Parents & Families E-Newsletter - November 2012
Dear Parents and Families,
We hope your Purdue student is having a successful fall semester. As the semester draws to a close, our students are busy finishing projects, studying for exams and getting ready for winter break. During this hectic time of year, support from family members and parents is more important than ever.
In this issue of the Parents and Families e-Newsletter, you'll find much valuable information to help you and your student get through the end of the semester. This includes dates to remember, upcoming deadlines, and new support resources for our students. Also included are updates on happenings around campus to help you stay connected with Purdue. Did you know the PMO Christmas Show and the Purdue Jazz Festival are right around the corner?
To assist our Purdue parents and families, we have created several communications, including this e-newsletter and a website. Here you will find helpful links, resources, and campus contacts. You can also sign up to receive ongoing communications from the University, helping you to stay plugged in to what is happening in your student's life.
On behalf of the entire Boilermaker family, thank you for all you do to support and encourage your Purdue student. Together, we will encourage them to follow their dreams, achieve success in their college life, and go on to better the world with all they have learned. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe and healthy holiday season. Sincerely
Timothy D. Sands
Acting President
Administrative Announcements
Purdue appears in three, Top 100 world rankings
Purdue ranked in the top 100 of three world university rankings this fall. Purdue is 69th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings; 56th in the 2012 Academic Ranking of World Universities by the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and 95th in the QS World University Rankings.
Other Purdue rankings released from July to September 2012 include:
- US News & World Report: 65 nationally (2013) from 62 (2012); 23 public (the same as last year)
- Washington Monthly: 58 (2012) from 79 (2011)
- Webometrics: 30 (July 2012) from 14 (January 2012)
- SmartMoney magazine's college "payback" survey (quantifies the long-term value of a college education): 8 (2012) from 7 (2011)
International enrollment reaches all-time high
International enrollment rose this fall to an all-time high of 8,562 students, or 22 percent of total enrollment. Purdue continues to have the second-largest international student population among U.S. public universities and fourth overall, according to a report released this month by the Institute of International Education.
The largest increase has been among students from China - 2,130 in fall 2010 vs. 3,934 in fall 2012. International students come from nearly 130 countries with the top eight countries (in total enrollment order) being China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan. More Info.
BGRi eases transition for new international students
Nearly 400 incoming international students from 37 countries received a warm Midwest "Boilermaker welcome" in August during a new orientation program. Titled Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi), this pilot program offered these undergraduate students a safe "landing zone"upon their arrival to the U.S.
Student leaders from the University Residences Global (UR Global) program each teamed up with four or five new international undergraduates. For three days, students met in groups with their leaders and Purdue staff to learn about Purdue traditions, the U.S. educational system, and classroom expectations. Students also received time and assistance with logistics, such as opening bank accounts and buying a cell phone. International students repeatedly mentioned their BGRi leaders as the best part of their BGRi experience.
"My leader was right there with me, helping me register for classes, complete paperwork and even find a lost key and ID. I am still in touch with her," says Amjad Felemban, a transfer student from Saudi Arabia. Amjad said most of his friends at Purdue are students he first got to know during BGRi. BGRi participants recently reconnected with their friends and BGRi leaders on Oct. 25 at a Halloween party hosted by UR Global.
Purdue Parents and Families Facebook offers online forum
Gain access to pertinent Purdue news and events between e-newsletters by joining nearly 1,900 fans on the Purdue Parents and Families Facebook page. To join, visitwww.facebook.com/PurdueParents.
Data depicts employment success of recent graduates
Purdue's Center for Career Opportunities offers several annual reports on Purdue graduates, including salaries by major and top employers by college/school. To view the latest reports, visit the CCO website.
Hintz appointed to oversee Purdue student activities
Jim Hintz joined the University over the summer as associate dean of student activities and organizations (SAO). Hintz previously served as the director of off-campus student services for the University of Connecticut.
He is a graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in social and managerial science and a master's degree in higher education/student affairs. As associate dean, Hintz oversees all of the student organizations including fraternity, sorority and co-op life; Boiler Volunteer Network; and student leadership. He also serves as an advisor for Purdue Student Government and Mortar Board.
Purdue adopts The Common Application for fall 2014
Purdue will begin accepting admission requests using The Common Application for students entering the University in fall 2014. Students who are currently high school juniors will be the first to use The Common Application to apply to Purdue. Transfer students and those seeking other types of admission (nondegree, re-entry, Statewide Technology, etc.) will continue to use the Purdue application.
