation Program isn’t for me?
A: If you decide to leave your program early, you will need to leave campus until general Orientation begins as your placement within Residence Life is contingent on your program participation.