Meet the Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students staff coordinates services, programs, and activities that support the academic success and personal development of our students. We work in partnership with students as they each take a distinct personal and academic journey during their college years. Supported by our staff's deep expertise, extensive campus resources, and the power of WPI's caring community, students learn how to thrive and grow as they face the joys and challenges of college life. The Dean of Students Office is here to provide guidance and assistance.

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CONTACT
Office Location: Main Level
Phone: 508-831-5201
Fax: 508-831-5581

Meet the Team

Emily Perlow
Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8315060

The holistic WPI experience, both inside and outside the classroom, is a phenomenal learning laboratory that can prepare students for their future lives as leaders and citizens. At WPI, students have the opportunity to take risks, try new skills and opportunities, and to learn from them. The spirit of collaboration, value for student input, and culture of innovation makes WPI a place where students can build meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff who share their passions and interests. I am committed to ensuring that students make meaning of their curricular and ...

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Christine Sharry
Associate Dean, Students, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8315658

Christine focuses on supporting student success and belonging through collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Her work focuses on assessment, supporting the campus conduct process, emergency intervention and management planning, and response assistance to Title IX concerns. Additionally, Christine provides leadership and support to areas throughout the Division including international student life and the dining program.  

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Carissa Durfee
Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8315800

Carissa's work focuses on helping students thrive in their communities. Through CARE, the Student Activities Office, and the Rubin Campus Center students can seek individual support they need for success, find organizations and events to build their communities, grow in their interests & knowledge, and gather with other members of WPI.With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Carissa has expertise in facilitating smooth transitions to campus, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering community development. She believes that recognizing and valuing the multiple identities and ...

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Lauren Buffone
Director, Student Success & Support, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8316170

Lauren Buffone is the Director of Student Success & Support and has been at WPI since February 2022. In this role, she manages the CARE Team, a group of professional staff members on campus to support and guide students to identify and connect to resources as needed. In partnership with students, faculty and staff, the CARE Team promotes the safety and well-being of students while empowering them to access academic, social and interpersonal support.Prior to WPI, Lauren was the program director of a residential experiential education program and has worked in different capacities in youth ...

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Andrea Trimmer
Director, Systems Integration & Information Analyst, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8315460

Andrea serves as a liaison between the Student Affairs Division, IT resources, and the WPI Unified Digital Campus (UDC) project teams. In this role, Andrea works as part of a campus-wide team of Information Analysts by assisting in the design, development, testing and integration of IT tools, applications and products.

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Jen Irving
Executive Administrator, Dean of Students

Phone: +1 (508) 8315062

Jennifer joined WPI as the Executive Assistant in April 2022. Prior to WPI, Jen worked as a Student Advisor at Dynamy Internship Year. She enjoys the opportunity to help students discover their passions and loves watching them grow their self-advocacy skills. Jen received her BA in Communication and Conflict Resolution from Juniata College. She then went on to earn her MSW from The University of Vermont. Jen has experience as a Wilderness Therapy Instructor, as a Student Advisor for Graduate and Doctorate Level Students, and in the field of Child Welfare, working specifically with ...

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Connect with the Dean of Students

Stop by the Office in the Rubin Campus Center, Main Level 

Make an appointment or invite us to your student club meeting 

Give us a call at 508-831-5201 

Email us at dean-of-students@wpi.edu 

Our Core Values

Dean of Students staff actively support the following important constructs for our students:

  • Advocacy: Advancing the agenda of students to the university community.
  • Citizenship: Promoting integrity, leadership, personal responsibility, and global perspective.
  • Empowerment: Fostering and encouraging the growth and self-esteem of others.
  • Inclusion: Providing a voice for multiple viewpoints and promoting a culture of civility. 
  • Respect: Modeling care and consideration of all members of our community and their contributions.
  • Support: Demonstrating genuine concern for the health, balance, and well being of others.