Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
Anne Wilson, PhD, Faculty Director
The Programs for Undergraduate Research Committee assists students in all disciplines to develop and complete research and creative endeavors in a variety of ways including:
- The Butler Summer Institute (BSI) provides an opportunity for students to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor during the summer on a research or creative project. Students accepted to the program receive $4,500 and free housing for the duration of the program. In addition to conducting research and presenting their findings, students participate in seminars and other activities. Through the BSI, students can experience a close working relationship with a faculty member which, in turn, offers an opportunity to expand their scholastic and professional horizons.
- The Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference, held every spring, attracts more than 900 participants from colleges and universities around the Midwest and beyond. Oral and poster presentations are given in a wide variety of disciplines, and competitive awards are given to the top four paper authors.
- Student Thesis Grants defray some of the costs of conducting research necessary for completion of honors theses.
- Travel to Present Grants are available to defray the travel costs associated with presenting the results of research or creative endeavors at peer-reviewed international or national conferences.
Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships
Chrisopher Stobart, PhD, Faculty Director
This program assists students in discovering and applying for national and international prestigious scholarships and fellowships, such as Fulbright, Goldwater, Marshall, Rhodes, and Truman scholarships. We guide students through the process of identifying awards suited to students’ strengths and accomplishments, understanding the award application process, developing competitive applications, and completing the nomination process, and we also offer coaching via mock interviews. In recent years, Butler has enjoyed a distinguished record of success in these competitions. Most awards, but not all, support graduate study, and many support study at overseas institutions and also require institutional endorsement through an internal selection process. For more information about specific scholarship programs and internal deadlines, visit www.butler.edu/academics/engaged-learning/ or chase@butler.edu.
Office of Career and Professional Success (CaPS)
Administration
Gary Beaulieu, Director
The Office of Career and Professional Success provides Butler students and alumni with holistic support in developing academic and career skills, exploring areas of interest, and identifying professional opportunities. CaPS offers a variety of individualized services to assist in the exploration of professional pathways and personal strengths, including: help with résumé and cover letter development, practicing interview skills, job and internship searching, graduate school preparation, general career advising, and networking with professionals.
In addition to the services above, CaPS also serves the Butler University community through:
- Job Fairs and Networking Events
- Skills Workshops (Including: workshops in resume development, interviewing, and marketing your Butler experience)
- Career Treks to Detroit, Chicago, and New York to connect with alumni and employers
- Two Career Classes (Including: LC301, Career Planning Strategies and ID390, Liberal Arts and Sciences at Work)
- Summer Programs (Including: Indy Summer Experience, a complement to summer internships, and Into the City, a pre-Welcome Week program)
- Handshake, our online job and internship search portal
- Providing on-campus interviews and employer visits
Information on a variety of topics involving career exploration, résumé development, interviewing, job searching, and networking are found on the CaPS website. A complete listing of programs, employers visiting campus, and events is available on the CaPS website at www.butler.edu/internships-careers/. To make an individual appointment, log on to Handshake at butler.joinhandshake.com, contact the office at 317-940-9383 or career@butler.edu.
Center for Academic Success and Exploration (CASE)
Administration
Robbie Lopez-Shue, Executive Director for Student Success
The Center for Academic Success and Exploration, which is house in the Student Success Center, is committed to supporting and guiding students as they strive to reach the highest standards of academic excellence. CASE serves as a coordination site for services, programs, and resources that promote academic success. Services are designed to assist students who are interested in enhancing their study skills; who wish to explore a variety of academic, intellectual, and professional pursuits; who need help with their coursework; and who need one-on-one support to address areas of academic concern. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these support services early in their academic careers to enhance their prospects for success.
For questions and more information, contact CASE at 317-940-9308 or learning@butler.edu, or visit www.butler.edu/academic-services/learning/.
Academic Success Coaching
Individual sessions are available to students interested in enhancing and refining their academic skills. Students will gain insight into areas of academic strength and will identify strategies to address areas of concern. They will work collaboratively with an academic success coach to develop a plan of action to improve academic performance, and they will learn strategies and techniques to aid in approaching their coursework in an active, engaged, and goal-directed manner. Academic success coaches also teach a Strategies for Success course (LC100), which centers on proven practices for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success.
