Day on Campus lets students get a feel for Purdue

By Heather Holman
Summer Reporter

Day on campus gives incoming students the opportunity to take care of a number of important affairs.

Starting on June 13 and ending on July 7, new students will have the chance to get their first taste of Purdue.

The day is very flexible for students and their families. The one requirement is that everyone begins their day at 7:45 a.m. with the academic school that the student is admitted to.

Each school does things a little bit differently, but generally all students go through the same procedures. The academic school has some sort of meeting where students are assigned an adviser and a time to meet with that adviser some time throughout the day.

While students meet with their adviser a number of things are done. Advisers answer any questions people have, inform students about advanced credit exams (exam which allows a student to test out of a subject), tell students about different organizations and help answer any other general questions.

Mary Welch, assistant to the director of academic programs in the School of Agriculture, said that they talk to students and parents about many things. First, students meet with their adviser and they help students choose classes that will best suit their academic needs. Welch also said that they try to offer open courses for undecided majors, which means if a student is not sure of what they would like to do, advisers place them in classes that will offer the best flexibility when a student decides on his or her major.

Welch said that they also answer any questions people might have about campus life and inform people about credit exams that are being offered.

Alan Hefner, assistant director of admissions, said that after students meet with their academic schools the day is theirs. There are things that every student has to take care of some time throughout their day.

Students must have their student identification pictures taken between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Students must also set up their personal computer accounts. More instructions will be given about this upon arrival.

Students may also want to take advanced credit exams. These tests give students the opportunity to establish academic credit. Students can take a number of exams to earn credit before the fall semester. There is no penalty for failing the test and also no fee.

Many people also like to visit the university residence where they will be living. Students will be able to take a tour of the hall and see a room that is all ready set up.

Beth Taylor, secretary of Owen Hall, said they always have two show rooms set up for people to look at. Students are able to see how the rooms are furnished and how big they are.

Taylor also said tours through the hall are offered for the visitors. People are able to become familiar with the locations of the post office, the study rooms, laundry rooms and computer labs "We try to answer any questions they may have," Taylor said.

Students will also have the opportunity to get information on different student organizations.

There are also a number of programs that will be offered throughout the day, which can be found in the Day on Campus program.

"It's (Day on Campus) really an opportunity for students to learn all sorts of things," Hefner said.