What to Expect During BTFO

Everyone will receive a complete and up-to-date schedule of BTFO via email the week before BTFO. However, since there are many incoming students who will be taking some or all of the time off from work, or have partners and families who are debating attending BTFO, we wanted to give everyone a glimpse at what you can expect during the week of orientation. Unfortunately, this is about as much specific detail regarding the schedule that we can provide at this time.

Please note that there are several events each day that are not included in this glimpse of BTFO. The BTFO schedule is packed, which is why we have said and will continue to say that you need not attempt to attend everything. 

Monday will begin in the morning with International Student orientation, as well as several offerings of campus tours, both of YDS and Yale University. Starting at midday there will be registration and lots and lots of welcome, with many opportunities to meet fellow incoming students, your small group, the deans, and the many returning students will be helping out with orientation. It will be a fun day of get-to-know-you, before the information overload.

Tuesday is going to (probably) be the most important day for you as an incoming student, as it is when we cover academic integrity and culture, as well as the specifics of each degree program and requirements. Tuesday afternoon is also when we will be holding our inclusivity talk, which is an essential introduction to community life at YDS. 

Wednesday will have a talk on self-care, an introduction to Marquand Chapel, lunch with local clergy and spiritual leaders in numerous denominations, the activities fair, and several shorter sessions on topics like financial aid, second-career students, etc. Wednesday is probably the busiest day, because it has sessions on much of the nuts and bolts of student life, New Haven, etc. Wednesday evening will also be your opportunity to have dinner with a member of faculty or the administration, either in their home or at a local restaurant, while Partners and families can enjoy a picnic dinner on the quad with the families of returning students.

Thursday includes a morning of service with local organizations (that we hope everyone will attend, even if it rains!), followed by a lunch debrief at the Carts (Esther's favorite! You've been hearing about them all summer and this is your chance to partake in the greatness!) and an afternoon of excursions outside of New Haven (hiking, a trip to the beach, etc.).

Friday will include the talk on safety and security in New Haven, community Eucharist, a panel with YDS alumni followed by a Best of New Haven pizza taste test. Marquand will be set up with a labyrinth that will be open all afternoon for students to explore at their leisure. Friday will also have a chamber music event with the ISM and will end in a festive cook-out for dinner.

Each day will also include a short scheduled time with your assigned small group, where you can debrief the day's events, ask questions that were not answered in sessions, or just pick the brains of a couple of lovely returning students. Each evening will also include a couple of different options for social outings, which often make up some of the most memorable parts of BTFO.