Parent & Family Connections

purdue.edu/parentandfamily

As your students start their college experience, you’re going to have many questions — this is where we step in. Purdue Parent & Family Connections is here to help you find the right answers and keep you informed on how to effectively support your students through every stage of their college careers. We engage parents and families as partners in student success by helping you understand the goals of — and create a positive relationship with — the University community. Just think of us as your central point of contact.

Who We Are Kelley Stier

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Parent & Family Connections

Jennifer Wetli

Assistant Director of Parent & Family Connections

Lauren Lucas

Administrative Assistant for Parent & Family Connections

What We Do

In addition to providing information about campus and supporting your student — everything from tips on care packages to health and safety on campus — we also provide communications and programs/ events for Purdue parents and families. You can find more information about these communications and programs/events and details on how to sign up on our website, purdue.edu/parentandfamily.

Communications

This handbook was created as a quick reference tool to help you assist your student shall the need arise. However, we offer a number of other resources for you during your Boilermaker’s time on campus.

Family Calendar

The Family Calendar is filled with important University dates, deadlines, holidays, and events to help you stay connected to what is happening on campus. First-year families receive this at STAR. If available, additional copies can be picked up at the front desk of Schleman Hall, Room 207.

Monthly Newsletter

Keep up to date with campus news and events through our newsletter subscription — delivered monthly to your inbox.

Parent & Family Facebook

Join the Purdue Parent & Family Facebook page to stay up to date with campus events, photos and news. facebook.com/PurdueParents

Incoming Parent & Family Support

The family transition from high school to college can be difficult whether it is your first, middle, or last student going to college. Parent & Family Connections offers extra communication resources specifically for supporters of incoming Purdue students.

Social Media — Parent & Family Connections hosts a special closed Facebook group for parents and family members to ask questions during their student’s transition to campus life. “Pro” Purdue Parents and campus partners are there to help answer questions and offer guidance. This group starts soon after admissions decisions are sent and continues through the first day of classes. If not already part of the group, send a request to parents@purdue.edu.

Weekly Newsletters — Newsletters are sent from May through move-in with topics ranging from Doing Business Boilermaker Style to Safety on Campus. Written by campus experts, OnBoard also offers weekly talking points to aid in the transition from high school to college. If you are not receiving the newsletter, email parents@purdue.edu and we will be sure to add you to the distribution list and get you caught up on the newsletters you missed.

Programs and Events

purdue.edu/parentandfamily/Programs_and_ Events/index.html

Boiler Gold Rush (BGR)/Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi) Parent & Family Events

While your Boilermaker is settling into their residence hall, stop by the lobby of Krach Leadership Center to complete a Boilergram postcard for your new Boilermaker. Additional information will be posted on the Parent & Family Connections website.

Family Weekend

Family Weekend, held each year during a Purdue home football game weekend, gives you the opportunity to visit your student on campus while engaging in events and activities. The dates for Family Weekend are announced each year in mid-May. Once available, information on registering for events is sent to subscribers to the Parent & Family monthly newsletter and posted on the Parent & Family Facebook page.

Parent & Family Volunteer Network

This network is designed to give parents and family members a meaningful and enjoyable way to become more active in the Purdue community. By participating in the Parent & Family Volunteer Network you become more connected to the Boilermaker community, meet other parents, and contribute to student success. Volunteer opportunities range from a one-time commitment to several great opportunities throughout the year, with various, flexible options. More information is on the Parent & Family website.

Ride Board

Purdue Parent & Family Connections offers a Facebook group that serves as a ridesharing tool for parents or family members seeking rides or carpools for themselves or their Purdue students. Ride boards are commonly utilized for University breaks and traveling to and from a student’s hometown. In order to participate, parents or family members of Purdue students must request to join “Purdue Parent & Family Connections Ride Board” on Facebook. When requesting, you will be asked to provide your student’s name and academic major for group administrators to verify. Once accepted to the group, please review the Disclaimer and Terms of the page before participating in the Ride Board. Purdue Parent & Family Connections is pleased to partner with you to make the road to get your student to and from Purdue a little bit easier!

HelpLine

Parent & Family Connections has a toll-free helpline as a way for families to contact the department directly. Parent & Family Connections can be contacted by emailing parents@purdue.edu or by calling (765) 496- 0524 Monday–Friday 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. (Eastern). If you call and are unable to connect directly to a staff member, please leave us a detailed message and we will return your call.