Student Community
At WPI we’re dedicated to maintaining a diverse, vibrant, and welcoming community for all students. Our medium-size campus community is large enough to include representation from many cultures and offer a wide range of activities, but small enough for you to be treated as an individual and make impacts in the ways that matter to you.
Several inclusive spaces are located throughout campus, including gender-inclusive restrooms, nursing rooms, and the OASIS House, WPI’s designated community safe space. In addition to a wealth of LGBTQIA+ resources, students, faculty, and staff may also choose to have their preferred names featured on their ID cards, and are encouraged to include preferred pronouns on office signs or in email signatures.
Programming and Organizations
There are many opportunities on campus for students to connect with others who share their interests and experiences, celebrate culture and identity, give voice to a student body, and raise awareness. A sampling of events include as Black History Month, National LGBTQIA+ Pride Dinner, Women’s HERstory Month and the International Dinner.
Some active social groups include the Alliance, the Black Student Union, Japanese Culture Club, Active Minds, and the Gender Equality Club. Some active professional organizations include the Muslim Student Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the International Student Council, the Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers. Our goal is to maintain a campus community where members feel an authentic sense of belonging.
Resources for High School Students
We created a college checklist just for you! Follow these tips to ensure your path to success.
- College Application Timeline – what to do, and when, to prepare for college
- Tips for writing your college essay
- Research scholarships
- College interview tips
Safe Spaces
Safe spaces are an invaluable part of WPI’s campus, and serve all members of the campus community as a location to discuss topics such as sexuality, racism, sexism, social justice, disabilities, religion, and spirituality. The OASIS Cultural Center is the designated safe space on campus, with the International Student and Scholars Office, Collegiate Religious Center, Gordon Library, and Office of Accessibility Services available for added support.
Global Projects for All
WPI’s Global Project Program is an invaluable experience for students. Each incoming undergraduate student receives a one-time Global Scholarship of up to $5,000 to complete a project at one of WPI’s 50+ project centers across six continents. This scholarship will cover all, or the vast majority, of expenses needed to complete a project abroad.
Women in STEM
WPI is dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality in the STEM fields. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives, skills, problem-solving abilities, and we strive to enhance the quality of student life through a welcoming, supportive environment in and out of the classroom with a range of topics, from professional development and leadership workshops to seminars on nutrition, fitness, and work-life balance.
International Students
As home to the Office of International Students and Scholars, the International Student and Scholars Office at 28 Trowbridge Road offers advice, guidance, and a welcoming space for international students at WPI. With extensive knowledge of essential services and issues of concern to international students, the team here supports the academic, professional, and personal growth of students while ensuring a smooth transition at WPI.
Connections Program
Since 1993, the Connections Program supports underrepresented students of color and first-generation students in their transition from high school to college. This pre-orientation program, to which eligible students are invited after enrolling at WPI, offers comprehensive support systems designed to increase access to educational, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- Kelly B.
- Rita B.
- Sean H.
- Virginia N.