Each child must always be accompanied by an adult. One adult can bring two children, provided that all three attend the same class and stay together as a group. In some sessions, this will mean sharing equipment and working together as one unit. Participants registered in the same group will be placed in the same major and field trip.
While this program is designed for grandparents and grandchildren, we recognize that situations may arise where a grandparent is unable to attend. With the goal of strengthening bonds beyond child and parent, in these cases, another relative may accompany them to the program. The child’s parent or legal guardian is required to sign permission forms prior to the event.
Children must be 7–14 years old.
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, so each child would need at least one adult with them. To be placed in separate majors, you must register in separate groups.
No. Grandparents University is open to family, friends, and fans of the university.
The locations of several of our majors are within walking distance from the Purdue Memorial Union, which is where our main activities will take place. Buses will be available on a limited route for majors that require transportation. While these buses may not offer door-to-door service, they reduce the amount of walking. A campus map will be provided upon arrival.
More information coming soon.
Campus visitors can purchase a daily permit, which costs $5 per day. With a daily permit, unless restrictions are posted that indicate otherwise, visitors may park in any “A,” “B,” or “C” space—excluding the Grant Street and Harrison Street parking garages. Daily permit parking is valid Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit Purdue’s visitor parking page to purchase a daily permit and learn more about parking options around campus.
No. Frieda Parker Hall is less than a mile from Purdue Memorial Union, where most of the program will take place. The walk will take you through the heart of campus, so it will be a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Purdue!
Purdue University encourages programs and activities that enhance learning and stimulate creativity in youth. The success of these programs depends on careful planning that makes safety the highest priority. The Programs Involving Minors Policy (III.A.6) and its associated Operating Procedures for Programs Involving Minors reinforce the safety of minors by putting in place requirements for background checks, program registration, training, and other safeguards based on the type of program.
A $5 daily permit will allow visitors to utilize spaces that require an “A” permit and a disability license plate or official placard. Please visit Purdue’s parking website to purchase a daily permit and learn more about accessible parking options around campus.
We want to make sure our program is accessible to everyone. For that reason, there is space on the GPU registration form to list any accommodations you may need.
Registering early is key, so please be aware of registration dates and times. Some of the majors are limited in size due to availability of equipment or the venue. No guarantees can be made for any major.
Reminder: Participants registered in the same group will be placed in the same major and field trip. To be placed in separate majors, you must register in separate groups.
During the registration process, you will rank your major preferences from one to five, with one being your favorite. Major assignments will be sent to the primary registrant’s email on June 1, 2023. Personalized schedules with details will be sent out one week before the program.
You will receive an email on June 1, 2023, that includes both your major and field trip information.
If you didn’t receive your top choice, you can use this opportunity to build excitement about learning something new and unexpected with your grandchild! While the majors are a factor in choosing to participate in GPU, the entire program is a highly enjoyable experience.
The Grandparents University program makes every effort to contact and encourage participation from each college at Purdue. Due to prior commitments and space constraints, not all colleges can participate each year.
Do you have a request for a college or course? Let us know at specialevents@purdueforlife.org.
Grandparents University is only offered one time during the summer. The 2023 program will be held July 13–14.
Specific details will be sent to participants one week before the program.
Yes. We have secured a room block at the Union Club Hotel on campus as well as the Hilton Garden Inn. Please check out the Lodging page for room rates and hotel information.
Frieda Parker Hall was selected based on several important requirements, including availability, accessibility, and private bathrooms. It offers suite-style rooms that accommodate four people per suite.
No. If you have medicine or other health-related items that need to be refrigerated, please indicate this in the “special needs” section of your registration or notify us prior to arriving on campus. Special arrangements can be made if we receive advance notice.
Your GPU program fee includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner. Snacks will also be provided during breaks.
This year, all meals will be in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms, which are now operated by White Lodging. While we understand the excitement of eating in a dining court, due to more students taking summer courses, the volume in the dining courts has significantly increased. However, we promise the experience will not disappoint!
All allergies are taken very seriously and communicated with our culinary teams. If you or your grandchild has a food allergy, please make sure to indicate that during the registration process.
You must cancel your registration by Thursday, June 1, 2023, to receive a refund. (The $50 administrative fee is nonrefundable.) Many of the costs associated with GPU are incurred prior to the program. Please consider the cancellation date carefully when registering. In the event of a family emergency, special arrangements will be considered.
Substitutions are allowed if the substitute completes the necessary waivers and returns them to us—signed—at least 30 days prior to the program start date. Substitutes must be in the same age group of the person they are replacing.
The registration fee includes five meals, five and a half hours of class time, admission to evening activities, an event T-shirt, transportation around campus, and other program items. You may wish to bring money for vending machines and souvenirs.
Masks may be worn but are not required for participation in Grandparents University. Please be respectful of others’ decisions regarding masking. Visit the Protect Purdue website for campus COVID-19 updates.
Purdue University prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of any explosives, guns, or other deadly or dangerous materials or weapons reasonably calculated to cause bodily injury in university facilities.
No illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages are allowed during the GPU program. GPU staff members reserve the right to evict participants who are under the influence or prohibit them from participating in the GPU program.
Office of Special Events
Phone: 765-494-0900
Office of Special Events
Phone: 765-494-0900
