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Diversity at WPI
What do you want to accomplish in life? You want to engineer the world’s next great skyscraper. You want to start your own software company. You want to find a cure for a common disease.
“As a forward-thinking institution, WPI benefits immensely from cultural and ethnic diversity. Campus life is enhanced by students of color whose distinct backgrounds and perspectives exemplify our increasingly global society.” Calvin Hill Ph.D. assistant dean of students and director of diversity programs
Prepare to take off...
In WPI’s vibrant diverse community,
Science, and Engineering Program
The support and advice you’ll enjoy
our African American, Latino, and
(EMSEP) actively promote academic
in WPI’s tightly knit multicultural
Native American students benefit
achievement and cultural aware-
community will help you feel at
from an outstanding array of aca-
ness. At WPI, you will live and learn
home. At the same time, our innova-
demic and social resources—includ-
in a comfortable, dynamic environ-
tive academic programs and many
ing programs and organizations
ment, surrounded by students from
opportunities to gain professional
specifically designed to enhance the
a variety of backgrounds who share
experience will prepare you for a
experience of multicultural groups.
your enthusiasm for science, engi-
rewarding career—and to make a
Our Global Perspective Program
neering, and technology.
real difference in the world. It all
and our Excellence in Mathematics,
starts here at WPI.
Accele
Making the transition from home to college
can be difficult, no matter where you’re from. Having a strong network of friends and support from the beginning makes all the difference. That’s why WPI offers an exciting pre-orientation program for African American, Latino, and Native American students. The Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Program (EMSEP) invites you to campus early and gives you a jump start on college life.
Through EMSEP, you’ll not only meet fellow students of color, you’ll also get to know faculty, administrators, and others who can help you adjust to life at WPI. EMSEP allows you to explore campus and the city of Worcester— your home for the next few years. You can volunteer in your new community, go on field trips to Boston, and even try your luck at the WPI bowling alley.
erate the college experience Make the grade Programs that help orient students to life at WPI and prepare them to thrive academically: ■
Career Development Program
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Drop-in Tutoring Center
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Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Program (EMSEP)
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Faculty/Academic Advisors
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Insight Program (First-Year Orientation)
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Major Selection Program
“EMSEP created a second family for me on campus and gave me the support I needed in terms of academics and social life.” Rashad Hardaway ’08 biochemistry major from Boston, Mass.
What’s more, EMSEP offers an array of academic support services and professional development that extend beyond your first year. The program will provide you with a solid academic foundation on which to build your future success. WPI wants you to feel comfortable, supported, and confident throughout your time here; EMSEP is the springboard to launch you on the right track.
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Math and Science Help (MASH)
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Orientation Leaders
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Peer Learning Assistants
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Resident Advisors
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Student Development & Counseling
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Walk-in Sessions
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Writing Center
At WPI, learning doesn’t end when you step outside of the classroom and lab. Our innovative, project-enriched approach to academics requires students to go out into the world to put what they learn in class into practice by sizing up and solving real-world problems, working in teams with other students. WPI’s Global Perspective Program gives you the opportunity to complete your projects off campus and even travel to sites around the world.
WPI ensures that you have the skills and resources you need to succeed in your projects by helping you build a well-rounded foundation in the humanities and the sciences. Our courses are taught by renowned professors who care about their students’ achievements, and our small classes promote student interaction and group learning. This encourages students to have their voices heard and fosters an academic environment that encourages cooperation—not competition.
In addition to a solid experience in practical problem solving, we provide students with the individualized support and guidance they need to thrive at WPI. It’s all about preparing you for success in your chosen profession— and for success in life.
Learn from the
“Professors here are awesome. They’re always available if you need help, and they’re really easy to talk to. I’ve been able to build some great relationships with my electrical and computer engineering professors.” Michael Dias ’08 electrical and computer engineering major from Boston, Mass.
“The projects are a great aspect of the WPI program because they help students bring together everything they've learned in four years, and see how what they've learned in different classes is interconnected.” Jeanine Plummer associate professor, civil and environmental engineering; director, Environmental Engineering Program
e world
WPI student projects are sponsored by leading corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. ■
Travel to Thailand to introduce young children to computers.
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Evaluate the impact of energy resources on the environment in Morocco.
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Learn how to collect DNA evidence and to use it in a court of law.
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Study the influence of mathematics on the art of Salvador Dali.
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Develop a wellness program for firefighters in Costa Rica.
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Design and implement a robot-building competition for local high school students.
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Explore the feasibility of alternative fuels for powering spacecraft.
