BTFO is the first important milestone of many in your YDS journey. It's where new connections are made, foundations are laid, and relationships are nourished.
It is the expectation that every incoming student attends all of the required sessions for BTFO.
Review the sessions below, and learn more about our Partners on the Quad Orientations.
Unless noted as "Optional", all sessions listed below require your attendance.
Please use the below information as reference in advance of your YDS orientation! Schedules are subject to change as we finalize planning for orientation.
International Student Breakfast with Dean Sterling | 9:00 - 10:00 AM [Optional event; Registration requested; International Students Only]
Prior to your mandatory orientation at the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), all incoming international students are invited to a breakfast with Dean Greg Sterling.
At 10:00 AM, Megan Ruppel, your International Peer Guide, will take you from the breakfast and walk you down to the OISS center, or you may take the Yale Shuttle (Blue Line) to 421 Temple Street.
Register for the breakfast here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324330
Mandatory International Student Orientation |10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 421 Temple Street Office of International Student and Scholars (OISS), [Registration required]
All new international students are required to attend this mandatory orientation, hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at 421 Temple Street. The session begins at 10:30 AM. A lunch will be provided for all international students at OISS, following your orientation session.
Megan Ruppel, your International Peer Guide, will meet you in the Croll Family Entrance Hall at 9:45 AM to walk you down to the OISS center, or you may take the Yale Shuttle (Blue Line) to 421 Temple Street. A lunch will be provided for all international students at OISS, following your orientation session.
Registration for the OISS Orientation Session: cglink.me/2dA/r2299491
International Students Yale Tour | 1:15 - 2:30 PM [Optional event; Registration Required; International Students Only]
Following your OISS orientation and lunch, you have the option to go on a guided tour of Yale University. Megan Ruppel will walk you from OISS to Woolsey Hall for the tour. This outdoor tour occurs in rain or shine, so dress accordingly for the tour!
Register for the Yale Tour here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324331
International Students Bonfire| 7:30 - 9:30 PM [Optional event; Registration required; International Students Only]
Following your OISS orientation and campus tour, and aftersome time to rest and reflect, you are invited to rejoin Megan Ruppel, your International Student Peer Guide, at the Divinity Farm firepit for light refreshments and roasted marshmallows. Decompress with fellow incoming international students, and celebrate the start of orientation!
Register for the Ice Cream Social here: cglink.me/2dA/r2325128
YDS Campus Tours | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM [Optional event; Registration required]
Register to attend a 30-40 minute tour of the Yale Divinity campus with the Office of Admissions guides. A perfect way to orientate before orientation begins in the afternoon!
Register for a timeslot here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324329
Yale Divinity Library Tours | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM [Optional event; Registration required]
Provided by the Divinity Library team, come on a 30 minute tour of the YDS library and archives. Learn about the collections and the library services support provided to all YDS students.
Register for a timeslot here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324275
YDS Outdoors Tours | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Bauer Hall Plaza
Provided by YDS students, come on a 30-minute tour of the outdoor spaces at YDS. Learn about Bauer Hall, the DivFarm, Labyrinth and other spaces to enjoy outdoors around the campus.
Register for a timeslot here: cglink.me/2dA/r2325127
Check-In Lunch & ID Pickup | 12:30 - 1:00 PM [Official Start of Mandatory Orientation!]
Get to know your incoming YDS peers at the BTFO lunch and check in for orientation. This will be where you can pick up your BTFO t-shirt, swag bag, and your new Yale ID card. Please bring a driver's license or another form of ID.
Welcome to Yale Divinity School with Student Leaders| 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Start your orientation at YDS with a welcome from BTFO student leaders and the Office of Student Affairs. Learn more about orientation, and get to know your orientation leaders and the incoming cohort!
Welcome to New Haven | 1:30 - 2:00 PM [Optional event; Registration required]
Your welcome to Yale wouldn't be complete without also welcoming you to its home, the city of New Haven. Meet Karen McIntosh, Director of Community Affairs, and Eliaris Brito Castillo, Associate Director of Community Affairs, from Yale's Office of New Haven Affairs as they introduce you to New Haven, opportunities to engage with the community, and resources to help you make the most of your time throughout the city.