Academic Success Workshops
Academic success workshops provide students with a comprehensive array of strategies and techniques that can assist in meeting the demands of college-level academics. Workshop topics vary from semester to semester but generally include topics such as time and self-management, effective study habits, exam preparation, and effective reading and note-taking strategies.
Exploratory Studies Program
Exploratory Studies is a structured program aimed at helping students identify interests, explore academic options, gain exposure to the career-development process, and gather information about majors and careers that interest them. Students who are undecided or who have multiple interests are encouraged to exercise their intellectual curiosity through a number of programs and classes designed to help students determine their own best course of study. In addition, students receive specialized attention from trained academic advisors who assist students in their decision-making process. Program services include:
- Developmental academic advising
- Exploratory Studies class (LC103)
- Workshops and guest speakers
- Self-assessments
- Assistance in setting up job shadowing and informational interviewing opportunities
- Transitional advising for students who desire to change majors or add programs of study
Study Tables and Peer Tutoring
Study tables are group walk-in tutoring sessions that meet regularly at a specified time and place. Individual departments coordinate study tables that are available in a variety of academic disciplines. This service is staffed by student moderators who have been chosen by the faculty based on their performance in the subject area. Students may come and go freely from study tables where they have access to student moderators for questions and assistance.
Individualized peer tutoring, coordinated through the CASE office, allows the student to meet one-on-one with a qualified and recommended peer tutor and to receive course-specific help for a particular subject area. This service is provided for a variety of introductory courses on an as-needed basis and is offered to the student for a limited time. Before requesting an individual tutor, the following conditions should be met:
- Regular attendance in classes and laboratories
- Completion of all assignments to the best of the student’s ability
- Attendance at departmental study tables if available for the subject
- Meeting with the course instructor during office hours
In most cases, individualized tutoring is limited to one or two sessions per week for a limited number of weeks.
Student Disability Services (SDS)
Administration
Kathleen Camire, Director
Butler University is committed to providing equitable access for all members of the University community. For qualified students with disabilities, accommodations and support services are arranged on a case-by-case basis. Written documentation from an appropriate licensed professional should be submitted directly to SDS in Jordan Hall, Room 136, or by email to sds@butler.edu. Additionally, the student must then meet with an SDS staff member for an individualized discussion regarding potential accommodations. For further information, contact SDS at 317-940-9308 or visit www.butler.edu/academic-services/disability/.
Information Technology
Administration
Pete Williams, CIO
Information Technology (IT) provides technology support and services for all Butler students, faculty, and staff.
Network Infrastructure
The Butler network is accessible by wireless connection and Ethernet and provides connectivity for computers, printers, phones, and other IP-enabled devices. The network supports all generally accepted computing platforms (Macintosh, Windows, Unix/Linux) and is available to all students, faculty, and staff; guest wireless connectivity is available via the BU Guest network. Use of the Butler network is governed by Butler’s Computer Use Master Policy and other regulations. Visit www.butler.edu/information-technology for more information.
Computing Labs
Butler University provides numerous student-computing facilities, several of which are open 24 hours per day. Standard applications include SPSS and Adobe Creative Cloud. Most labs are available for use outside of scheduled class time. Visit www.butler.edu/information-technology (click on Labs and Classrooms) for hours, locations, and available software.
Electronic Resources
All students are provided with a Butler network account that allows access to most of Butler’s electronic resources, including:
More information on all the resources above can be found by searching ask.butler.edu.
Technology in University Housing
All University residences have wireless (most have wired-network access also) and 24-hour computer labs. Every student living in campus-provided housing has access to Xfinity On Campus Streaming TV Service, including a wide range of channels, on-demand shows and movies, directly from their computer, mobile device, or streaming device. For more information about on Xfinity On Campus, go to ask.butler.edu (search for Xfinity).
Computer and Software Purchases
Butler provides a variety of discounts on computer hardware and software, including free Microsoft Office for students. Visit ask.butler.edu and click on New to Butler for more information and for links to the online stores.
Print Services
PrintSmart is Butler’s print-accountability program. All students receive an allotment of print credits for academic printing needs, and faculty and staff use PrintSmart to print, copy, and scan. Print allotments help make the most responsible use of Butler’s printing resources and support our commitment to be environmentally responsible. All students should review the PrintSmart information on ask.butler.edu to understand the allotment program and know what to expect when printing on campus.
