Saturday, August 23, 2025

8:00AM–6:00PM New and transfer student check-in (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)

📍Hinkle Fieldhouse parking lot

  • Residential Students: Set arrival time for check-in is based on a student’s room location within the residence hall. This time is emailed in early August.
  • Commuter Students: May arrive any time between 8:00 AM–4:30 PM ET. Please go to the table with blue decor.

10:00 AM–5:00 PM  Relaxation Station
📍Orientation Tent, Butler Way Mall

Throughout the day, the Relaxation Station will offer calming and creative activities for students and families to unwind. Stop by for build-a-plant, coloring pages, tactile fidget toys, snacks, and a note-writing table. Licensed massage therapists will be offering neck and shoulder massages from 2:00–4:00 PM — be sure to sign up for a time at the tent! Come recharge, reconnect, and relax!

11:00 AM–1:00 PM  Butler Brew energy drink sampling
📍Orientation Tent, Clowes Mall

Lotus Energy Drinks

11:00 AM–3:00 PM  Phi Delt’s Sweet Escape
📍705 W Hampton Dr.

Head over to Phi Delta Theta to cool down on a hot day with some delicious frozen treats. Classic ice cream truck goodies will be sold including ice cream sandwiches, Klondike bars, popsicles, drumsticks, and homemade slushies each for $3. All proceeds will go towards the Live Like Lou Foundation which helps those affected by ALS and is fighting for a cure. Stop by to support those affected and grab a delicious treat to cool off. 

Phi Delt members will be accepting payments through Venmo and Cash.

2:00–5:00 PM  Irwin Library Open House —Duck Drop Event 
📍Irwin Library

Drop by Irwin Library to try your hand at the famous Irwin Fountain Duck Drop competition. Meet library staff and faculty, learn about library services, and enjoy refreshments and a rest from the heat. The Duck Drop competition is a rite of passage you won’t want to miss!

2:00–5:00 PM  Resource Fair
📍Orientation Tent, Atherton Mall

Drop in at the Resource Fair to meet with representatives from campus offices and external entities that serve and support our students. Stay for as long or short as you want!

2:00–5:00 PM  Butler Eats 2025
📍Butler Way Mall

This event is your chance to explore campus dining options and sample student favorites. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with the team dedicated to keeping you nourished on campus, and get answers to all your dining-related questions.

*Tickets are required for entry and participation in the event and can be purchased at the Butler Eats event.

Option 1: If you have a meal plan, 1 meal swipe equals 4 tickets.

Option 2: If you do not have a meal plan, tickets are available for purchase at $3 each or 4 for $10

5:30–6:30 PM  Student-athlete welcome for athletes and parents (required for all new student athletes)
📍Hinkle Fieldhouse, Main Gym

Dinner will be served for student athletes and their families. Required for new student athletes, families are encouraged to attend.

7:30–8:15 PM  Student orientation group meeting (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group will be emailed to your Butler email.

Join your Orientation Group to meet your crew and your student leaders. This will be your team for Orientation and into your First-Year Seminar! 

7:30 – 9:00 PM  Family presentation and dessert reception
📍Schrott Center for the Arts

While students are in their required residence hall or commuter meetings, please come learn from University administrators on how we support our Butler families while also meeting and connecting with other Butler families. Dress is casual.

8:30–10:30 PM  Residence hall meetings for new students (required for residential students)
📍Residential College (ResCo) , Irvington House & Fairview House

8:30–10:00 PM  Commuter meeting for new students (required for commuter and Founder’s College students)
📍Pharmacy Building Room 150

New commuter students will pick up their Orientation t-shirt and meet with campus representatives as well as returning commuter students.

10:00 PM–12:30 AM  SPLASH SATURDAY! 
📍Atherton Union Mall and Irwin Library
Co-sponsored with the University Program Council (Butler UPC)

New students, join us for free food, play some rounds of Bin-glow under the tent for prizes, play in our splash pad and slip and slide, Try to dunk a Student Orientation Guide (SOG) or head to the Irwin Library to sing Karaoke, play some board games and make friendship bracelets while the singers serenade you. Dig in the dirt and plant a mini plant for your room. Challenge a new friend to lawn games and inflatables on the Atherton Mall, arts and crafts, and much more!

