January Orientation FAQ

General January Orientation Questions

What do I eat during January Orientation?

Meals during January Orientation are a part of January Orientation programming for students. This will begin with dinner on Friday, January 10. If you would like to eat on-campus throughout the weekend, make sure to request this in your January Orientation RSVP. Student meal plans begin at TBD. You must bring your Student ID to all meals.

How much does January Orientation cost for new students?

To cover a portion of the cost of January Orientation, all new first-year and transfer students are charged a one-time fee of $100. This fee will be charged directly to your student account.

Is January Orientation a requirement for all new and transfer students?

Yes! January Orientation is a crucial part of the transition period to college life and navigating Butler, so it is important for all new and transfer students to participate. Eligible students participating in Fraternity and Sorority Recruitment may be excused from portions of the program.

Can my family join me during January Orientation?

Yes! Family members are welcome to join their students for portions of the January Orientation program. They are invited to join their students during the welcome session on the afternoon of Friday, January 10, 2025.

What if there is inclement weather during January Orientation?

In case of inclement weather in the Indianapolis area on Friday, January 10, you can call the following number to see if the Orientation Program will proceed as scheduled prior to traveling to campus: 317-940-2001. If the program is delayed or cancelled, more specific information will be sent to your Butler email address.

If you have not yet done so, be sure to sign up for Dawg Alerts so in the event of a campus emergency, weather-related delay or closing, you will receive notification via phone, text, and/or email.

Getting Involved

How can I get involved on campus?

There are over 150 student organizations on campus to explore! Wondering where to start? Stop by the Department of Student Involvement and Leadership in Atherton Union 101 to speak to someone or email involvement@butler.edu about your involvement needs. Many student organizations will have “call-out” meetings or interest sessions in the first few weeks of school in the fall and spring semesters. This can be a great way to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved. You can also check out Butler’s student organization platform, Engage, for information about upcoming student organization events and meetings.

How can I get involved with community service?

Visit the Volunteer Center in Atherton Union, Room 100. The student staff members are here to connect you to our community. Join their weekly listserv by emailing your request to volunteer@butler.edu.

What are some helpful involvement social media accounts on campus?

Student Government Association (Twitter, Instagram)

Butler Health and Recreation Complex (HRC) (Instagram)

Volunteer Center (Instagram)

Where can I find student employment?

For on-campus employment information, go to the Career and Professional Success (CaPS) site here: Student Employment at Butler. You can also log into Butler’s online job search portal, Handshake, to search for specific jobs. For more information, contact the CaPS office at career@butler.edu, or visit the office in the Business Building, Room 102 on the first floor. Questions? Contact the Student Employment Coordinator, Lorraine Vavul.

Butler Campus Store

Visit the Butler Bookstore online.

How can I find out what course materials I will need for my classes?

Log in to Canvas, click Follett Discover, and click purchase. You can also go to the Butler Campus Store online and select your term/course/section. The following page will show what items you need along with the available purchase/rental options. You can purchase/rent from this website. You can choose to have your order shipped or select in-store pickup.

Can I rent textbooks at the Butler Campus Store?

Yes, we have many titles available for rent. You can highlight and write in the book; normal wear and tear is anticipated. At the end of the semester you check your rental books in at the bookstore. You have the option of converting your rental into a purchase at any time during the rental period. You can also purchase new, used, and digital textbooks.

When can I bring my books in to sell back to the bookstore?

We buy back books every day. The best time to sell your books back is during finals week.

Can I use my flex dollars at the bookstore?

Flex dollars are tied to the meal plan. While you cannot use your flex dollars in the bookstore, you can charge textbooks and supplies to your student account.

What can I charge to my Student Account?

Students may charge course materials, supplies, technology, and health and beauty supplies to their Student Accounts.

Butler University Police Department (BUPD)

Visit BUPD online.

How do I contact the Butler University Police Department?

You can contact the University Police Dispatch directly by dialing 317-940-BUPD (2837). This is our non-emergency number. We recommend all students add this number to their phones and have it on speed dial. We also have an emergency number, 317-940-9999.