Course Registration and Library Resources | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Meet staff from the Registrar’s Office for a session on course registration, including taking classes at other Yale schools, joint-degree programs, a “how-to” presentation on the use of Yale Course Search and Online Course Selection, and a conversation on important academic policies and resources for your time at YDS. Clifford Anderson, Director of the Yale Divinity Library (YDL), will also introduce you to library services at Yale.
Please Note: Course registration opens on Monday August 31, 9 a.m.
Understanding your Student Account & Financial Aid | 3:15 - 3:45 PM
Understanding your finances to support yourself while at YDS is an important aspect for many new students. Come hear from Shalane Hansen-Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, about understanding financial aid, and financial resources.
Small Group Breakout Circle: Getting to Know Each Other | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
This session is a fun, warm-hearted community building experience in which you will get to know your fellow first-year classmates better and begin to collectively identify your community values.
Senior Leaders' Welcome Breakfast | 8:30 - 9:15 AM
Start your first full day of BTFO with a breakfast hosted by the senior leaders of YDS. Enjoy breakfast as you learn fun facts from our senior leadership, and explore the different areas of your new community!
Introduction to the Office of Academic Affairs & Introduction to the Office of Student Affairs | 9:30 - 11:15 AM [Concurrent Sessions]
You will be split into two groups (group A and B) and will attend two concurrent sessions (9:30 AM & 10:30 AM):
Daily BTFO Worship at Marquand Chapel | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM [Optional event]
Offering everything from traditional worship to brave experiments, Marquand Chapel is at the heart of Yale Divinity School. Join your new community in worship and celebration in Marquand Chapel led by students, faculty, and staff. We invite all students to attend at least one of these daily services during BTFO, in order to understand and experience the heart of YDS. Daily Worship is open for all YDS students to attend fully!
Students who do not wish to attend daily worship may use this time to take some personal time before lunch.
Before Lunch: BTFO Official Photo | 12:00 - 12:15 PM
Following worship, meet on the Quad outside Marquand Chapel for a quick photo session to capture your official BTFO group photo! Make sure to put your BTFO t-shirt on that you received on Tuesday!
"No Agenda" Lunch | 12:15 - 1:15 PM [Optional event]
Join your new student community for a “no-agenda” lunch. Connect with your new peers in a relaxed setting, or take some personal time if needed.
Academic Overview Sessions | 1:15 - 1:45 PM
Understanding the requirements of your degree is incredibly important! Students of each degree program will meet with faculty and learn more about the components of their degree and study at YDS. Room locations announced in the official program when you arrive.
Spiritual Life at YDS | 2:00 - 2:45 PM
For all students entering YDS—whether you have a strong religious tradition, are skeptical of religion, or are somewhere in between—there are many opportunities to form and sculpt a spiritual journey during your time here. At this session, you will meet various YDS leaders and members of the Yale Chaplain’s Office to learn more about opportunities to explore spirituality as a YDS student. The coffee break following this session (30 mins) will also allow you opportunity to engage with the Chaplain’s Office team members prior to the next session.
Yale Student Services Panel | 3:15 - 4:00 PM
As you begin your studies at YDS, know you are not alone; there are a plethora of teams and offices engaged in supporting you and keeping you healthy, happy, and safe. Panel includes representatives from Student Accessibility Services, Yale Health, and Yale Public Safety.
Small Group End of Day Reflections | 4:15 - 4:45 PM
At the end of each day of BTFO you will meet with your small group to reflect on the day. With the support of your group leader, these warm, caring spaces provide an opportunity for further connection and deeper discussion of topics covered in BTFO. During these sessions, you will be asked to complete an end-of-day survey. Please note, these sessions are mandatory to attend!
Commuters, Adults and Families Info Session and Social | 5:15 - 6:15 PM [Optional event; Registration requested]
If you are coming to YDS with a spouse, partner, or other family members please bring them along and join us for pre-dinner appetizers, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs. This is an opportunity to meet other YDS families and learn more about benefits and opportunities within the YDS community in a brief presentation. Children welcome!
