Daniels offers academic assistance to Saint Joseph's students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.— Purdue President Mitch Daniels reached out to Saint Joseph's College Friday evening after news broke of the college's temporary suspension of operations.

In a letter addressed to Saint Joseph's President Robert Pastoor and Provost Chad Pulver, Daniels said Purdue University stands ready to assist students in the completion of their degrees should Saint Joseph's trustees determine closure will be necessary.

"Specifically, we would offer concierge-level service to any student in good standing who wishes to apply to Purdue for transfer," Daniels said in the letter. "We think this would be best delivered by sending a team of Purdue admission, financial aid and academic advisor staff members to the Rensselaer campus for a day to meet individually with students prior to their application."

Daniels said this would enable Purdue's team to help students select a best-fit program of study for the most effective and efficient degree completion.

For students wishing to apply to Purdue, Daniels said the college will waive its $60 application fee for the affected students.

"In addition, we will work closely with the leadership in our academic units to provide flexibility for both admissions requirements and transfer credit toward the degree," Daniels said. "The team will remain available to work individually with students throughout the transfer process."

Daniels said although Purdue can and will provide flexibility with admission and some degree requirements, at the present Purdue can't guarantee on-campus housing for the 2017-18 school year.

"However, we have an outstanding program that assists new transfer students in securing off-campus housing."

He said several staff members in the Purdue office of admissions are graduates of Saint Joseph’s College and that they are outstanding counselors, adding that Purdue would ensure they be a part of a team that will be knowledgeable, reassuring and compassionate with Saint Joseph's students.

"Our thoughts are with the entire Saint Joseph’s College community during this challenging time," Daniels said. "Please know that we share your deep concern for your students and will assist them in every way possible."

Contact J&C families and education reporter Jillian Ellison at jeellison@jconline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JCellison_.