Success is facilitated by your ability to express yourself effectively. The following terms and expressions are frequently used on this campus. Learn them and add to the list as you encounter other words and phrases that may be unique to the university environment.

Academic Advisor: Person in the department who is responsible for providing academic information and advice, helping students develop programs/plans of study and selecting courses, and also provides information and assistance in course registration, revision, etc.

Academic Course Load: A typical course load is 14-17 credit hours per semester. Students with learning disabilities must confer with their advisor or learning disabilities specialist to determine their recommended load per semester.

Ambassadors: Students who represent their department or group at various recruitment and alumni events.  It’s a great resume builder and a wonderful way to get involved at Purdue.

Boilermaker: This Purdue student/athlete nickname originated in 1889 when discouraged coaches hired several husky boilermakers from the Monon Railroad and a few burly policemen to play football.  After enrolling in one course, the men started playing and won one game after another.  Angry Crawfordsville newspapermen wrote uncomplimentary stories, calling the team “sluggers”, “cornfield sailors”, and “boilermakers”.  The last name stuck and has been a nickname ever since.

Boilermaker Special: This unique mini-locomotive, cared for by the Reamer Club to promote Purdue spirit, is the official University mascot.

Callout: A general meeting sponsored by one of the 835+ student organizations to attract new members. Attend callouts to find out about a group you may want to join.

Classification: Number corresponding approximately to the number of semesters of college work completed toward the total required for your degree.  Failing grades negatively affect ones classification.

CODO: Change Of Degree Objective, or officially changing from one college/school to another at Purdue. CODO'ing usually requires the completion of CODO requirements, some form of CODO or advisor meeting and the completion of CODO forms. CODO forms are available at the registrar’s office (HOVDE 45). 

Convos: Purdue Convocations. An organization that brings touring shows, plays, bands, and events to Purdue.

Co-op Education: A program, housed in the Professional Practice Program office, that uses a semesterly cyle of work and classes to give students valueable experience and income.  Differs from internships in the format and the ability to return to the same employer each co-op session.

Co-op Housing: Co-operative Housing. These are small housing units for students, much like fraternities or sororities, except that the members also save money by managing all aspects of house operation from meal planning to maintenance and improvements. 

Dead Week: The last week of classes before finals. No exams are to be scheduled during the week.

Debris: The Purdue University yearbook.

Hold: A lock on your academic records such that one cannot complete registration, order transcripts, or receive grades. Holds are issued if a student owes money for tuition or housing, has an unpaid parking ticket or library fine, or is missing required immunizations.

Exponent: The independent newspaper published by Purdue students and distributed free at many locations.

Grand Prix: A go kart race held every spring.

ITaP: Information Technology at Purdue is located Stewart Center Room G065. Terminals are also located in many campus buildings, including residence halls.

Mortar Board: A calendar published each fall by the Mortar Board Honor Society. It lists important Purdue events, holidays, library hours, callouts, etc. It’s sold at most stores near campus, and all proceeds go to scholarships.

OWL: Online Writing Lab, designed to help students work on writing assignments via the Internet.

Pappy's Sweet Shop: A popular area in the lower level of the Union that serves fast food and snacks, and is a common meeting place for students.

PMO: Purdue Musical Organizations. It includes the Glee Club, Purduettes, All-Campus Chorale, and Bell Choir.

PSG: Purdue Student Government, an all-campus student government that represents and provides service for students. It also coordinates various student activities through its many departments.

PSUB (pronounced "p-sub"): The Purdue Student Union Board plans student activities in the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center.  Purdue Student Union Board, a volunteer student organization that presents programs throughout the year.

PUID: Use your Purdue Identification Card as a residence hall identification and meal card; check out items from the library; cash checks and purchase convocation and theater tickets, visit the Recreation Sports Center. 

If you choose to open a debit account, you also can use your PUID to do your laundry in the residence halls, eat at any of the Purdue Memorial Union (PMU) restaurants, by items from the residence halls’ vending machines, and lots more.  Debit account applications are available at the Card Services Office (PMU 112), all residence halls, and various locations across campus. Carry your PUID at all times.

PUSH: Purdue University Student Health Center, a place for students to go for medical care.

Recitation: A small group discussion class that meets once or twice weekly in addition to a large lecture to clarify lecture material and review homework and assignments.

RHC: University Residences Residence Hall Council.  This is the coordinating body for all residence halls, includes the president or governor from each hall, student representatives, and hall managers.

RSC: Recreational Sports Center, which offers gymnasium facilities to students and staff. Organized intramural competition also is offered.  Use your Purdue ID for entry.

Rush: Rush (or "recruitment") activities are held by sororities, fraternities, and cooperative houses to select new members. Participate in rush if you are interested in joining a Greek or co-op house.

TA: Teaching Assistant. A TA is a graduate student who instructs a class or assists a professor with a class.

The Union – The Purdue Memorial Union (PMU), a center for many student activities, houses restaurants, the Sweet Shop, a video game room, bowling facilities, offices for many student organizations, lounges, an art gallery, a check cashing service, bank machines, and a hotel.

Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen: A popular pizza emporium in the lower level of the Union.