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ODIME Welcomes Our New Students to the WPI Herd!

alanejr — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

ODIME Logo

Greetings New WPI Scholars,

Welcome Home! We are so excited for you as you embark on your WPI journey!

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) houses several identity 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.

Our team of professionals, paraprofessionals, and Campus Chaplains are here to support your transition to the university and assist you with making campus and community connections with students, faculty, staff, and alumni this semester (A-Term and B-Term) and beyond. Our programs and services are open to all students. Meet some members of the ODIME team below:

Arnold Lane, Jr. (He/Him), Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement
Alesia LeSane (She/Her), Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success
Lauren Feldman (She/They), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality
TBA, Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life
Nikita McKay (She/Her), Administrative Assistant

You can learn more about our programs, services, and resources here: /offices/diversity.

Please consider joining us in meeting new undergraduate and graduate students by attending ODIME鈥檚 Welcome Receptions and Affinity Caucus Meetings throughout New Student Orientation (NSO) and Welcome Week. Full details and links to RSVP are below and events are open to all students.

ODIME Unity Reception

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the Innovation Studio

Multicultural Reception and Club Fair for students to connect with ODIME affinity student groups and campus diversity resources. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME Black Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Black diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Hispanic/Latinx Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Hispanic/Latinx diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Pan Asian Caucus Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together students of the Pan Asian diaspora/identity/culture to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME LGBTQIAP+ Student Welcome Reception

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the Innovation Studio

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new LGBTQIAP+ students and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME LGBTQIAP+ Caucus Meeting

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT in Unity Hall

This meeting will bring together LGBTQIAP+ students to learn more about identity-specific resources available at WPI/in Worcester, MA. Open to undergraduate students.

ODIME Interfaith Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT at the Collegiate Religious Center (19 Schussler Road)

Multicultural and Interfaith Reception to celebrate and welcome new students seeking religious/spiritual community connections and to allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME Women's Welcome Reception

Monday, August 26, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in the WPI Sports and Recreation Center (after NSO)

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new campus women and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

ODIME BIPOC/ALANA Student Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT in Unity Hall (after NSO)

Multicultural Reception to celebrate and welcome new BIPOC/ALANA students and allow individuals to come together to meet other students, faculty, and staff with shared identities. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Students, faculty, and staff may register to attend these programs using myWPI. For more information or if you require any accommodations, please email Arnold Lane at diversity@wpi.edu.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

A Haven for All: Peace Pole at the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)

kcummings — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A Haven for All: Peace Pole at the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)

Like any idea, Peace can come from anywhere. Why not start in front of the Collegiate Religious Center?

In November of 2021, the undergraduate student staff in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) dreamed about a project that might provide an 鈥渆xcellent connection to our earth and the world鈥? These students wanted to make an impact on campus, throwing ideas into a shared google document in-between working shifts.

One student employee wrote, 鈥?lt;a>Peace Pole installations serve as some sort of symbol of unity and collaboration between diverse groups of people. The easiest space would be the front Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) lawn鈥?

Two years later, a newly installed Peace Pole and vibrant Community Greenhouse are the first visible symbols at 19 Schussler Road, beside the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC). Many of those who have lent some sweat equity to these projects, which is one of the tasks specified in WPI鈥檚 sustainability plan , have been more than years in the making. WPI鈥檚 inaugural assistant director for religion and spiritual life believes symbols like these will close the gap between science and religion allowing the university鈥檚 primary interfaith space, the CRC, to serve as a natural place to put community efforts into action.

A call for peace is a tall order for this moment. Our students鈥?have a tenacious way of reminding us to believe in an array of possibilities. Like most revolutions, we start here with a symbol. And with the installation of the Peace Pole, I hold space for the possibility of peace prevailing here and everywhere on Earth

-Rev. Kalvin Cummings, Emeritus Campus Chaplain

The Peace Pole project displays languages most widely spoken within our diverse community. In collaboration with the Office of International Student Life, Gujarati, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, English, Arabic, Swahili, Greek are the (8) eight languages proclaiming the message 鈥淢ay Peace Prevail on Earth鈥? For more information on how to install a Peace Pole in your corner of our campus community contact the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) and/or Facilities Office.

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

WPI鈥檚 Massachusetts Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi Initiates Nearly 50 New Members

amduffy — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

New Members of Tau Beta Pi

WPI鈥檚 Massachusetts Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi recently initiated 47 new students鈥攁nd two Eminent Engineers鈥攊nto the honor society.

Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation's second-oldest honor society, founded at Lehigh University in 1885 to mark, in a fitting manner, those who have conferred honor upon their alma mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. There are now collegiate chapters at 255 US colleges and universities and 50 active alumni chapters.

WPI鈥檚 Massachusetts Alpha Chapter was established in 1910 and is the oldest honor society on campus. It recognizes junior engineering students who are in the top 12.5% of their class, senior engineering students who are in the 20% of their class, and distinguished engineering graduate students, alumni, and engineers who are eminent in their field.

New members include Rick Brown, Professor and Department Head of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Sarah Wodin-Schwarz, Associate Professor of Teaching and Associate Department Head of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, along with the following students, listed by class and major:

Class of 2024

Priyankha Sunil, BME

Adrianna Louise Tagayun, CHE

Natalie Gonthier, ME

Rowan Mattox, ME (Masters)

Nikita Igoshin, ME

Keelan Smith, ME

Stephanie Steriti, ME

Oleg Russu, RBE (Masters)

Rene Verduzco, RBE (Masters)

Class of 2025

Priyal Anand, BME

Ketterra Johnson, BME

Geethika Chandragiri, CE

Stephanie Dean, CE

Lucas Anthony, CHE

Adelyn Fisher, CHE

Rachel Gealow, CHE

Roberto Sabater, ECE

Adam Spencer, ECE

Melissa Hasbrouck, ME

Nicholas Healy, ME

Kathryn Juliuson, ME

Olivia Dunn, MGE

Amy Conley, RBE

Nikesh Walling, RBE

Cole Welcher, RBE

Class of 2026

Emily Herrera, AE

Catalina Mudgett, AE

Colby O鈥機onnell, AE

Ryan Smith, AE

Bailey Allmon, BME

Delina Chavez, BME

Benjamin Petrich, BME

Aidan Flanagan, CE

Alexander Sheehey, CE

Andrea Wu, CE

Victoria Escuer, IE

Grace Henderson, ME

Cullen Jacene, ME

Griffin Melia, ME

Galen Miller, ME

Alana Moretti, ME

Jack Shanks, ME

Nikhil Gangaram, RBE

Pranav Jain, RBE

Christian Piper, RBE

Class of 2029

Daniel McArthur Sehar, MME, PhD

Celso do Cabo, ME, PhD

Tau Beta Pi. Integrity and Excellence in Engineering.