Recent sponsors: ■
Cheetah Conservation Fund (Namibia)
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Gillette
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Johnson & Johnson
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Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (Australia)
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MIT Lincoln Laboratory
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NASA Johnson Space Center
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National Science Foundation
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Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research
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United States Patent and Trademark Office
When you’re finished with classes
and homework for the day, there are plenty of ways to unwind at WPI and spend time with friends. The choice is yours, whether your preferences run to a spontaneous volleyball game or an impromptu video game tournament. And don’t forget about group meetings and activities. Maybe the Black Student Union is meeting today to discuss a hip-hop group they’re bringing to campus. Or perhaps the
OASIS (Offering Acceptance, Support, and Inclusion to Students) Cultural Center is hosting “Spanish Cooking Night.” Whatever style you choose, WPI encourages you to share your culture with our community. In addition, our professional student organizations—National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)—offer career development and indispensable job-related assistance, such as
interview coaching, resume writing, and networking opportunities at national conferences. When you participate in WPI’s many activities, cultural programs, and professional groups, you not only build friendships that enhance your college experience, you also gain valuable organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills that will serve you beyond WPI and throughout your adult life.
Strike a balance
“WPI’s project-enriched curriculum not only provides students with tangible work experience, its collaborative nature also imparts on them invaluable communication, leadership, and teamwork skills for life.” assistant professor H. J. Manzari humanities and arts department
Step out When Marcus, Mikayla, and Rashad met at WPI, they found they all had something in common—their love of step. They had been making beats with their bodies since they were kids, and they all stepped in high school. So when they arrived on campus, they were determined to pursue their love of dance and share it with the rest of the community. With the guidance and support of the administration, the trio organized the university’s first step squad, the WPI Panthers Step Team. They held campus-wide tryouts and will soon be an officially recognized club. “Now that we’ve introduced step dancing to campus, everybody loves it,” says Marcus Lewis ’08, a mechanical engineering major from Boston, Mass. “The squad is so popular that we perform at talent shows, cultural festivals, and even basketball games. It’s a really fun way to teach others at WPI about our culture.” WPI offers over 200 student clubs and activities, from the Aeronautics and Astronautics Society to the Ballroom Dance Team to the Water Polo Club. And if we don’t have one that you want, we’ll help you start it. Sample organizations: ■
Academic Honor Societies
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Black Student Union
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Classical Music Club
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Greek Life
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Intramural Sports
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Jazz Group
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Photography Club
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Professional Societies
“WPI is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s helped me to be more confident and has prepared me for my career.” Albedith Diaz ’09 electrical and computer engineering major from the Dominican Republic
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Society of Martial Arts
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Student Government Association
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Tech News, student newspaper
For a complete list of organizations, see wpi.edu/+clubs.
Be a part of something
At WPI, you’ll be part of an intimate family of scholars. You’ll also be a member of a larger community of college students in the area, as well as a citizen of the city of Worcester. Each unique group will offer you something different—and each will enrich your experience here by opening up new ways to learn, contribute, and excel.
With 12 other local colleges and universities, WPI belongs to a rich educational consortium
that offers cross-registration, shared library privileges, and a variety of collaborative social and support services for all students. As the third largest city in New England, Worcester is host to first-class entertainment venues, museums, and even its own professional baseball team, the Worcester Tornadoes. The city offers students of color vast opportunities to explore cultures at hundreds of different churches, community organizations, and ethnic restaurants.
“For me, helping my community is a way to give back for all of the gifts I’ve received at WPI. It feels good knowing that something I do today will help someone else tomorrow.” Misael Diaz ’09 civil engineering major from Worcester, Mass.
Reach out
bigger
WPI encourages students to serve as academic mentors outside the university. One of our most popular programs is Kids to College, in which our students visit with local elementary school children and talk to them about science, engineering, and the possibility of going to college one day. In their capacity as role models to young people, our students strengthen their leadership abilities, hone their social skills, and learn to be advisors. They also find a meaningful way to connect with and contribute to the surrounding community. Through Kids to College, Angelo Chandler Jr. ’08, a mathematics and physics major from Leominster, Mass., feels he’s making a difference in the lives of young people: “As college students of color, I believe that we can have a positive impact on these kids and their futures.” An actor, poet, and math whiz, he recalls feeling a bit out of place when he was in elementary school, and he now enjoys encouraging children who might feel the same way. “I see my ‘little brother’ as a younger version of me,” he explains.
And what better way to put your education to use than by solving problems in your own backyard? Our students use their brains—and their brawn— to make their home city a better place through community service. In the past, they’ve set up computer systems at the YMCA and helped construct a playground at a local elementary school. You’ll find that one of the surest ways to bond with the community—and with other WPI students— is to roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Together, you’ll not only build computer networks, you’ll also build confidence and lasting memories.
