Connections

The mission of Connections is to assist incoming WPI students with successfully navigating through the college transition while developing a community of leaders and scholars who advocate for inclusion, holistic development, and peer support.

Connections incorporates social engagement, academic success, and self-development opportunities that will ease the transition into the WPI community, encourage commitment for fostering a belonging for everyone, and provide academically focused support and resources.

Any first-year student is welcome to join and participate in the Connections Pre-Orientation Program. Individuals who are first-generation college students, students from diverse religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, and students who identify as LGBTQIAP+ are encouraged to consider the opportunity.

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

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 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. 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 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 diverse identities within the WPI community.
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. This program was originally 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 goals of supporting student success and community building remain the same. All first-year students are welcome to join and benefit from the Connections community.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Wraparound Support Services Available

Brief History of Connections