Fall 2025 Welcome Letter
August 29, 2025
Dear Boilermaker,
Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester! We’re so glad you’re here and are looking forward to an exciting semester of learning, personal growth and shared experiences. As a Purdue University student (undergraduate, graduate and/or professional), we know that you’re up for the challenge and are here to pursue innovation and excellence in all possible ways. You belong here!
Two years ago, we formed the university-wide Action Council on Student Housing and Well-Being, which remains committed to supporting and advancing a culture of excellence for all our students. Since its formation, the council has guided several investments, including additional financial and human resources for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to address the growing needs of students in this formative time, two new residence halls, stipend increases for doctoral students, an increase in the minimum hourly rate for student workers and the creation of 150 new Presidential Doctoral Excellence Awards.
Your physical and mental well-being are important to us, and a variety of resources are available to support your success. Please see below and here for additional information and a more expansive list of resources.
- CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services continues to offer same-day or next-day appointments for any student who wants to get started with services. Crisis services are available 24/7. Call 911 if your crisis is life-threatening. Live, after-hours crisis support is available by calling CAPS at 765-494-6995.
- CARE: Center for Advocacy, Response and Education provides free and confidential advocacy services to students who have experienced interpersonal violence (e.g., sexual violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence and stalking).
- Student cultural centers: Purdue’s award-winning cultural centers are dedicated to serving all our students by fostering a welcoming and open environment for all. Alongside our other student centers and programs, they prioritize access to resources that welcome and support the success and engagement of all our students.
- ODOS student support services: Some students may not need to see a licensed clinician to feel better and/or to receive support. The Office of the Dean of Students is staffed with professionals who care deeply about students and their success. Students experiencing an emergency, crisis or catastrophic event may be eligible for financial support.
- PUSH: Purdue University Student Health centers strive to keep you healthy and well by providing patient-focused primary health care services. If you are sick or have a fever, get checked out! Delaying care can lead to worsening conditions. Students in Indianapolis should utilize the IU Indianapolis Campus Health center as appropriate.
- Recreation and Wellness provides the Purdue community with recreational and wellness activities that contribute to learning and the pursuit of an active, healthy lifestyle. This excellent Purdue resource offers exercise, fitness training, and an excellent social outlet and place to relieve stress. Students in Indianapolis may utilize the IU Indianapolis Campus Recreation for a nominal fee.
- Steps to Leaps is an initiative intending to bolster student success by offering tools, resources and support for all aspects of your life. This is a unique program in that Purdue sees every student as a person who can excel on their own path to achieve personal goals.
- Personal networks: Never forget to activate your own personal support network: friends, family, advisors, coaches, supervisors, past teachers, clergy, mentors and others.
- Student of Concern: Worried about a student? Report your concern via the Student of Concern form and a professional staff member will reach out to offer support and assistance to the student.
- Well-being Programs: These programs provide educational services to students to support their holistic well-being. Services include wellness workshops; peer-to-peer education programs including nutrition, wellness and financial coaching; a mindfulness space; and financial literacy/Boiler Financial Track.
We care about you and are here to help.
Boiler Up! Hammer Down! Hail Purdue and each of you!
Dean Katie
Katherine L. Sermersheim, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
Office of the Dean of Students
Schleman Hall of Student Services (formally Rec) 2nd floor
656 Oval Drive | West Lafayette, IN 47907-2086
Phone: 765-494-1747 | Fax: 765-496-1550
www.purdue.edu/odos