Connections

The mission of Connections is to assist incoming diverse WPI students with successfully navigating through the college transition while developing a community of leaders and scholars compelled to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), promote holistic development, and provide peer support.

Connections incorporates social engagement, academic success, and identity development opportunities that will ease the transition into the WPI community, encourage inclusive excellence, promote cultural competency, and provide academically focused support and resources.

The Connections Pre-Orientation Program is primarily geared towards undergraduate students who are underrepresented in STEM or at WPI and identify as a first-generation college student; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); African American, Latino/a American, Asian American, Native American (ALANA); and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic, Agender and Pansexual (LGBTQIAP+).

Connections was first established in 1993, and continues to be the roadmap to college success at WPI. The program is partially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Teradyne, Inc.

Connections Closing Dinner - August 2022

Connections at Warren Conference Center - August 2022

Connections Program Ambassadors Closing Dinner - August 2022

Connections Team Building at Warren Conference Center - August 2022

Connections at Warren Conference Center - August 2022

Connections Team Building - August 2022

The Connections Pre-Orientation is a week-long residential bridge program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) held in August prior to New Student Orientation (NSO) and the Insight Program. Connections helps entering eligible new and first-year students make a smooth transition from high school to college.

Pre-Orientation Workshop Sessions include, but are not limited to:

The Connections Academic Immersion Experience allows new students to have a jump start and introduction to the WPI course structure (in a low stakes environment), an opportunity to meet WPI faculty, and form relationships with peers while learning college study skills and helpful methods for navigating through WPI. Participants who choose to take a summer course in E-Term will also have the opportunity to attend workshops in the Fall semester (A-Term and B-Term) which build upon the experiences and skillsets students bring to WPI and cover additional topics such as faculty and staff mentoring, major exploration, and guidance on course selection. This will be a time to reconnect with your Connections peers and a place to ask those questions you might have.

The Connections Pre-Orientation Program is offered at no cost to pre-registered eligible first-year WPI students.

Program Learning Outcomes:

To positively impact students' awareness and confidence in their own academic, social, and cultural preparedness for college.
To provide opportunities for students to experience and understand the expectations of college life and rigor of WPI academics.
To build a sense of belonging and confidence in each students' ability find their home within the WPI community.

Develop relationships with WPI faculty members prior to the start of the academic year.
Develop understanding of the academic expectations of WPI coursework and differences from high school coursework.
Develop confidence in skills and abilities to meet and exceed the challenges of college academics at WPI.

Develop relationships with WPI staff members prior to the start of the academic year.
Identify and locate the appropriate campus resources, how to access them, and understand when support is needed.
Understanding the importance of asking for help and fully utilizing campus resources available for all students.

Develop a sense of self and self-awareness entering this college experience.
Understand how social identities manifest within the WPI experience and appreciate the lived experiences of their diverse peers.

Create a culture of respect, care, support, and belonging with mentors and peers.

Build and develop connections with peers, mentors, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Understand the importance of community and looking out for their peers and colleagues.
Develop and strengthen network of support with peers and professionals to be enhanced throughout WPI experience.

Brief History of Connections

In 1993, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) welcomed members of the incoming class to campus during the Excellence in Math, Science, and Engineering (EMSEP) Pre-Orientation Program, which was designed to help students of color adjust to WPI’s campus and persist through college.

As WPI evolved, the EMSEP Pre-Orientation Program became known as the Connections Pre-Orientation Program. Although the name of the program changed over time, the purpose and core values remained the same.