Technology Support
All Butler technology is supported through the Information Technology Help Desk, which provides phone, email, chat, web, and walk-in support. For assistance, first search the knowledge base at ask.butler.edu; if you don’t find the information you need, submit a case for Information Technology. For the hours and location of the IT Help Desk, visit butler.edu/information-technology/help/.
Learning Assistance
Mathematics Tutoring Lab
The Mathematics Tutoring Lab is the longest-running tutoring lab on campus. The lab provides free help to students enrolled in the following courses: AR 210-MA , AR 211-MA , AR 212-MA , MA 101 , MA 104 , MA 105 , MA 106 , MA 107 , MA 125 , MA 162 , MA 208 , and MA 310 . Peer tutors are students majoring in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, data science, and/or mathematics education. The lab is open Monday-Thursday, 2:30-4:30 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM, and Sunday evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM. The lab is located in Jordan Hall, Room 272C. Appointments are not required. For more information, call the Department of Mathematical Sciences at 317-940-9521 or 317-940-6385.
Modern Language Center
The Modern Language Center supports language and culture teaching and learning on campus. The Modern Language Center features large and small group region free viewing stations, board and electronic games in several languages, and a variety of other tools to facilitate language learning. In addition to providing a welcoming, multicultural space for collaboration and study, the Modern Language Center also hosts a number of activities such as movie nights, cultural events, and information sessions.
Speaker’s Lab
The Speaker’s Lab is a peer-to-peer tutoring organization that provides assistance in creating and delivering oral presentations. Services include topic selection, research, outlining, organization, and delivery. Located in the Fairbanks Building, Rooms 114, 116, and 140, the Speaker’s Lab is open at varying times Monday-Friday. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, go to www.butler.edu/communication/speakers-lab/. For additional questions, contact Kristin Swenson, kswenson@butler.edu.
Writers’ Studio
Strong writing skills are essential to both academic and professional success, and Butler University supports the development of students’ writing abilities through the Butler Writers’ Studio (Jordan Hall, Room 304). Peer tutors-undergraduate and graduate students specially trained in the one-to-one teaching of writing-can assist student writers at any point in the writing process, from understanding an assignment to final editing and proofreading. As tutors come from all across the curriculum, they are also prepared to work with students of all levels, from first-year writers to graduate students, and on writing in any discipline, as well as in completing scholarship essays, creative projects, and other extra-academic writing tasks. For English language learners, second-language writing and language acquisition support are also available. Tutors are available 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Monday-Thursday; noon-2:00 PM on Friday; and 2:00-7:00 PM on Sunday. Students can sign up for an appointment through our online scheduling platform (butler.mywconline.com). Learn more about what the Studio does and who our tutors are at www.butler.edu/arts-sciences/writers-studio/.
Butler University Libraries
Administration
Josh Petrusa, Dean of Libraries
Spaces: Irwin Library, Science Library, Education Resource Library
Butler University Libraries make available the materials needed to support study, teaching, and research in all areas of intellectual endeavor pursued at Butler. There are three libraries on campus: Irwin Library includes collections for business, liberal arts, and performing and visual arts; the Science Library, 2nd floor Levinson Family Hall, houses materials supporting studies in the fields of computer, mathematical, pharmaceutical, physical, biological, and behavioral sciences; and the Education Resource Library, South Campus main building, contains education and curriculum resources to support the College of Education. Both Irwin Library and the Science Library provide study rooms, soft seating, and collaborative learning spaces; technology equipment for student checkout (laptops, iPads, camcorders); and multimedia computers and software that support student coursework. The Science Library allows 24-7, swipe card access to its stacks study areas, which is available to all students. Both locations staff an Information Commons service desk that provides walk-up research assistance and course-based technology support. The Education Resource Library is a self-service branch with limited access contingent on South Campus building hours and swipe card access permissions.
Subject Librarians
The Libraries operate on a liaison, subject librarian model where all University majors/programs are assigned a liaison librarian, who provides research support for the students and faculty in those programs. Information literacy (library research instruction) is scaffolded at two levels. Librarians provide introductory information literacy instruction via the First-Year Seminar and then through subject-specific research instruction within majors and programs. Librarians also offer research consultation appointments where students can meet one-on-one with librarians either in person or online. To arrange an appointment with the librarian for your college or major, consult the librarian directory at: www.butler.edu/library/services/subject-liaisons. In addition, students can contact or visit the Information Commons (IC) desks at Irwin and the Science Library for support; consult buanswers.butler.edu to chat, email, or call these service points, or report online resource access problems using a form linked in our online catalog or web pages.
