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Paula Fitzpatrick
Click here to read a Q&A with Paula Fitzpatrick, who joined WPI in February as WPI’s Director of the Center for Well-Being (CWB), and learn about why she’s excited to join WPI, her background, passions, and the future of the CWB.
The Mental Health Implementation Team has been working hard to put into place the recommendations of the Mental Health and Well-being Task Force. This issue of Be Well Together is full of updates and news from the team.
MHIT Office Hours
The Mental Health Implementation Team will be hosting drop-in office hours April 25 and May 2 from noon to 1:00 pm in the Rubin Campus Center Mid-Century Room. Please feel free to bring your lunch and talk with representatives from MHIT.
Gender Inclusive Restrooms in Campus Center
As the hub of campus, it is imperative that the Rubin Campus Center be identified as an inclusive and welcoming space for all. WPI is excited to share that as of April 19, the restrooms on the lower level of the Rubin Campus Center will formally be identified as gender-inclusive restrooms. These multi-stall, accessible locations will be available to all members of our community.
You can do a quick search for “gender” on the campus map to find other gender-inclusive restrooms.
2022-2023 Academic Calendar
The Academics Section of MHIT worked closely with students, faculty, and staff to address the MHWB Task Force recommendation that campus-wide periods of rest and reflection be built into the academic calendar. The 2022-23 calendar, proposed by students on MHIT, includes at least one of these days in each term and is posted on the WPI website here. All current holidays have been retained and the graduate and undergraduate calendars are aligned. Note: The Global School may have slightly different start and end dates for off-campus projects. Be sure to check with the Global Experience Office when making travel plans.
Kindness Rocks
Come and paint kindness rocks with Talent and Inclusion to be distributed across campus on April 15 and 22 from noon to 3 pm. Take one when you need one. Share one with a friend who needs some inspiration or leave one for another. Learn more below about each event below and register here.
Community voices get real about mental health and well-being.
Community Voices Spotlight
“I have suffered from anxiety for most of my adult life. Talking to a trusted friend and/or therapist is the best method I have found to help work through the difficulties. You are not alone, and you are not a burden for needing help.”
—Liz Chirico, Director, Integrated Fundraising
Late Night Programming Series
Looking for something to do on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday night? The SAO Late Night Programming series provides a substance-free alternative for students to socialize and engage outside of class. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy these upcoming events:
- April 15, Coffee Grounds with SAO and the Green Team: Exfoliants and Fun, 7:00 – 10:00 pm, Campus Center Stage
- April 16, Make Your Own Bamboo and Spin Art Frisbees, 7:00 – 10:00 pm, Campus Center Stage
- April 19, Food Truck on Campus, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
SDCC Trans Group Workshop April 20, 4:00 pm
The SDCC has developed a Trans Group Workshop entitled "Coming Out... or Not" which will focus on what coming out about gender identity can entail and when/where a person may choose to (or choose not to) do so, and what criteria they may use to decide. The workshop is expected to run for approximately one hour at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20 at the SDCC. Learn more and sign up here.
Students interested in earning community service hours can volunteer for the April 23 Community Service Day at WPI. Participants will meet at Higgins Lawn and disperse to different volunteer opportunities both on and off campus; transportation will be provided. After volunteer activities have been completed, there will be a pizza celebration on Higgins Lawn for all volunteers! Learn more and sign up here.
To access previous versions of this newsletter, click here.
Be Well Together | SDCC
National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Student Health Services | I'm concerned about a student form
This email is intended to be for informational purposes only and not to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know is in imminent danger of suicidal action or other threat, call WPI Campus police at 508-831-5555 (or call 911 if off-campus) or present for emergency care at a nearby hospital.
Remember: we are all in this together.
If you have any questions or concerns about the initiatives or information listed here, please email bewelltogether@wpi.edu. Please note this email inbox is not monitored 24/7.