Welcome

Purdue University has a new strategic plan focused on people, programs, and partnerships, and it is designed to place Purdue among the great research universities of the world. Titled “New Synergies,” the plan for 2008 – 2014 has three focus areas:

• Launching tomorrow’s leaders by enhancing student success with careers in a dynamic global society, as well as fostering intellectual, professional and personal development for life-long learning;
• Promoting discovery with delivery by conducting field-defining research with breakthrough outcomes and catalyzing research-based economic development and entrepreneurship;
• Meeting global challenges by enhancing Purdue’s presence and impact in addressing grand challenges of humanity.

Student Services supports the overall mission of the institution in some very practical ways. In partnership with all members of the campus community, we promote efforts to achieve educational equity and multiculturalism. We strive to improve the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of our students. We offer services including financial aid, academic record keeping, support for organized student housing units, a learning resource center, programs of physical and mental health care and information, and assistance in removing both physical and psychological barriers to college. We hold a significant concern for the emotional and physical safety and welfare of students. Our broad range of support and extra-curricular programs enhance student development and embrace the philosophy of life-long learning. 

Staff members within Student Services are educators first and foremost, and our work begins with a commitment to the uniqueness of each student. This principle guides us as we assist students in making important decisions affecting their academic and personal lives. We believe, as do faculty, that students need to be active participants in the learning process and that the best learning takes place in situations where a balance of challenges and support exists. The developmentally-based learning which occurs in the myriad of activities and opportunities supported by Student Services is an important lifetime complement to the discipline-based learning that occurs in the classroom. Opportunities for this guided learning abound at Purdue in residence halls, 81 Greek chapters, 12 cooperative houses, 875 registered student organizations, volunteer programs, three ROTC units, bands and instrumental ensembles, choral groups, the career center, convocations and lectures, and the many other activities, seminars, workshops, and programs which promote and recognize this out-of-class learning.

Thomas B. Robinson
Vice President for Student Services