Achieving Together

The Student Success Team and You

A member of the WPI Student Success and a graduate student have a conversation at a table with a laptop present

1:1 Support to Help You Through Grad School

At WPI, our Student Success Team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your entire academic journey, from matriculation to graduation. Our proactive approach ensures you have a dedicated resource to assist with any questions or personal issues that arise. We offer regular check-ins each semester, providing an outlet for concerns and connecting you with the right resources to save you time and reduce stress.  

Unlike many other institutions, WPI provides the Student Success Team as a consistent liaison between you and various departments, ensuring that you receive accurate and timely information. We pride ourselves on being "conductors" of your education, orchestrating the necessary support and interventions without stepping into the role of academic advisors. We routinely monitor your progress and can help identify potential issues, maintaining a supportive environment for your success.  

With WPI’s Student Success Team, you have a dedicated partner from start to finish, committed to helping you navigate and thrive as a grad student at WPI. 

Contact Us

Email: studentsuccessteam@wpi.edu

Office Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
Summer Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Location:
Gateway Park I 
60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Who We Are

Meet Your Student Success Team 

Our dedicated staff specializes in specific programs, ensuring you receive personalized support tailored to your field of study. 

Greg Cesar
Greg Cesar
Senior Associate Director, Graduate Studies, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

As Senior Associate Director,  my role is to drive overall student success alongside the Graduate Studies Student Success team.  Overseeing the student lifecycle from matriculation through graduation, my role is to enhance the collaborative efforts between Graduate Studies and our academic and administrative departments, with the end goal being a positive student experience. I also work closely with students to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for their program. Here is a list of programs that I support: https://www.wpi.edu/academics/graduate/meet-the-team/student-success-manager

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Kira Clary
Kira Clary
Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Once you begin your journey, your Student Success Manager will remain with you throughout the duration of your program and work closely with you to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for your program. Kira works with the following programs: Business Analytics, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Power Systems Engineering. 

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Elizabeth Giangrande
Elizabeth Giangrande
Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Once you begin your journey, your Student Success Manager will remain with you throughout the duration of your program and work closely with you to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for your program. Elizabeth works with the following programs: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computational Media, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Interactive Media & Game Design, Interactive Media & Game Development, Learning Sciences & Technology, Management, Marketing & Innovation, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Physics for Educators, Science & Technology for Innovation in Global Development and Supply Chain Management. 

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Lori Kendall-Taylor
Lori Kendall-Taylor
Senior Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Once you begin your journey, your Student Success Manager will remain with you throughout the duration of your program and work closely with you to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for your program. Lori works with the following programs: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Robotics Engineering.

In addition, Lori is an Academic Life Coach for masters and PhD students in all programs helping them to set goals, plan action steps, and make habitual changes.

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Jane Lesniewski
Jane Lesniewski
Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Jane is the Student Success Manager for first and second year PH.D. students.  In this role, Jane supports students on their academic path with helpful information and connection to resources.  She is passionate about helping students achieve their goals.  Jane earned a B.A. from the College of Wooster and an M.A. from Boston College.  

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Cam Rouleau
Cam Rouleau
Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Once you begin your journey, your Student Success Manager will remain with you throughout the duration of your program and work closely with you to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for your program. Cam works with the following programs: Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Materials Science & Engineering.

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Meghan Sweeney
Meghan Sweeney
Assistant Director, Student Success, Graduate & Professional Studies
Bio

Once you begin your journey, your Student Success Manager will remain with you throughout the duration of your program and work closely with you to ensure you are provided with all the information and tools needed for your program. Meghan works with the following programs: Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, and Operations and Supply Chain Analytics. 

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Our Impact

What Our Students Have to Say 

Hear from real students about how the Student Success Team made a difference at WPI. 

