Purdue’s Orientation Programs is simplifying some of its program names and descriptions to help students, their families, and campus partners better navigate Purdue’s orientation processes and milestones.
Specifically, Orientation Programs has retired the names of “STAR” and “VSTAR,” and will rename VSTAR parts one and two to Purdue 101 and Purdue 102 beginning for students starting at Purdue in the spring 2023 semester.
New students going through Orientation Programs experiences will be welcomed “All Aboard Purdue,” a four-step process to start their journey as Boilermakers.
Rebranding Event
Orientation Programs will host an event from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, in the North Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union to help campus and community partners learn more about this transition. The event will also be livestreamed on the Orientation Programs YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
RSVP for the 'All Aboard Purdue' update eventCraig Johnson, director of Orientation Programs, says the program elements will remain the same, but that the branding changes aim to convey the orientation process as a holistic suite of experiences rather than single, standalone events.
"Over the last couple of years, we’ve been looking at the terms ‘STAR’ and ‘VSTAR,’ and using feedback from students, to make sure that this change was something positive for the new student experience,” Johnson says. “By shifting the language to Purdue 101 and 102, referring to their advising appointment directly, and acknowledging the variety of ways students are welcomed at the start of the semester, we are going to more effectively communicate about orientation as an experience rather than seemingly unconnected programs.
Johnson adds that the changes also help Orientation Programs better align their programming with their @AllAboardPurdue social media accounts to help improve brand recognition and clarity about the orientation experience.
Below is additional information about the programs:
'All Aboard Purdue' Orientation Steps for new Students
Step 1: Purdue 101
Most recently called “VSTAR Part 1,” this self-led virtual module in Brightspace guides students through campus resources and provides information on Purdue's course planning and advising processes.
Step 2: Purdue Advising
Once Step 1 is complete, students will receive an email from an academic advisor about scheduling their first advising appointment. Students fill out their course request form after they meet with an advisor.
Step 3: Purdue 102
Recently called “VSTAR Part 2” and “Pre-Arrival Homework,” this self-led virtual module in Brightspace focuses on resources related to students' transition to campus and adjusting to college life.
Step 4: Purdue Welcome
Optional welcome programs include Boiler Gold Rush, Boiler Gold Rush International (fall beginners), and Boiler Cold Rush (spring beginners). Students may alternatively participate in Bands, PMO, or Athletics summer programs.
Optional Programs
Summer Visit Days are optional events hosted by Orientation Programs in June to give students and their families a chance to visit Purdue's campus and engage with students and staff.
Disabled attendees should contact Craig Johnson regarding any specific accommodation needs. Purdue Orientation Programs will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Andrea Mattingly
Director of Communications for Student Success Programs, andrea@purdue.edu
