Welcome to the New Academic Year at YTI!
YTI’s 2025–2026 Academic Year Kick-Off event will be held in Bozeman on September 4–5, 2025, the week prior to the start of the Fall term. Participation by distance students fulfills the requirements for annual in-person attendance in Bozeman.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to set up a meeting with their assigned advisor during these two days.
Join Us at the Barn!
Most Academic Kick-Off sessions (with the exception of outings and special meals) will be held at YTI’s Campus — “The Barn” at 83 Rowland Road just off Huffine Lane west of Bozeman.
Orientation Schedule
* Indicates sessions required for all active MDiv, MA, and Hillcrest students (unless excused by the President or Provost.)
° Indicates sessions required for new YTI students only (but open to all.)
THU September 4
2:00–2:30pm
Gathering & Welcome*
Snacks & meeting time
2:30–3:00pm
Welcome to YTI
Dr. Jay Smith
3:15–4:00pm
Why a Theological Education?°
Dr. Joshua Schendel
4:00–4:15pm
Break
4:15–5:00pm
Faculty Panel
Getting to know YTI profs
5:00–7:00pm
BBQ at YTI
FRI September 5
9:00–9:30am
Coffee & Pastries*
9:30–10:30am
Academic Expectations°
Dr. Roy Millhouse
11:00am–2:00pm
Picnic & Hike at Hyalite Reservoir*
(or, coffee & lunch downtown in case of inclement weather)
2:30–3:30pm
Research: Library and Databases*
Dr. Brett Desper
3:45–4:30
Q & A with Faculty
5:00–7:00
Dinner at Faculty’s Home
SAT September 6
Optional Tour of Yellowstone Park
Any students who are interested in visiting Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, September 6 should please contact Melissa Smith (msmith@ythi.org).
“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.”
–Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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