Great at communication via emails. Responds so fast with the answer or with an update about finding someone else who has the answer. I really appreciate that.
My success manager helps me out with any doubts regarding the administrative aspects of being a student (filling forms, finding who to talk to, etc.)
My student success manager serves as a crucial bridge between me and the various academic departments. They assist me in accessing resources, connecting with faculty advisors, and navigating the administrative processes within each department. Their support greatly enhances my ability to navigate the complexities of the academic landscape at WPI.
Fantastic at answering questions and addressing all my concerns relating to picking classes and degree requirements and making sure everything is going well overall.
Very responsive and was incredibly helpful to me during some difficulties I had last year. Because of her compassion, I was able to rearrange my schedule and plans. It would have been a lot harder to complete this program without her.
Preview

A WPI Graduate student wearing a backpack speaks to a Student Success manager dressed in a tie and jacket

Our Mission 

Support for All Your Academic and Personal Needs

At WPI, we believe in personalized education. The Student Success Team (SST) is dedicated to providing individualized support to each student, ensuring their unique needs and goals are met throughout their academic journey.

What the team provides and can help with: 
  • 1:1 support   
  • Understanding programs and degree requirements   
  • Registration and course support   
  • Degree changes   
  • BS/MS forms   
  • Addressing student concerns   
  • Student onboarding  
  • Leave-of-absence assistance   
  • Transfer credit assistance  
  • ...And more!  
Why this team makes a difference: 

Navigating graduate school can be tough for anyone. It’s a much more self-guided journey compared to undergrad. The Student Success Team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of graduate school, serving as a crucial bridge between you and various academic departments. We make it easy to manage the 'administrative stuff' so you can stay focused on your coursework and research.

How is Student Success different from academic coaching/advising? 

The role of the Student Success Manager is to support students throughout their journey at WPI in a way that complements the academic advising they receive in their departments. While academic advisors focus on your academic progression and course selections, Student Success Managers help you by providing quick answers to your questions, helping you overcome obstacles, and showing you how to access important services offered by the university. They are not advisors but conductors for your education, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to succeed. 

What We Do

Your Personal Liaison 

Your Student Success Team member has connections with every department across the university. Whether you have a question about billing, need assistance getting a parking permit, or want advice on showcasing your thesis, your team member is here to support you every step of the way! 

Our Promise

Proactive in Outreach 

How It Works

Your Student Success Team member will reach out several times a semester and check on your progress behind the scenes. Whenever we notice an issue, our team steps in to help. We monitor your progress so you can concentrate on your studies.

What to Expect

During the first two months, you’ll interact closely with your Student Success Manager. As you progress through your program, you’ll continue to receive support tailored to your evolving needs. 

Annual Events

  • Orientation  
  • Drop-In Hours  
  • Commencement  
  • BBQ 
  • Wellness Days
Resources
The Hub: Graduate Students

FAQs for Current Students 

What is a plan of study? 

A plan of study outlines the courses and requirements needed to complete your degree program. 

How can I register for classes? 

You can register for classes through the student portal. For assistance, contact our team. 

Where can I find an updated list of courses? 

An updated list of courses is available on the WPI website under the academics section. 

Where can I find information about my program and requirements?

Program information and requirements are detailed in the academic catalog and on the department's webpage.

How do I pay my tuition bill?

Tuition can be paid online through the billing section of the student portal. 

Information for international students

For international student resources, visit the International Student and Scholars Office section on our website.

Where do I get my WPI ID?

WPI's ID Services department is the place to get your WPI ID. If an ID card becomes lost or stops working, the IT Service Desk can provide students, faculty, and staff with a new or replacement ID. To request an ID reprint or new ID please complete this form. 

Coming to Campus and Parking

For a map of WPI and general parking directions, visit our Coming to Campus page. Students, faculty, and staff wishing to park on campus must register their vehicle with the WPI Police and obtain a parking permit. 

We’re Here to Help

At WPI, we are committed to your success. Our Student Success Team (SST) offers individualized support to ensure you thrive during your time here. Whether you're navigating the complexities of graduate school or seeking guidance on administrative matters, we are here to help.