Oct 11, 2024  
Butler University Bulletin 2023-2024 
    
Butler University Bulletin 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Campus Life



The Division of Student Affairs enhances the Butler student experience with programs and services that support a student’s development as a total person. As our students grow through their academic pursuits, Student Affairs gives them opportunities to apply that knowledge by discovering personal passions, strengths, and opportunities for further development. These co-curricular learning opportunities exist both on campus, as well as in the community, resulting in students who become active citizens with the leadership skills necessary to solve the world’s challenging issues.

At Butler, BU|BeWell provides a holistic, integrated, and strategic approach to well-being. Through BU|BeWell, we foster a positive environment that helps students grow, learn, and be the best version of themselves. We provide students many robust opportunities to develop through each of the eight dimensions of BU|BeWell, leading to a transformative and holistic student experience.

The Division of Student Affairs supports students through the following offices and programs:

  • Residence Life
  • Counseling Services
  • Student Health Services
  • Recreation and Wellness
  • Student Activities
  • Service & Community Engagement
  • Office of the Dean of Students
  • Butler Dining
  • ESports
  • Title IX
  • Sexual Assault Response and Prevention
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • New Student and Family Programs
  • Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Student Affairs Assessment and Planning

John W. Atherton Union houses the University bookstore, Starbucks, the Marketplace dining room, and many offices within the Division of Student Affairs. Atherton Union maintains numerous facilities, including student organization offices, the Volunteer Center, the Efroymson Diversity Center, meeting rooms, student soft spaces, ATMs, and a computer lab. Snacks, grill, and fountain items are available in the Plum Market and Starbucks. The Department of Student Involvement & Leadership, which is responsible for the operation of Atherton Union, is located in Room 200. Concerns regarding the physical space and maintenance of Atherton Union may be directed to the Department of Student Involvement & Leadership (involvement@butler.edu).

The Office of the Dean of Students serves as a first stop for assistance, support, and advocacy. Students and families may contact the Dean of Students staff for information, explanations, and problem-solving. Located in Atherton Union, Room 311, the phone number is 317-940-9470. Additionally, the office mission is to promote an understanding of personal responsibility, respect for others, and a connection to the values of the Butler community. Guidance and expectations are conveyed to students in the online Student Handbook. Students are expected to know and follow University rules, policies, and guidelines outlined in the handbook. When student behaviors and choices run contrary to expectations, the University’s student conduct process assists students in rethinking their behavior to better align with the campus expectations.

Campus Safety

The Department of Public Safety maintains a safe and secure environment for the University community. Student “Right to Know” information (mandated by the federal Clery Act) can be found on the Department’s website at www.butler.edu/public-safety/clery-information/annual-security-reports/.

The Butler University Police Department is responsible for investigating incidents, criminal law enforcement, traffic enforcement, issuing student identification cards, and providing assistance in emergency situations, including contacting local fire and ambulance services. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. University Police are also responsible for coordinating crime prevention programs for students, faculty, and staff throughout each semester.

The Office of Environmental Programs is responsible for maintaining compliance with numerous federal, state, and local regulations that govern fire, safety, and environmental issues at Butler University.

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Office

The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP) Office offers both victim advocacy and prevention education to the Butler community. The SARP Specialist is available to assist students with issues relating to sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking). The SARP Specialist can be reached Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM in the office or by calling 317-910-5572. This phone number is made available on the back of every Butler ID card. Phone calls placed to the SARP Specialist outside of regular business hours will receive a voicemail referral to a confidential community agency for afterhours advocacy and support. The SARP Specialist can help connect students to campus or community resources that they would find most helpful and healing. Additionally, the SARP Specialist creates and conducts programs and workshops regarding issues such as sexual violence prevention and response, dating violence prevention and response, bystander intervention, and healthy sexual relationship practices. The SARP Office is located in the Health and Recreation Complex, Room 101.