How can I (or my family members) receive notifications about campus emergencies?

In the event of a campus emergency, weather-related delay or closing, Butler University will activate the emergency notification tool, Dawg Alert. This system gives Butler administrators the ability to reach students, faculty, and staff on- and off-campus via text messages and voice and email alerts.

Does Butler University have a safety escort service for students?

Yes, the University Police Department has a safety escort service for students, faculty, and staff from dusk until dawn, seven days a week within the campus and adjacent streets. This safety escort may be in a police vehicle, or the officer may walk with you to your destination.

The University also has the DawgRide, an ADA compliant vehicle that travels on campus. This is an on-demand service. Download the mobile app TapRide to your smart phone to be able to request a DawgRide. The DawgRide is available Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 PM–3:00 AM and is limited to campus with specific pick-up and drop-off points.

Do campus police officers have full police powers?

Yes. Butler’s police officers do have full police powers and are state certified. Their jurisdiction currently extends beyond the campus property to the city limits of Indianapolis. Officers have the authority to write both campus and Indiana State Traffic citations.

If I get hurt or have a medical emergency on campus, who will help me?

All Butler University police officers are trained by the Red Cross in CPR, AED, and First Aid. They will be the first to respond to your call for help and will contact additional medical personnel as needed.

If I lock my keys in my car or need a jump start, will campus police help me?

Yes. The University Police Department is prepared to assist you with unlocking or jump starting your vehicle.

Does Butler University have 24-hour police service?

Yes. The Butler campus is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by commissioned police officers with full police powers.

Transportation

I am new to campus and want to bring a car, what are my options?

All students living on- or off-campus must register their vehicles with the Office of Parking Services and obtain a valid parking permit in order to park on campus or on authorized city streets. Many types of parking permits are currently sold out, but students commuting to campus can still purchase a ‘C’ parking permit. To register your vehicle, please come in person to the Office of Parking Services during business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, located at 4702 Sunset Avenue (first level of the Sunset Avenue parking garage). For more information, please visit the Parking Permit website.

What should I do if I want to bring my bicycle to campus?

If you plan to park your bicycle on campus during your time at Butler, you must register your bicycle through the Butler University Police Department. Bicycle registration is FREE. Fill out the bicycle registration form, and take it along with your bicycle to BUPD (located at 525 W. Hampton Drive). Once an officer makes sure all of the information is correct, you will be given a decal to display on your bicycle.

Are there transportation options for students without cars?

Yes! Multiple transportation services are available to Butler students who do not have a car with them on campus. Find more information below and view the alternative transportation page here.

IndyGo

IndyGo can get you there. They operate 31 bus routes throughout Indianapolis, providing nearly 10 million passenger trips a year. Along with the opening of the Julia M. Carson Transit Center in downtown Indianapolis two IndyGo routes (18 & 28) were modified to serve the Butler Campus directly with convenient stops along Sunset Avenue.

Uber

Butler has partnered with Uber, an on-demand private driving app, to offer a safe, alternative transportation option to and from campus. New users to Uber can use promo code BUTLER101 to receive $20 off their first ride. Uber can also be accessed without the app by accessing m.uber.com on your mobile device.

Use Uber on behalf of SGA by downloading the Uber app and accepting the invitation sent to your Butler email address. All Butler students have free, 24/7 access to three locations around Indy! The St. Vincent Stress Center for mental health services, the Julian Center for domestic abuse care, and Indiana Youth Group for LGBTQ support for youth 20 and under. Also, pick a drop off location within a quarter-mile radius of the Broad Ripple Kroger and take $5 off that ride each way on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–10:00 PM (any remaining balance must be compensated by your personal account). You can set your pickup location to anywhere on campus! Always remember to be safety conscious and make sure the license plate matches the one listed on your app. On behalf of SGA, thanks for riding with Uber and Go Dawgs!

Counseling and Consultation Services

Visit Counseling and Consulation Services online.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a collaborative process between a student and a trained professional aimed at helping the student identify concerns, develop alternatives, and gain an increased understanding of themselves and others.

What kinds of services does the Counseling and Consultation Services office provide?

