This message was sent to the WPI community.
Jessica Sabourin
This year, the Office of Financial Aid took a close look at ways the office could help support students as the community faced the stresses of the pandemic and mental health challenges. We talked with Jessica Sabourin, director of Financial Aid, to get an update. Learn more here.
MHIT Update from the First Year Experience Section
Looking to the New Academic Year: New Student Orientation 2022!
The First Year Experience MHIT section is creating a brand-new orientation experience for our incoming students. Starting in June, First Year Welcome Experience Days (on campus and virtually) will give the Class of 2026 and their parents ways to engage with resources and learn what to expect as a new member of the WPI community, such as:
- Small-group advising for their academic planning
- A jump-start to help make connections and learn about WPI resources
- Online tutorials, resources, and trainings for students to complete
- Online panel presentations for both students and parents
New Student Orientation, (Saturday, August 20 through Tuesday, August 23) will focus even more on making connections with peers, staff, and faculty; learning about campus resources; and understanding expectations for the student experience at WPI. The FYE website will be updated with more details over the summer; students and families can also email gr-wpinso@wpi.edu.
Summer Transition Assistants Are Here to Help!
We know that peer-to-peer support is critical for students, especially new students. As part of the First Year Welcome Experience, we are thrilled to announce the creation of the Summer Transition Assistant position, a leadership role for current WPI students. Our 11 dedicated transition assistants will greet our incoming class at their selected welcome experience day and continue to partner with them for the remainder of the summer to provide personalized peer-level support.
Summer 2022 Tutoring
Virtual peer tutoring will be offered by Academic Resources Center (ARC) tutors throughout E1 and E2 Summer 2022 terms. Individual tutoring will be available for introductory undergraduate Math, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering Science courses seven days per week via the virtual tutoring platform GoBoard. Students may sign up for free summer tutoring sessions and search for WPI tutors using the Tutor Matching Service here. Students may also email arc@wpi.edu or fill out this online form to request tutoring in a specific subject and to be connected with a tutor. Further instructions on how to access tutoring are on the Academic Resources Center Canvas page and the Academic Resources Center page.
Community voices get real about mental health and well-being.
Community Voices Spotlight
“One thing I preach about most and recommend to others is a balance of work and social life. Here at WPI where the workload can be very stressful, you need an outlet of some sorts to keep your mental health in check. Whether that be sports, clubs, Greek life, or going out into the city of Worcester, everybody needs some type of break from their work so they can recharge and be ready to take on challenges head-on. I advise everyone to take a step back if you're struggling; take that day off, reach out to friends, prioritize yourself over your problems, so you can reset and feel more motivated to finish what you started.”
—Nicholas Coviello, ‘24
We commend each of you for the perseverance you have shown over the course of the 2021–22 academic year. You have proven that there is nothing you cannot accomplish, and you’ve learned that when life inevitably confronts you with challenges, you continue to draw on the strength and confidence you’ve curated within yourself this year.
As D-Term winds down and finals are completed, remember that no grade will define you! We hope you take some extra time this week to cherish moments with your friends and find ways of making sure you stay connected over the summer or after graduation. To those who are graduating, please know that you will always be a part of our WPI family and community. To those who will return to campus, we can’t wait to see you in the fall!
On Tuesday, May 3, at 3 pm, gather your friends and join an all-campus, celestial celebration under the Quad tent! Bid farewell to President Leshin and enjoy time together before leaving campus for the summer. There will be food trucks, music, dancing, and more ... a great opportunity to get together before Commencement and the summer!
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.