Butler embraces the Class of 2028. Photo by Jonathan Wang.
EMMA MCLEAN | CULTURE CO-EDITOR | emclean@butler.edu
Butler’s nationally renowned First-Year Experience notably includes its keenly energetic orientation. The four-day welcome program, which began on Aug. 24, prioritizes community-building and fosters early connections with faculty and students across all classes. The immersive, spirited experience is designed to integrate new students into the campus culture and provide a strong, intimate foundation for their academic and social journeys.
At the heart of the university’s unique orientation program are Student Orientation Guides (SOGs), who get to know the incoming students and provide them with resources, support and community. These student leaders serve as approachable aids through an often arduous transitional period, interacting one-on-one with new students to build personal connections.
Sophomore health sciences major Emily Bobber learned in March of her freshman year that she would be a SOG. She defined her new role and what she hoped to accomplish.
“It was a role that was created to help lead first-year students through their orientation, to offer them support from a peer role,” Bobber said. “There are a lot of people here that want to help you.”
When explaining her role, Bobber emphasized the significance of establishing a balance between necessary information and respite for busy students. She prioritized patient and attentive leadership.
“I try to not overwhelm them,” Bobber said. “I know the college transition can be a very overwhelming process. In my role as a SOG, one of my main goals is to keep students comfortable and create a welcoming environment within our group.”
Orientation is guided by a team of staff and student leaders, including the Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs), who help design and oversee the welcome process. The staff leading includes Meg Haggerty — director of the office of new student and family programs — and Josiah Hatfield — assistant director. SOGs, however, have the most direct relationships with first-year and transfer students, connecting with them through activities, information and personal interactions. Though SOGs follow a thoughtfully designed framework, many create unique approaches to build a vibrant and warm community.
Junior biochemistry major Kate Thuma has honed her method of creating relationships throughout her second year of leading new students.
“I’m a big believer in the forced community,” Thuma said. “I think when you’re nervous and you’re on campus, or meeting in your group for the first time, you’re just gonna stick with who you know. So, I love to take the reins and mix things up. I’ll assign partners, small groups. It’s really about that role as a facilitator.”
Thuma noted that she focused on connection development, something she also experienced during her freshman year. SOGs, having already experienced Butler orientation, have the advantage of drawing from their personal experiences when creating new relationships.
Junior marketing major Avery Sturgis reflected on this approach, enriching her role with insights from her orientation when she was a first-year.
“I think it’s important to remember how I felt,” Sturgis said. “I know that I was stressed and overwhelmed, and as much fun as it was, I was so exhausted. It’s important to take a step back and take breaks and give them the time that they need to settle within themselves.”
Being a SOG allowed Sturgis to make a tangible difference in the lives of incoming students, something she deeply valued. Avery, like every other SOG, is in a prominent position to ease fears while increasing excitement and readiness. Sturgis explained that being a SOG this year was extremely meaningful and rewarding.
“It’s just a great way to get to know all of the incoming students,” Sturgis said. “Being a resource makes me feel good and I like being a part of the student’s journeys. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who is even a little bit interested in it.”
