With representation from all states within the United States, as well as over 100 countries (as of Fall 2023), Purdue University is a microcosm of cultures, values and traditions. Having an environment like this allows our students to engage with students who are different from them, learn new ways of doing while sharing their own way and gain skills that will help make them effective global citizens. Within University Residences resides two programs that help in these efforts and allow on-campus students to connect, socialize and grow.  These organizations are University Residences Global (UR Global) and University Residences Multicultural Connections (URMC).  

Both UR Global and URMC share a focus on building a home away from home by connecting students to campus resources and one another as well as providing students with the opportunity to gain transferrable leadership skills by interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. URMC’s focus is programming and support for first-year domestic students from multicultural backgrounds living on-campus while UR Global’s focus is the same for first-year international students. The programming and support offered by each respective group is provided by a team of upperclassmen student leaders called peer educators (PEs). PEs meet regularly to organize events (at least 1-2 events per month) as well as to further their leadership development.  PEs are the ones that take ideas and make them a reality for students to participate in while also spending time at each event to engage with our newer students and offer guidance and support. 

UR Global and URMC’s efforts reside in offering opportunities to socialize, network and learn about the many offerings that University Residences and Purdue make available. As we are now at the midway point of the fall semester, several events that these programs have offered include: 

• Tabling at events such as the B-Involved Fair, Rainbow Callout, RHA Day, and Express Fest allowed the PEs to connect with brand-new students within their first two weeks of arriving at Purdue. 
• Callout meetings for new students to socialize, eat and learn more about each program.
• Trivia about music from all over the world.
• Movie night and showing international films such as Howl’s Moving Castle from Japan.
• Arts and crafts nights where students were able to paint canvas and tote bags.

The biggest event so far was taking 40 students to Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park in Indianapolis, where students got to participate in zip-lining and high ropes activities. For most of these students, this was their first time out of West Lafayette since arriving on campus. Additionally, this event challenged students in a variety of ways as some were conquering fears of heights while others came to the event not knowing other students and pushed themselves to hold conversations.  

With upcoming events such as a trip to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, an Amazing Race-style event that will have students getting better connected to Purdue’s cultural centers, an International Day of Dance event that highlights dances from around the world, and a Thanksgiving meal focused of international dishes, UR Global and URMC are continually creating opportunities for connection, growth and ease.  When coming to a new environment, it can be challenging and scary when trying to find your place. We hope these programs enable students to adapt quickly, be able to call Purdue their home and feel like essential pieces to the housing and campus communities. 

Written by Coree Burton, assistant director of multicultural education, University Residences