Before the Fall Orientation

Your YDS journey begins soon.
August 24-28

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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 2026 and when we email you via our BTFO newsletters!

BTFO Schedule Now Released!

Click to view all mandatory and optional sessions.

CLICK HERE

Dive Into Divinity!

Diving Into Divinity is an online optional summer course, designed to help you acclimate to the academics of YDS, before you step foot on campus! It is recommended that incoming students take time this summer to review content and join in on the group discussions!

Click here to login!

Before You Arrive!

Before your first day at Yale, you have some actions to complete! Pre-arrival requirements included health documents, online training, finances, and making sure you've sent your transcript. You won't be able to start registering for courses until you have completed them!

Click here to review.

Meet the Students!

Before the Fall Orientation is organized by the Office of Student Affairs, but is only possible with our terrific student team helping to welcome you and get you settled into life at Yale Divinity School. Take a moment to see the team, and learn more about them!

Click to meet the team!

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
Madison Trice Profile

Madison Trice

Diving Into Divinity Moderator
Megan Ruppel Profile

Megan Ruppel

International Student Peer Guide

Recent BTFO Newsletters

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Jul 19, 2026 - YDS Office of Student Affairs

[BTFO Email #6] Deadline Today for Intake Form, Accommodations, Required Online Training

Read More

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Jul 12, 2026 - YDS Office of Student Affairs

[BTFO Email #5] BTFO Schedule, Pre-Arrival Form, and International Students

Read More

Uploaded by Kit Heeley

Jul 5, 2026 - YDS Office of Student Affairs

[BTFO Email #4] Pre-Arrival Form, Accessibility, Info for Families, and more!

Read More

All BTFO Newsletters