Resources and FAQ
We know you have questions.
Below, you’ll find answers to our most common questions and links to outstanding resources on campus.
Q: What if I can’t make it to one of the information sessions?
A: We are happy to connect with you. Please send your questions to: elscholars@purdue.edu
Q: Do I have to participate in the Summer Scholars portion of the program?
A: Yes. It’s essential that you invest yourself fully right at the start. A core component of the Emerging Leaders Scholars program is the support each scholar draws from — and offers to — this elite community. We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis, please email us with your questions.
Q: Will I miss any important information presented at one information session if I plan to attend the other?
A: No; the presentations will contain the same information.
Q: Will I still receive my award during my study abroad experience, and will it be waiting for me when I return?
A: Absolutely, on both counts.
Q: How can I make sure I maintain full compliance with the requirements of this award?
A: The official requirements for maintaining this award throughout your four years are:
- Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA,
- Attend the Summer Scholars experience,
- Continuous full-time enrollment each semester (minimum of 12 credit hours), excluding summer,
- Continue to pursue first undergraduate degree,
- Fully participate in the Boiler Mentor peer mentoring program throughout your first year, and
- Participate in high-impact summer activities like undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, or summer courses.
You will have up to four years (eight semesters) of eligibility while pursuing your first undergraduate degree.
Q: What is the difference between the Emerging Leaders Scholarship versus Emerging Leaders Scholars Program?
A: Emerging Leaders Scholars Program is a comprehensive four-year experience designed to maximize student potential for recipients of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The “Scholars” participation criteria include: participation in Early Start during their first summer on campus and engagement in a high-impact educational experience each successive summer. These activities include academic coursework, study abroad, research, internships, and service learning.
Q: Will a student lose their Emerging Leaders Scholarship if they chose not to complete the components of the Emerging Leaders Scholars program?
A: No, students will receive their base scholarship, provided they meet the criteria listed below, with no other benefits or support.
Scholarship criteria: Maintain a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment for 8 consecutive semesters. (https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/manage/renew/). If a student’s GPA drops below 3.0, the student will be notified of the potential loss of scholarship. In the event of a lost scholarship, an opportunity to appeal may be provided. Student GPAs will also be recalculated at the end of summer.
Q: Can a student change their major prior to accepting their offer of admission and retain their scholarship?
A: A student can request to change their admitted major and retain the base value of the award. They may forfeit additional resources provided specifically by their admitted college if they switch to a different college. Please contact the Office of Admissions for further information. Additional questions and concerns can be directed to elscholars@purdue.edu.
Q: Can students be both Emerging Leaders Scholars and Honors students?
A: Yes, students are permitted to participate in both the Emerging Leaders Scholars Program and Honors. Students in Honors will receive all Emerging Leaders Scholars Program benefits except in cases when the Honors College provides the same benefits.
All Emerging Leaders Scholars will enter the summer as a cohort and will reside together in Harrison Hall as the priority residence hall, pending availability. In the fall, students can elect to live in the same residence hall or, if they have accepted their Honors offer, in the Honors College. Students will need to switch to Early Start and should sign the 2023 Summer Plus Housing Contract no later than the April deadline.
EARLY START
Q: Are students required to attend Early Start?
A: Yes. Exception requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis by contacting elscholars@purdue.edu. Emerging Leaders Scholars who are in BOP will attend the BOP summer program. Emerging Leaders Scholars who are in Engineering will attend the MEP Engineering Academic Boot Camp. However, all Emerging Leaders Scholars will be in the Emerging Leaders Scholars Learning Community.
Q: What is the cost to attend Early Start?
A: No cost. Students will receive an Early Start scholarship that covers tuition, fees, room, and board.
Q: What are the dates of the Summer Scholars Program as part of Early Start?
A: Students should save July 7 and 8 for move-in. Orientation will run from Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9. Classes will run until Friday, August 12.
Q: How have prior students performed during Early Start?
A: Emerging Leaders Scholars earned an average GPA of 3.83 last summer, which is ~.75 points higher than the campus average.
Q: What did students think about attending Early Start?
A: 99% of summer 2020 participants would recommend the program to a friend.
Q: What type of activities occur during Early Start?
A: Emerging Leaders Scholars complete up to 9 credit hours alongside extracurricular programming designed to connect students to campus and form a cohort. All Emerging Leaders complete HONR 12000: Intro to Research. While they are working hard in their courses, Emerging Leaders Scholars have a lot of fun participating in events meant to help them build community, find a strong sense of belonging, and ease their transition to Purdue.
Q: How do students switch to Early Start?
A: After students accept their offer of admission, they should wait 48 hours before entering the application portal. Students should then select the Reply Forms tab and complete the Early Start form and follow all next steps indicated by the Early Start process such as completing a Summer Plus Housing Contract.
For any additional questions about Early Start, contact the Division of Summer Session at thinksummer@purdue.edu or by texting (765) 201-0292.
If you didn’t find what you need here, please reach out to:
DaZah Toler
Emerging Leaders Scholar Progam Coordinator, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Resources for the undergraduate
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging keeps an up-to-date list of resources for students and faculty. Find useful undergraduate resources from religious organizations to cultural centers, the Veterans Success Center to the Disability Resource Center, health care to the Co-Rec and everything in between.
