Looking ahead to 2025, Butler University remains committed to student success through flagship programs like the Dawg Days Pre-Orientation Program.
Dawg Days is an immersive, four-day experience for first-year students from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds. Designed to foster a sense of belonging, this program equips students to navigate college life with confidence while forming a strong support network. Participants benefit from:
- Peer Mentorship: Each student is paired with an upperclassman mentor who provides guidance and support throughout the academic year.
- Identity Development: Students explore their own identities while increasing DEI competence.
- Lived Experience Sharing: Participants build their voices and foster inclusivity through meaningful conversations.
- Campus and Community Resources: Students gain a comprehensive understanding of available resources to support their success.
Dawg Days extends its impact beyond first-year students. Returning participants with active involvement in the Efroymson Diversity Center (DC) are eligible to become Peer Mentors or Student Coordinators, allowing them to shape the program while sharing their insights and experiences. These leadership roles foster peer-to-peer support and enrich the program’s reach across diverse student identities and perspectives.
With your support, we can elevate the Dawg Days experience by:
- Covering all meals for participants, both new and returning.
- Funding tickets for excursions around Indianapolis, connecting students to the broader community.
- Offering networking opportunities with local and campus leaders.
- Providing stipends for Student Coordinators to recognize their essential contributions.
For every $475 we receive in donations, we can fund the full experience for one first-year student!
Testimonials
"As someone who didn’t have Dawg Days when I started, my transition was tough. Being a mentor now lets me be the support I wish I had."
— Raeghan Jefferson, Dawg Days Mentor
"The bonds I’ve built through Dawg Days have been the most rewarding part of my Butler journey. It’s a great way to begin college with a community around you."
— Raj Kadakia, Dawg Days Student Coordinator
The Efroymson Diversity Center
At Butler University, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just goals—they are commitments we actively uphold. One of our most enduring DEI initiatives, the Efroymson Diversity Center (DC), has been a cornerstone of this work since its founding in 2006, thanks to the generous investment of the Efroymson family. Supporting the DC allows us to impact all students—not just those from underrepresented backgrounds—through its programs, resources, and advocacy.
The DC serves as a vibrant hub for over a dozen identity-based student organizations, skilled student employees, and a welcoming space where students can connect, learn, and thrive. Its initiatives include empowering diversity scholarship recipients, increasing access to counseling services, and providing innovative programming that fosters inclusivity. Your contribution on this Day of Giving enables us to continue building this vital support system for students across campus.
