Students find Gold Rush helpful

By Brad Ramsay
Summer Reporter

Incoming freshmen can make the transition to college life fairly smoothly by participating in Boiler Gold Rush.

Patti Dulik, coordinator of Boiler Gold Rush, said Boiler Gold Rush is a way for students to get acclimated to the campus and make friends with students in their groups.

Tiffany Biles, a junior in the Schools of Engineering, said she made some really good friends at the Gold Rush and she still keeps in contact with many of them.

The program lasts from Aug. 13 until Aug. 17 and, according to Dulik, "It's packed with stuff."

Students begin by moving into their rooms in the residence halls or if they are living off campus, they move into temporary rooms for the duration of the program.

On the day of arrival, students can move their clothes, pictures, small refrigerators, lofts and everything else into their new homes for the rest of the academic year.

The first day of Gold Rush is filled with orientation and getting to know the team leaders and other students in their groups.

Many activities that take place through the week are designed to familiarize the students with different aspects of the University's campus.

Every morning students break up in their specified groups with their team leader and have what is called "Student Life Time." This gives the students a chance to talk about what they want out of the program, said Dulik.

There is a scavenger hunt that is intended to help students find different prominent places and other significant structures at Purdue.

Also, planned is a late night at the Recreational Sports Center. Students will be able to see the physical fitness equipment as well as the basketball courts, etc.

During the activity at the sports center, students will be able to participate in an obstacle course designed specifically for Gold Rush and play a variety of team sports.

Biles said many of the activities are a lot of fun.

There are many other activities going on all week. One day a hypnotist will come to entertain; there will be a dating game that will take place patterned after MTV's "Singled Out," as well as live bands, a carnival and even swing dancing.

Biles said, "Overall, I had a good time. It helps a lot to get to know people."

Dulik said they are expecting about 2,800 students to be in attendance for Boiler Gold Rush. There are more than 300 volunteers helping out as team leaders, supervisors or directing staff.

The deadline to register for Gold Rush is July 15. Dulik said, students should try to register as soon as possible because space is limited.

For more information and to register for Boiler Gold Rush call 765-494-1776.