Full Orientation Schedule

Saturday, August 22, 2026

8:00 AM–6:00 PM 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 and Founder’s College Students: May arrive any time after 3:30–5:00 PM to participate in the Resource Fair. Dinner and Commuter Meeting 5:30–7:00 PM. Student Orientation Guide Meeting at 7:30–8:30 PM.

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

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 2:00–4:00 PM. Be sure to sign up for a time at the tent! Come recharge, reconnect, and relax!

11:00 AM–3:00 PM Lunch
📍A-Town Cafe

Come see the newly renovated A-Town Cafe. It will feature a “Taste of Butler” with local partners and educational tabling. Credit card payment accepted. All new and transfer students can use their ID to swipe for their meals covered by Butler Orientation
through Tuesday at lunch.

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. Besides winning prizes, you can 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
📍Atherton Mall, Orientation Tent

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!

5:00–7:15 PM Family Dinners on Your Own
📍On or Off Campus

5:30–6:30 PM Student-Athlete Welcome for Athletes and Parents (Required for all new student athletes; families are encouraged to attend)
📍Hinkle Fieldhouse, Main Gym

Dinner will be served for student athletes and their families.

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 has been 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 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 students)
📍Health Professions Building, Room 150

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

10:00–11:30 PM Splash Saturday! 
📍Atherton Mall & Irwin Library

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. You can also play some board games and make friendship bracelets while the singers serenade you. Challenge a new friend to lawn games and inflatables on the Atherton Mall, arts and crafts, and much more!

Sunday, August 23, 2026

8:00 AM–2:00 PM Brunch (for all students)
📍A-Town Cafe

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; families are welcome to attend)
📍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, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Michael Hole, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & 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 and 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 4.

New Student Photo
📍Sellick Bowl, Hinkle Fieldhouse

Immediately following the Butler University Convocation, please join Butler University faculty, deans, and administrators on the lawn adjacent to the Sellick Bowl. (Rain date: Monday at 6:00 PM.)

Convocation Reception
📍Lawn adjacent to Sellick Bowl (inclement weather location: Dugan Hall)

10:30 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 Lunches on Your Own
📍On 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 on site. 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. 

11:30 AM–1:00 PM Service of Welcome and Blessing: A Christian Gathering for New Students and Families
📍South Campus, Common Room, Room 174

Students and families are invited to a Christian worship service during Welcome Week. Shaped in partnership with Butler’s Christian ministries and community partners, this gathering offers a time of prayer, Scripture, music, blessing, and hospitality as students begin their Butler journey. Lunch will be served following the service. RSVP.

1:00–1:30 PM Family Farewell

Please use this time to say goodbye before Student Orientation Group Meetings begin. 

1:30–2:00 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group has been emailed to your Butler email.

1:30–2:30 PM Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Family Reception (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 and staff, and other new JCA families. Light refreshments will be served.

2:15–3:45 PM Playfair
📍North Atherton Mall (inclement weather location: Health and Recreation Complex)

Meet hundreds of new students while playing icebreakers and games!

4:00–5:00 PM Identity + Me and Collective Unity (Groups 1–35)
📍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.  

4:00–5:15 PM Orientation Group Dinner (Groups 36–72)
📍Pick up food in A-Town Cafe, take plates out to the Atherton Mall & Butler Way Mall tents (inclement weather location: A-Town Cafe)

Please bring your Butler University ID.

5:15–6:15 PM Orientation Group Dinner (Groups 1–35)
📍Pick up food in A-Town Cafe, take plates out to the Atherton Mall & Butler Way Mall tents (inclement weather location: A-Town Cafe)

Please bring your Butler University ID.

Identity + Me and Collective Unity (Groups 36–72)
📍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.  

6:15–7:30 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group has been emailed to your Butler email.

7:00–9:30 PM Men’s Soccer vs. Bradley 
📍Sellick Bowl

Come cheer on the Dawgs!

7:30–8:00 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 A-Town Market.

7:30–9:00 PM (immediately following Student Orientation Group Meetings) Ice Cream Social: Build Your Sundae, Find Your Community
📍Compass Center (blue house across from Schrott)

Join The Compass Center for a favorite Welcome Week tradition. Students are invited to enjoy ice cream from a local shop, build their own sundae with toppings hosted by Butler’s religious and spiritual communities, and learn how to get connected with campus ministries and other meaning-making communities at Butler.

9:00 PM–11:30 PM 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 80s arcade game or the VR roller coaster, tie-dye a T-shirt, and ride the train! Dig in the dirt and plant a mini plant for your room. Head to the firepits to build a s’more, and enjoy other outdoor exciting activities!

Monday, August 24, 2026

7:00–10:00 AM Breakfast (for all students)
📍A-Town Cafe

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

9:00–9:45 AM Wake Up with Wellness
📍Atherton Mall (inclement weather location: Fairview House Community Room)

Use this time for your own personal best self-care: sleep in, participate in ecotherapy walking trails around campus, or do something you love to recharge—walk, run, meditate, read, write, or grab a coffee with a new friend.

