Orientation program for international students to return

A program that acclimates new international undergraduates to university life before Purdue's orientation activities will return this fall following the success of its pilot last year.

Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi) will return Aug. 6-10. It will help international students get settled in the U.S. and adjust to Purdue ahead of the weeklong Boiler Gold Rush program, which will take place Aug. 11-18.

Dan Carpenter, senior associate director of the Student Success at Purdue office, says that BGRi will return this year thanks to the support of provost and the dean of international programs. Last year, it helped more than 300 international students become accustomed to their new living and learning situation.

"We have evolved this year's BGRi program to focus its attention on taking care of new international students' immediate needs," Carpenter says. "At the same time, BGRi will ensure that participants will understand what they will experience during Boiler Gold Rush, so they can get the most out of the outstanding orientation resources the University offers."

During BGRi, students will receive help on necessities such as obtaining a University identification card, setting up their mobile devices properly and shopping for the essential items they'll need during the semester, Carpenter says. They also will learn more about student resources on campus, particularly for international students, and about life in the U.S. and in West Lafayette in general.

Up to 700 students will be able to participate in BGRi this year, Carpenter says. The program's offerings have been developed further based on program's outcomes and student feedback gathered last year.

"The program's existence shows Purdue's commitment to welcoming international students and to ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed," says Julie Talz, director of residential life for University Residences.

BGRi is a joint effort of the Student Success at Purdue office, University Residences, and the Office of International Students and Scholars. There will be no cost to students for BGRi, but the normal fees for participating in Boiler Gold Rush will apply.

In fall 2012, Purdue ranked second in international student enrollment among all public U.S. colleges and universities with more than 8,500 international students on campus, according to the Office of International Students and Scholars.

The announcement of BGRi's continuation comes before the May 1 deadline by which admitted international students must decide whether to attend Purdue.

"Purdue is very proud of its international students and wants to offer the programs and resources necessary to ensure their experience on campus is great," says Joe Potts, associate dean of international programs and director of the Office of International Students and Scholars.

"BGRi is an extension of one of our philosophies, which is that we want to help and support international students in any way we can."