SEE Welcome Back Reception

Thursday, September 3; 5-7PM in STEW 214.  Join SEE students, faculty and staff to kick off Fall 2026. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages provided. Come and go as needed.  Please feel free to arrive whenever you would like (after 5PM fine) and stay for as long as you can. Dress is casual. See attached flyer for details.

SEE Job Tune Up Seminar by Ms. Whelton

Wednesday, September 9 at 4:30-6pm in POTR 234 (Fu Room).  Come and go as your schedule allows. See attached flyer.

Led by Ms. Meg Whelton.  As an environmental engineer who has worked in your field, she will give overall tips and advice in addition to answering your questions! This is a great preparation tool prior to Industrial Roundtable.  Sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students are welcome.  

SEE Company Night 

Monday, September 14 at 6-8:30pm in Howard Taylor Conference Rm of the Co-Rec.  See attached flyer.

Come engage with multiple company representatives that want to meet EEE students prior to Industrial Roundtable. 

Job Corner with Ms. Whelton, PE

This section is prepared for the newsletter by Ms. Margaret Whelton, PE.  She is the SEE Manager of Industrial Experience.  The responsibilities of this position include working with industry to secure internships, co-ops, and full-time job opportunities for students; developing real world senior design and research projects; and facilitating partnerships between industry and Environmental and Ecological Engineering. She has twelve years of experience as a practicing environmental engineer prior to becoming part of SEE.  She is a registered professional engineer in Indiana, Virginia, and Alabama. 

Purdue’s MGMT 48800 course via the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) provided data found that Purdue graduates had about $5,000 bump in their starting salary if they have had one or more internship or co-op experiences.  For Purdue engineering students, going to the CCO for help at least once during their college career increased their starting salary by $2,599. 

Campus Wide Company Events (including Career Fairs)

The beginning of the fall semester is the best time to find full time and internship opportunities.  There are several events that will help you prepare for Industrial Roundtable or IR (Sept 15^th and 16^th in person & 17^th virtual) and the Civil Engineering Career Fair (Oct 15^th in person). The CE Career Fair already has their information sessions penciled in the night of October 14^th.    For IR, the prep, night and seminars are posted here.  There isn’t specific information on the IR Seminars on Sept 17^th (virtual) and 14^th (in person).  Virtual sessions will be held in Simplicity*.

Another great I recommend you check out and attend if applicable is the “Day with Industry”.  It is sponsored by minority engineering organizations on campus (such as SWE, MAES, NSBE, SASE, AISES, SHPE).  You can attend if you’re a member of one of the sponsoring organizations, but will have to pay $10.00.  It is a great way to get more exposure from some big name companies with long lines at IR.  See the Simplicity* app for details on who is attending.  Look for the “Fall 2026 Day with Industry” event.  Remember, anyone that makes something has a need for EEEs as there are at least environmental regulations that they need to follow!  This event used to be a chance to practice your elevator pitch and get resume advice, it has now become a career fair. 

Simplicity App (New—please read!)

For all experiential learning systems at Purdue we are switching to a new system.  Not all the systems are online at this point.   The system is Purdue Gateway using Simplicity.  Career fairs that used CareerFairPlus (as an app) will now use Simplicity. I highly suggest you download and request access as soon as possible.  Approval is required for access to the Purdue events—it took me 2 days.  This is prior to a large influx of Purdue students downloading Simplicity for the IR events, so please do this soon.  You’ll look for “Purdue University Gateway” in the app and then go through the process of requesting approval within the app. 

CCO Services & Events

The CCO has resources that can help you in the job search. They can review your resume, give a mock interview, and offer workshops to aid you in the process of looking for employment.  They also have information sessions and the “days” (Lily Day and CAT day) listed that are scheduled through CCO.  Check here for all CCO related events on campus: https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Calendar      With the new system, it can be helpful to filter your search.  It appears “company hosted events” house company info sessions.  There are also some under the “info session” tag, but they don’t seem to overlap. 

Companies are starting to “visit” Purdue to start looking for potential employees. I say visit because it seems many are still doing virtual information sessions, some of which may you have to RSVP for (see CCO calendar link above) ahead of time.   If you are really interested in a company, it is a good idea to attend their information session-this is how companies determine that you are “really interested” in working for them.

