Letter to the Campus Community

November 20, 2024

Dear Boilermakers, 

Just a few short weeks left in this Fall 2024 semester; You can do it!

As a Purdue University student (undergraduate, graduate and/or professional) we know you are focused on classes, research, writing, studying, and learning, likely both in and outside of the classroom. These demands coupled with other life challenges and world events can add to existing, heightened stress levels. We want you to know that support is available. As Boilermakers, we care for each other and know that sometimes a simple check-in can make a difference.

If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed this time of the semester, know that you are not alone, and resources exist to help. Your physical and mental well-being is important to us, and a variety of resources are available to support your success at Purdue. 

• CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services continues to offer  same day or next day Services are brief in nature, and the services provided/recommended are dependent on need. There are no pre-defined session limits. Crisis services are available 24/7. Call 911 if your crisis is life threatening. After hours support is available by calling the Counseling Center main number, students will be redirected to speak with a licensed therapist. Call (765) 494-6995, then press 1.
• CARE: Center for Advocacy, Response & Education-CARE provides free and confidential advocacy services to students who have experienced interpersonal violence (e.g., sexual violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, and stalking). The goal is to provide non-judgmental and survivor-focused services to empower survivors to make informed decisions that help them heal.
• ODOS Student Support Services: Some students may not need to see a licensed clinician to feel better and/or supported. 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 center strives to keep you healthy and well. If it is right for you, consider getting a COVID booster and/or flu shot. 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, nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, a mindfulness space, financial literacy / Boiler Financial Track and in general 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 University sees every student as a person who can excel on their own path to achieve personal goals.
• TAO Therapy Assistance Online is a free, confidential well-being resource with self-guided resources including short videos, brief exercises, and self-reflection tools to help overcome anxiety, depression, social support, relaxation, problem solving, overcoming loneliness and other concerns. To enroll simply click on the link and log in using your Purdue credentials.
• 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.

We care about you and are here to help. Boiler Up! Hammer Down! Hail Purdue and each of you!

Katherine L. Sermersheim, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
Purdue University
Schleman Hall| Room 207
475 Stadium Mall Drive | West Lafayette, IN  47907
Phone:  765.494.1257| Email:   ksermer@purdue.edu
www.purdue.edu/odos