To apply via The Common Application, students create a single login on The Common Application site and complete a single application. They can then request that their application be sent to any Common Application college/university, paying a separate application fee for each institution. Several Big Ten universities have moved to or are transitioning to The Common Application, including the University of Michigan last year and Ohio State University this year.
News and Events
RSC reopens with dedication ceremony
Purdue celebrated the reopening of its expanded and renovated Recreational Sports Center (RSC) on Oct. 12 with a dedication ceremony. Renamed in honor of the University's 11th president, it is now the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center. Córdova served as Purdue's president from July 2007 to July 2012 and was instrumental in making the case to the state and Purdue trustees for the center. Trustees approved the project in June 2008 and a student fee approved by students is meeting the cost of the $98 million project.
Related links:
Homecoming 2012 included traditional and new events
A cookout, blood drive, Boilermaker Night Train Parade, king and queen coronation, pep rally and the launch of the Purdue basketball season with a Tip-off Before Kickoff event were among Purdue's 2012 Homecoming activities. Purdue students Stuart Shippee and Haley Mummert (pictured at left) were crowned this year's Homecoming king and queen.
Related Links:
Purdue recognizes students who are NewsMakers
Purdue students are on the beat. Telling stories. Reporting events. Sharing ideas. They are aspiring journalists, editors, communication professionals and photographers. Each is driven to make a deadline with destiny - to make news. Visit the Five Students Who website to meet five students who are News Makers.
Student authored book highlights Purdue history and traditions
Members of the Purdue Reamer Club* have authored the latest edition of "A University of Tradition," a compilation of history, customs, pictures and facts about Purdue from its founding in 1869 to the present day. It is an insider's guide to one of the world's greatest universities.
The book includes nearly 300 illustrations and a wealth of facts about student, academic, sporting and campus traditions, as well as biographical information on famous members of Purdue's family, including David Ross, Neil Armstrong, Eliza Fowler, Jack Mollenkopf, Helen Schleman and Amelia Earhart. This edition is fully updated for 2012 and includes new landmarks, new traditions and the incoming 12th president of the University.
The hardcover book costs $29.95 and can be ordered through the Purdue University Press website or by calling 800-247-6553. Purdue faculty, staff, students and alumni receive a 20 percent discount with the discount code PURDUE20.
*The Purdue Reamer Club is a student organization founded in 1923. It is dedicated to fostering the observance of school traditions, supporting all sporting events and aiding in the development of proper school spirit. Its members are the caretakers of the Boilermaker Special, the University's official mascot.
Winter commencement scheduled for Dec. 16
Winter commencement ceremonies are slated for Sunday, Dec. 16, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Remaining deadlines for fall 2012 graduates include:
- Dec. 3, 2012 - Last day to order commencement tickets
- Dec. 3, 2012 - Last day to indicate participation using the participation link on the Graduation tab in myPurdue at 10 p.m. ET
For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar website.
Annual holiday traditions slated for Dec. 1-8
Annual holiday traditions abound on the Purdue campus, including the Purdue Christmas Show by Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) and the raising of a 20+-foot tree in the Purdue Memorial Union Great Hall.
PMO's 79th annual holiday performance will take place Dec. 1-2. Tickets are still available and show times are Saturday, Dec. 1, at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. Note: The 8 p.m. show includes sign language interpretation. More info.
Events to take place at the Purdue Memorial Union the week of December 3-8 include the annual raising of a large Christmas tree in the Great Hall around noon Monday, the 15th annual Holidays Around the World food sampling from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, and Breakfast with Santa from 8-11 a.m. Saturday.
iPad drawing prompts students to update emergency contacts
The Purdue Parents' Fund provided four Apple iPads as an incentive for undergraduate students to update their emergency contact information on the myPurdue portal.
Student Support Services
Student support available for Finals Week preparation
Students may need some additional support in the last few weeks leading up to finals week. The following campus resources provide students with:
Tactics for coping:
- The Academic Success Center Student Advisory Board will present a workshop, "Surviving Finals Week," at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Bering Hall, Room 2280.
- A quiet place to study: Purdue Libraries has extended its hours of operation, including the UnderGrounds coffee shop.
- Study and test-taking suggestions: The Academic Success Center has resources available on site and online.
- Writing resources: Students who have questions about final writing assignments can contact the Purdue Online Writing Lab(OWL).
- A doctor or a counselor: The Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) has physicians and mental health care providers on staff. Purdue's Student Wellness Office is a point of contact for a wide variety of student needs, including annual flu shots, and offers many online, self-help resources.
MyMoney website provides financial literacy to Purdue community
Through collaboration with financial professionals, the MyMoney website offers resources to strengthen the financial fitness of all Purdue students, parents, faculty and staff who visit and seek out its wealth of information. A blog and Twitter feed for MyMoney also provide ongoing financial-related news and information.More info.