CCS provides individual, couples, and group counseling to currently enrolled students. We also offer educational outreach programs and consultations to students, faculty, staff, and parents. Information shared with CCS counselors is confidential. CCS offers medication management though a contracted psychiatrist as well as substance abuse assessments.

What will my counseling cost?

Individual, group, and couples counseling, outreach, and consultation are services that are free of charge to currently enrolled students. Students are charged a fee for mandated assessment from Student Affairs and psychiatric services.

What are some common reasons students seek counseling?

Students seek counseling for a variety of reasons including relationship concerns, adjustment to college life, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, eating and body image concerns, sexual and gender identity concerns, stress management, and substance abuse assessment.

Where is the Counseling and Consultation Services office located?

CCS is located in the Health and Recreation Complex, Room 120, adjacent to BU Health Services.

Calm App

Thanks to a collaboration between Student Affairs and Human Resources, Butler University offers a free partnership with Calm for all current students, faculty and staff. Click the link here for the Butler Calm page.

Dining Services

Visit Butler Dining Services online.

How do I know if there is a food service update or special event?

Food service updates and special events can be found on Instagram @bonappetitbutler or at butler.cafebonappetit.com.

What are your different dining locations?

Please note that dining hours can fluctuate at the start and end of each semester, during breaks, and as the professional Dining staff seek to best serve students. 

Marketplace @ Atherton Union

Weekly Schedule

  • BREAKFAST – MON-FRI, 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • BREAKFAST – SAT-SUN, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • BRUNCH – SAT-SUN, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • LUNCH – MON-FRI, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • DINNER – MON-SUN, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • CONTINENTAL – MON-FRI, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • CONTINENTAL – MON-SUN, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The Marketplace in Atherton Union is one of two locations you can use your meal blocks. In the Marketplace you enter on the south side of the building to swipe into the café following the pathway to one of three stations. We have made a few adjustments to the layout and offer three identical serving stations with a wide array of locally-sourced meals. This location will allow you to dine-in in the limited seating space or grab carry out.

ResCo

Weekly Schedule

  • GRAB ‘N’ GO – MON-FRI, 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Plum Market 

Weekly Schedule

  • GRAB ‘N’ GO – SAT-SUN, 10:00 AM – 11:59 PM
  • MADE TO ORDER – MON-FRI, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • MADE TO ORDER – SAT-SUN, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • STORE GRAB N GO – MON-FRI, 9:00 AM – 11:59 PM

Plum Market Kitchen at C-Club is a new market for students to get creative, fresh selections of on-trend foods and can’t-live-without sundries -with a focus on the very best selections of natural, organic, local, and specialty items. Plum Market will offer a limited made-to-order menu during the fall semester to allow for quicker service.

The Butler Brew Coffee Café

Weekly Schedule

  • COFFEE CAFE – MON-FRI, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

The business building that houses the Lacy School of Business now holds a sleek new coffee spot, featuring local Julian Roasters coffee and local Illinois Street Food Emporium pastries. This café will capture the entrepreneurial spirit while promoting local successful businesses. We will offer mobile ordering for this location. Keep an eye out for what app to download.

Starbucks

Weekly Schedule

  • STARBUCKS – MON-FRI, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • STARBUCKS – SAT-SUN, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

A full-service Starbucks is located in Atherton Union adjacent to the bookstore.

What are my convenience store options?

Tripp’s Corner Market @ Apartment Village is open Sunday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. The Corner Market is loaded with fun and different local products that we prepare in the café daily. Planning a meal in your apartment or residence hall room? Guest forgot their toothbrush? Come grab all you need at the Tripp’s Corner Market.

Weekly Schedule

  • GRAB ‘N’ GO – MON-SUN, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

I have a food allergy. What can I eat?

We start with cooking food in its rawest form, from scratch, we are able to label create dishes to satisfy almost any pallet or allergen. We have well trained chefs and dieticians that are ready to help, as well as a set of easy to read icons on our menus that help our guests navigate our food program. This ensures that you will be able to make confident food choices. If you have specific dietary needs or would like to discuss this directly please contact Resident Dietitian Katy Maher at katy.maher@cafebonappetit.com or stop by Katy’s office in the Marketplace @ Atherton Union, Room 112R—right off the café.

