Before the Fall Orientation

Your YDS journey begins soon.
August 19 - 22

 
 
 
 

 

This is the place where you begin your YDS experience.

Before the Fall Orientation (BTFO) is your first experience as new students at YDS, organized through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).
All incoming students are to attend BTFO.

This website is your resource space to prepare for BTFO and beyond! We'll post information on actions you need to take, BTFO information to get your orientated to orientation, and additional information such as resources for spouses and partners, exploring your new New Haven home and more. Check back regularly over summer 2025 and when we email you via our BTFO newsletters!

Before You Arrive

Before BTFO begins, you must complete some action items over the summer. Click below to read through and make sure you are on track for orientation!

Review the requirements!

Diving Into Divinity

This non-credit summer online course introduces you to the academic study at YDS and allows you to connect on the content with your peers.

Dive Into Divinity!

Meet Your BTFO Leaders!

Getting excited about BTFO? Take a moment to meet the students who will be working with you during BTFO! You never know, you might find something in common!

Meet Your Leaders Now!

Most Recent BTFO Summer Newsletters:

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Aug 3, 2025 - Kit Heeley

[BTFO Email #8] 2 Weeks Out! Actions, Reminder, and Updates

Read More

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Jul 27, 2025 - YDS Office of Student Affairs

[BTFO Email #7] The BTFO Social Events Issue!

Read More

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Jul 20, 2025 - YDS Office of Student Affairs

[BTFO Email #6] BTFO Schedule Released, Pre-Arrival Form, and More!

Read More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

All Summer Newsletters

BTFO is organized by the Office of Student Affairs

Vicki Flippin Profile

Vicki Flippin

Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Kit Heeley Profile

Kit Heeley

Director of Student Life
Muriel Drake Profile

Muriel Drake

Student Services Coordinator