鈥淣otes鈥?from the Campus Chaplains: D-Term Welcomes Sacred Months

kcummings — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

D-Term Welcomes Sacred Months

Here are some reflections for these sacred months from the Campus Chaplains:

鈥淎s we immersed ourselves in the sacred month of Ramadan, we are reminded of its intentional disruption to the rhythm of our daily lives. Our sleep patterns shift, our eating schedules alter, and the times we convene or share meals change dramatically from the onset of the month. This disruption serves a purpose. Ramadan calls upon us to detach, even momentarily, from our routine, prompting deep reflection on our life's priorities. Its significance stems from being the month of the Quran's revelation, a celestial moment when divine guidance pierced the heavens to illuminate humanity's path. In a world often veiled in confusion, this revelation offers unparalleled clarity.

Within its verses, we find reaffirmation of our purpose: to serve God, worshiping none but the Creator, and standing as champions of justice (Al-Nisa 4:135). As we break our fast each day, we are reminded of two crucial principles: to dedicate all our actions solely for the sake of God and to stand in solidarity with those less fortunate, unable to break their fast with the ease many of us enjoy.

As the WPI community advances in its mission to shape lives and harness knowledge to address global challenges, we may find it necessary to disrupt our routines, allowing space to reassess how we pursue this noble mission and discover fulfilment in our purpose along the journey.鈥?lt;/span>

- Imam Dr. Muhammad Xhemali

鈥淲ith the new moon, we enter the month of Nisan and prepare our homes and our souls for Passover. Our Passover seders are sensory-based communal ritual experiences in which we retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. We gather with our dear ones to commemorate this beloved ancient holiday. As we begin, we feel a palpable connection with Jews all over the world who are simultaneously observing the seder ritual, as well as with eighty generations of our ancestors whose seder customs would still be familiar to us today. This year鈥檚 Passover seder, against the backdrop of the Hamas War, will doubtless be more complicated. Our joy will be muted as we reflect on the barbaric terror attacks of October 7th, the hostages still being held for what will be six and a half months, the massive loss of life in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there.

Our Sages, in the Haggadah, our traditional seder text, instruct us to deeply participate in the seder: 鈥淚n every generation, each person is obligated to see oneself as one who personally went out from Egypt.鈥?How can we not feel the complicated emotions of this difficult moment? Anticipating this complexity, several groups have written Haggadah supplements to help us express, within the seder ritual, the difficulty of this time. Here are two examples available for free download:

Seder Interrupted: A Post-October 7 Haggadah Supplement | Academy for Jewish Religion (ajr.edu)

This Broken Matzah: Pesach 2024 - Bayit: Building Jewish (yourbayit.org)

Others have suggested leaving an empty seat at the table in honour of the hostages. Perhaps psalms of peace and healing (Psalms 121, 122, 147) will be sung along with the typical Psalms 113-118 sung in the Hallel section of the seder. One well-known traditional ritual involves diminishing the amount of wine in one鈥檚 glass. First, we recall how G-d took us out from Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, with awesome power, signs and wonders. But before recounting the Biblical narrative of the ten plagues G-d brought upon the Egyptians, the Haggadah cites a midrash, an interpretative passage in the Talmud, that, while watching the Egyptians succumb to the ten plagues, the angels broke into songs of jubilation. G-d rebuked them, saying 鈥淢y creatures are perishing, and you sing praises?鈥?

We reflect on the suffering of the Egyptians, and accordingly, in our ritual, as we recite each plague, we spill a drop of wine from our cups. The full cup of wine (or juice) which symbolizes our joy is diminished by each plague that befell the Egyptians. Our happiness and relief at being rescued from slavery will always be tarnished by the pain visited upon the Egyptians. The midrash about G-d rebuking the angels recognizes that this liberation of our people came at the expense of another people. We see in this the zero-sum model 鈥?the world view that one can gain only by another鈥檚 loss. Let us dream together of the day to come when we will see one鈥檚 gain specifically causing and specifically being caused by the other鈥檚 gain.

I invite you to look into the wine (or juice) that remains in your cup, dimly peer into its depth, and imagine this future. 鈥?lt;/span>

- Rabbi Ahuvah Loewenthal

*Stay tuned for more Notes from our Campus Chaplains!

If you have any questions or queries or if you just want to connect with us, drop a email to Kalvin Cummings (Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life) at kcummings@wpi.edu or diversity@wpi.edu. Or just drop by our office!

Guidance for D-Term High Holy Days

kcummings — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Guidance for D-Term Holy Days

Holy Days or Days of Awe are observed across religious and spiritual traditions. These dates and periods of observance mark sacred time in the practices of those who hold identities around religious and religio-cultural traditions. For our campus community, we strive to make the Holy Days Calendar and guidance as accurate as possible and to describe the holy days, their significance, and the nature of observance correctly. If you find a mistake, please let the Collegiate Religious Center know by email diversity@wpi.edu.

During D-Term, we recommend a few Holy days in which no major University sponsored events should be scheduled. We also ask that our community be aware of how these sacred periods of observance might require changes in eating patterns or fasting, which is not limited to one faith tradition in practice. With these lifestyle changes, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. These changes can also affect the health and nutritional status of students and employees. Thus, our students and colleagues may be hungry, tired, lethargic, or dehydrated periodically throughout their day.

For our Christian community, Ash Wednesday (February 14) will commemorate the period of time leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Ash Wednesday will begin this period of The Great Lent (February 14 鈥?March 30) celebrated by Christians. Orthodox Christians and Western Christians share the belief that Jesus is believed to be the Savior, the Son of God. This period of time is a time of fasting and repentance in remembrance of the account of Jesus鈥?40 days of fasting in the desert. People will enter into a time of contemplation, which can include a conscious review of spiritual life and journey. Classes will be held during the Lenten Season. Students and employees are likely to abstain from eating and drinking during the day from dawn to sunset. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. The Lenten Season ends with Easter celebrations ((C) 鈥?March 31th, (P) - March 31th (O) May 5th)) and students are likely to travel home or off campus during the sacred time.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Be aware that many people may fast or give up certain foods or activities during Great Lent. This may not be a good time for large celebrations centered on food.

If food is provided, vegetarian and pescatarian options are advised.

Some Orthodox Christians may observe Ash Wednesday.

For this year鈥檚 Lent, Dining Services will be providing support for Dietary Needs. Please reach out to Christian Carrasquillo at ccoredero@wpi.edu for more information.

