August 2020 Newsletter

Featured Stories  

Welcome Back Message from President Daniels

On Monday, August 24th, President Daniels and Provost Akridge shared their annual welcome back message. Families can read it here.

Office of the Dean of Students available to assist students in need of support

As fall courses begin and students are returning to campus, the Office of the Dean of Students on the West Lafayette campus wants to remind the campus community that ODOS is available to assist in providing support for students.

ODOS can help students navigate challenges they are experiencing both personally and academically. Faculty and staff who recognize a student who may be in need of support or additional care are encouraged to share their concern with ODOS. A list of common reported concerns is available online. Read more.

Updated Retail Dining Website

Earlier this summer Purdue University and Aramark announced that they have entered into a retail dining operator agreement that will enhance dining offerings for Purdue’s West Lafayette campus and community. Many retail operations opened on Monday, August 24 - a list of locations and hours can be found here.

PUSH offering weekend hours during fall semester

Purdue University Student Health Service (PUSH) will be open weekends during the fall semester to better accommodate the health care needs of Purdue students.

Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Weekend office visits will be on a walk-in-only basis, and patients will be prioritized based on medical need. Read more.

ITaP printers going “hands free” to protect Purdue

In an effort to protect students, staff and faculty from COVID-19, all ITaP supported print stations are going hands-free by allowing individuals to release print jobs from their personal computer or mobile device.

This fall, ITaP plans to reopen printing at more than 100 print stations on campus – found in computer labs, cultural centers and residence halls – but in order to print, users will have to follow the hands-free guidelines.

Union Club Hotel reopens following $35 million renovation

Purdue ushered in a new era in hospitality to campus with the reopening Wednesday (Aug. 5) of the historic Union Club Hotel. The 182-room hotel recently completed a comprehensive $35 million, yearlong renovation that included a complete overhaul of all guest rooms and public spaces and the launch of three new dining outlets: 8Eleven Bistro, Leaps Coffee, and Boiler Up Bar. The hotel also will be used as a hands-on learning laboratory for students in Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, a program expected to roll out in 2021. Read more.

This is Purdue Podcast 

If you are new to the Boilermaker family, or missed the previous announcement of This is Purdue Podcast, you can catch up here.

Purdue’s winter commencement ceremonies to be on-demand

COVID-19 Information from Purdue

Although we are continuing to keep families updates with information sent to the Purdue community, for the most up-to-date information and FAQ's please visit the Protect Purdue website.

Reminder: Required COVID-19 Face Mask Protocols

Updated August 12, 2020 

Effective May 26, 2020, the university implemented required protocols including the required correct use of face masks to help protect the most vulnerable members of the Purdue community.  

Who should wear a face mask 

Anyone on campus, including students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, suppliers and visitors, is required to correctly wear a face mask.  

When and where face masks are required 

Correctly worn face masks are required upon entry to any campus building.  

A face mask must be worn correctly:  

• In all hallways, public spaces, common areas and classrooms at all times.  
• In office and lab spaces if social distancing of 6 feet is not possible.  
• Outdoors if safe social distancing is not possible.  

You should carry at least two face masks with you daily to ensure that you have a replacement if one becomes wet or dirty while you are on campus. 

Failure to comply with this and other required COVID-19 protocols may result in disciplinary action through existing disciplinary processes. 

Mask materials and design 

You may use a homemade or purchased cloth or disposable face mask.  A multi-ply tightly woven cotton cloth or multi-ply disposable face mask is recommended.  The face mask must not have an exhalation valve or introduce a hazard in the workplace. 

Information on how to make a face mask is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

Guidance from Procurement on how Purdue units can purchase face masks and other COVID-19 essential supplies is available. 

How to wear a face mask correctly 

Putting on and wearing a face mask correctly: 

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.  
• Touch only the ear loops or ties and place them over your ears.   
• Adjust the mask to cover your nose and mouth, and secure it under your chin.  
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.  
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.  
• Avoid touching your mask until it’s time to take it off.  

Removing a face mask correctly:  

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. 
• Touch only the ear loops or ties and remove them from your ears.  Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing. 
• For disposable masks: 
  • Dispose of mask in trash receptacle.
  • To reuse: Fold outside corners of mask together and place the mask in a bag (plastic or paper). 
• For cloth masks: 
  • To reuse: Fold outside corners of mask together and place the mask in a bag (plastic or paper). 
  • To wash: follow CDC guidance on how to wash a cloth face mask. 
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. 

More information on how to wear a mask is available from the CDC. 

Mask cleaning and care 

Instructions on how to wash a cloth face mask are available from the CDC.  

Purdue adds violation of Protect Purdue Pledge to student code of conduct regulations

Purdue University announced Wednesday (Aug. 19) that students who violate the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge are subject to disciplinary action via the university’s Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals. Read more.

Reminder: Classes in session on Labor Day and no fall break due to alternative academic calendar

Students and families are being reminding that classes will be in session during Labor Day, and there will not be a fall break for Fall 2020 due to the alternative calendar announced in May.

Ongoing Surveillance Testing Program announced

An ongoing surveillance testing program for students, faculty and staff began Monday (Aug. 24), with the goal of testing approximately 10 percent of the campus each week throughout the semester.

Faculty, staff and students must upload flu vaccination documentation this fall

Faculty, staff and students now have a way to submit documentation that they have obtained the required influenza vaccine. Proof of the flu shot from a medical provider is required, so all employees and students will need to scan or photograph their documentation to submit via the following channels.

Where to study on campus

If your student is looking for a place to study on campus this fall, Purdue University and the Libraries have many socially distant options available both indoors and out!  

Dates

August 31, Last day to register without a late fee (5 p.m. Eastern)

September 4, Last day to cancel a course assignment without it appearing on record

September 7, Labor Day; CLASSES IN SESSION

September 18, Last day to withdraw a course with a grade of W or to add/modify a course with instructor and advisor signature (5 p.m. Eastern)

October 5, Last day for grade correction for spring semester 2019-20 and 2020 Summer Session (5 p.m. Eastern)

October 12, Schedule of classes published for Spring 2020 Term

October 16, Second 8-week courses begin

October 27, Last day to withdraw from a course with a W or WF grade; Last day to add/modify a course with instructor, advisor, and department head signature (5 p.m. Eastern)

November 24, Face-to-face instruction ends

November 25-28, Thanksgiving Vacation

November 30, Remote instruction (through end of semester)

December 5, Classes end

December 7-12, Final Exams

December 12, Semester Ends

January 11, Spring Semester Begins