If I forget/lose my student ID, can I have lunch anyway?

If you have forgotten your ID, you will need to go back and retrieve it. If you have lost your ID, please go to the Office of Parking Services to get a new one.

May I use my ID to pay for both myself and my friend for a meal?

Yes! Depending on the type of meal plan you have there are a set amount of guest meals. Please see the bullet points below:

  • Block 300 and Block 250 meal plan holders have the ability to use 40 of their block meals as a Flex Meal (which would be a Meal Option in retail locations) or as a Guest Meal.
  • Block 115 meal plan holders have the ability to use 60 of their block meals as a Flex Meal (which would be a Meal Option in retail locations) or as a Guest Meal.
  • Block 50 meal plan holders have the ability to use 40 of their block meals as a Flex Meal (which would be a Meal Option in retail locations) or as a Guest Meal.
  • Block 25 meal plan holders have the ability to use 20 of their block meals as a Flex Meal (which would be a Meal Option in retail locations) or as a Guest Meal.

How do Flex Dollars work?

Flex Dollars can be used in the Atherton Marketplace, Starbucks, Plum Market, Convenience Store, HRC, and ResCo. Students may dine, purchase items to go, or just grab a cup of coffee. Unspent Flex Dollars DO NOT rollover from Semester to Semester. Flex Dollars are not refundable.

How do I add Dawg Bucks?

To find out more information about how to add Dawg Bucks to your account, stop by Butler Dining office Atherton Union 300.

How do I view the daily menu?

Daily menus are available at butler.cafebonappetit.com.

Financial Aid

Visit Financial Aid online.

When will my financial aid appear on my bill?

Financial aid will be credited to the student account after confirmation of enrollment for the semester on the fifth day of class. You are encouraged to compare your Statement of Student Account and Financial Aid Notification on My.Butler for accuracy.

What do I need to do for my student loans?

Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are eligible for Federal Direct Loans. You must accept your loans on your My.Butler account and complete the “Loan Agreement for a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (MPN)” and “Entrance Counseling” at StudentLoans.gov.

What do I do with my outside scholarship check?

Please send your outside scholarship check to the Office of Financial Aid so it is credited to your student account properly. You must report receipt of an outside scholarship through your My.Butler account or by sending a copy of the scholarship letter to the Office of Financial Aid.

I still have a balance on my account, what can I do?

Butler University offers a wide range of programs to help families pay for educational expenses. These programs include a convenient payment plan, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan, or private education loans. Information about these programs is available online or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at 877-940-8200.

Health Services

Visit Health Services online.

Requirements for New Students

Please review the list of requirements upon admission to Butler University. Click here to review the Health Services Student Requirement.

What is the range of healthcare I can receive on campus?

Health Services is located in the Health and Recreation Complex (HRC), Room 110 and is available to all students. They provide acute (sick) care, on-site labwork and a variety of preventive (well) health services. Health Services has physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses on staff to provide complete medical care. Our medical providers are prepared to serve as your doctor when you are away from home. Health Services will be your partner in supporting your health while you are a student at Butler University. Click to review a summary of services provided.

If issues are beyond our scope of care, we assist students with referrals to off-campus providers. Emergencies are coordinated with local hospitals. After hour care is suggested when there is a need/concern that cannot wait until the next day.

How can I be prepared to take care of my health needs?

  • Students should have a conversation with their families about what to do when they get sick.
  • Students should keep their insurance card, any pharmacy card and/or Health Savings Account (HSA) card with them or save a copy on their cell phone.

What do I do for an illness or if I would like to make an appointment?

Yes, please call ahead for an appointment as this is the preferred method when needing to be seen by a nurse or doctor. To best utilize your time and ours, please call 317-940-9385 to schedule an appointment.

Do I need health insurance?