For our Islam community, Ramadan (March 10) begins the holy month. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a month of fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Classes will be held during the Ramadan Season, and students and employees are likely to abstain from eating and drinking during the day from dawn to sunset, eating only within a short overnight period. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. Some may declare the month to begin a day before or after the predicted date. Likewise, the holiday commemorating the end of fasting, most often called Eid al-Fitr (April 10th) may fall on different days according to varying family, cultural, or interpretive preferences in D-Term.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:鈥€?lt;/strong>

Be aware when Ramadan begins and ends.鈥?lt;/span>

Assuming they are in good health, Muslim staff members, faculty members and students may be fasting during Ramadan. It is good to bear this in mind when planning activities, parties, etc., that involve food or beverages.鈥?lt;/span>

Muslims may want to pray more frequently during Ramadan, so providing a private space for prayer is important. Many may want to take time off for the conclusion of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr. This is a time of celebration with gift giving and traditional foods.鈥?lt;/span>

Muslim students/employees will fast during daylight hours, which may result in less stamina.鈥?lt;/span>

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on Eid al-Fitr.鈥?lt;/span>

For evening events, provide food accommodations as requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).鈥€?lt;/span>

For this year鈥檚 Ramadan, Dining Services will be providing meals are available in Morgan Hall from March 10 through April 9. Please reach out to Christian Carrasquillo at ccoredero@wpi.edu for more information. A survey has also been created to reflect information about this, which can be found at

Link: Dine On Campus at Worcester Polytechnic Institute || Ramadan

For our Jewish community, Passover marks the liberation of the children of Israel from bondage and their subsequent exodus from Egypt in an (8) day (April 22 鈥?30) celebration. A Passover seder - a meal following a specific ritual order retelling the story of the exodus, and including prayers, songs, and special food - is one of the most observed Jewish practices. In addition to attending seders, many Jewish individuals observe Passover by refraining from eating or benefiting from chametz - bread or wheat/grain products, for the duration of the holiday. *WPI does hold classes during the Passover season. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. Wednesday April 30th marks the end of Passover and students are likely to travel home or off campus during the sacred time.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Be sensitive to eating situations during Passover (Pesach) and consider providing a Kosher for Passover (Pesach)meal or option for those observing.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities.

If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions might apply).

For this year鈥檚 Passover, Dining Services will be providing will be providing two meals, lunch and dinner. Students are encouraged to sign up early, especially if they have any allergies or additional restrictions. A survey has been created to reflect this, which can be found at

Link: Passover Meal Sign Ups Survey (surveymonkey.com)

For our Hindu community, Holi (March 24 鈥?5), the festival of colors, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It also celebrates the commencement of spring season in India after the winter season. It is celebrated with utmost joy throughout India, as the festival unites Hindus of all backgrounds. People of all ages celebrate Holi by dancing and smearing each other with vivid colors. The colors represent the range of human emotions and the diversity of life鈥檚 many experiences. Holi is generally celebrated on 鈥淧halgun Purnima鈥?(last full moon in March per the lunar calendar). On the night before Holi, a bonfire is lit, and people burn their old things, symbolically forgiving people who have hurt them in the past. Holi鈥檚 burning fire and colorful play represent the release of stored anger and other negative attitudes by believing in God鈥檚 power and keeping faith. Typical observance of Holi includes applying color to the face and spraying others around them with dry powder and colored water. Large bonfires are built, and singing, dancing and celebrations happen all day. *WPI does hold classes during Holi. Students are likely to travel home or off campus during this sacred time.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Encourage stories from employees and students about the Holi festival.

Remember that Holi is a fun-filled festival for Hindus.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities.

For this year鈥檚 Holi, Hindu YUVA will be providing will be providing programming and celebration for the festival. For more information, please reach out to gr-exec-hinduyuva@wpi.edu

While there are Holy Days during D-Term, these are a few we recommend avoiding in your scheduling. Although students are not automatically excused from class for observance, they may work with their course instructors to make accommodations. Faculty/Staff members may request paid time off for these observances. Supervisors are highly encouraged to support their preference to take leave for their religious observance.鈥€?lt;/span>

"As our community gathers in observance of Lent, Ramadan, Passover, and Holi 鈥?we together remember how important it is to have resources for practice and access to nutrient dense foods for our physical and spiritual wellbeing."

Communication is key. The best thing community members can do is ask how individuals observing sacred practice(s) would like to be supported during this time.

Guidance for C-Term High Holy Days

kcummings — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Guidance for C-Term High Holy Days

Holy Days or Days of Awe are observed across religious and spiritual traditions. These dates and periods of observance mark sacred time in the practices of those who hold identities around religious and religio-cultural traditions. For our campus community, we strive to make the Holy Days Calendar and guidance as accurate as possible and to describe the holy days, their significance, and the nature of observance correctly. If you find a mistake, please let the Collegiate Religious Center know by email diversity@wpi.edu.

During C-Term, we recommend a few Holy days in which no major University sponsored events should be scheduled.

For our Interfaith and religio-cultural community, Lunar New Year (February 9-15) can be a secular, religious or cultural celebration. It is often associated with East Asian traditions. The Lunar New Year is the first day of the month of the lunar calendar. It kicks off the 15-day Spring Festival that marks the end of winter. At the end of the Spring Festival is the Lantern Festival, a community time of celebration when children carry lanterns in parades and fireworks are set off. Traditional celebration includes food and celebration with friends and family.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

WPI community members may enjoy a New Year鈥檚 celebration by sharing foods and customs.

Avoid major events on *the second day of Lunar New Year, which is typically spent with family.

For our Hindu Community, Maha Shiv Ratri (March 7-8) is one of the most important sectarian Indian festivals for Hindus. This is the day when the marriage of Shiva and Shakti is celebrated. The celebration involves all-night worship the night before, fasting on the day, prayer, and vigil.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Encourage stories from employees and students about how they observe.

Hindu students/employees observing may be fasting, and/or schedule time off for temple visits and other celebrations.

For our Christian Community, Ash Wednesday (February 14) will commemorate the period of time leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Ash Wednesday will begin this period of The Great Lent (February 14 鈥?amp;nbsp;March 30) celebrated by Christians. Orthodox Christians and Western Christians share the belief that Jesus is believed to be the Savior, the Son of God. This period of time is a time of fasting and repentance in remembrance of the account of Jesus鈥?amp;nbsp;40 days of fasting in the desert. People will enter into a time of contemplation, which can include a conscious review of spiritual life and journey. Classes will be held during the Lenten Season. Students and employees are likely to abstain from eating and drinking during the day from dawn to sunset. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. The Lenten Season ends with Easter celebrations ((C) 鈥?March 31th, (P) - March 31th (O) May 5th)) and students are likely to travel home or off campus during the sacred time.

We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Be aware that many people may fast or give up certain foods or activities during Great Lent. This may not be a good time for large celebrations centered on food.

