Purdue News

August 1, 2002 Purdue prepares special welcome for new international students WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University will soon welcome new international students to its West Lafayette campus so they can become acclimated before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 19. Most international students newly enrolled in graduate and professional programs will arrive for orientation Monday through Wednesday (8/5-8/7). Staff from the Office of International Students and Scholars will provide shuttle service from the Purdue Airport, the Lafayette Greyhound bus station and the Lafayette Amtrak station. Staff also will greet students at the Purdue Memorial Union, the drop-off point for the Lafayette Limo shuttle service from the Indianapolis International Airport. Graduate students will attend orientation programs on Thursday (8/8) or Friday (8/9). Michael Brzezinski, director of International Students and Scholars, says the goal of orientation is to help students adjust to life at Purdue and in the Greater Lafayette community. "We want to provide assistance so international students feel welcomed, appreciated and as comfortable as possible," Brzezinski says. "The students also enjoy a variety of social and cultural programs during which they become acquainted with each other and make lasting friendships." A reception for the parents of international students will be from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Purdue Memorial Union Anniversary Drawing Room. The students' welcome reception will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom. Miroslaw Skibniewski, interim dean of international programs, will serve as the keynote speaker. Undergraduate international students will arrive at campus beginning Saturday, Aug. 10. Their orientation sessions will be on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Activities for all international students will include a trip to Wolf Park in Battle Ground, a visit to Tippecanoe Battlefield and Prophetstown, and a shopping trip to Meijer on Thursday, Aug. 15. Events also will include traditional picnics and barbecues, along with a visit to Columbian Park on Saturday, Aug. 17. CONTACT: Michael Brzezinski, (765) 494-5361, mbrzezinski@purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: The media are welcome to cover any of the events related to international student orientation. Contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at (765) 494-7084 to make arrangements. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page