Parents, Teachers, and Counselors
At Purdue Fort Wayne, we strive to provide fun and enriching experiences for our youth. We value the support of parents, guardians, teachers, and counselors and acknowledge the role you play in the educational life cycle of students.
We hope you will take the time to explore our youth programs and find one that fits the needs and interests of your children or students. For information or questions about specific programs, please reach out to the program director. They will also provide you with a registration link to their specific program/camp/event. If you are not sure who to contact, reach out to Mary Encabo Bischoff, director of youth programs, or [email protected].
If you would like to partner with an existing program or propose a new partnership between your school/program and Purdue Fort Wayne, please contact Mary Encabo Bischoff, director of youth programs. We would love to collaborate and explore ways we might serve more students and families.
Youth Safety
At Purdue Fort Wayne, we take youth protection seriously. Our program teams work to ensure that your child/children have a safe and positive experience on our campus. To help us ensure that everyone is safe, as a parent/guardian please make sure that you know the following information:
1. Know the names and contact information of the program directors for your child's youth program.
Every program should have a direct point of contact. If you have questions, concerns, or need information about the specific youth program that you signed up for, please contact the program director(s) directly. Please know this information before the program begins. Save this information on your phone or wherever you keep important contacts. If you cannot get in touch with the program director, contact Mary Encabo Bischoff or Lisa Zerkle or our office email: [email protected].
2. Check your email and the program handbook for important information (e.g. location of the program, daily schedules, dress code, expectations...)
Please make sure you know exactly where to drop off and pick up your child. If there are changes to the time and location of the program, your program director is expected to communicate that information to you. Do not hesitate to ask your program director for a tour of campus.
- Campus map: download here
- Parking information
- Campus police: 260-481-6827 or [email protected]
- Safety tips on campus
- Call 911 if you have an emergency.
3. Disability and Accommodations
If your child has a disability and needs accommodations in order to participate in the program, please inform the program director of the forms of reasonable accommodations that are needed before you register for a program. Asking the program director about accommodations prior to the start of the program will also help you and your child know which program is a good fit for your child's needs.
4. Reporting Abuse
Anyone age 18 or older is required by Indiana law to report any suspected or witnessed abuse or neglect of a minor.
- Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556
- If all lines are busy, please call 1-833-800-5556.
Suspected or witnessed abuse or neglect of a minor must be reported even if the alleged perpetrator is also a minor.
Suspected or witnessed child abuse that occurs in conjunction with a Purdue University program or activity should also be reported to the program or activity director. Anonymous reports can be made to the University's Whistleblower Hotline website or by calling 866-818-2620. The person making the report must also report the information to the police or child protective services in order to fulfill their obligation under Indiana law.