SEE Ambassador Application - Due 9/8/26

SEE Computer Lab in POTR 360

The SEE Computer Lab is available for all EEE students and is located in POTR 360; next door to the SEE Main Office. See attached agreement for student conduct and use protocols.  

**Key Pad Entry Code** – 776286; translates to PROCTO (Prof. Caitlin Proctor)

SEE maintains this computer center for academic & social activities. Its use is a privilege reserved for SEE students and those enrolled in EEE courses to work, study, and access dedicated SEE computers. There are 6 desktop computers with internet access and a printer/scanner. The room contains additional tables, chairs, and whiteboards.

Hand sanitizer has been placed by each computer station.

Be respectful to others and the property.  Always log off of computers before leaving the room.  Do not lock a computer for later use.  Do not move or alter any of the computer systems.

If you wish to place items on the wall, ask in the SEE Office for appropriate tacky putty.  (No tape or staples.)

Use discretion when determining if to print and how many copies to print.

Please report any room or equipment issues to SEE@purdue.edu.

SEEE - Callout for Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers

The SEEE callout will be September 9 at 6-7PM in WALC B058. Flyer attached.   

Faculty Mentor Change Request Form – Due 9/8/26

Upper-class students who wish to change their Faculty Mentor should download and complete the Faculty Mentor Change Request Form.  Deadline is Tuesday, September 8 by 9AM. No action is needed from students who are new to the EEE degree program this semester. Assignments for new students will be made by the SEE UG office and announced to you later this fall.

How to Schedule an Appointment with Your Advisor

Engineering students can access the Environmental and Ecological Engineering appointment calendar via BoilerConnect. There are In Person and Virtual appointments, depending on the time and day.

There are training resources available to students in BoilerConnect on the login page. Click ‘Information For Students - Learn More.’  Then look for 'Student Self-Help Guides.' Advisors and service offices across campus use BoilerConnect for making appointments, so these instructions are generalized. 

Student Self-Help Guides:

• How to Access BoilerConnect Student (App and Desktop)
• How to Schedule an Appointment in BoilerConnect Student (App)
• How to Respond to an Appointment Request (App)
• How to Cancel and Reschedule an Appointment
• Appointments in BoilerConnect Student (Desktop)

Fall 2026 Research Credit Opportunity: Various Projects Available in Urban Matters Lab

Dr. Ashima Krishna, Associate Professor of Engineering Practice in SEE, is seeking students interested in earning 1-2 research credits (work load of 4-6 hours per week) during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, earned via enrollment in EEE 49800 and/or EEE 59800 on topics related to urban heritage, cultural heritage, architecture, urban planning, and/or historic preservation. Students will be working as part of Urban Matters Lab, directed by Dr. Krishna. Visit the lab website https://urbanmatterslab.com/ under "Projects" to see current community-engaged and service learning projects being undertaken by Purdue students with local community partners. Additionally, in Fall 2026 we also have a new project in collaboration with the US Department of State's Africa Office titled "Cataloging Connections: Documenting Algerian Cultural Property in U.S. Holdings". No prior experience necessary for any of these projects. If you are interested in expanding your research skills and building an interdisciplinary approach to creating a more sustainable world around us, please email Dr. Krishna (krish191@purdue.edu) with an expression of interest.

How to Get Undergraduate Research Experience in SEE

Interested in pursuing research with SEE faculty? Students are welcome to reach out to individual faculty that they feel best matches with their interests. Learn more and find instructions on how to approach your search at https://engineering.purdue.edu/EEE/Academics/CurrentStudents/UndergraduateResearchEEE.

Lilly Purdue Innovation Institute - Callout

This opportunity offers students a chance to learn, network, gain experience, explore careers, etc. See the attached flyer for details.

Program/Event Details

Date: August 28^th OR 31^st.

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: MRGN Cafe 

Registration/Information: Register by 8/27 LPII Callout Registration

Wabash Sampling Blitz by WREC

See this flyer advertising the fall Wabash Sampling Blitz; the volunteer citizen science event to sample streams feeding the Wabash River.  The event crosses two days, and volunteers can sample at the time that is most convenient to them during those two days.  The dates are Sept 18 and 19.

