Summer Start Support
As a member of the Purdue Summer Start Session, you’ll live and study with other members of the Catalyst Learning Community. The relationships you form will help develop a strong sense of community as well as encourage academic and career success. It’s a great way to make Purdue your home away from home! While we are primarily here to support your academic success, we also know it’s important to have fun.
Academic Support and Social Support
Peer Mentors
Each Summer Start student will be paired with a Peer Mentor - someone who has already been through Summer Start. These students will be your go-to for any questions regarding day-to-day life at Purdue and how to succeed here! They’ve been here for a while now, and they’re happy to help you get comfortable.
Resident Assistants (RAs)
Resident Assistants (RAs) are trained peer leaders who supervise those living in a residence hall. RAs foster student success by facilitating social and academic growth of residents as they live and learn on campus.
Student Success Coaches
The primary responsibility of our Student Success Coaches is to support your academic, social, and career success. You will meet with your coach at multiple points throughout the year - during STAR and twice during each semester of your first-year, including summer. Learn more about our coaches below.
Alyson Beland
Education: Alyson earned her master's degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership at Grand Valley State University.
Fun Facts: Alyson enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, traveling to new places, and petting as many dogs as possible.
Mary Grace Owens
Education: Mary Grace earned her master's degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel at The University of Mississippi.
Fun Facts: In her free time, Mary Grace loves to bake and cook. She also enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals and college football.
In addition to your student and staff mentors, we will provide the same level of academic support we do to all Purdue students, including, but not limited to:
- academic advising
- retention specialists
- counseling services
- health and wellness resources
- emergency services
And you always have the Summer Start office staff members to help you navigate your transition to Purdue. You can contact us at any time!
Lastly, the Summer Start faculty are excited for you to participate in their classes! Students will develop supportive relationships wherein you can lean on one another and succeed together by attending classes with other Purdue students, including your Summer Start peers.
Fun!
As you can see, there is an entire community of support surrounding you! But, we’re not ALL about studying. Summer Start will provide weekly events and field trips to help you make friendships that will last a lifetime. We have concerts, movies, shuttle trips to sporting events, visits to waterparks, etc. We will post the official schedule as summer gets closer, but we can assure that you will not be disappointed in the extra-curricular programming!
