FAQs
You have questions - we have answers!
To prepare you for your trip back to campus, we have provided a list of the most common Homecoming Weekend questions.
If you have a question that we haven't answered below, please contact the Office of Lifetime Engagement at alumni-office@wpi.edu or 508-831-5600.
Q: Who can attend Homecoming Weekend?
A: Homecoming Weekend is open to all WPI alumni, students, families, employees, and their guests. There will be classes celebrating reunions, but a majority of the events throughout the weekend are for everyone.
Q: Which classes are celebrating reunions during Homecoming Weekend?
A: In 2025, alumni from undergraduate class years ending in 0 and 5 will celebrate reunions.
Q: How can I find out who is attending Homecoming Weekend?
A: Once registration opens, a Who’s Coming list will be available online where you can see who's registered for Homecoming Weekend. Be sure to check back often for updates! Please note that it may take a day or two for the Who's Coming list to display new registrants' names.
Q: Who are this year's Alumni Association Award recipients?
A: Our 2025 Alumni Association Award recipients will be celebrated during Honoring Our Champions on Saturday afternoon. This year's honorees will be announced soon.
Q: Who are this year's Athletic Hall of Fame inductees?
A: Our 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated during the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction on Friday night. This year's honorees will be announced soon.
Q: How do I register for Homecoming Weekend?
A: Registration for Homecoming Weekend will open in April. The easiest and fastest way to register for Homecoming Weekend is online; however, downloadable and printable registration forms that you can mail to us will also be available.
Q: Do I need to register for Homecoming Weekend events in advance?
A: Knowing you're coming helps us plan a fun and engaging experience for you! While advanced registration is not required for Homecoming Weekend events, it is strongly recommended as some events and event spaces may have capacity limits. To ensure that you are able to attend an event, we encourage you to register in advance and as early as you can. Advanced registration for Homecoming Weekend will open in April.
Q: I registered for Homecoming Weekend, but my plans have changed. What should I do?
A: If you need to change or cancel your registration for Homecoming Weekend, please contact the Office of Lifetime Engagement at 508-831-5600 or alumni-office@wpi.edu. Please do not try to make changes or cancellations online. Please note that changes and cancellations are welcome through Friday, September 12, 2025, and that refunds cannot be provided after September 12.
Q: I need a place to stay during Homecoming Weekend. Any recommendations?
A: Homecoming Weekend guests are welcome to reach out to the local hotels listed on the Accommodations page regarding overnight accommodations.
Q: Where do I pick up my nametag and registration materials or register for events once I'm on campus?
A: You can pick up your nametag and registration materials, and register for events, at our on-campus registration desks. The locations of these registration desks will be shared prior to Homecoming Weekend.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Photos of family and friends, memorabilia from your college years, a camera, a cell phone, an umbrella, changes of clothes, and anything else you may need to make your visit to campus more enjoyable. Please note that some of our events and activities are planned for outdoors, so please bring whatever you may need should we experience cooler temperatures or inclement weather.
Q: Is there a place on campus where I can store my belongings?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide Homecoming Weekend guests with a secure location to store their personal belongings during their visit. Please plan what you bring to campus accordingly.
Q: What if I forget my cell phone charger at home?
A: Cell phone charging stations are available for a variety of devices throughout the Rubin Campus Center and in other buildings around campus. Our guests are welcome to use these charging stations as they need them.
Q: Is transportation available on campus?
A: A shuttle service will be provided to transport guests around campus. However, off-campus service to local hotels will not be available. A number of Worcester hotels provide their own local shuttle transportation.
Q: It's been a while since I've been back to campus. What's the best way to get there by car?
A: Please visit the Coming to Campus page on the WPI website for directions to campus.
Q: Where can I park?
A: All WPI parking lots will be open throughout Homecoming Weekend. Handicap parking is available in most lots. Please click here for campus parking information. Please note that there will be no vehicle access to the Quad during Homecoming Weekend, with the exception of our on-campus shuttle service.
Q: Are there facilities for people with disabilities?
A: We try to meet the needs of all of our guests. Please indicate on your Homecoming Weekend registration form if you or someone in your party has needs that may require special accommodations or call the Office of Lifetime Engagement at 508-831-5600 so that we may discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
Q: What is the standard dress for the weekend?
A: Dress casually and comfortably for daytime activities. Business casual is recommended for dinners and reunion celebrations. In most cases, scheduled events and activities will take place as planned regardless of weather conditions, so please plan your attire accordingly.
Q: Are there places to shop on and near campus?
A: Visit the WPI Bookstore (in the Rubin Campus Center) to purchase your WPI apparel and other items. Alumni will receive a discount valid during Homecoming Weekend!
Q: What types of food will be served at each Homecoming Weekend event? Can WPI meet my dietary restrictions?
A: We will try our best to accommodate the dietary needs of all of our guests. Menus for Homecoming Weekend events will be available in the coming months and are subject to change without notice. If you or any of your guests have special dietary requirements, please tell us in your registration. It is strongly recommended that anyone with a dietary restriction register in advance so that we can better accommodate your needs and requests - we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate needs or requests that we are not notified about in advance of Homecoming Weekend.
Q: Can I bring my own food or drinks to campus for Homecoming Weekend?
A: Guests are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages to campus during Homecoming Weekend. This includes any and all types of alcohol. Random bag and cooler searches may occur for public safety. Many food and beverage options will be available on campus for Homecoming guests.
Inquiries regarding athletics team gatherings after contests should be directed to WPI’s Department of Athletics at 508-831-5046 or athletics@wpi.edu.
Q: What else can I not bring to campus?
A: Homecoming guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol to campus, either for personal consumption or distribution. No open containers of alcohol are allowed on campus at any time except within designated event spaces. Again, random bag and cooler searches may occur for public safety.
Additionally, grills or other equipment used for cooking/preparing food, generators, open flames, candles, and fireworks are prohibited on WPI property during Homecoming Weekend. Camper vehicles and trailers are not permitted on campus unless pre-authorized by the Director of Public Safety.
Ample gathering space and seating will be available on and adjacent to the Quad on Saturday; therefore, it is requested that guests not bring their own tables, chairs, or tents to campus. WPI staff and Campus Police reserve the right to allow or refuse the use of such materials if they are brought to campus.
Lastly, no smoking is allowed on the WPI campus at any time.
Q: Is tailgating permitted on the WPI campus?
A: Tailgating is not permitted on the WPI campus at any time and as noted above, camper vehicles and trailers are not permitted on campus unless pre-authorized by the Director of Public Safety.
Q: How can someone contact me on campus during Homecoming Weekend?
A: If anyone may need to contact you on campus in an emergency, please tell them that you can be reached through the WPI Campus Police at 508-831-5555. Campus Police will work with the Office of Lifetime Engagement to locate you during your visit.
Q: Is childcare available during Homecoming Weekend?
A: Unfortunately, WPI is not able to provide babysitting or childcare services for Homecoming Weekend guests; however, there are many kid-friendly events and activities being offered during the weekend, and we hope you'll consider bringing the little ones along.
Q: How do I make a gift?
A: Thank you for considering a gift to WPI! Gifts can be made online or as part of your Homecoming Weekend registration. (There will be an option in the registration form.) If you would like more information on giving to WPI, please click here.
If you are celebrating a reunion, any gift that you make to WPI during your reunion year will count towards your class's giving totals.
Still have questions? Please contact the Office of Lifetime Engagement at 508-831-5600 or alumni-office@wpi.edu.