There are a variety of orientation opportunities for new students at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. Whether students are starting in the fall, spring, or summer, there is a program to help them get acquainted with being a Purdue student. There are programs available for both beginning students and students who will be transferring from another institution. Each academic school has sessions for students who will be new to the school. You are encouraged to investigate the options and make sure that your student takes advantage of what Purdue can offer him/her. Below are links to some of Purdue's orientation programs.

Student Support Programs
Find out about various orientation programs and student support activities sponsored by Purdue’s Lilly Endowment Retention Initiatives.

Purdue Summer Welcome
All new students who begin their academic career at Purdue at the beginning of the summer term can get oriented to life on the West Lafayette campus by taking part in the Summer Welcome program. New students are assigned to a small group with other new students and a current Purdue student who serves as a Student Life Advisor. Participants will take a campus tour and learn about all the resources available to them as they begin their Purdue experience.

Day on Campus
At Day on Campus, you can set your fall schedule in advance. Come to Purdue on the day of your choice during the four-week Day on Campus period and take placement tests, register for classes, and meet your academic advisor. All students beginning their studies at the West Lafayette Campus in August are encouraged to participate unless distance or important commitments make it impractical.

Boiler Gold Rush
Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) is an optional, five-day orientation program for new Purdue students. It takes place a week before classes begin. In groups of 10-12, participants explore the week’s activities along with their Team Leader, a current Purdue student trained to facilitate team building activities, generate discussions about various program sessions, give campus tours, and guide participants to all BGR activities and programs, which are scheduled from early morning until late evening.

What makes BGR such a unique experience is the small group size and peer mentor contact, because these features enable new students to become better acquainted with Purdue and to meet hundreds of new students. BGR has one of the largest university volunteer staffs in the country, with more than 400 student leaders who work year-round to prepare for the new class of Boilermakers.

Fall Welcome
This short-but-valuable program is designed for students who are transferring to Purdue's main campus from either a Purdue regional campus or another college or university. If you are a transfer student, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn a little more about your new institution, find your classroom locations, and meet other new students. The program is held the weekend before fall classes.

School or Program Orientation Meetings
Get to know fellow students and staff members in a meeting hosted by your academic school or program sometime during your first week at Purdue. You may also receive additional information about your program of study and have the opportunity to ask questions. Your school will contact you with the date and location of your meeting.

Winter Welcome
This spring-semester orientation program is designed for new students (beginners and transfers) who are starting Purdue in January. It answers many questions about campus resources, campus life, and academics. The program is held the weekend before classes start.

Note: Once students are admitted to Purdue, they will begin to receive invitations to our special orientation programs. If you are admitted after a mailing, we will send you a special packet.