If food is provided, vegetarian and pescatarian options are advised.

Some Orthodox Christians may observe Ash Wednesday.

For our Islam community, Ramadan (*predicted March 10) begins the holy month. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a month of fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Classes will be held during the Ramadan Season, and students and employees are likely to abstain from eating and drinking during the day from dawn to sunset, eating only within a short overnight period. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. Some may declare the month to begin a day before or after the predicted date. Likewise, the holiday commemorating the end of fasting, most often called Eid al-Fitr (*predicted April 8-10th) may fall on different days according to varying family, cultural, or interpretive preferences in D-Term. We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Be aware when Ramadan begins and ends.

Assuming they are in good health, Muslim staff members, faculty members and students may be fasting during Ramadan. It is good to bear this in mind when planning activities, parties, etc., that involve food or beverages.

Muslims may want to pray more frequently during Ramadan, so providing a private space for prayer is important. Many may want to take time off for the conclusion of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr. This is a time of celebration with gift giving and traditional foods.

Muslim students/employees will fast during daylight hours, which may result in less stamina.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on Eid al-Fitr.

For evening events, provide food accommodations as requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

While there are Holy Days during C-Term, these are a few we recommend avoiding in your scheduling. Although students are not automatically excused from class for observance, they may work with their course instructors to make accommodations. Faculty/Staff members may request paid time off for these observances. Supervisors are highly encouraged to support their preference to take leave for their religious observance.

Most importantly, communication is key. The best thing community members can do is to ask how to support individuals observing a holiday.

Active Minds: Campus Guidance on Antisemitism and Islamophobia

kcummings — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Candle lighting outside of Alden

On Wednesday November 15, 2023, The Collegiate Religious Center in partnership with the student organization(s) Hillel, Muslim Student Association, and College Democrats co-hosted an Interreligious Dialogue associated with the Conflict on Israel and Palestine. Participants in the program viewed a Flash-Talk/Teach-in Showing of Professor Catilin Carenen鈥檚 (Eastern Connecticut State University) Talk: A Brief Introduction to the Arab-Israeli Conflict. After the viewing, a student panel of current WPI students spoke about their experiences around and associated to the conflict. This was the second in a series of Interreligious Dialogue(s) inviting students into a dialogue of life where participants strive to live in a neighborly spirit, sharing the intersections of various social locations, and their associated problems and preoccupations. In this dialogue of action, students are invited to participate in action(s) in which members of different faiths collaborate to achieve various social goods. (Learn More: Vatican鈥檚 1991 document Dialogue and Proclamation).

As a follow-up to this program, Active Minds and student representative(s): Lily Macdonald, Noah Martins, and Abigail Ceiniawa partnered with the Center for Well-Being and the Student Development Counseling Center to provide additional on-campus resources to support campus community wellness and engagement.

See below for a collection of resources and support in a climate of Antisemitism and Islamophobia:

Center for Well-Being Resources (CWB):

ProjectConnect

Well-being Coaching offered by CWB Staff

Peer-to-Peer Coaching

Peer-Wellbeing Ambassador Academic Coaching

Rest and Reflection Spaces in the CWB

Student Development Counseling Center (SDCC):

Mental Health School Supplies: College Toolkit

Religious Bullying: How to Get Help and Cope | The Jed Foundation

Faith & Spirituality Group Session: Monday 12/11 @ 4pm: Collegiate Religious Center

For additional information, SDCC Instagram

On campus Dialogue and programming associated to the conflict is ongoing. For questions and more information, please contact Kalvin Cummings at kcummings@wpi.edu

For more information about Active Minds and organization initiatives, see Instagram: @activemindswpi or email activeminds@wpi.edu

WPI Alliance, oSTEM Affiliate Chapter, Awarded Chapter of the Year by oSTEM

alesane — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Members of the Alliance accepting the Chapter of the Year award

鈥?lt;/span>Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community. With over 100 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM.鈥?Learn more at ostem.org.

The Alliance at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a chapter of oSTEM, providing a community for LGBTQIAP+ people in STEM. The Alliance recently attended the 13th Annual oSTEM Conference in Anaheim, California. There were over 1200 attendees, including students, chapter advisors, professionals, and volunteers. The Alliance brought a delegation of 18 students and 2 advisors.

During the oSTEM Community Awards Ceremony, the Alliance was awarded Chapter of the Year. According to the oSTEM website, 鈥淸t]his award recognizes the ongoing accomplishments of established oSTEM Chapters. The guiding purpose of the oSTEM organization is to empower LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. It is the oSTEM chapters that contribute greatly to this work.鈥?lt;/span> During the Community Awards ceremony, the Alliance鈥檚 commitment to making events accessible to all members of the LGBTQIAP+ community by avoiding publication of photos of club members without their consent, soliciting feedback from attendees of large events, and hosting a variety of events to appeal to different parts of the community.

Two Alliance members, Maya Evohr 鈥?5 (she/her) and Sara Frunzi 鈥?4 (she/her), presented their posters 鈥?lt;/span>3D Printed System for Simultaneous Stretch and Imaging of Engineered Microtissues,鈥?and 鈥?lt;/span>Towards Robotic Exoskeleton Multi-Contact Walking Via A Gait Library,鈥?respectively, during the Poster Session at the conference. Sara was awarded the People鈥檚 Choice Award for her poster.

Maya Evohr presenting her poster 鈥?lt;/span>3D Printed System for Simultaneous Stretch and Imaging of Engineered Microtissues.鈥?lt;/span>

Sara Frunzi presenting her poster 鈥?lt;/span>Towards Robotic Exoskeleton Multi-Contact Walking Via A Gait Library.鈥?lt;/span>

Sara Frunzi accepting her People鈥檚 Choice Award for her poster, along with the other poster awardees and Abby Ray (she/they), the oSTEM Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

The primary purpose of The Alliance, affiliate oSTEM Chapter is to provide a community for people of any gender identity or sexual or romantic orientation. Our secondary purpose is to promote advocacy and awareness regarding persons of any gender identity or sexual or romantic orientation. The Alliance became an affiliate oSTEM chapter in 2016 and has since attended each annual conference.

Vigil For Peace: A Response to Israel and Gaza

kcummings — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Vigil For Peace

We are devastated by the impact of weekend events and the ensuing violence that is affecting so many people. Unfortunately, at this moment little is certain except the fighting and human suffering find no foreseeable end. We are devoted to engaging our global scholars in examining and discussing difficult issues that impact our world. We must reject forces that seek to pull us apart and model behavior that shows acknowledgement, care, and respect for all individuals.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)'s Interfaith Advisory Committee, Campus Chaplains & Religious Advisors, and religious and religio-cultural clubs and organizations welcome our campus community to a Vigil for Peace on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT at the Rubin Campus Center Back Patio in response to the evolving situation in Israel and Gaza.

