Increased car, pedestrian traffic expected as STAR program gets underway next week

More than 6,000 incoming students and about 9,000 of their friends and family members will visit Purdue during the next four weeks for the Summer Transition, Advising and Registration (STAR) orientation program, which will result in a higher volume of cars in several parking areas on campus and an increase in activity on central campus.

Summer Transition, Advising and Registration runs June 19-July 14, with varying dates based on the college, school or academic program to which students have been admitted. During the program, students garner information and materials needed for the fall semester, meet with an academic advisor and register for their fall classes, says Kasi Jones, director, orientation programs.

STAR attendees arrive on campus before 8 a.m. and wrap up activities between 4 and 5 p.m. Attendees can park for free during STAR at the Harrison Street Garage, University Street Garage (south half), Northwestern Avenue Garage, and the Córdova Recreational Sports Center's north lot. Attendees can also pay to park in the Grant Street garage. All of these garages are expected to be busy during this time. There also will be increased pedestrian activity in much of the central campus from Purdue Memorial Union to Elliott Hall of Music to Ford Dining Court and Earhart Dining Court, as well as around the parking garages.

"There are challenges our colleagues face on campus when we bring in this many people to campus daily for 19 straight days," Jones says. "We appreciate everyone's patience and consideration as we help our incoming students prepare for a successful first year."

More information about the STAR program can be found at www.purdue.edu/star, or by contacting Kelley Stier, director,  Parent & Family Connections, at kstier@purdue.edu or Kasi Jones, director, orientation programs, at jones114@purdue.edu.