See website with more info and to registration: http://www.wabashriver.net/wabash-sampling-blitz/

WREC Job Opportunities

WREC has a few invasive plant field positions available.  One is only for current students that qualify for Federal Work Study, and the other would be great for alums that are planning to go back to grad school in 2027 or later.  Here are a few details about each position:

AmeriCorps conservation member - flyer

• Great for alumni that plan to go back to school
• Hired through West Lafayette Parks Dept, but will report directly to me at WREC
• Term is September 2026 – August 2027, full time
• Benefits include up to $25,000 living allowance; $7,395 that can be used towards education; free gym membership; free health clinic; student loan deferment; health insurance
• Primary duties are cutting and treating invasive plants such as honeysuckle, tree of heaven, and wintercreeper; herbicide application; and recording land management progress
• WREC will pay for herbicide technician certification

Federal Work Study Invasive Plant Tech - flyer

• Hired through WREC but paid by Purdue, must be a current student
• Must qualify for federal work study on their financial aid package.  They can check this on their MyPurdue account.
• Term is fall and spring semester,  approximately 5 hours a week, very flexible scheduling
• Wage is $19/hour
• Primary duties are cutting and treating invasive plants such as honeysuckle, tree of heaven, and wintercreeper; herbicide application
• WREC will pay for herbicide technician certification

Both of these positions are listed on the WREC website:  https://wabashriver.net/jobs/

Switch Global Competition - How would you Power a Nation?

Team registration opens Monday, August 17th for the 2026 Switch Global Competition! The Switch Global Competition is the flagship higher education program of Switch Energy Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to energy education. University teams around the world build a real energy access plan for a real country, applying technical, economic, and policy thinking to one of the defining challenges of our time: energy poverty. Last year, 295 teams from 27 countries competed.

What students get out of it:
- A substantial, portfolio-ready analytical project with real-world stakes
- An integrated learning series of six expert-led webinars, live and on demand
- Mentorship from energy industry professionals
- A shot at a share of the $50,000 prize pool, with live finals on December 5
- Zero cost: the competition is completely free, and open to undergraduate and graduate students of every discipline

Ways you can learn more:

Attached Flyer & Guide

https://4080fl.share-na2.hsforms.com/24CKOuRobRUCbKku0a6KvOw

Live info sessions - 4 identical one-hour sessions on Zoom covering the format, key dates, and how to compete:

- Monday, Aug 31: 14:30 UTC / 9:30 AM CT
- Wednesday, Sep 2: 15:00 UTC / 10:00 AM CT
- Wednesday, Sep 9: 14:15 UTC / 9:15 AM CT
Students register here, and the page converts times to their time zone:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t4YVkUlaQf-Tj36H1b2scw#/registration

Plan to Teach Someday?

STEM students who are interested in adding a teaching certificate to their Purdue degree can complete the SPRINT program through the College of Science. This program requires nine classroom credits and a clinical teaching experience that may be met through a variety of teaching options including TA experiences. Please explore the Purdue SPRINT program website if you have an interest in adding teaching to your career aspirations.  Still have questions? Contact scienceadvising@purdue.edu.

Study Abroad Fair

September 2 from 10am-2pm in PMU South Ballroom.  See attached guide and map. Visit to learn about Purdue Study Abroad program options.  

SEE Study Abroad

Interested in studying abroad? Here are the steps you should take: 

Attend the Purdue Study Abroad Fair on September 2 from 10am-2pm in PMU, South Ballroom

Review the recently updated and renamed Purdue Study Abroad On-Demand Advising Hub. Students can find videos to help get started in the study abroad process and tips on preparing for study abroad.

Meet with the Purdue Study Abroad office FIRST!  See how you can connect with them at https://www.purdue.edu/gpp/sa/about/appointment.html

Visit the Engineering Study Abroad Course Equivalency Database

Read the Studying Abroad in SEE page.  This includes a link to the EEE Qualtrics info survey. 