For more information or accommodations, please contact Kalvin Cummings (He/Him) at diversity@wpi.edu.

We are also in planning continued conversations with WPI faculty and staff to find ways of bringing understanding, clarity, and context to this painful moment - just as students, staff, and community members contribute their expertise and scholarship to other challenges of our time.

For resource recommendations from Gordan C. Library Services:

Global Studies Guide (WPI): This guide has selected resources on topics in Global Studies including scholarly resources, newspapers, organizations, and data sources.

WPI students, faculty, and staff have free access to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Instructions on how to set up an account can be found in our Newpaper guide.

The Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP) Primer on the Palestine, Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: This primer provides a general understanding of the history of Palestine, Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

Second Annual Block Party: Living Culture During Welcome Week

kcummings — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

For the second year in its tenure at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), The Student Activities Office, Office of Diversity Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME), the Housing & Residential Experience Center, and the Center for Well Being hosted an annual Block Party. This event is offered during our campus Welcome Week (the first week of classes) to celebrate the varied cultures represented in Worcester and at WPI.

This year鈥檚 Block Party was different from its first iteration, with the planning committee's priority to have students experience culture as opposed to mimicking the classroom setting to learn about it. Instead of guided lectures, we hired a disc jockey, catered various food from local Worcester businesses, and offered opportunities to engage in culture through different mediums. It was a party for all intents and purposes with wellness activities rooted in cultural celebration and history. Student organizations were invited to co-sponsor the event by offering foods or activities that represent the culture their respective organization fosters community for.

"As a student leader, I enjoyed the "sponsorship" structure that was presented to involve student orgs in the Block Party. I had the freedom to be creative and think about how we could best engage students. Overall, the Block Party was a great opportunity for students returning to campus or arriving on campus for the first time to enjoy the diversity of cultures on campus and in the Worcester community. I had a lot of fun talking to students about the different pride flags we had available for them and helping them find the flag that represents and celebrates them!"

-Emmaline Raven (Alliance President)

"The start-of-year block party was a window into the melting pot that is WPI, where any student can experience, learn, mingle with, and enjoy a multitude of cultures鈥攁nd in WPI Hillel鈥檚 case with our apples and honey: a pretty sweet introduction to the academic and Jewish new year!"

-Nadav Konstantine (Hillel President)

With 400 attendees, seven local Worcester organizations, and seven partnering student organizations, Student Welcome Week closed with celebrating the beauty of difference and the learning opportunity experiences like these offer students.

Lauren Feldman Named Assistant Director of Gender Equity and Sexuality

alanejr — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Lauren Feldman (She/They)

Effective September 18th, Lauren Feldman (she/they) has been named the Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

In this role, Lauren will oversee, coordinate, and assess campus gender equity initiatives, women's programs, and LGBTQIAP+ programs and services at WPI. Lauren will provide leadership and strategy to advance the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender, and pansexual (LGBTQIAP+) undergraduate and graduate students at WPI and beyond.

"Lauren joins the Division of Talent and Inclusion during a very exciting time for the University and our students as we chart our path forward with new leadership. Continuing our dedicated focus in designing and maintaining support services and programs for our LGBTQIAP+ students remains a strategic priority for WPI. I am excited Lauren will be assisting ODIME in leading these efforts."

鈥?lt;/strong>Dr. Lauren Turner (She/Her), Senior Vice President for Talent and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer

In this role, Lauren will also advance gender equity and women's programs by creating learning experiences and initiatives to support WPI women, non-binary students, and students of other genders to build community and facilitate a meaningful sense of belonging. Lauren will collaborate with campus partners and stakeholders to advocate and support female-supporting student clubs/organizations at WPI. Additionally, Lauren will support the ODIME team in managing the coordination of campus-wide affinity month and high holiday celebrations.

"I am excited Lauren will be joining the ODIME team in support of our students. Lauren brings valuable insights and expertise from student life which will complement the skills sets of the current team as we revitalize and continue implementing ODIME's strategic plan. The work that has been underway for the last few years will now have a new leader and content expert, and I am excited to see Lauren bring their voice, vision, and passion to life for our students and the WPI community.

鈥?lt;/strong>Arnold Lane, Jr. (He/Him), Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement

Lauren received their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from Ursinus College (Collegeville, PA). They received their Master of Education (M.Ed.) in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ). In order to provide students with holistic support, Lauren uses empathy and a student-centered philosophy. Their previous work experiences are in numerous areas of student affairs, specifically residence life, sexual violence prevention, and pre-college programs. Lauren loves music, Disney, as well as trying new cooking and baking ideas.

"My goal as a student affairs practitioner is to provide an accessible, inclusive space for students to find community, activism, and joy. I am excited for the opportunity to support trans, non-binary, women, and queer students at WPI and to build long-lasting connections both within these communities on campus and across the entire WPI community."

鈥揕auren Feldman (She/They), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

WPI Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Connections Pre-Orientation Program

alanejr — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Connections Class of 2027 - 30th Anniversary Celebration

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鈥檚 campus and persist through college. As the University 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. Thirty plus years later, this legacy still endures.

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) welcomed members of the Class of 2027 to campus for the Connections Pre-Orientation Program. Dubbed Connections 2027, this year鈥檚 cohort brought together 71 undergraduate scholars and 13 Program Ambassadors (PAs) over a one-week experience to welcome and onboard a new Connections cohort as well as to celebrate the Connections 30th Anniversary at WPI.

Maya Ellis '23 '24 served as the 2023 Alumni Speaker and offered advice, wisdom, and retrospective on her WPI experiences and how they were shaped by the Connections Pre-Orientation Program, Electrical and Computer Engineering courses, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Black Student Union, and the LSAMP Scholar Program.

"NSBE gave me the confidence to seek help and grow academically and professionally. I resonated with the mission of NSBE so much and wanted to give back to what supported me. I became [Chapter] President at the end of my sophomore year and stayed until I graduated. This led to invaluable leadership and networking skills that opened the door up for so many different opportunities. I urge you to find your equivalent of this community during your time whether that be through NSBE, SASE, or SHPE, to name a few."

-Maya Ellis '23 '24, WPI Alumna

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - PA Training

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Warren Conference Center

Connections is designed to assist incoming 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/x American, Asian American, Native American (ALANA); and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic, Agender and Pansexual (LGBTQIAP+) make a smooth transition from high school to college.