In addition to community outreach, there are lots of other ways to get out and see Worcester. No matter what interests you, there’s always something exciting going on— from a monster truck rally to a poetry slam. For a sampling of all that our city has to offer, see worcestermass.org.
Graduate to success Companies that have recruited our students: ■
Bose
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Dell Computer Fidelity Investments General Electric IBM Microsoft Pfizer Raytheon UMass Memorial Medical Center United Technologies
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Graduate schools that have accepted our students: Cornell University Dartmouth Medical School ■ Duke University ■ New York University ■ University of Pennsylvania (School of Dental Medicine) ■ Yale University ■ ■
With a median starting salary of more than $51,000, many WPI graduates’ starting wages exceed the national average as reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): Biology and Biotechnology
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,999 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,433 Biomedical Engineering
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,942 Civil Engineering
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,377 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,774 Computer Science
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $51,176 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,664 Electrical and Computer Engineering
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $56,314 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $52,000 Management Information Systems
WPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,750 NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,653
You’ll work hard at WPI, and you and your family will want to see a return on your effort and investment. With the knowledge and confidence you’ll gain—coupled with WPI’s accessible career resources—you can move on to a profitable and satisfying job in the field of your choice.
WPI cultivates strong relationships with large and small corporations throughout New England and around the world. Through projects and internships, students reap
Launch your
significant career rewards, and by participating in professional organizations, they are privy to beneficial recruiting and networking sessions. Under-represented in the fields of science, engineering, and technology, African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans are highly valued and avidly sought after to fill positions in these industries. At WPI, you can join this group of students who are breaking through traditional barriers. Our alumni are currently making an impact in top national and
international corporations, including General Electric, ING Financial Services, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Genzyme. Another path to success is through further education, and if you choose to attend law, medical, or any other professional school, you’ll be able to join fellow alumni at the nation’s best graduate schools, including Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and MIT.
career
“WPI definitely prepares you for the real world. Through the rigor of the curriculum and the project program, you will be ready for whatever the professional world throws your way.” Shangari Meleschi BS ’02, MS ’04 engineer for General Electric’s advanced health management technology
WPI students graduate with a solid comprehensive classroom education coupled with innovative practical project experiences. They are well prepared for graduate school or to launch directly into their careers as scientists, inventors and leaders of the future. Are you ready to join them?
Areas of Study
Quick facts
ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Science Electrical and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering Fire Protection Engineering Industrial Engineering Interactive Media and Game Development Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Enrollment
LIBERAL ARTS Economics Environmental Policy and Development Humanities and Arts: Drama/Theatre History Literature Music Philosophy and Religion Interactive Media and Game Development International Studies Professional Writing Psychological Sciences Society, Technology, and Policy System Dynamics MANAGEMENT Management Management Information Systems Management Engineering PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Pre-Dental Pre-Medical Pre-Law Pre-Veterinary SCIENCES Actuarial Mathematics Biochemistry Biology and Biotechnology Chemistry Environmental Sciences Mathematical Sciences Physics
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2,851 undergraduates
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State represented: 41
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Countries represented: 70
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1,018 graduate students
Financial Aid/Academic Scholarships ■
FAFSA and CSS Profile are required for financial aid consideration
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Applying for financial aid has no effect on admissions decisions
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All applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships
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Academic scholarships are guaranteed to National Merit, National Achievement, and National Hispanic Recognition finalists, as well as to valedictorians and salutatorians
Location ■
Worcester, Massachusetts (New England’s third-largest city, about 40 miles west of Boston)
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Campus: 33 major buildings on 80 acres in a residential neighborhood
Residential Life ■
95 percent of first-year students live in college-owned housing (housing is guaranteed for all freshmen)
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All residence halls are smoke-free; all have sprinklers and smoke/heat detectors
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High-speed wireless Internet, cable TV, and telephone connections in all rooms
Faculty ■
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
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324 full- and part-time faculty members
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95 percent have PhDs
WPI Office of Admissions Bartlett Center 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 Phone: 508-831-5286 Fax: 508-831-5875 E-mail: admissions@wpi.edu Web: admissions.wpi.edu WPI Office of Diversity Programs 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 Phone: 508-831-5796 Fax: 508-831-5818 E-mail: diversity@wpi.edu
The best way to find out if WPI is a good fit for you is to come and see for yourself. We encourage you to contact us to set up a visit and to learn more about WPI. WPI Office of Admissions Bartlett Center 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 Phone: 508-831-5286 Fax: 508-831-5875 E-mail: admissions@wpi.edu Web: admissions.wpi.edu WPI Office of Diversity Programs 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 Phone: 508-831-5796 Fax: 508-831-5818 E-mail: diversity@wpi.edu