Foundations of Excellence efforts aim to improve students' first-year experience
Purdue is working to improve the experience of first-year students, based on recommendations generated by 200 members of a campus-wide Foundations of Excellence task force. The FoE process, which began in August 2011, aims to help Purdue design an academic environment and student experience that will enhance first-year students' learning, competence, confidence and overall success. Aligning student success programs, coordinating academic resources and streamlining orientation efforts for first-year students are all ways Purdue will promote student achievement through its Foundations of Excellence (FOE) initiative. Read more.
Online badge program recognizes student achievements
Purdue is testing out a new tool that allows students to showcase and share their academic successes and university activities. The platform, called
"readabout.me," creates personalized news releases about student accomplishments that are distributed and targeted to hometown newspapers.
Students are awarded virtual badges that they can display on an online profile page and share through social media with friends and family. Among Purdue students recognized, to date include the spring 2012 dean's list recipients, participants of Boiler Gold Rush and STAR programs and Five Students Who nominees.
Visit Purdue's Read About Me page.
Important Dates and Information
Housing and Food Services announces important dates for semester switch
Students residing in Purdue residence halls who are not participating in winter commencement will need to vacate their rooms over the winter holiday by noon on Sunday, Dec. 16. Students may leave their personal belongings in their room, and return at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. The first contract meal will be breakfast on Monday, Jan. 7, when spring semester classes begin. More info.
Many transportation options available for winter break
Students have a number of transportation options for leaving campus over the semester break, including shuttle services, air travel, trains and buses. A summary of these options are available on the Visiting Purdue website.
Financial aid "to dos" list ensures smooth transition to spring semester
The Division of Financial Aid (DFA) has provided a list of "to dos" to ensure that your student's financial aid is in order for the spring 2013 semester. Visit the DFA's website
Other key dates to remember
- Dec. 3: Recommended date to apply for private loans for spring 2013 semester
- Dec. 10: Application available for current students to apply for 2013-14 Purdue scholarships.
- Dec. 21: Recommended apply by date for spring 2013 Stafford or Graduate PLUS Loans as well as Parents PLUS loans
- Jan. 1: FAFSA application opens for 2013-14 academic year.
- Jan. 7: Spring semester tuition and fees are due.
Prepare your student for winter at Purdue
Plenty of warm clothing and outerwear along with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and vehicle trunk (if your student has a vehicle on campus) are some of the important preparations for Indiana winters. Be sure your student returns to campus with the necessities -- boots, coats, hats and gloves for themselves and ice scrapers, jumper cables and freeze-resistant fluids for their vehicles.
Most students are apt to catch a cold or the flu over the course of the winter. The Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) is there to assist them with prevention and treatment. Flu shots are available for students Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Room 228. To schedule a PUSH appointment, students should call 765-494-1700.
On rare occasions, the University may need to close for inclement weather. For cancellation notices, consult local news media, view the front page of the University's website, or sign up for the University's text message service:
Education tax credits available
Families filing a 2012 U.S. tax return may be eligible for educational tax credits when claiming their Purdue student as a dependent. By Jan. 31, the IRS Form 1098-T that is necessary to file for these tax credits will be available electronically through the student's myPurdue account.
By entering the myPurdue portal, students can gain access to the form and/or provide access to others in TouchNet, the University's online system for viewing and paying bills.
Note: Students must authorize users to access the 1098-T formspecifically.
Obtaining the IRS Form1098-T online:
1. Students/Authorized Users obtain the 1098-T form through TouchNet
- Student logs into myPurdue, selects the ‘Financial’ tab, then “Manage My Account,” which will take them to TouchNet
- Authorized Users will log in directly through TouchNet
- Once in TouchNet, click the ‘eBills’ tab. There is a section called “1098T Tax Statement” and all available years will be listed. Click “View” for the year needed.
2. Student provides access to authorized TouchNet user
- Student logs into myPurdue, clicks on the ‘Financial’ tab, then “Manage My Account,” which will take them to TouchNet.
- On the ‘Authorized User’ tab on TouchNet, the second question is“Would you like to allow this person to view your 1098-T tax statement?” The student must change the answer to “Yes” in order for the Authorized User to have access to the 1098-T as the default to this question is “No.”
Note: Purdue reports amounts billed, not amounts paid on the 1098-T, so it will include Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Spring 2013 depending upon the billing date.
For detailed directions on how the student can set up a Parent or Guardian as an Authorized User, please visit the Bursar’s office.