ODIME continued our collaborative partnership with Undergraduate Studies by offering twenty-one (21) scholars the opportunity to take a free online summer course during the E2-term as part of the Connections Academic Immersion. This model allowed Connections 2027 scholars to truly get a snapshot of the WPI experience in anticipation for their first A-Term at the University. In our second year of offering this added experience, the goal continues to be adequately preparing students for the academic transition into WPI to allow them to begin developing and employing effective organization and time management strategies.

The 21 Connections scholars took the following E2-term courses:

AR 1100 - Essential of Art

CH 1010 - Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces

CH 2310 - Organic Chemistry

HI 1330 - Introduction to the History of Science

MA 099X - Algebra, Analytic, Geometry, and Trigonometry

MA 1021 - Calculus I

MA 1022 - Calculus II

MA 1023 - Calculus III

MA 2071 - Matrices and Linear Algebra I

MA 2201 - Discrete Mathematics

MA 2611 - Applied Statistics I

MU 1511 - Introduction to Music

PH 1110 - General Physics-Mechanics

PH 115X - Introductory Physics of Living Systems

PSY 1402 - Social Psychology

"This is one of the best and some of the funniest moments I have experienced throughout school. I would extremely recommend this program. Komlavi and Peter were amazing. Everyone here is super nice and shares a lot of the same passions or hobbies, making a ton of new friends."

-Connections 2027 Scholar

The week-long Connections Pre-Orientation Program (August 12-19) kicked off with a Campus Resource Fair, Welcome Session, Alumni Speaker, and Parent/Family Informational Session and Q&A. 鈥淵ou are more than capable of succeeding here鈥our stories, identities, cultures, and experiences matter and if no one has told you before, you are already enough,鈥?lt;/strong> was a message Arnold Lane, Jr., Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement delivered to students and their families using an additional note centered around perseverance.

"The Connections program is a process, trust it, and take full advantage of it. Use what you have gained this week as a foundation going into your first year at WPI. It [might be] scary to put yourself out there, but it can be worth it in the end."

-Maya Ellis '23 '24, WPI Alumna

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Warren Conference Center

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Warren Conference Center

The Connections scholars also made their return to the Warren Conference Center where they participated in a series of teambuilding activities, ropes courses, and a BBQ. Throughout the week, scholars were encouraged to meet new people daily and fully immerse themselves in this new dynamic environment.

"The Connections program was a unique and important time for me. From understanding the campus and academic life to games and social events, it erased many of the fears and uncertainties that plagued my mind. The ice breakers and group activities cemented a friend group for me, and the sharing of each other's vulnerabilities and experiences has made a deeper connection with peers than I ever thought I would have. Connections was for me, a foundation that I stand upon now."

-Connections 2027 Scholar

ODIME continued our collaborative partnership with the Office of Government and Community Relations where former Director of Community Relations Katie Bilotta provided the Connections scholars with a private tour of the City of Worcester highlighting key neighbors, restaurants, shopping centers, the cultural district, and other go-to spots and city sites.

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Warren Conference Center

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Faculty Meet and Greets

The ODIME team and campus partners were also intentional about setting up team builders and networking opportunities with WPI faculty, staff, and our international scholars. Notable highlights of the week included Karaoke Night on Friday night and a Saturday day-trip to School Yaad with the Office of International Student Life and WPI鈥檚 newest international scholars.

"It was a great experience working with the Connections students. Shout out to Kris Billiar and Curtis Abel who were great to work with in running the session. And thanks to Deb Ofcarcik who got the materials we used."

-John McNeil, Dean of Engineering

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Program Ambassadors (PAs)

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - PA Training

The Connections Pre-Orientation Program could not occur without the hard work and dedication of the Program Ambassadors (PA). PAs are valued members of the ODIME team who are trained to provide peer-to-peer leadership and support for students who participate in the Connections experience. They serve as peer educators who engage our newest WPI scholars in various aspects of their first year at WPI as they transition into college. They also serve as positive role models within the community, aid in student support initiatives, encourage personal growth in their peers, and provide lasting experiences to ensure student success. Alesia LeSane, Kalvin Cummings, Aidan Nunes '23 '24, and Naomi Treto '24 facilitated a robust PA Training experience the week prior to the arrival of the Connections scholars.

"Coming to the Connections program is one of the best choices I have made so far. I love the connections and community that naturally just started to happen. There's really no better place to I would want to be right now."

-Ahmad Yusuf '27

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Making Connections

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Class of 2027 Closing Dinner and Connections 30th Anniversary Celebration

ODIME concluded the pre-orientation program with the Class of 2027 Closing Dinner and Connections 30th Anniversary Celebration. President Grace Wang offered Welcome Remarks to the Class of 2027 Connections scholars encouraging students to continue building on the strong connections they built during the week and to make additional connections throughout New Student Orientation. President Wang also encouraged students to build strong connections with their faculty and to always seek help whenever needed. President Wang concluded her remarks by highlighting the importance of well-being and practicing self-care before congratulating ODIME on the 30th Anniversary of the Connections Pre-Orientation Program.

Former Connections scholars Jeffrey Estrada '19 and Emily Hao '19 participated in the 30th Anniversary Celebration with Estrada offering a retrospective on his WPI/Connections experience and offering words of advice for the newest cohort of Connections scholars.

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - Alumni Speakers

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - Class of 2027 Closing Dinner and Connections 30th Anniversary Celebration

2023 Connections Pre-Orientation Program - 30th Anniversary - International Connections

The 2023 Connections experience was made possible by the generous contributions from Undergraduate Studies and Eric Hahn and Family, your continued support of ODIME鈥檚 programs and services is appreciated.

Special thank you to Alesia LeSane, Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success and the Connections Advisory Board for conceptualizing and facilitating the 2023 Connections Pre-Orientation experience.

The ODIME team is grateful to all of our campus partners and close collaborators who make this program possible every year. Special thanks and appreciation to:

Academic Technology Center

The Business School

Campus Police

Center for Well-being (CWB)

Dean of Students Office

Dining Services - Chartwells

Division of Marketing Communication

Division of Talent and Inclusion

Division of University Advancement

Diversity Outreach Initiatives Team in Undergraduate Admissions

Events Office

Fraternity and Sorority Life

The Global School

Heebner Career Development Center (CDC)

Humanities and Arts Department

IT Services

Mathematical Sciences Department

Physical Education, Recreation & Athletics

Physics Department

President鈥檚 Office

Provost's Office

the Housing & Residential Experience Center

School of Arts & Sciences

School of Engineering

Social Sciences and Policy Studies

Student Health Services (SHS)

Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC)

Office of Academic Advising

Office of Accessibility Services

Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach

Office of Financial Aid

Office of Government and Community Relations

Office of International Student Life

Office of Lifetime Engagement

Office of Strategic Initiatives and University Analytics

STEM Education Center

Student Activities Office

The SWEET Center

Undergraduate Enrollment

Undergraduate Studies

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

Campus Guidance for A-Term High Holy Days

kcummings — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Holy Days or Days of Awe are observed across religious and spiritual traditions. These dates and periods of observance mark sacred time in the practices of those who hold identities around religious and religio-cultural traditions. For our campus community, we strive to make the Holy Days Calendar and guidance as accurate as possible and to describe the holy days, their significance, and the nature of observance correctly. If you find a mistake, please let the Center know by email diversity@wpi.edu.