Complete the EEE Qualtrics info survey – it is required before meeting with your EEE advisor or EEE liaison.  It was created to guide students through the basic study abroad resources prior to meeting with their advisor, with the hope that it helps students to be more aware of existing resources and empowers them long-term on how to find appropriate help. In addition, follow up meetings with the EEE advisor can now be less focused on the basics and more productive focusing on real needs and questions.

AFTER you’ve completed the survey, you can make an appt with Tammi or Maeve if you’d like to discuss how to optimize your plan of study to incorporate abroad courses.

Engineering CARES Hub

The Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) Hub is open. The mission of the CARES Hub is to build Boilermaker engineers by developing awareness, well-being and community for students through outreach, direct access to mental health resources and community-building programs designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to be thriving students and thriving future engineers. Find more info on the CARES webpage.  CARES check in and chat for this fall semester is attached here.

Engineering Academic Support - Resource Webpage

Did you know the College of Engineering has a webpage dedicated to listing academic resources for classes, such as Supplemental Instruction, resource rooms, and how to find a free tutor for some key engineering classes? Free tutoring is available for some CCE and ME courses. Tutoring sessions are scheduled through BoilerConnect, choose Polytech Engineering Tutoring appointment type to schedule. Visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/InfoFor/CurrentStudents/index_html to see what else is available to you to help.

Engineering Success Center

Free Tutoring at the Engineering Success Center!  Let our ESC Peer Tutors help you prepare for your upcoming exams! Visit our website (https://engineering.purdue.edu/StudentSuccess/engineering-success-center) to view the full tutor schedule and bookings page.  You may walk in or schedule your tutor session in advance.  The Engineering Success Center (ESC) is an official student support resource for the College of Engineering, and is a transformative space where engineering students are empowered to take ownership of their educational journey. At its core, the ESC seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between faculty learning expectations and student performance by fostering a culture of learning and collaboration through peer-to-peer engagement, academic networking and meaningful faculty-student interactions.

Engineering Success Center accepting applications for Tutors - The ESC is now accepting applications for tutors to join our team for the Fall 2026 semester. Students must have successfully passed the course(s) for which they will tutor with a grade of B or better and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. This is a paid position with a tutor training requirement and a minimum commitment of 6 hours per week of active tutoring. Further details are outlined within the application.

Additional Information: We are specifically looking for tutors who can tutor FYE courses and at least one additional 200- and 300–level engineering major course listed in the tutor application for a minimum of two courses (max. three courses).

Click here to apply: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEeZ3ikIwfJydn0

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The ASC offers a collection of services and programs designed to help students be successful in the classroom. Be proactive and review available resources now. Don’t wait till things get difficult to manage.  See ASC’s offerings at https://www.purdue.edu/asc/. 

Upcoming Events:

Maximize Your Time Workshop – Tuesday, September 1^st 5:30-6:30 PM at the ASC (Wiley C215): This workshop is focused on helping students find time management strategies that work for them. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Students can register here. See flyer.

ASC Pop-By Event – Wednesday, September 2^nd 2:00-4:00 PM at the ASC (Wiley C215): This is an open-house event for students and staff to “pop by” the ASC to learn more about our services and receive pop-themed snacks (popcorn, soda, popsicles, & more)! See the attached flyer and encourage students to attend. See flyer.

Programs and Services:

1. Accountability Groups – We are offering 14 Accountability Groups this semester. Students can view group times and join here. These groups provide students with consistent, dedicated study time, peer connection, and support, and academic skill development. Groups start Week 3 of the semester.
2. Peer Success Coaching - Our Peer Success Coach request form is open for the fall semester. Our Peer Success Coaches serve as a point person for students as they navigate life at Purdue. Coaches function as guides, listeners, and motivational partners. If you have a student could benefit from this program, encourage them to attend PSC Drop-in Hours or submit a request form here.
3. Study Skills Consultations - We will continue to offer Study Skills Consultations for undergraduate students. These are individual meetings (in-person or virtual) with a professional staff member to discuss academic skills and strategies related to time management, studying, exam prep, etc. Students can schedule an appointment using BoilerConnect, and you can refer students to consultations by creating an Alert in BoilerConnect.
4. Supplemental Instruction - The Supplemental Instruction (SI) session and office hour schedule is live on our website. Sessions take place across a variety of times and locations. Students enrolled in a SI linked course will also have a course titled Fall 2026 Supplemental Instruction on their Brightspace. This course will indicate session times, locations, leaders, and any changes made throughout the semester. We encourage students to attend early and often!
5. Workshops - In addition to the workshops listed above, we’ll be hosting a variety of interactive, 50-minute workshops throughout the semester. See the full workshop schedule and registration links here. Campus partners, instructors, and organizations are also able to request a workshop here.