Title IX Coordinator and the Sexual Misconduct Policy

Butler University was founded on the principle that everyone deserves an excellent education. This principle continues to be central to our campus mission today, and informs our work in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. Pursuant to our institutional values and the federal law known as Title IX, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in any aspect of its operations, including admission and employment.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the University’s efforts to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct in the campus community and for ensuring compliance with Title IX and other related laws. Sexual misconduct includes sex- and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The University’s response to reports of sexual misconduct is governed by the Sexual Misconduct Policy, which is implemented by the Title IX Coordinator. The University also engages in robust prevention education efforts, including training and education for all new incoming students, and bystander intervention training using the Green Dot model. For more information, including resources and reporting options, please visit www.butler.edu/student-life/sexual-misconduct/. Questions can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@butler.edu or 317-940-6509. The Title IX Coordinator’s office is located in Atherton Union, Suite 200.

The Non-Discrimination Policy (not including gender-based discrimination) addresses discrimination based on race, ethnicity, disability, age, and any other protected characteristic, which is implemented by Human Resources (HR). The Dean of Students is available to consult when student-on-student harassment is alleged. During this initial contact, the Dean will offer support and resources to a person reporting harassment and policy and resolution processes will be explained.

Any questions regarding this policy or process should be directed to the highest official in HR at askhr@butler.edu and/or visiting www.butler.edu/human-resources/policies-and-handbooks.

Academic Ceremonies

Butler University Commencement ceremonies are coordinated within the Butler Arts & Events Center. Each fall at our Convocation Ceremony during the first-year student orientation week, students are welcomed by faculty and University leaders to celebrate their admission to this community of scholars. The University Commencement Ceremony is hosted each spring to recognize the achievements of each graduating class. Visit www.butler.edu/student-life/commencement/ for detailed information.

Well-Being

Health and Recreation Complex

The Health and Recreation Complex (HRC) houses Recreation and Wellness programs and services, Health Services, Health Promotion, and Counseling and Consultation Services.

BU|BeWell

The eight dimensions of Butler’s BU|BeWell framework are the foundation for a transformative and holistic student experience. Through BUBeWell, we foster a positive environment that helps students, faculty, and staff grow, and be the best version of themselves. Butler provides many robust opportunities to develop, both inside and outside of the classroom, through each of the eight dimensions of the BU|BeWell. Explore BU|BeWell at www.butler.edu/well-being/bubewell/.

The Office of Health Services, also located in HRC, Suite 110, is available to all Butler students, with office hours posted at www.butler.edu/well-being/health-services/. Services are provided by appointment which can be scheduled by calling 317-940-9385. Registered nurses, mid-level providers, and physicians provide treatment in the Health Services office. Providers are available Monday-Friday for wellness/preventive care, acute/chronic care, women’s and men’s health issues, and address general healthcare needs on a personalized basis. Individual health insurance will be billed, so students need to bring their insurance cards when they visit. Copayments and any balance owed will be directed to the student’s University Account. Think of Health Services as your on-campus “Doctors Office” while you are a student at Butler University.

Students can access mandatory guidelines at myhealth.butler.edu. It is mandatory for all First-Year students to complete their health history, TB questionnaire online and to provide a copy of your immunization records and a physical exam completed in the last 12 months. All students must also complete the mandatory online Waiver Process, studentcenter.uhcsr.com/school-page as proof of health insurance. Failure to comply with the mandatory Health Services Requirements may result in student account holds and late and/or processing fees. We highly encourage our students to consider coverage with the Butler Sponsored United Health Care Plan. This plan is a national and international plan with specialized coverage for Butler University. With this plan, any care received at Butler Health Services is generally covered at 100% with no co-pay or deductible. If you are coming to Butler from, out of state please review your plan for coverage when you are making this decision.

The Office of Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) offers therapeutic services for students’ emotional health in order to assist in their academic functioning and overall wellness. There are no fees associated with individual and group therapy offerings, and students often use such services to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, sexual assault survivorship and other trauma, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties. Licensed psychologists and closely supervised doctoral interns staff the service. Students are seen by appointment and can go online to www.butler.edu/well-being/counseling-services/ or call 317-940-9777 to set up an initial visit. Students seeking other mental health resources, information, or off-campus referrals can also use CCS for assistance.