Butler University requires all full-time undergraduate students to have health insurance coverage. Health Services accepts most insurance plans. We suggest that you check with your policy for coverage while attending Butler University. Compliance is achieved through an online waiver process where all students must annually waive the University-sponsored policy by providing evidence of comparable insurance to the “university sponsored” plan. Individuals that do not meet the waiver deadlines are automatically enrolled in and billed for the cost of the University-sponsored plan. Students may also actively enroll in this policy during this period.

When students utilize Health Services, they should bring their health insurance card with them every time. Please refer to the website for further information on health insurance.

Health Services charges can also be paid using your Health Saving Account (HSA) after the visit has been posted to your student account.

Why do I need to have a health record on file?

It is important for Health Services to be aware of any chronic illness; medications being taken; allergies you might have to medications, foods, or the environment; and immunization records. All of your personal medical information is private, confidential and managed securely like your doctor’s office at home. This information aids Health Services staff in providing the best possible, individualized care and supports Butler in maintaining a healthy community.

Mandatory Health Requirement information can be found on the Health Services New Student Requirements website or students can login to the myhealth.butler.edu portal using their Butler ID. Within the Table of Contents, click “Forms Link” and follow the instructions.

Religion/Spirituality

Visit the Center for Faith and Vocation online.

What kind of religious, spiritual, and secular communities are at Butler?

There are many religious, spiritual, and philosophical student groups on Butler’s campus including a wide range of Protestant Christian groups, Butler Catholic Community, Butler Hillel, Butler Muslim Student Association, Butler Meditation Group, and the Secular Student Alliance. All of these CFV Communities can be found on the CFV website.

How can I get involved in a religious, spiritual, or secular community?

The Center for Faith and Vocation supports many student-led communities that welcome new people throughout the year. Each community is listed at the link with student and staff contact information to learn more.

Does Butler have a religious affiliation?

Butler is unaffiliated, which means it is not connected to any one faith tradition. Instead, Butler helps students connect with their own unique religious, philosophical or spiritual perspectives and does so with respect for diversity and distinctiveness.

Is the Center for Faith and Vocation just for religious students?

Not at all. The CFV is a place for all students—religious, non-religious, questioning, and curious. Everyone can come to explore how they can lead a life of purpose, meaning, and contribution while at Butler and beyond. Furthermore, all students have a voice in interfaith engagement, including atheist, agnostic, spiritual but not religious, or seeker students. Students can plug in through the Butler Seminar on Religion and Global Affairs, the New View Film Series, open forum discussions on current events, meditation practice, paid internships, and one-on-one vocational discussions. The Blue House is available for study and centering space. For more information, please visit the Center for Faith and Vocation website or check out our CFV student blog. Go to our Facebook page, and we are on Instagram @centerforfaithandvocation. To sign up to get the CFV newsletter with all our events, email cfv@butler.edu.

What does “vocation” mean here at Butler University?

The Center for Faith and Vocation thinks about vocation in the broadest of terms. Though faith may inform one’s vocation, one does not need to adhere to any particular religious or philosophical commitments to seek a life of meaning and purpose. We think college is a great time to explore your values and how to apply those values to the world. Simply put, to explore your vocation at Butler is to pursue how to live a life of meaning, purpose, and contribution. We invite students to do this though one-on-one conversations, values exercises, decision-making practices, paid internship experiences, and more.

Study Abroad

Visit Study Abroad Programs online.

Why should I study abroad?

There are many personal and professional reasons to study abroad. Most past participants have said that studying abroad helped them focus their academic and career goals, taught them about living and working with people of different cultures, and even taught them more about themselves. Study abroad provides an opportunity to develop your leadership skills and gain new skills. Studying abroad also enhances your preparation for living in a culturally diverse social environment and working in a global marketplace.

Can I use my financial aid while abroad?

