Office of Civic Engagement
The Office of Civic Engagement connects Butler students with service and philanthropy opportunities in the Indianapolis community and beyond! Through monthly service projects, annual philanthropy events, and immersive education. We strive to engage in meaningful personal development around social justice.
The office is comprised of several departmental programs/initiatives as well as various committees of Student Government Association.
Programs and Initiatives
Butler Alternative Breaks (BAB) provides an alternative experience for fall and spring break, where Butler students are able to travel outside of Indiana to learn and serve in another community.
Ambassadors of Change is an interactive, pre-orientation program which focuses on service to the community and leadership skill development. Incoming first-year Butler students will be introduced to the campus and local community through dynamic service education, service opportunities and entertaining activities during the week.
The Butler Food Pantry is a free, confidential service for all Butler students. The Pantry is staffed by student members of the student organization, Community Engagement Program Council. This resource provides nonperishable food packages for any Butler student in need of assistance.
The CEPC is dedicated to helping students get involved both on and off campus.
Service & Philanthropy Board
SGA’s Service & Philanthropy Board is dedicated to the fostering and implementation of quality service and conscientious philanthropy through on-campus events, community action, and support of social responsibility. The board includes three major organizations: Bulldogs Into the Streets (BITS), Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics (BASO), and Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM).
Bulldogs Involved Through Service (BITS)
Bulldogs Involved Through Service is Butler University’s annual day of service. Over 300 First Year students gather on Butler’s campus for check-in before being transported to over 10 different service sites. BITS typically takes place during Welcome Week in the fall semester unless Labor Day is that following Monday, BITS will take place the next weekend.
Check out more information on BITS here.
Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics (BASO)
Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics raises money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana via two main events on campus. First is the Polar Plunge, which takes place in February on the Health and Recreation Complex lawn. Students on campus raise money to jump into a pool of freezing cold water for Special Olympics. The second event is Spring Sports Spectacular, which takes place in late March and specifically supports the Washington Township athletes of Special Olympics Indiana. Students on campus form teams and stay up from 6 pm to 6 am to compete in sports and games while raising awareness for Special Olympics.
Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM)
Butler University Dance Marathon stands with Riley Hospital for Children and cancer research by engaging the campus and the Indianapolis community though our impact on the lives of past, present, and future patients and their families. This student-led organization commits to leveraging all available resources and raising funds to benefit those who are affected by Riley. BUDM’s year-long fundraising and awareness campaign culminates in a 12-hour celebration of life, the annual Dance Marathon, complete with entertainment acts, Riley families, food and more. Find more here!