As first-years and transfer students arrive on campus for the first moments of their Butler experience, so do a confusing array of acronyms and lingo. In order to ease the transition, the Collegian cultivated the ultimate guide of Butler-specific words and acronyms.
A-Town Market
The lower level of Atherton remains a favorite stop of many for groceries, snacks and occasionally, the famed A-Town chicken tenders. The name of this lower-level pit stop, however, remains a hotly debated subject. While some still refer to this location as its prior name — Plum — others seem to prefer terms like Market or A-Town Market. The official name, as of publication, is A-Town Market, but it remains up to the discretion of students as to what namesake will prevail.
Flex Dollars, flex meals, block meals, oh my!
Many first-year students have some difficulty adjusting to an entirely new form of currency and what places are acceptable to use it. To put it simply, block meals — also known as meal swipes — can be used on the upper level of A-Town Café in the dining hall. Flex meals, on the other hand, were made for A-Town Market, Butler Brew, Midtown Provisions and Trip’s Corner Market. Finally, flex dollars are accepted at Starbucks, A-Town Market and Butler Brew. In addition, students may also utilize out-on-town dollars, which are the currency for Café South. Out-on-town dollars can also be substituted as flex dollars. Butler has also partnered with Tea’s Me Cafe for out-on-town dollars to be an accepted form of currency. If one is still struggling, the Butler Dining guide offers a comprehensive explanation.
AV
During their junior and senior year, students are eligible for Apartment Village housing, known as AV. The complex boasts apartments with four single bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and a living room, with furniture included. One part of the complex that students can use no matter where they live is Trip’s Corner Market, a grab-and-go convenience store located near Sellick Bowl and AV.
South Campus
While there is not a fun acronym for this particular residential space, the South Campus apartments certainly offer an interesting variety of living situations. With three, four and six-person set-ups, the complex is perfect for juniors and seniors looking for a spot closer to the College of Education and Human Development and the South Campus academic facility.
Butler Terrace
Yet another housing option available for juniors and seniors is Butler Terrace, which is located at 4605 Hinesley Avenue, close to Clowes Hall and Fairview House. Terrace offers three-person residential spaces with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Furniture, however, is not included, so residents of Terrace may find themselves forking over some extra funds on decorating and furnishing their new abode.
College of… what?
Of the many acronyms thrown around once a student arrives on campus, understanding the terms for different colleges can feel like a maze of confusing terminology. Here is the rundown: CCOM stands for College of Communication. LAS? That’s liberal arts and sciences. CHP is the College of Health Professions, LSB refers to Lacy School of Business, and JCA means Jordan College of the Arts.
SOGs and Soglets
Student Orientation Guides, or SOGs, are the backbone of orientation at Butler. In return, SOGs will often lovingly refer to the students they guide as “soglets.” A step above the SOGs is the SOCs, or Student Orientation Coordinators. These are students who have previously served as SOGs and then work to oversee orientation events and the SOGs themselves. In a sense, the SOGs become “soclets” and the soglets will eventually become the SOGs, and so on.
The Knoll
The grassy patch located between two rows of senior houses is a common spot for parties, get-togethers or visits to senior friends. Located near South Campus, the Knoll is most famous for acting as the spot for St. Patrick’s Day and Homecoming darties, as well as other day-time events.
Bike Girl
If one is somehow unfamiliar with who Bike Girl is, just know this — she’s awesome. With a famed yet somewhat elusive status, Bike Girl is legendary for a few reasons. Is it her joy and whimsy, or her impressive simultaneous dancing and biking that makes campus love her so dearly? If one ever sees the icon herself pedaling across Butler’s sidewalks, the only way to tell if it is indeed the Bike Girl is if one’s day is made.
Hinkle Magic
What began as a term to celebrate the ups and downs of being a Butler sports fan has evolved into an annual celebration — Hinkle Magic. This year, Hinkle Fieldhouse hosted a tailgate with Butler swag, treats and more magic to go around.
Even if, at first, Butler lingo may seem an overwhelming array of terms, the true magic comes from the invention of new ones. While verbiage and vernacular may change, what stays consistent is the Butler spirit to create fun vocabulary. Sometimes being a first-year means studying for more than classes — it also means studying Butler lingo — and maybe even creating new terms on one’s own.