.New programmatic framework helps students thrive
Student Life has established a new programmatic framework to further support students while enabling them to flourish on their unique personal and academic paths.
Always focused on examining student belonging and engagement through the lens of environments and systems that can influence every Boilermaker, Student Life has created three overarching frameworks to guide programming and student engagement to better enhance student development. The goal is for all aspects of Student Life to continue to recognize and design scalable, coordinated programming and outreach efforts that make experiences accessible and invite student participation, engagement and development.
“This approach allows students to connect with Student Life organizations at any point in their journey,” says Beth McCuskey, vice provost for student life. “Our goal is to mobilize the entire Student Life community to sustain a system that supports students at every level of need and experience. The programmatic framework promotes a growth mindset that prepares students to make a positive impact in communities and workplaces long after they leave Purdue.”
The programmatic framework emphasizes focused areas of development for Boilermakers — leadership and engagement, well-being, and arts and culture. Each area promotes development in various competencies
“All experiences across Student Life connect to one of these areas in some way,” McCuskey says. “Students can choose to participate in Student Life programs at any time and at any level. By aligning these experiences within the programmatic framework and making them accessible to students, we can help them get connected and grow at every point of their journey.”
Grounded in the frames described in the following sections, the programmatic framework provides a structure for aligning Student Life programs around shared outcomes for individual and community growth.
Leadership and engagement
Student Life aims to empower Purdue students to lead lives of purpose and integrity by fostering community, leadership development, personal responsibility and involvement. The Roger C. Stewart Office of Student Leadership, Engagement and Community (SLEC) is implementing a new executive leadership initiative to form a comprehensive and cohesive student leadership experience. During fall 2026, SLEC will host its inaugural student leadership summit.
Well-being
Focused on cultivating a community of care, Student Life is advancing holistic well-being through student-centered, accessible and collaborative programs and services. Programming and support focus on promoting student growth in the Steps to Leaps pillars — well-being, leadership, impact, networks and grit/persistence. This work includes areas under Student Life Well-Being programs — Counseling and Psychological Services, Purdue University Student Health Center, and Recreation & Wellness.
Arts and culture
Student Life offers a range of opportunities for immersion in arts and culture, accessible to students from all disciplines. Purdue Bands & Orchestras, Purdue Musical Organizations, and Purdue Convocations are now joined by Purdue’s five cultural centers to form a dynamic portfolio that invites students and the community to participate and explore.
Collaboration
While each area of focus has its own niche, Student Life encourages cross-collaboration that connects with every part of the programmatic framework. For example, a University Residences hall club may host an event that invites residents to take a break from studying to celebrate a cultural holiday. This type of activity encourages leadership development among students in the hall club while welcoming other students to engage, unwind, experience a cultural tradition and build community.
By promoting student growth in these important areas, Student Life is creating a coordinated, stepped pathway that helps Boilermakers thrive at Purdue and prepares them to succeed after graduation.