During A-Term, we recommend a few Holy days in which no major University sponsored events should be scheduled.

For our Hindu Community, Sri Krishna Janmashtami (September 6-7) is an important festival, particularly in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. The celebratory customs associated with Janmashtami include a celebration festival, reading and recitation of religious texts, dance and enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana, devotional singing till midnight (the time of Krishna's birth), play of Dahi Handi, and fasting. We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community:

Hindu students/employees observing this holy day would be fasting, and/or schedule to take some time off for temple visits and to celebrate the festival.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities.

For our Jewish Community, Rosh Hashanah (September 15 鈥?6) is the Jewish New Year, starting at sunset and continuing for two days. On Rosh Hashanah, observers attend religious services and celebratory meals. Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, which conclude on Yom Kippur. Following Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur (September 24 鈥?25) is also known as the Day of Atonement. Jewish community members observe Yom Kippur with a 25 hour fast (this does not include children, or those unable to fast for health/safety reasons) and religious services. We also have a few recommendations for supporting the WPI Community

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities.

Jewish students and employees may be fasting all day.

While there are Holy Days during A-Term, these are a few we recommend avoiding in your scheduling. Although students are not automatically excused from class for observance, they may work with their course instructors to make accommodations. Faculty/Staff members may request paid time off for these observances. Supervisors are highly encouraged to support their preference to take leave for their religious observance.

For our campus community, communication is key. The best thing community members can do is to ask how to support individuals observing holy day(s).

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

For Religious Diversity Resources and Calendars for Planning Campus Programs, Events, and Activities, please see Religious Holidays and Observances | Worcester Polytechnic Institute (wpi.edu)

Answering the Call: Introducing New WPI Campus Chaplains

kcummings — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Students, staff, and faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have an innate capacity for spirituality and robust practices around religious and spiritual life.

With a diverse set of beliefs and religions to live by comes an opportunity for institutions like WPI to ensure they are creating and fostering an inclusive living and learning environment by honoring the diverse beliefs of its campus community. The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)鈥?is led by inaugural Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life Kalvin Cummings (He/Him) and WPI鈥檚 Campus Chaplains. The center and its team of Campus Chaplains, Religious Advisors, and community partners are deeply invested in the spiritual well-being, growth, and support of all members of the WPI community.

WPI鈥檚 Campus Chaplains serve as a resource for anyone who wants to explore or expand their spiritual identity. The 鈥?lt;a>Campus Chaplains & Religious Advisors help support community members through major life changes, challenging periods of adjustment and offer guidance in faith, spirituality, and emotionality. Additionally, the Campus Chaplains work closely with faculty and staff to educate them on spiritual resources available for students and help the community to appreciate, respect, and embrace the diverse faiths practiced here.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)鈥痠s pleased to announce and welcome three (3) new members to our Campus Chaplaincy team:

Pastor Rocky Hedrick (He/Him)

Pastor Robert Mageza (He/Him)

Priest Balarama Anuja Dasa (He/Him)

Each of our new spiritual advisors serve the Greater Worcester community in their own way. Pastor Rocky Hedrick joined the Vox Church pastoral staff in January of 2020 as the Worcester Campus Pastor. Pastor Rocky has been a member of Vox Church multi-site non-denominational Christian church since 2017 and was a part of the Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA campuses prior to joining staff to launch the Worcester campus.

Priest Balarama Anuja Dasa has been serving the mission of India Heritage Foundation since August 2017.鈥?He and his family have devoted鈥痶heir energy in helping the organization grow a congregation and build an exquisite Krishna Temple in very nearby Shrewsbury, MA that is about to be inaugurated this upcoming 4th of July weekend.

Pastor Robert Mageza has been in active ministry for the past 40 years and is an ordained minister and founder of Hope and Deliverance Ministries in Worcester, MA. He is also the Lead Evangelist for Forward in Faith Ministries USA, which is part of the larger organization internationally.

To no surprise, the leadership of these faith leaders has made its' reach to students at WPI. Students from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship have been nourished by Sunday morning worship and bible study with Pastor Rocky. Priest Balarama Anuja Dasa guides students weekly in on-campus study of the鈥?lt;a>Bhagavad-gita Saturdays at 6:00 PM EDT with students from the Origins Club during fall and spring semesters. Weekly intercessory prayer has also been led by Pastor Robert for the spiritual guidance of youth and immigrants in the Worcester community.

A cornerstone across faith traditions is the importance of community. As faith leaders, we commit ourselves to support the spiritual life of parishes, churches, and other different spaces of communal sharing. I am overjoyed to share in the leadership of the Collegiate Religious Center with a group of clergy who answer the call to commit themselves to support the spiritual life of the WPI community. Join me in welcoming them to the Herd. Pastor Rocky, Pastor Robert, and Priest Balarama Anuja Dasa are eager to meet with members of the WPI community and will begin holding student hours during the fall.

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

To schedule time to connect with them please email: Pastor Robert rmegeza@wpi.edu, Pastor Rocky rhedrick@wpi.edu, and Priest Balarama Anuja Dasa bnatarajan@wpi.edu

Please join us in sending a warm welcome to them as they join our WPI community! For more information about WPI's Campus Chaplains and the Collegiate Religious Center, please contact Kalvin Cummings (He/Him) at diversity@.wpi.edu.

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

Inside the Role of an Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success

alesane — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Hi! My name is Alesia LeSane (She/Her), and I am Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME). I have been working in this role for almost a year, but I have been working at WPI for almost two years as I was previously in Undergraduate Admissions. My current role focuses primarily on supporting and advocating for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students at WPI such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and African American, Latinx, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students as well as first-generation students. I oversee many of ODIME鈥檚 success programs which include Connections Pre-Orientation Program, Graduate Connections, the LSAMP Scholar Program, and the First Generation Success Program.

At the core of my work is empowering, supporting, guiding, and advocating for students, so they can be on a pathway towards holistic success during their time here at WPI and beyond. This means being an additional resource for students鈥?academic, professional, social, and personal needs, so they can be equipped with the necessary skills to grow and be the best versions of themselves when they graduate. In this work, I am constantly thinking about how I can better understand and uplift voices from diverse backgrounds and overall, how I can celebrate and empower these various stories of our students. Through this, I help to provide functions and services that cater to an intersectionality of needs that include but are not limited to affinity month programming, social justice education, DEIB trainings, first-gen and BIPOC/ALANA resources.