Collections
The combined holdings of the Butler Libraries include online access to approximately 800,000 e-books, 275 databases, 300,000 electronic journals, and 250,00 streaming media titles, plus more than 200,000 print materials, 18,000 audiovisual materials, and more than 17,000 musical scores physically shelved at the three branches. The Libraries’ Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives department, 3rd floor Irwin Library, houses early or rare books, prints, manuscripts, scores, maps, newspapers, and memorabilia. Special collections include the largest English-language collection about the Pacific Islands in the mainland United States and the most important collection on composer Jean Sibelius outside his native Finland. This department also administers the Butler University Archives, which includes documents and records relating to the university’s operations and history. Butler Libraries is actively engaged in digitizing photographs and documents in the Special Collections and Archives to make them available to a worldwide audience. View these collections at: www.butler.edu/library/collections/digital-image.
The Libraries’ website, www.butler.edu/library/, serves as a portal to the Libraries’ online and print collections and provides details about services, staff, policies, and hours. Direct links to library materials can be found off the Libraries’ homepage by searching/selecting: the Libraries’ WorldCat Discovery catalog, the Databases A-Z list, and subject-specific LibGuides. Access to the Libraries’ electronic resources (ebooks, databases, streaming media, etc.) is available on campus via IP authentication and off-campus via OpenAthens (using your Butler network username and password).
Butler Libraries’ mission is “to advance the academic mission of the University by providing expertise, resources, and services that stimulate learning.” Through its spaces, subject librarian services, and collections Butler Libraries is committed to supporting students in their academic pursuits and to equip them in navigating an ever-changing information environment.
Academic Partnerships (formerly CAT)
Administration
Megan Grady, Associate Director
Academic Partnerships (AP) aims to enhance education by actively supporting the integration of academic technology and fostering diverse opportunities for learning across multiple modalities. Through collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, and student employees, we strive to promote engaging and flexible educational experiences that transcend traditional boundaries, empowering faculty and students to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving world. Academic Partnerships offers comprehensive support through both virtual and in-person channels, with a service point located in Irwin Library 303.
Information Commons
A student employee program managed by Butler University Libraries, Information Commons encourages interactive dialogue and inquiry. Our skilled student employees receive comprehensive training in research, circulation, and basic technology support, enabling them to provide valuable assistance and guidance to the entire Butler community. Through this program, students have the chance to partake in experiential learning opportunities that revolve around essential 21st-century skills, personal growth, and professional development. Our dedicated student employees offer personalized one-on-one consultations at the Information Desks in both Irwin Library and the Science Library. For further details, please visit www.butler.edu/library/spaces/information-commons/ or reach out to us at infocommons@butler.edu.
Center for Faith and Vocation (CFV)
Administration
Daniel Meyers, Director
The Center for Faith and Vocation (CFV), located in the “Blue House” across from the Schrott Center, is dedicated to supporting students, faculty, and staff in living lives of purpose, meaning, and contribution. We strive to promote interfaith engagement and encourage a religiously plural campus where learning across difference enhances our community as part of the CFV’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Butler. In close cooperation with faculty, staff, and members of the Butler community, we provide transformative learning experiences for students. There are four main priorities of the CFV: supporting student-led faith and secular communities, promoting interfaith engagement, creating opportunities for reflection on meaning and purpose, and championing wellness through mindfulness and spiritual care. Some of the main programs that bring these goals to life are:
- Supporting CFV communities, such as Atheist Agnostic Secular Coalition, Butler Catholic Community, Butler Hillel, Butler Meditation, Butler Muslim Student Association, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, as well as several Protestant Christian groups like Black Christian Fellowship, Cru, Young Life, and Grace Unlimited, to name a few
- The Butler University Seminar on Religion and Global Affairs as well as A New View Film Series
- CFV Interfaith Council
- Paid Internships in faith-based and social justice-based organizations
- Vocational conversations on values, decision-making, and finding mentors
- Spiritual Care Conversations
- Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
- Deliberative Dialogues
In addition to the Blue House across from the Schrott Center, the CFV also supports Reflection, Meditation, and Prayer spaces at Jordan Hall in Room 182 C and D. To see more details about all the CFV has to offer, take a look at the CFV website at www.butler.edu/student-life/faith-vocation/.