Register your loved ones to attend: cglink.me/2dA/r2324320
Breakfast with the Dean | 8:45 - 9:45 AM
Join Greg Sterling, Dean of Yale Divinity School, for breakfast. Dean Sterling will share more about the mission and objectives of YDS during this session and provide an opportunity for you to engage in Q&A and discussion around the goals of the school.
Student Employment at Yale & Introduction to the Office of Spiritual and Vocational Formation | 10:00 - 11:15 AM [Concurrent Sessions]
You will be split into two groups (group A and B) and will attend two concurrent sessions (9:30 AM & 10:30 AM):
Daily BTFO Worship at Marquand Chapel | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM [Optional event]
Offering everything from traditional worship to brave experiments, Marquand Chapel is at the heart of Yale Divinity School. Join your new community in worship and celebration in Marquand Chapel led by students, faculty, and staff. Students who do not wish to attend daily worship may take some personal time before lunch.
A Taste of New Haven Pizzas: Lunch with YDS Centers and YDS Certificate Programs | 12:00 - 1:00 PM [Optional event]
Introducing you to New Haven’s pizza-scene, we invite you to a relaxed lunch, enjoying two of our favorite pizza places in the city. Joining your lunch will be representatives of the different YDS centers on campus and the directors of YDS’ many certificate programs. We encourage you to stop by their tables, say hello, and learn more about their work at YDS!
Understanding Freedom of Expression at Yale | 1:15 - 1:45 PM
At Yale, we believe that the free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the vibrant intellectual life of our community and foundational to deep academic inquiry. Meet Pilar Montalvo, Assistant Vice President of University Life, to learn more about how Yale encourages and protects freedom of expression.
Small Group Breakout Circle: Cultivating Conversations | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Following the presentation, you will join your small group to reflect on how we, individually and as a community, might engage in conversations about identity and our lived experiences.
Thriving at YDS: A Faculty Panel | 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Meet a few of your new faculty! In this panel, YDS professors will offer wisdom and advice on how to make it through these academically rigorous programs while maintaining balance, perspective, and grounding. Moderated by Jennifer Herdt, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs.
Small Group End of Day Reflection | 4:30 - 5:00 PM
At the end of each day of BTFO you will meet with your small group to reflect on the day. With the support of your group leader, these warm, caring spaces provide an opportunity for further connection and deeper discussion of topics covered in BTFO. During these sessions, you will be asked to complete an end-of-day survey. Please note, these sessions are mandatory to attend!
Breakfast at the Refectory Dining Hall | 8:00 - 8:45 AM
We invite all students to grab their breakfast at the Refectory Dining Hall on the 2nd Floor (next to Marquand Chapel)! Degree-seeking students can try out your new dining points on a great selection of coffees, teas, and hot and cold breakfast options. Credit card payments also accepted.
Title IX Resources & Introduction to the Office of Community Engagement | 8:45 - 10:00 AM [Concurrent Sessions]
You will be split into two groups (group A and B) and will attend two concurrent sessions (8:45 AM & 9:30 AM):
Following these sessions, you will then be split into different groups for the training that follows next. Your BTFO nametag will list where you should go.
Bystander Intervention Training | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Following the concurrent sessions, you will sit with a smaller set of small groups to participate in a Bystander Intervention Workshop. Bystander Intervention aims to empower participants to be active bystanders when they witness instances of disrespect and potential harm. These sessions will be facilitated by YDS’ Title IX Coordinator, Alison Cunningham, and Title IX Office and SHARE staff members.
Daily BTFO Worship at Marquand Chapel | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM [Optional event]
Offering everything from traditional worship to brave experiments, Marquand Chapel is at the heart of Yale Divinity School. Join your new community in worship and celebration in Marquand Chapel led by students, faculty, and staff. Students who do not wish to attend daily worship may take some personal time before lunch. Please note that Friday worship runs 15 minutes longer, as communion is celebrated during the service.
Lunch with MAR Concentrations and Exchange Students | 12:15 - 1:30 PM
Lunch for all new YDS students. MAR students and exchange students will spend their lunch with their specific groups. All other students may enjoy this lunchtime as unstructured social time with their fellow peers!