Sunday, August 24, 2025

8:00 AM–2:00 PM Brunch (For All Students)
📍A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted. Credit card payment is accepted for those without a meal plan.

9:30-10:30 AM Butler University Convocation (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍Hinkle Fieldhouse

As a Bulldog, there are two events that mark your academic journey at Butler: your induction as a scholar at Convocation and your commencement as a graduate. Join President James M. Danko, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jay Howard, Vice President for DEI & Student Affairs, Dr. Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Lori Greene, and other University leaders as we celebrate your formal welcome to Butler University as a student. Students will enter Hinkle Fieldhouse at Gates 2 & 3 to be directed to their seats together in the 100-level of the arena, while families will be directed to their seats from the upper track level. Families should enter Hinkle Fieldhouse at Gate 1.

Incoming Class Photo
📍Sellick Bowl, Hinkle Fieldhouse
Rain date: Monday, August 25, 6:00 PM

Convocation Reception
📍 Lawn of Health and Recreation Complex
Inclement Weather Location: Dugan Hall

Immediately following the Butler University Convocation, please join Butler University faculty, deans, and administrators on the lawn of the Health and Recreation Complex.

11:30 AM–1:00 PM Health and Recreation Complex (HRC) Open House
📍Health and Recreation Complex (HRC)

The doors are open to the Health and Recreation (HRC) for our first annual Open House! Come tour the recreation side of the HRC, get a behind the scenes tour of Health Services, grab a snack, chat with our Counselors, and learn about the many programs we have to offer for our students. We look forward to seeing you after Convocation!

11:30 AM–1:00 PM Family lunch on your own

Families can eat lunch at A-Town Cafe or A-Town Market in Atherton Union, Midtown Provisions in Residential College, or off-campus.

11:30 AM–1:15 PM Commuter Student Center open
📍Atherton Union, Commuter Student Center, Room 011 

Commuter students can hang out in this gathering space before the next required program. Members of the Commuter Student Organization and group’s advisor will be onsite. Lunch tickets will be provided.

11:30 AM–12:30 PM Butler Catholic Community Mass
📍Atherton Union, Reilly Room

Join the Butler Catholic Community for the celebration of Mass.
Lunch will be served to Mass attendees. 

1:00–1:30 PM Family Farewell

Please use this time to say goodbye before student orientation group meetings begin. 

1:30–2:30 PM Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Family Reception
For JCA Families only – JCA students will attend
their Student Orientation Group Meeting
📍Schrott Center for the Arts, Lobby

Meet the JCA Dean, members of the JCA faculty & staff, and other new JCA families. Light refreshments will be served.

1:30–5:00 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group has also been emailed to your Butler email.

Identity + Me
Orientation Group Rooms
Explore your own identities and how an awareness of them can lead to opportunities to establish and maintain belonging for yourself and others. This engaging session will build skills of self-reflection, communication, trust, and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of one’s identity, each student will participate in this experience by acknowledging several different components of their own identity and reflecting on their experiences of them.  

5:00–7:30 PM Orientation Group Dinner – New Students (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍Pick up food in A-Town Café, take plates out to the Atherton Mall and Butler Way Mall tents | Inclement weather location: Atherton Union dining hall
Please bring your Butler University ID.

6:00–8:00 PM Commuter Student Center Open 
📍Atherton Union, Commuter Student Center, Room 011

Commuter students can hang out in this gathering space before the next required program. Commuter students will have access to meals in Atherton Marketplace.

7:00–8:45 PM Playfair 
📍North Atherton Mall
Inclement weather location: Health and Recreation Complex (HRC)

Meet hundreds of new students while playing icebreakers and games!

8:30–9:45 PM (Immediately following Playfair) Compass Center Ice Cream Social and Open House
📍Compass Center (The Blue House across from Schrott)

Join The Compass Center communities to learn how to get involved in religious, spiritual, and secular organizations at Butler. Broad Ripple Ice Cream Shop (BRICS) sponsors the delicious ice cream offered!

Meet hundreds of new students while playing icebreakers and games!

