Prospective Students

We will post a comprehensive information guide for prospective students here soon!

Navigating through a new environment, new campus, and new academic pursuits can be challenging. To alleviate the transition into graduate school, each new student to the department is paired with an older student who shares similar research interests and background through the mentor-mentee program. The goal of this program is to ensure each student receives a one-on-one opportunity to ask questions specifically about the research and faculty they are interested in, establish connections to researchers, and to find new friends through the various activities and socials we offer.

The GSO is committed to fostering a community for new first-year doctoral students. To achieve this goal, first year representatives organize events that create opportunities for networking of friends and colleagues that lasts beyond the years at Purdue!

First-Year Picnic

Every year, during orientation week, the GSO organizes a picnic to welcome the newly arrived students to the Purdue family. The event allows the new students to meet each other as well as faculty and current students. All food and refreshment are provided by the GSO. Lawn games typically follow the delicious meal!

Ice Cream Social 

Students are invited for a study break to sweeten the first semester blues with ice cream! Upper year students are also invited to foster network building within the department, as well as provide extra perspectives of graduate school and mentorship to the first year students.

Game Nights 

Board and video game nights occur throughout the semester. Pizza and other goodies are provided. 

Student-Faculty Mixers

First year students are invited to enjoy an evening beyond Purdue campus. The students and faculty are invited for a social mixer in a local restaurant. All expenses are covered by the GSO. Previous locations include Nami’s Bar and Grill and Bistro 501. 

Exam Treats

Exams are often the most stressful part of the first semester. During these especially difficult periods of the semester, GSO strives to alleviate the stress by providing baked and other sweet treats to students. Happy studying to all!

Postcards

During the unprecedented pandemic, the GSO worked diligently to foster community within the international student body. We sent postcards signed by volunteers in our department as well as little gifts. Throughout the difficult remote semester, we organized multiple online opportunities including virtual game nights for students to interact.