Lunch locations will be announced in the official program.
Final Small Group Circle: Celebration Circle! | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
BTFO will conclude with a small group celebration circle in which you will reflect on your learnings in orientation and and celebrate one another and the new connections you have made. Your group leader will also share important reminders about your upcoming time at YDS, and you will also be asked to take a few minutes to complete a final feedback form on BTFO!
Meet with Your Faculty Advisor | 2:30 - 5:00 PM
With the conclusion of the mandatory sessions of BTFO, you should use this time now to meet with your faculty advisor. This is the time to review your plans for fall courses and have your advisor “sign off” on them, prior to registration opening on Monday August 25. More information on how to find your faculty advisor and sign up to meet will be communicated around BTFO.
IT Platforms Overview | 2:45 - 3:45 PM [Optional event]
This optional session invites you to explore the IT platforms and software you will regularly use at Yale and will provide you with resources and support regarding all your IT needs.
Register for this event here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324328
Living Village Tours | 5:00 - 6:00 PM [Optional social event; RSVP requested]
Join Joel Lohr, Lecturer, Sustainability Specialist, and Living Village Building Manager, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour exploring its sustainable+ features and why ecotheology, sustainability, and caring for creation are fundamental to YDS.
Register here: cglink.me/2dA/r2325108
An Evening on the DivFarm | 6:00 - 8:30 PM [Optional social event; RSVP requested]
Unwind from a busy orientation day with the DivFarm community and friends! Tour the garden, learn how to get more involved with the DivFarm, and meet current students. Appetizer-style food will be provided.
Register here: cglink.me/2dA/r2325138
E-Portfolio Bootcamp Workshops | Monday August 31 | 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM [Optional event]
All incoming MAR and MDiv students have new e-portfolios, and will by summer’s end have received information about the purpose of those sites and a how-to-use guide. There will even be a video walk-through to help you set up the e-portfolio before you arrive in New Haven. In addition, there will be two Portfolio Camp sessions, during which you will have the chance to bring your laptop, hear from Associate Dean Adam Ployd about the ways to use your portfolio, and then set up your portfolio! Plan to come to one of these Portfolio Camp sessions on the morning of Monday, August 31st.
Register for a workshop now: cglink.me/2dA/r2324332
Local 33 Information Session | Monday August 31 | 2:00 - 2:45 PM [Optional event]
Local 33 - UNITE HERE is the union of graduate teachers and researchers at Yale. This session will provide an overview of why we have a graduate union at Yale, our rights under the contract, the benefits of membership, and how to get involved with Local 33.
RSVP here: cglink.me/2dA/r2324326
Thinking About a PhD? Information Session with Divinity Doctoral Studies Fellows | Monday August 31 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM [Optional event]
Are you a new student considering a PhD? Come listen to current Yale Divinity Doctoral Studies Fellows about the process, how to prepare, and how YDS can support you!
Register here: cglink.me/2dA/r2325147
Coffee and Donuts with Embedded Counselor, Elizabeth Burns | Tuesday September 1 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Stop by the 2nd Floor Common Room to meet our embedded counselor, Elizabeth Burns. Ask questions about mental health support at Yale, learn about how to connect with Elizabeth, and share your ideas for wellness programming at YDS!
Registration is requested: cglink.me/2dA/r2324325
Opening Convocation & Reception | Tuesday August 26 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The official ceremonial start to the academic year. All incoming YDS students are expected to attend Opening Convocation, to mark the beginning of their academic studies at YDS. You are encouraged to dress a little more formally for this event. A reception follows the service in the Old Refectory.
Andover Newton Seminary | Berkeley Divinity School | Institute of Sacred Music
If you are a new student enrolled in these programs, you should make a note to attend the below sessions also. If you are interested in any of these Partners on the Quad but are not enrolled in a program, please contact them directly with questions related to their separate orientation sessions.
Visit the ISM page for more orientation information as an incoming ISM student.
Visit the ANS page for more orientation information as an incoming ANS student.
Visit ANS' BTFO page!
Visit the BDS page for more orientation information as an incoming BDS student.