Yes, but there are restrictions on the type of aid you can use while abroad. Regardless of the type of program you choose, you will continue to pay Butler University tuition for the semester you are abroad (instead of the cost of the program listed on their website). Your federal, state, and outside scholarships/grants/loans will continue to apply to all types of programs, as allowed. In regard to your Butler institutional scholarships and grants:

  • If you choose to study on a 3rd Party Provider program, then 50 percent of your Butler financial aid will apply toward the cost of tuition (only for that semester).
  • If you select a reciprocal Exchange through Butler or ISEP, then 100 percent of your Butler financial aid will apply toward the cost of tuition.
  • If you select a semester-long Faculty-Led program (GALA or Butler Semester in Spain), then 100 percent of your Butler financial aid will apply toward the cost of tuition.
  • If you are planning on going abroad on a summer study abroad program, no financial aid can be used. Summer study abroad is just like summer school.

If you have questions as to how a certain type of study abroad program will affect your financial aid for that semester, please reach out to Financial Aid directly.

Who can help me decide whether study abroad is for me?

  • The Center for Global Education’s Associate Director for Study Abroad and the Study Abroad Advisor, experienced professionals in the field of international education.
  • Faculty members, many of whom have extensive international experience and advised other students on reasons to take some of your courses in a foreign environment.
  • 3rd Party Provider and university representatives, who can point out the particular features of the programs they offer.
  • Butler students who have returned from study abroad.

Where do I begin my search for a study abroad program?

Please check out our Steps to Study Abroad webpage to see what your steps to study abroad are. There are six important steps, the first of which is to attend a general Study Abroad Information Session.

Do I have to speak another language to study abroad?

No! There are many programs, in English-speaking and non-English speaking destinations alike, that offer courses across all majors of study in English for our students. Students are then able to either take a course in a secondary language or find a program that does not have a language requirement at all (though we recommend taking at least an intro level language course to help you get around your host country).

What majors can study abroad?

Students from every major can study abroad for a full semester. When considering study abroad, particularly for majors that tend to be very rigid in their course plans, it is very important to talk to your academic advisor as soon as possible to create a four-, five-, or six-year plan (depending on your major) to see when your best semester to study abroad is, as well as to discuss what classes you will need to take during that semester to keep you on track. Once you know that information, you can research programs that offer courses in that specific semester to keep you on track.

Technology

Visit Information Technology online.

What do I need to know about technology on campus?

Check out the Quick Start for Admitted Students page for information about how to set or change your password, access your Butler email, print on campus, access campus wireless, and more!

What do I need to do to prepare my technology before moving to campus?

Check out this Prepare for Move-In Guide from Butler Information Technology. This guide includes information about how to prepare your existing technology before moving to campus, what technology you should bring and leave at home, and how to access discounts on computers and software.

Where do I access information about my classes?

Butler uses the Canvas learning management system to help students access information about their classes.

Students typically find Canvas an easy system to use. However, those new to using Canvas are encouraged to access and work through the Canvas Student Orientation which consists of short videos and text instruction. Another helpful resource is the Canvas Student Guides for just-in-time help with specific features of Canvas.

Commuter Student Resources

Can commuter students purchase a meal plan?

Yes! Commuter students can opt into voluntary community dining plans. Check out the available community dining plans to learn more!

Where can I study as a commuter student?

The Commuter Student Center is located in Room 011 of Atherton Union. Commuter students can study, rest, or gather in this space specifically designated for them!

Residence Life

Visit Residence Life online.

How will I receive my housing assignment?

Housing assignments will be sent via email.

What will be included in my housing assignment email?

  • Student’s building and room information
  • Name of their roommate and/or suitemates. The roommate/suitemates’ contact information will also be included to communicate with one another prior to moving in!

Can I mail items to Butler before I arrive?

Please contact Residence Life about the ability to mail items before you arrive to campus.

Where can I find more information about Residence Life?

For more information about Residence Life, check out the Residence Life FAQ.

BUBeWell

What is BUBeWell?

The eight dimensions of Butler’s BUBeWell model are the foundation for a transformative and holistic student experience. (Mind & Body, Diversity & Inclusion, Intellectual, Social, Service & Community, Career & Life Skills, Meaning & Purpose, and Sustainability).

Through BUBeWell, we foster a positive environment that helps students grow, learn, and be the best version of themselves.

Butler provides students many robust opportunities to develop, both inside and outside of the classroom, through each of the eight dimensions of the BUBeWell model.

Follow BuBeWell on Instagram.