9:00–10:00 AM Butler Dining Spotlight on Local Partners
📍Atherton Union, 1st Floor, near A-Town Cafe Entrance

Grab some samples from our local partners! Free!

10:00 AM–1:15 PM Academic Day (timing unless otherwise noted on your personalized Orientation schedule)

College Meetings (Required for all new first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍Locations to be announced.

Department Meetings (Required for all new first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍Locations will be announced during college meetings.

Lunch with Department Faculty (Required for all new first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍Locations will be announced during department meetings.

1:30–3:00 PM Spaces for “We”
📍Dugan Hall, Various Classrooms & Atrium

Spaces for “We” is a community-building event designed to help new students from underrepresented identities connect with students, staff, faculty, and alumni and learn about spaces of belonging at Butler. Through informal conversation, games, and activities, students will have the opportunity to build relationships, ask questions, and find support as they begin their college experience. Allies are welcome to attend and engage respectfully.

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) students
  5. Commuter students
  6. Jewish students
  7. Muslim students
  8. Veterans and Military Connected students

Attendees are welcome to visit multiple spaces to learn, connect, and build community across identities. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to receive room locations. Questions can be sent to Lauryn Jones.  

1:30–3:15 PM JCA–Music Ensemble Placement Auditions (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, & All University Choirs)
📍Lilly Hall, Rooms 110, 112, 120, & 124 & Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall (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 for instrumental auditions or Dr. Becky Marsh for choral auditions.

3:30–4:30 PM Student Orientation Group Meetings (Required for all first-year, transfer, commuter, and Founder’s College students)
📍The location of your orientation group has been emailed to your Butler email.

4:30–5:15 PM Break (Groups 36–72)

Orientation Group Dinner (Groups 1–35)
📍Pick up food in A-Town Cafe, take plates out to the Atherton Mall & Butler Way Mall tents (inclement weather location: A-Town Cafe)

Please bring your Butler University ID.

4:30–5:30 PM Peer Mentor Meeting

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

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

5:00–6:00 PM Special Dietary Needs? 
📍A-Town Cafe

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 noon.)

5:15–6:30 PM Break (Groups 1–35)

Orientation Group Dinner (Groups 36–72)
📍Pick up food in A-Town Cafe, take plates out to the Atherton Mall & Butler Way Mall tents (inclement weather location: A-Town Cafe)

Please bring your Butler University ID.

6:20–6:50 PM Spirit Zone @ Hinkle
📍Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

Grab some spirit gear and get hype for Hinkle Magic!

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

The entire Butler Community (faculty, staff, new and returning students) are invited to come learn Butler cheers, the fight song, meet the Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Pep Band, and hear from Butler Athletics’ Coaches. 

10:00–11:30 PM Late Nite Programming
📍Atherton Mall

Play Human Billiards, Human Foosball, and run around in the Zorb balls on the lawn. Play mini golf, 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 25, 2026

7:00–10:00 AM Breakfast (for all students)
📍A-Town Cafe

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

9:45 AM–Noon 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.

11:00 AM–2:00 PM Lunch (for all students)
📍A-Town Cafe

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

Noon–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.)

Noon–1:30 PM Commuter Student Meeting (Required for commuter and Founder’s College students)

Modern Love: Consent and Healthy Relationships Workshop (Required for all new residential students)
📍Jordan Hall, Room 141

Lunch will be provided.

The Modern Love workshop provides students with an in-depth look at what healthy relationships look like from a variety of lenses (romantic or platonic) and engages students in conversations about how culture influences how we view relationships. Students will practice new techniques to communicate their boundaries, practically apply new tools to a variety of situations, and explore the resources available for those who experience sexual or relationship violence.

Students will participate in their residence hall units. Contact your RA to find your designated date, time, and location for this session.

We understand that our students come to campus with a wide variety of experiences and that the content found in the Modern Love workshop could be activating, particularly for those who have experienced interpersonal violence. If you are concerned how the content might affect you or wish to ask for alternative education, please reach out to Katie Wood, Health Promotion Specialist.

12:30–1:30 PM Honors Student Meeting
📍Schrott Center for the Arts

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.

1:30–2:00 PM Indiana State Grant Recipients Session (Required for Frank O’Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholars 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.

1:30–3:30 PM New Athlete Orientation (Required for new student-athletes)
📍Gallahue Hall, Room 104

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

2:30–3:15 PM Money Matters: One-on-One Discussions
📍Atherton Union, Reilly Room

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.

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

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

Sample A-Town Market favorites.

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

Join the Morton-Finney Scholars Program staff to reconnect with your cohort, review program requirements, eat dinner, and engage in questions about upcoming deadlines and news. 

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

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

5:00–6:00 PM BU:BeReal & Pre-College Programs Alumni Dinner (BU:BeReal and Pre-College Programs alumni only)
📍A-Town Cafe

Meal vouchers will be provided.

BU:BeReal and Pre-College Programs 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!

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 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
  • Student Governance

August 26–30, 2026

To learn more about upcoming programs and opportunities, follow @ButlerActivities, @Butler.SGA, or @Butler.UPC—or visit butlersga.org!