Finding a Life of Meaning, Purpose, and Contribution
The CFV provides opportunities for reflecting on the big questions students are asking, such as: Who am I? Where am I going? How can I help? Through our programs, our students have opportunities to understand their values, make big decisions, identify mentors, and tell their vocational story.
Additional Programs
The CFV also offers paid internships in faith-based and social justice organizations and service learning opportunities. Additionally, the Butler Seminar on Religion and Global Affairs is a signature CFV series designed to engage the Butler community and the public on various global issues related to religion. As part of Academic Affairs, the CFV seeks to convene discussion in various formats to further the educational mission of the institution.
For more information, contact CFV Director Daniel Meyers, dgmeyers@butler.edu, or visit www.butler.edu/student-life/faith-vocation/.
Administration
Randall Ojeda, Director
The Efroymson Diversity Center, commonly referred to as “the DC,” was dedicated in 2006, and was made possible by a generous gift from Lori Efroymson-Aguilera, the Efroymson Family Foundation, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation. The Efroymson Diversity Center facilities include a multi-purpose lounge equipped with study tables, reception area with a flat-screen television/entertainment center, multipurpose conference room, kitchen, prayer/meditation room, office space, and storage space. The DC also has soft space for student study and engagement.
The DC provides office space, advising, and support for the following diversity student organizations:
- Asian & Pacific Islander Alliance
- Black Student Union
- Diversity Program Council
- Gender Equity Movement
- International
- Latinx Student Union
- LGBTQIA+
- Students for Justice in Palestine
*There are also additional student organizations affiliated with the DC including: Advocates for Autism (A4A), Bulldogs for Universal Design (BUD), Butler Hillel, Muslim Student Association (MSA), South Asian Students Alliance (SASA), and Students of Color in Allied Healthcare (SOCAH)
To contact us:
Instagram: @butlerdiversity Email: diversitycenter@butler.edu Phone: 317-940-6570
Location: Atherton Union, Room 004 | butler.edu/diversity
Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES)
Administration
Julia Angstmann, Director
Julie Whitaker, Assistant Director
The vision of the CUES is to be a national leader in the engagement of undergraduate students in urban ecology and sustainability research and practice through experiential, community-engaged projects with a real-world impact. By strategically combining urban ecology knowledge with sustainability best practices to lead research around the themes of environment, equity, and economy, we establish a research-to-practice connection that informs urban planning, design, and policy to develop a more sustainable Butler campus and Indianapolis community. In the liberal arts tradition, we view urban ecology as inherently interdisciplinary and aspire to create a culture within Butler and in the city of Indianapolis that recognizes the fundamental importance of ecological knowledge for a more equitable and sustainable society.
The CUES operates with a foundation in ecology and sustainability science and facilitates interdisciplinary research and education, place-based projects, and public outreach by creatively engaging Butler students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
CUES activities include:
- A Sustainability Leadership Cohort consisting of volunteers, for-credit internships, and leadership positions that place students with our campus and community partners for real-world experiences
- Interdisciplinary research projects sponsored by faculty and CUES staff that inform urban sustainability
- Local food production and education on The Farm at Butler, a one-acre sustainable agriculture project
- Student-engaged campus sustainability initiatives
For more information, visit www.butler.edu/academic-services/ecology-sustainability/ or email cues@butler.edu.
Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
Administration
Shanna Stuckey, Director; Melissa Jones, Assistant Director
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) serves as the University’s central office for faculty research grants and scholarships. The OSP also oversees the research integrity program at Butler. Students interact with the OSP primarily through its research integrity programs, which includes the Butler Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). To facilitate quality research, the OSP administers training, including the NIH required Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) component. All faculty, students, and staff who employ research methodologies requiring oversight, (generally any research involving human subjects, animals, or biological materials) are directed to OSP for information regarding institutionally required training modules to ensure compliance with federal research guidelines. For more information about Butler’s research compliance programs, please email osp@butler.edu, or view our website at www.butler.edu/academics/sponsored-programs/.
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