• The Class of 2020 arrived on campus last week, with Move-In Day, New Student Orientation, and the Greek Life Carnival leading up to the first day of classes on Aug. 25.
Returning students, including the WPI Greek community, helped the new students and their parents unpack their vehicles and carry their belongings into the residence halls. For many years, representatives from each of WPI’s fraternities and sororities have proudly worn their lettered T-shirts as they unloaded vehicles, efficiently lugging boxes, suitcases, and other accoutrements from home into the new students’ rooms.
Move-in Day planning actually began at the end of the previous academic year, when Jim McLaughlin, assistant dean of student programs and director of the New Student Orientation program, gathered his team to review the previous year’s move-in.
The Greek Life Carnival, hosted during New Student Orientation, offered Greek students a chance to get reacquainted after a summer away from WPI as they also listened to music and greeted new students.
McLaughlin said that virtually every WPI division, academic department, and administrative office contributed to the success of New Student Orientation. Hundreds of student volunteers welcomed and assisted new students upon their arrival at WPI, and student resident assistants and community advisors worked throughout the week—and will continue to support new students in the weeks and months ahead.
New Student Orientation concluded on Wednesday evening with the crossing of Earle Bridge, a tradition in which first-year students walk from the span's Alden Memorial side to the Boynton Hall side. The crossing, which symbolizes the new class's entry into the WPI community, is mirrored four years later when graduating seniors cross the bridge in the opposite direction as they march to the Quad to receive their diplomas.
President Leshin, the academic deans, and members of the faculty and the president's cabinet lined the bridge to slap "high fives" and show support and excitement to the students as they began their educational journey at WPI.
