Meaning & Purpose

Meaning and Purpose resources support the ability to reflect on one’s values and beliefs, intentionally discern goals and contributions, and explore meaningful steps towards actualizing one’s future.

Student Resources

• Career and Professional Success (CaPS)—Provides learning opportunities for self-assessment and reflection, experiential education, and career exploration.
• Center for Citizenship and Community (CCC)—Connects students with active service learning and engagement opportunities within the Indianapolis community.
• The Compass Center—The Compass Center seeks to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on their own passions and how to connect the life they lead to a sense of purpose and meaning.
  • There are several services offered by The Compass Center:
    • Meaning and Purpose Reflection
      • Self-Paced Vocational Reflection Modules—Check out The Compass Center Canvas page for Vocational Reflection Modules for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on values, decision-making, finding mentors, and telling your vocational story.
    • • The Compass Communities at Butler
    • Interfaith Engagement
    • Spiritual Care Conversations—Members of the Butler community can click a link to request a Spiritual Care Conversation with The Compass Center staff and advisors from various traditions and backgrounds who are available for care and support. These conversations are private or confidential.
    • Yoga and Meditation
    • Religious Holiday Calendar and other resources
    • Religious Communities in the Indianapolis area
• Department of Student Involvement and Leadership—This department is the hub of co-curricular activities and campus-wide programming at Butler University.
• Desmond Tutu Peace Lab—The Desmond Tutu Peace Lab is a partnership between Butler University and the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS).
• Efroymson Diversity Center—The Center, located on the lower level of Atherton Union (Atherton, room 004) houses the Office of Diversity Programs.
• Exploratory Studies—A program for students to explore interests and learn about academic majors and career paths.
• Health and Recreation Complex (HRC)—offers many programs and services to Butler students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as the Indianapolis community. Not only is it the site for the Department of Recreation, the HRC also houses the offices of Counseling and Consultation Services, Health Promotion, and Health Services, making it a true wellness center on campus.
  • Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS)—Butler’s licensed and professionally trained staff offers counseling services to all currently enrolled students. We strive to provide students with the support and resources they need to help them achieve their personal and academic goals and enhance their experience while in college.
  • Yoga—A fitness opportunity that promotes self-awareness, and mental and physical health.

Faculty & Staff Resources

• The Compass Center—The Compass Center seeks to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on their own passions and how to connect the life they lead to a sense of purpose and meaning. Several ways to be involved can be found here:
• There are several services offered by The Compass Center:
  • Meditation Rooms/Space — On-campus locations (JH 182C & 182D) designated for reflection, prayer, or meditation.
  • Meaning and Purpose Reflection—Opportunities for faculty and staff to explore their supportive and guiding role for students navigating Butler and their futures.
    • ​​Self-Paced Vocational Reflection Modules—Check out their Canvas page for Meaning and Purpose Reflection modules for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on values, decision-making, finding mentors, and telling your vocational story.
  • Spiritual Care Conversations—Members of the Butler community can click a link to request a Spiritual Care Conversation with The Compass Center staff and advisors from various traditions and backgrounds who are available for care and support. These conversations are private or confidential.
  • Yoga and Meditation
  • Religious Holiday Calendar and other resources
  • Religious Communities in the Indianapolis area
• Desmond Tutu Peace Lab—The Desmond Tutu Peace Lab is a partnership between Butler University and the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS).
• Health and Recreation Complex (HRC)—offers many programs and services to Butler students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as the Indianapolis community. Not only is it the site for the Department of Recreation, the HRC also houses the offices of Counseling and Consultation Services, Health Promotion, and Health Services, making it a true wellness center on campus.
  • Yoga—A fitness opportunity that promotes self-awareness, and mental and physical health.
• Staff Training and Enrichment Program (STEP)—Training and career development opportunities for academic staff.