Meet the Dean of Students Office

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 ...

Christine has primary oversight over large scale programs such as Family Weekend and New Student Orientation, while also directly advising the Student Government Association, Peddler, and the Senior Class Board. Christine works with the Student Activities team to serve as a resource to all student organizations on campus and works to ensure students are engaged outside of the classroom.  

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...