Your first year at college is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming one. From specialized academic immersion programs to extra tutoring support, the Office of Undergraduate Studies—as well as the rest of the WPI community—is here to help.
Pre-Arrival Programs
Connections Program
Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME), the mission of Connections is to assist incoming diverse WPI students with successfully navigating through the college transition while developing a community of leaders and scholars compelled to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), promote holistic development, and provide peer support. Visit the website for more information about the Connections program and ODIME.
MA 099X: Algebra, Analytic Geometry, and Trigonometry
Students needing additional support in preparation for Calculus I are eligible to take a free summer class intended to review selected pre-calculus topics from algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry, which are deemed critical to success in Calculus I (MA 1020, MA 1021) and further courses in the calculus sequence.
This course is intended for incoming students who need to meet the minimum mathematics requirement for admittance to WPI and does not count towards WPI graduation requirements.
First Year to Sophomore Programs
MA 1020 - Credit for a Summer Class
Some students opt into a semester long Calculus I class in order to ease their transition to college. Because of the WPI's term system, we want to ensure that these students do not lose credit along the way. We offer students enrolled in MA 1020 in the fall, the opportunity to take a summer class in the following summer, for no additional cost.
ACT (Advising, Coaching and Time Management)
The ACT program is a first year retention strategy being piloted by the Advising Team. The Advising office identifies students with two or more NRs and will provide ongoing coaching through the academic year. Students who follow through with additional academic support will be eligible to receive the opportunity to take a summer class in the following summer, for no additional cost.
Campus Resources
Academic Advising (Unity Hall)
The Academic Advising offices help students plan their academic time while at WPI. This includes helping you to understand degree requirements as you make your academic plans. The Office of Academic Advising oversees the Academic Resources Center, which is home to the Math and Science Help (MASH) and tutoring programs. The Insight Program, a distinct first-year program focused on assisting students with the transition to college, Pre- Health programs, and Fellowship Advising are also coordinated through the Office of Academic Advising. The Office of Academic Advising can also help students to plan to complete a BS/MS in their desired field.
All students are assigned an Academic Support Advisor. Their information is listed in Workday under their “Student Network of Support.
Academic Resources Center ARC (Unity Hall)
The ARC offers several academic resources for students. This includes tutoring for various subjects and “MASH” (Math and Science Help), which are open group tutoring sessions that help students in their classes. The student-based, collaborative learning environment of the ARC offers individualized assistance in a variety of subjects as well as a comprehensive peer-tutoring program
Tutoring sessions, unlike MASH sessions, allow students to work one-on-one or in a small group with a tutor rather than in a larger group. Tutoring is offered Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 pm.
In MASH sessions, you will meet with other students who are taking the same course. You can discuss any difficulties you are having understanding the material or a specific problem, talk about the class, compare notes, discuss assignments and lectures, as well as ask questions and improve your study skills. Click or scan the QR code to the right for more information about session times and courses offered.
The MTC is staffed by Mathematical Sciences Department TAs (PhD Students), PLAs (Undergraduate Students), and GLAs (Master's Students), who assist students from many different classes with homework/concepts/general questions in areas such as calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and many others. Drop-in tutoring, no appointment needed! We are located on the third floor in the Gordon Library, room 302.
Math Placement Canvas Page
Bringing all the information about AP credit, retroactive credit, the Calculus sequence at WPI, and your math placement recommendation.
Physics Lounge (Olin Hall)
Filled with comfy couches and chairs, physics Teaching Assistants (TAs) hold office hours to help students.
The Writing Center (Salisbury 233)
The Writing Center helps students improve their written, oral, and visual communication. Trained writing tutors provide peer tutoring for individuals and teams on any type of communication project, including course papers, presentations, dissertations, and job-related documents. Tutors can help you at any stage of your composing process: when you’re still in early stages of brainstorming and finding direction; when you’re in the middle stages of drafting ideas and organizing paragraphs; or when you’re in the late stages of your writing, polishing your prose for maximum clarity.
Every major at WPI follows a Program Tracking Sheet. The Program Tracking Sheets contain curriculum options available to WPI students for use in planning and tracking progress toward their degree. Download the tracking sheet for your major and year to help you plan your schedule.