10:00 PM–12:30 AM  Rave-Yard Shift! 
📍Atherton Union, Atherton Mall & Holcomb Observatory

Join new students to dance the night away at the Glow Rave in the tent. Head to the Observatory to watch a planetarium show and look through the telescope at the stars. Play on an 80’s arcade game or the VR roller coaster, tie-dye a t-shirt, and ride the train! Race a trike! Head to the firepits to build a s’more, and enjoy outdoor other exciting activities!

Monday, August 25, 2025

7:00 AM–10:00 AM Breakfast (For All Students)
📍 A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted.

9:15AM–9:45PM Wake Up With Wellness
📍 Atherton Union Mall | Inclement Weather Location Orientation: Fairview Community Room

Use this time for your best self-care: sleep-in, attend the 45-minute morning yoga* session on the mall, participate in Eco Therapy walking trails around campus, or do something you love to recharge – walk, run, meditate, read, write, or grab a coffee with a new friend. *Note if you wish to attend yoga on the mall, please bring a mat, towel or blanket and wear comfortable clothing.

9:00 AM–11:00 AM Butler Brew Spotlight on Local Partners
📍Dugan Hall, Atrium

Grab some samples from our local partners! Free!

10:00 AM–1:15 PM Academic Day (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)

  • College Meetings
    📍Locations to be announced
    Required for all new first year and transfer students 
  • Department Meetings
    📍Locations will be announced during college meetings.
    Required for all new first year and transfer students
  • Lunch With Department Faculty
    📍Locations will be announced during department meetings.
    Required for all new first year and transfer students

1:30–2:30 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group can be found in your Butler email.

Common Read Book Discussion
More information about this year’s common read is available on the New Student Orientation Canvas course.

2:30–4:00 PM Spaces for “We”
📍Dugan Hall, various classrooms and atrium

Spaces for “We” is a unique experience during which campus affinity groups of our underrepresented populations will informally gather with first year students to build connections, offer support, and enjoy the community. Allies welcome!

Locations will be reserved for the following identities:  

  1. LGBTQIA+ students
  2. Students of Color 
  3. Disabled/Students with Disabilities  
  4. First Generation (First-Gen)
  5. Commuter students
  6. Jewish students
  7. Muslim students

Attendees can visit multiple spaces even if they do not share that identity. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP using this link to receive room locations. Questions can be sent to Lauryn Jones.  

4:00–9:00 PM JCA–Music Ensemble Placement Auditions
📍Various locations, details online, advance sign-up required

Sign up for an audition and view audition details on our website. If your placement audition time conflicts with an Orientation session, please contact Dr. Trae Blanco at tblanco@butler.edu.

4:30–8:30 PM Dinner (for all students) 
📍 A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted.

5:00–6:00 PM Special Dietary Needs? 
📍 A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Maximize your meal plan! Meet with dining hall managers and learn about campus resources for those who have food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary needs. (Also offered on Tuesday at 12:00 PM.)

6:30–7:00 PM Hype to Hinkle (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍 Small Tent on Mall

Grab some spirit gear and get hype as we head to Hinkle Magic!

7:00–8:30 PM Hinkle Magic! (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍 Hinkle Fieldhouse, Main Gym

Meet the Butler Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Pep Band, Butler Blue IV, and hear from Butler Athletics’ Coaches. Learn Butler cheers, the fight song, and more.

10:00 PM–12:30 AM Late Nite Carnival
📍Atherton Union Mall, Butler Observatory, etc.

Head to Atherton Mall Late Nite Carnival! Play Human Billiards, Human Foosball, and run around in the Zorb balls on the lawn. Play mini golf on the track, ride a mechanical bull, and enjoy other exciting activities and fair food snacks!

Head to the Butler Observatory to watch a planetarium show and to look through the telescope at the stars!

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

7:00 AM–10:00 AM Breakfast (For All Students)
📍 A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted.

9:45 AM–12:00 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)

Alcohol + You @ BU
📍 Orientation Group Rooms
Learn how to BU|BeWell while navigating social situations during your college experience. This interactive session will debunk common myths around drugs and alcohol and empower you to make healthy, informed decisions to keep you and your friends safe.

Collective Unity
📍 Orientation Group Rooms
The founding mission of Butler University includes a significant investment in equitable access to a college education and experience. During the Collective Unity session, students will explore the many resources, settings, and opportunities to engage at Butler. This session will prepare you for the role that each of us can play in continuing our institution’s founding and ongoing mission of a unified community in which all members can thrive.

