Summer Start Support

As a member of the Purdue Summer Start program, 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. 

 

Lindsey Crussel - Summer Start Coordinator and Success Coach

Hometown - West Lafayette, Indiana

Favorite Hobbies - Spending time with friends, family, and being outdoors.

What is the favorite part of my job? - Building a strong community with each and every one of the Summer Start students as they begin their academic career.

 

Kara Miller - Pre-College Coordinator and Success Coach

Hometown – Bremen, Indiana

Favorite Hobbies – Reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

What is the favorite part of my job? - Fostering an environment where students feel safe and encouraged to reach their full potential.

 

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
• counseling services
• health and wellness resources
• emergency services

Lastly, the Summer Start faculty are excited for you to participate in their classes! Students will develop supportive relationships where you can lean on one another and succeed together by attending classes with other Purdue students, including your Summer Start peers. 

Fun Summer Events!

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. With more than 10,000 students taking on-campus courses during Summer, campus is very lively.

Tentative List of Summer 2020 Events (Students must attend 6 events)

• July 14 - Campus BBQ with President Daniels
• July 16 - Not Your Grandma's Bingo
• July 17 - Summer Concert Series
• July 18 - Indiana Dunes Beach Trip (limited to first 50 Summer Start students)
• July 23 - Dive-in Movie and Pool Party
• July 24 - Summer Concert Series
• July 28 - Giant Games
• July 31 - Summer Concert Series
• August 1 - Cookout hosted by the Purdue Black Alumni Organization
• August 5 - De-Stress Fest