Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

Promotes and oversees student-facing initiatives
Students pose during an ODIME event

OASIS Multicultural Center | 20 Schussler Road

Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) | 19 Schussler Road

Center for Black Excellence | Rubin Campus Center (RCC 222)

Lavender Lounge | Rubin Campus Center (RCC 225)

Lotus Lounge | Rubin Campus Center (RCC 218)


Academic Year Hours of Operation:

  • Monday - Friday

    8:00 AM - 9:00 PM EDT

  • Saturday and Sunday

    12:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT

Summer Hours of Operation:

  • Monday - Friday

    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT

  • Saturday and Sunday

    Closed


Mission

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) houses several community centers which are designed to foster an inclusive campus community which respects, honors, and celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in all of its dimensions; including but not limited to differences of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, nationality/citizenship, and other identities.

Vision 

To support and equip both undergraduate and graduate students with the language, skills, and competencies to be agents of change. ODIME is committed to producing global citizens who are willing to use their knowledge and expertise to effectively address social, political, economic, and climate issues faced by society. We work with students through identity development, skill building, cultural competency, civic engagement, advocacy, and action-oriented student research. 

 

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ODIME programs and services are designed to support the social, personal, cultural, spiritual, and professional development of all undergraduate and graduate WPI scholars to ensure their academic success.

The ODIME team promotes civic engagement, inclusion, and multicultural awareness while also providing the community students need to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Students connect with each other and find a network that lasts long after graduation.

 

Diversity

The wide variety of differences (i.e. personality, learning styles, communication styles, life experiences, etc.) and group/social differences (i.e. race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, nationality/citizenship, and other social identities) among individuals.

Inclusion

The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement of all individuals, regardless of their background, differences, or abilities. Inclusion creates an environment (intellectual, social, cultural, political, geographical, etc.) where everyone feels valued, respected, supported, and where their diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions are acknowledged and embraced.

Multicultural Education

Multicultural education is a comprehensive approach that values and celebrates the diverse cultures of individuals, aiming to prepare them for success in a global society. It promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and justice bringing philosophical ideals into various learning environments.

The primary goal of multicultural education is to assist individuals with developing awareness by providing knowledge about the histories, cultures, politics, and contributions of various groups. It also equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, language, and expertise to challenge and address issues of discrimination and inequality, including but not limited to: racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, heterosexism, religious intolerance, xenophobia, and more.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute adheres to two firm guiding principles: We show respect for each other as individuals with equivalent intrinsic value, and there is zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination within our community.

CONTACT
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: 508-831-5796

Student Community Resources

ODIME Events

ODIME Events

Student Community Programs

ODIME Programs and Events

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) sponsors and co-sponsors various cultural, spiritual, academic, and professional programs, activities, socials, and other learning experiences open to the WPI community.

Lavender Graduation

WPI Land Acknowledgement

WPI acknowledges the painful history of genocide in the U.S. for native and indigenous peoples. As a public statement that honors the indigenous people as native inhabitants on this land, WPI honors and respects the many and diverse tribal nations who were forcefully removed from their sacred lands.

WPI would like to recognize the people of the Chaubunagungamaug and Hassanamisco Nipmuc Tribe as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We take this moment to honor their elders, past, present, and emerging. WPI strongly advocates for higher education professionals to honor the land, the original tribal occupants, and the history of where they are located.