QUESTIONS? For more specific information about each service, be sure to check out their homepages, or Email academicsuccess@purdue.edu, call 765-494-4700, or visit Wiley C215.

Purdue OWL

The Purdue OWL serves the on-campus Purdue community of students and faculty. Schedule an in-person, online, or e-tutoring session with one of their tutors or check out one of their writing workshops! Attached are flyers for Group Programs, Individual Consultation, and the Writer's Room.

Professional Licensure & FE Exam: What is it? When to take it? How to prepare?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is typically the first step in the process leading to the P.E. license. It is designed for students close to finishing their engineering degree or recent graduates. The FE is a computer-based exam that is administered year-round at NCEES (National Council of Examiners for engineering and Surveying) approved Pearson VUE test centers. FYI – Purdue has an approved test site.  The FE contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long, which includes a nondisclosure agreement, tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), and a brief survey.

What is professional licensure all about and why is it important?  Learn more at https://www.nspe.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/GR/2017handouts/2017%20-%20What%20is%20a%20PE%20document.pdf

The SEE website has an information and resource page - click here. This page highlights NCEES, the Environmental Exam, links to various sites to register for the FE, what study sessions are offered on campus (not all apply to EEE, though), how to purchase study guides, and other resources to consider.

SEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program for EEE Seniors

The SEE FE Exam Reimbursement Program is meant to encourage and support EEE students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam during their time at Purdue. It offers 100% reimbursement with a passing score and 50% reimbursement for a failing score on the FE. Once the student takes the FE, they are to provide proof of their test date and score along with an itemized receipt to Dr. Robinson. The deadline for a reimbursement request is the last day of the month in which the student graduates. Only one reimbursement per student will be allowed.

FE Environmental Engineering Review Manual

The SEE Undergraduate office has this manual available for check out - all 754 pages! The manual includes sample questions for each test section of the exam, and step by step solutions are provided. Seniors are welcome to this manual for loan for a 72hr period to review and study. See Tammi Thayer to check out the manual.

Civics Literacy Requirement 

Purdue University has a civics literacy graduation requirement for all undergraduates.  If you have not completed the requirements yet, then now may be a good time to get started. To see details and various resources click here. Questions may be directed to CivicsLiteracy@purdue.edu.

Make the Most of College: Gallup-Purdue Index

Purdue has so much to offer!  Wondering how to prioritize what will make the most impact on your future?  The Gallup-Purdue Index (GPI) was formed from a survey of more than 30,000 U.S. college graduates.  

Refer to the Student Guide to Creating a Successful College Experience:  This guide was designed to help college students get the most out of the college experience based on the GPI results.

Foreign Language Placement Testing 

The Language department offers a fully-online SLC Language Placement Test. For details you can visit their page here. Once at the page, students will be able to download a manual with step-by-step instructions. The test is up and running continuously. It may take a few business days for tests to be reviewed and placement results to be validated.   The official name of the test has been changed from “Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT)” to “SLC Language Placement Test (SLCLPT)”. Questions about placement test related issues can be sent to: slcplace@purdue.edu.

Safety: All Hazards Training

View Key Emergency Preparedness Resources at Emergency Preparedness website. All-Hazards Awareness Training is offered to the Purdue community through in-person sessions and online. This training provides reminders on what constitutes an all-hazards emergency event and how faculty, staff and students in the classroom or elsewhere on campus should react in such a situation. Emergency preparedness officials explain how the campus community receives emergency notifications through the multi-layered Purdue Alert system, what "shelter in place" means and how to respond when they see the phrase in alerts sent out; evacuation procedures; what they can do to prepare; and available tools and resources.  Take the online All-Hazards Awareness Training.

Did you miss a previous newsletter? Click here.