11:00 AM–2:00 PM Lunch (For All Students)
📍 A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted.

12:00–1:00 PM Special Dietary Needs?
📍Midtown Provisions (Residential College)

Maximize your meal plan! Meet with the dining hall managers and learn about campus resources for those who have food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary needs. (Also offered on Monday at 5:00 PM.)

12:00–1:30 PM Commuter Student Meeting (required for Founder’s College and commuter students)
📍Robertson Hall, Johnson Board Room

Lunch will be provided.

12:30–1:30 PM Honors Student Meeting
📍Jordan Hall Room 141

Official welcome and orientation for the newest members of the University Honors Program. Incoming Honors Program students will learn about mentors, program requirements, and other matters related to Honors at Butler. Students should eat in the cafeteria before coming to this meeting.

1:00–4:00 PM  Commuter Student Center Open
📍Atherton Union, Commuter Student Center, Room 011

Commuter students can hang out in this gathering space before the next required program.

1:30–2:30 PM  Indiana State Grant recipients’s session (required for Frank O’Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholar recipients)
📍Atherton Union, Reilly Room

All students who have been awarded an Indiana State Grant through the Frank O’Bannon Grant program OR the Indiana 21st Century Scholars program are REQUIRED to attend this session. Your financial aid may be delayed in posting to your account if you do not attend. This session will explain the Indiana State requirements to ensure that you continue to receive your Indiana State Grants. If you are unsure if you are required to attend, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@butler.edu.

2:30–3:15 PM  Money Matters—One on One Discussions
(This session is also offered on Wednesday at 4:00 PM)
📍Jordan Hall, Room 155

Representatives from Financial Aid and Student Accounts will assist you with any questions you have regarding your financial aid, loan options, billing statements, due dates and payment options. Feel free to stop by during this time to make sure you’re all set for financial success! Please have your Butler student ID card.

Please Note: If you’re unable to stop by during this time, both offices are open during normal business hours:

1:30–3:30 PM  New Athlete Orientation (required for athletes)
📍Gallahue Hall, Room 104

2:00–4:00 PM  Ballet Placement Class (required for new Dance majors only)
📍Lilly Hall, Studio 310

3:30–4:15 PM  Student Disability Services Orientation (required for students registered with Student Disability Services only)
📍Jordan Hall, Room 141

If you have not had a one-on-one meeting with a Student Disability Services staff member to register for accommodations, please do not attend this meeting. Please email sds@butler.edu to coordinate your one-on-one meeting first.

4:00–5:30 PM Food For Your Well-Being: A-Town Market Samples
📍A-Town Market (lower level Atherton Union)

Sample A-Town Market favorites.

4:30–8:30 PM Dinner (For All Students)
📍A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

Please bring your Butler University ID. Meal plans are accepted.

4:30–6:00 PM Morton-Finney Scholars’ Program Kick-Off (Morton-Finney Scholars only)
📍Fairview Community Room

Join the Morton Finney Scholars’ Program staff for program overview, dinner, and a chance to get to know your cohort.

5:00–6:00 PM BU:BeReal Alumni Dinner (BU:BeReal Alumni only)
📍A-Town Cafe (Atherton Union)

BU: BeReal alumni are invited to a complimentary dinner in the dining hall. Connect with other alumni, camp counselors, instructors, and staff. We’re so thrilled you’re here! Meal vouchers will be provided.

5:30–8:00 PM  Student Involvement Fair: Block Party
📍Hinkle Fieldhouse

Discover your community at Butler’s Student Organization Block Party! Presented by the Office of Student Activities, this vibrant open-house invites students to meet representatives from over 200+ recognized student organizations. Explore groups across our 18 organizational categories: Academic, Advocacy, Club Sports, Cultural, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith-Based, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Health and Wellness, Honor Societies, Media, Music and Performing Arts, Political, Professional, Programming, Recreational, Service and Philanthropy, Special Interest, and Student Governance. https://butler.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations

5:30–9:15 PM JCA—Music Ensemble Placement Auditions
📍Various locations, details online, advance sign-up required

Sign up for an audition and view audition details on our website. If your placement audition time conflicts with an Orientation session, please contact Dr. Blanco at tblanco@butler.edu.