Purdue News

One method: Begin before classes start Freshmen starting classes on the West Lafayette Campus are inundated with offers to join. Whether callouts for student groups, sign-ups for intramural sports or invitations to attend religious services, the opportunities are endless. "We know from research that the earlier a student gains a sense of belonging, the more likely that student is to make it through the first year to the second year and on to graduation," says Marlesa Roney, registrar and senior project officer for a five-year effort to boost retention with the help of funding from the Lilly Endowment. Included in the push is expansion of programs to reach incoming first-year students before the start of the fall semester. One example is Purdue Summer Start, which brings students to the West Lafayette Campus in June to start classes. Known as Early Start when it was begun in 1996, the program originally targeted incoming School of Science freshmen from disadvantaged backgrounds. This past summer, the program was expanded to include students from all West Lafayette Campus schools and all academic and economic backgrounds. Participants earn credits by taking summer school offerings. As beneficial as this jump is for their college careers, Purdue Summer Starters also are exposed to a range of social and other experiences. These include tours of libraries, computer labs, the Recreational Sports Center and other stops students will make frequently during their college days. In addition, the 23 participants lived in the residence halls and took trips to Indiana Beach amusement park, a Lafayette Leopards baseball game and other outings in Greater Lafayette. "These programs enable students to orient themselves with the campus and community," says Elizabeth Hubbard, Purdue Summer Start coordinator. Plans call for expansion of Purdue Summer Start in coming years. Another early start program, Boiler Gold Rush, has shown success in improving retention. A three-day program offered by the residence halls, Gold Rush welcomes students before the start of classes. Begun in 1993 with 80 students, Boiler Gold Rush hosted 2,300 residents in August. Studies show first-year retention rates for Boiler Gold Rush participants are as much as 15 percent greater than for peers who don't take part in the program. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page