The Office of Recreation and Wellness creates a foundation of Well-being by providing exceptional, inclusive, and innovative programs, services, and facilities for the Butler Community to enhance the student experience. The Office supports the holistic development of Butler’s students, faculty, and staff through intramural sports, club sports, fitness, wellness, and aquatic programs. The Office also collaborates with campus partners to address critical wellness issues through peer-education including nutrition, physical health, substance use and abuse, and mental health. Explore the HRC at www.butler.edu/well-being/health-recreation-complex/.

Student Living and Learning

Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life provides a living environment that is intentionally conducive to students’ intellectual, social, cultural, and personal development. Any matters pertaining to housing, operations, or the day-to-day administration of residence life should be directed to the staff members in Residence Life, located in Atherton Union, Room 303. Butler University provides progressively independent housing units based on the six-semester, on-campus residency requirement of Butler University. The University’s residency requirement is that all first-year students, second year, and juniors not living at home with a parent or legal guardian, or as upper-class students living in an approved fraternity/sorority chapter house are required to live in one of the University residence halls. The housing requirement does not apply to fully employed persons who are residents of the Indianapolis metropolitan area and who wish to attend Butler on a part-time basis. Applications and agreements for campus housing are available online on the Housing Portal. Leadership and employment opportunities such as hall government, desk assistants, Resident Assistants and apartment community assistants are also available to students living within the residence halls.

Butler Dining

All on-campus residential students, except those living in on-campus apartments, must subscribe to one of three required Block Dining Plans. All come with an allotted amount of Flex Dollars to spend as cash at food-retail locations on campus. Required plans are 300 Block with 400 Flex, 250 Block with 500 Flex, or 220 Block with 600 Flex. The Block portion of the plan is a meal swipe used for an all-you-care-to-eat meal in the Atherton Union Marketplace during normal business hours. Flex dollars may be used at all the dining retail locations on campus which include Starbucks, Plum Market Kitchen at C-Club, The Butler Brew at the Business Building, Residential College Café, and Trip’s Corner Market at Apartment Village. Meal swipes and Flex Dollars do not roll over from semester to semester. We also offer three Community Dining Plans (117 Block with 300 Flex, 87 Block with 400 Flex, or 57 Block with 500 Flex) for those students living in on- and off-campus apartments, Fraternity/sorority chapter houses, and commuter students. Any student, as well as faculty and staff, can purchase a Dining Plan or Dawg Bucks (money put onto your ID so you only need to carry one card), which can be utilized in all dining venues. Members of fraternity/sorority chapter houses may have the ability to secure meal plans through their respective fraternity or sorority. Our Butler Dining Partner, Bon Appetit, offers a chef-driven, made-from-scratch, and farm-to-fork program, able to meet many dietary restrictions and food needs. Butler Dining offices are located in the Atherton Union with an on-site dietitian who is able to assist you while you navigate food on campus. Learn more at butler.cafebonappetit.com.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

The Butler fraternity and sorority community provides unique opportunities for students to be a part of more than 150-year-old campus traditions. While creating lifelong friendships, students will learn to embody values-based leadership, academic excellence, community impact, belonging, and social development. We offer membership in one of our 15 recognized chapters or city-wide organization, representing 37 percent of undergraduate students. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, located in Atherton Union, Room 307, provides guidance, education, and support to the fraternity and sorority community. The Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life advises the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, and supports student leaders in National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters. The Director is responsible for overseeing recruitment, serving as a liaison to chapter leaders, alumni advisors, house directors, and headquarters staff. For more information visit www.butler.edu/student-life/fraternity-sorority-life.

Student Involvement and Leadership

The Department of Student Involvement & Leadership, in partnership with students, strives to create an environment that encourages educational and social growth. By intentionally engaging students in interactive and diverse involvement opportunities, we seek to develop an ongoing commitment to leadership, service, and learning that enhances our students’ overall collegiate experience.

