Summer Start Support
As a member of the Summer Start program, students make lifelong friendships and get to know campus before 50,000 students arrive. The relationships students form will help develop a strong sense of belonging as well as encourage academic and career success. Summer Start a great way to make Purdue your home away from home! While we are primarily here to support academic success, we know it is important to have fun.
GS 12000 and GS 12001
These classes will teach students how to access campus resources to support mental and academic health, strengthen time management skills, and write at the college/business level.
Peer Mentors
Each Summer Start student will be paired with a Peer Mentor - someone who has already started during the summer. These students will be the go-to for any questions regarding day-to-day college life. They’ve been here for a while now and are happy to help students thrive!
Resident Assistants (RAs)
Resident Assistants (RAs) are trained peer leaders who supervise those living in a residence hall. RAs foster student success by facilitating the social and academic growth of residents as they live and learn on campus.
Student Success Coaches
Success coaches are here to support your academic, social, and career success. Students will have access to a coach through graduation.
Allison McKay - Assistant Director, Summer Beginner and Pathway Programs
Hometown: Ionia, MI
Favorite hobbies: Reading, traveling, gardening, and visiting national parks
Favorite part of my job: I really enjoy helping students smoothly transition to college and to watch how quickly they grow. Seeing our students succeed is the best!
Fun fact: I’ve done a 190mph lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with John Andretti.
Desmine Robinson - Pre-College Coordinator and Success Coach
Hometown: Ypsilanti, MI
Favorite hobbies: Writing, photography, poetry, making beats, watching movies & RuPaul's Drag Race.
Favorite part of my job: Bringing mental health and a sense of belonging to the forefront.
Fun fact: I was homecoming king in 12th grade and in college.
Katie Pratt - Pre-College Coordinator and Success Coach
Hometown: Ottawa, IL
Hobbies: Watching sports, traveling, and volunteering with Job's Daughters.
Favorite part of my job: Getting the experience of working with students in high school and at Purdue.
Fun Fact: I went to school in an old Walmart in 5th grade due to our school being flooded.
Dave Ivey - Early Start Coordinator and Success Coach
Hometown: Beech Grove, IN
Favorite hobbies: Music, leisurely traveling, following my favorite teams, mowing, catching leaves
Favorite part of my job: Making a difference by building relationships with students and throughout the campus community
Fun fact: I have been in 49 U.S. states
In addition to student and staff mentors, we provide the same level of academic support as all Purdue students, including, but not limited to:
- academic advising
- counseling services
- health and wellness resources
- emergency services
Fun Summer Events!
There is an entire community of support surrounding our students! But, we’re not ALL about studying. Summer Start will provide weekly events and field trips to help students make friendships that will last a lifetime. With more than 10,000 students taking on-campus courses during Summer, campus is very lively.List of Prior Summer Events
- Hot Dogs with the Top Dogs (campus BBQ with President, Provost, Deans, and more)
- Campus-wide Cultural Center Festival
- Day Trip to Indianapolis with Black Cultural Center
- Purdue Trivia
- Not Your Grandma's Bingo
- Summer Concert Series
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Field Day
- Dive-in Movie and Pool Party
- Summer Concert Series
- Zumba on Memorial Mall
- Summer Concert Series
- Cookout hosted by the Purdue Black Alumni Organization
- Talent Show on Slayter Hill
- De-Stress Fest
- Fountain Run and Celebration
