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.”
• “My most meaningful moment of this program was helping at Gleaners which greatly increased their productivity for the day by sorting 7,000+ pounds of food that would have taken longer without Ambassadors of Change’s help. Also, helping the lone employee of Indy Urban Acres was very meaningful because the work we did wouldn’t have been completed in a day with just the one employee.”
• “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.”

Program Dates: Monday, August 18 – Saturday, August 23, 2025
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 underrepresented 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 and/or underrepresented students 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 20 – Saturday, August 23, 2025

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 21 and 22.

Butler Esports Highlights:

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

Program Dates: Thursday, August 21 – Friday, August 22, 2025

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 the Health and Recreation Center (HRC), 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, dinner.

Program Date: Friday, August 22, 2025

Participant Fee: $50 

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

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

• Where to go in 2025 (The Points Guy, 2024)
• Best Children’s Museum in the Country (USA Today, 2025)
• America’s Next Great Food Cities (Food & Wine, 2022)
• The World’s Greatest Places of 2021 (Time)
• Best Places to Go in 2021 (Conde Nast Traveler’s)

Join us as we venture “Into the City” to explore this exciting and vibrant metropolis surrounding Butler’s campus. Connect with fellow students, young alums, and seasoned leaders while experiencing some of Indy’s quintessential sights, sounds, and tastes. Envision where your personal passions and academic interests can be put into action on campus, in the city, and beyond–all while building your valuable academic and career network before you even step into your first class at Butler!

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 20 – Friday, August 22, 2025

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. From learning about mega-events like the Indianapolis 500, NCAA Final Four®, and the Super Bowl to the operations of our local teams and organizations here in Indy, Welcome to Sports Town! gives behind-the-scenes access to the people and places that make Indy such a great sports town.

We will be meeting with key members of sports associations and related organizations, visiting venues, and considering the impact of the sports industry on the region. Welcome to Sports Town is a three-day program and includes 4–5 returning participants who serve as sophomore-level mentors.

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 20 – Friday, August 22, 2025

Participant Fee: $500

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

Q: When are pre-orientation program applications due?
A: The Pre-Orientation Program 2025 application deadline is Wednesday, June 11.

Q: When will I hear about my acceptance or program placement?
A: Applications are due June 11, 2025. 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 you preference of programs. Be sure to put some thought into your application responses!

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 2025 – 2026 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.