The Department of Student Involvement & Leadership encompasses three extremely dynamic areas–the Office of Service & Community Engagement, the Office of New Student & Family Programs, and the Office of Student Activities–to encourage students’ growth.

The Office of Service & Community Engagement seeks to connect Butler students with service and community engagement opportunities in the Indianapolis community and beyond. Through hands-on service projects, and immersive education, we strive to engage in meaningful personal development around community and civic engagement. This office coordinates the Service & Community Engagement Program Council (CEPC), Ambassadors of Change pre-Welcome Week program, and Alternative Break programs as well as Bulldogs Involved Through Service (BITS). The office also strives to support students’ basic needs by operating the Butler University Food Pantry. The Pantry is a free, confidential service that aims to alleviate food insecurity among Butler students by offering healthy, non-perishable food and other items.

For more information, please email volunteer@butler.edu or visit www.butler.edu/student-life/volunteer.

The Office of New Student & Family Programs works with the newest members of the Butler University community, including first-year students, transfer students, and families. The Office coordinates a wide array of programs and services to help with the transition of all of these consitutents. Fall and spring Welcome Week and Orientations, new student programming throughout a student’s first year on campus, the Student Orientation Coordinators and Guides, and Family Programming including the Family Council and Fall Family Weekend are coordinated through this office. For more information visit www.butler.edu/student-life/parents-families/.

The Office of Student Activities strives to create a vibrant, co-curricular atmosphere where students can engage in involvement opportunities that maximize their Butler experience and simultaneously enhance their leadership skills. Our office works with Butler University’s 200+ recognized student organizations. These organizations are catalogued using the eight dimensions of transformative and holistic well-being outlined by Butler’s BUBeWell framework. For more information about student organizations at Butler University visit www.butler.edu/student-life/student-involvement/student-activities/.

Current students or those visiting can stop by the Office of Student Activities in Atherton Union, Room 101 to speak with one of our team members about student organizations, campus-wide programming, leadership development, or Student Government Association. A list of student organizations is available on the Department of Student Involvement & Leadership website, www.butler.edu/involvement.

University Band and Spirit Programs

The University Band and Spirit Programs encompass the marching and basketball bands, cheerleaders, dance team, and “Hink,” the University costumed mascot. These student representatives are available for University-wide, off-campus, and athletic events. Students are encouraged to get involved in the Butler marching band, basketball band, cheerleaders, or mascot programs by visiting www.butler.edu/student-life/spirit/ or https://butlersports.com/sports/cheerleading.

Religious, Spiritual, and Secular Life

The religious, spiritual, and secular needs of the Butler community are addressed by several individuals and student-led groups. The Center for Faith and Vocation at the “Blue House” is home to many of these organizations, including the Atheistic, Agnostic Secular Coalition, Butler Catholic Community, Butler Hillel, the Butler Muslim Student Association, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and several Protestant Christian groups including Black Christian Fellowship, Cru, Young Life, and Grace Unlimited. Clergy and other CFV community advisors are available for individual conferences and spiritual conversations. Varied opportunities focused on interfaith engagement, vocational reflection, and wellness are offered by the Center for Faith and Vocation. In addition to the “Blue House” location on Sunset Avenue, there are also Reflection, Meditation, and Prayer rooms in Jordan Hall, Rooms 182C and 182D; as well as Sweeney Chapel; and in the Diversity Center at Jordan Hall, Room 004. For more information, contact Daniel Meyers, dgmeyers@butler.edu, or visit www.butler.edu/cfv.

Athletic Events

Butler University is a Division I member institution of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Student-athletes at Butler are known as “Bulldogs” and proudly wear the official school colors of blue and white. All of Butler’s 20 teams, with the exception of football, compete in the BIG EAST Conference. Other BIG EAST Conference members are University of Connecticut, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, Seton Hall University, St. John’s University, Villanova University, and Xavier University. Butler’s football program competes at the Division I FCS level, as a member of the Pioneer Football League. Butler fields competitive programs for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field, and for women in basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Information about Butler athletics is available at ButlerSports.com.