Orientation is when we throw out the welcome mat and introduce all new students to the Butler campus… and the Butler Way. It’s a whirlwind series of days where you’ll be immersed in the college experience for the first time. That means a lot of new places and new faces, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. In fact, we’ll make sure of it by keeping Student Orientation Guides close by to answer any questions and keep things going smoothly.

Meet Sam , one of the Student Orientation Guides (SOGs).

Name: Sam Lineweaver
Majors: Biology and Psychology 
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana 

Why did you decide to be a SOG and what are some of your favorite parts? 

As a first-year student, I thoroughly enjoyed my Orientation experience. After my experience, I knew I wanted to be a friendly face and a resource on campus for all of the first-years to make their Orientation the most fun it could be. My favorite part of being a SOG is the lasting effect I had on the first-year students I met and interacted with. Even now, as I walk around campus, I love the waves and smiles I receive from people that recognize me from Orientation. Although a majority of those students are a year below me, and I don’t share organizations or classes with them, knowing that they still remember me and are enthusiastic to see me is a very rewarding feeling. 

How would you describe Orientation to a prospective first-year student? 

Orientation is a time to get acquainted with campus and establish a relationship with your peers. While it provides a valuable opportunity to discover all of the resources on campus and understand everything Butler has to offer, Orientation is most valuable because of the human connection. The peers in your orientation group will be in your First Year Seminar course for the entirety of your first year at Butler, so getting to know them early gives you a fantastic foundation of familiar faces and friends that you know you will see often. The days are the perfect balance of fun activities and programming that push you to get closer with your peers, while providing you with plenty of time to acclimate yourself to the new environment and people. 

What can a first-year student expect at Orientation? 

While there are a handful of informative talks, the bulk of the time is spent in a social environment designed to help you foster relationships with your classmates. There are lots of ice breakers, and while they may be silly, buying into them will allow you to truly bond with your cohort of peers. It is often difficult to branch out; however, programming is designed with this in mind. Activities are available throughout the days, and while some are mandatory, students have a lot of freedom to do what they want. Late night activities are a personal favorite of mine, and they include everything from Bingo, to s’mores, to a rave.

What’s the role of a SOG at Orientation? 

A SOG’s job is to be a mentor and friend to the new students. SOGs run games and facilitate stimulating conversations within their orientation groups in order to foster relationships between the first-years. Additionally, SOGs establish themselves as a resource for the first-years—a caring individual that can answer questions and offer guidance to anyone that needs it. Even after Orientation ends, it is really important for first-year students to know that their SOGs will continue to be a resource and friend for them. 

What advice would you give a prospective first-year student as they prepare for Orientation? 

Fully invest yourself in Orientation. During the ice breakers, be goofy and silly, and yourself. Everyone is just as nervous as you are, so being enthusiastic and approachable will allow you to make a lot more connections than you otherwise would. No one will judge you for participating in things, so if you want to attend an event or play a game, go for it!