To learn more about my passion, my work, and my vision, check out some of these additional resources such as my Q&A article, 鈥淪tudent Success Depends on All of US鈥? and the 2022 National First-Gen Day Celebration.

Student Success Depends on All of Us

A Look Back at National First Gen Day 2022

Be on the lookout for ODIME鈥檚 support networks and programs in an upcoming announcement!

If you have any questions or simply want to connect, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to me at alesane@wpi.edu.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/em>

Class of 2023 Lavender Commencement Ceremony

mfuller — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered to celebrate graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender and pansexual (LGBTQIAP+) students at the 2023 Lavender Commencement Ceremony, hosted in the Innovation Studio by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME).

Established in 1995 at the University of Michigan by Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D., a Jewish lesbian who was barred from attending the commencement ceremony of her children due to her sexual orientation, the Lavender Graduation Ceremony was implemented at over 45 colleges and universities around the country by 2001, with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) joining in 2019.

Lavender Commencement is a celebration that recognizes LGBTQIAP+ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to WPI as students who survived the college experience. Lavender is important to LGBTQ history. It is a combination of the pink triangle that gay men were forced to wear in concentration camps and the black triangle designating lesbians as political prisoners in Nazi Germany. The LGBTQ civil rights movement took these symbols of hatred and combined them to make symbols and color of pride and community.

The intimate ceremony featured not only addresses by Vanessa Cardaropoli 鈥?3, Former President of the Alliance, affiliate oSTEM Chapter, Oscar Chavez, Advisor for Academic Support, Mia-Kay Fuller, Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality, Janelle Drake 鈥?1, WPI Alum, and Arnold Lane, Jr., Director of Multicultural Education and Community Engagement, but also a space for students to congratulate and celebrate the accomplishments of themselves and their peers during their time at WPI. The ceremony itself had a friendly, heartfelt flow, offering a welcoming atmosphere that didn鈥檛 go unnoticed.

鈥淟avender Commencement is near and dear to my heart as it is one of the only days where I am surrounded by this many queer people and their supporters. Being surrounded by my community is where I thrive and I hope you all have the opportunity to feel that here today as well.鈥?lt;/strong>

-Mia-Kay Fuller (They/Them), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

As part of the ceremony, graduates are either given a rainbow honor cord, lavender honor cord, or a rainbow stole, as well as a WPI rainbow pin. Class of 2023 graduate, Vanessa Cardaropoli, was awarded the Lavender Commencement Student of Distinction award, which honors a student who has made an outstanding effort to create an inclusive environment at WPI through programming, outreach, and leadership for the LGBTQIAP+ community.

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Lavender Commencement ceremony and celebrate our Class of 2023 graduates!

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?amp;nbsp;

The Faith of Others: An Interreligious Dialogue On Religion and Sexuality

alanejr — Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Interreligious Dialogue 2023

On Friday, April 14, 2023 in the OASIS Multicultural Center (OASIS House), the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME), in partnership and collaboration with Unitarian Universalist Club, hosted a new series of programs called, 鈥淚nterreligious Dialogues鈥?lt;/em> to promote religious literacy and offer our campus community better ways of understanding ourselves, ourselves in relation to one another, and ourselves in relation to the world.

Rev. Cheryl Leshay, who recently retired from our University Chaplain Team, served as Campus Chaplain and Religious Advisor for the Universalist Unitarian Club during her tenure at WPI. This partnership has historically promoted programming and support for various representatives of religious traditions at WPI to discuss topics with one another. This dialogue and programming have fostered one way to share spiritual practices and insights. To continue in the spirit of this legacy of dialogue, students gathered to consider the intersection(s) of faith and spirituality as the inaugural theme for this series of Interreligious Dialogues.

As one of the programs that followed WPI鈥檚 recent Critical Conversations Forum discussing sexuality, identity, and belonging, students formed a four-person panel to participate in a subsequent discussion on faith and sexuality. After conducting a student poll in preparation for the discussion, panelists responded to questions including:

Do you believe your faith and queerness are compatible?

Do you feel like you have "lost" out on any part of your faith because of your queerness?

How do you find community in your faith, if you do?

These questions are important and were posed by students to their peers. As the first in a series of Interreligious Dialogues, students were invited into a dialogue of life where participants are trying to live in a neighborly spirit, sharing the intersections of various social locations, and their associated problems and preoccupations. Students were also invited into a dialogue of action, in which members of different faiths collaborate to achieve various social goods. (Learn More: Vatican鈥檚 1991 document Dialogue and Proclamation).

鈥淚 find the image of a roundtable to invite participants into a community commitment with one another. That commitment starts with the acknowledgement that we bring our full selves to said table. The other critical task is to discover new ways to reach across a wide table ridden with varying differences. My hope for these series of dialogues is that we exercise this muscle for the good of shared community.鈥?lt;/span>

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

WPI Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023聽

alanejr — Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

AAPI Heritage Month Banner

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥痗elebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2023 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, achievements, and contributions of the AAPI community throughout history.

This year, the鈥?lt;a>Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC)鈥痟as selected 鈥淎dvancing Leaders Through Opportunity鈥?as the theme for AAPI Heritage Month 2023. We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate the AAPI today and every day in support and recognition of the history and culture of this community.

STEM Scholar Highlights:鈥€?amp;nbsp;

Ching Wan Tang (Physical Chemist)

Ajay Bhatt (Computer Scientist)

Nainoa Thompson (Navigator)

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn鈥?amp;nbsp;

Explore Gordon Library鈥檚 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month collection online

Explore鈥痶he Federal Asian Pacific American Council resources online

Explore Material in the National Archives online

Explore the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center online

Read鈥?lt;/strong>Opening the Gates to Asia via Gordon C. Library

Read The Ocean in the School via Gordon C. Library

Read the Journal of Asian American Studies via Gordon C. Library

Watch鈥?lt;/strong>PBS Presents: Asian Americans online via Gordon C. Library

Watch Rise of the Wahine: Champions of Title IX online via Gordon C. Library

Watch Roots in the Sand online via Gordon C. Library

Listen to the Dear Asian Americans podcast

Listen to the Ka Leo o ka Uluau podcast

Listen to the Asian Boss Girl podcast

Listen to the Self Evident: Asian America鈥檚 Stories podcast

Take Action

Join WPI鈥檚 Chinese Student and Scholar Association

Join WPI鈥檚 Filipino Student Association

Join WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Hawaii鈥疌ultural Association鈥?lt;/strong>

Join WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Japanese Club

Join WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Korean Student Association

Join WPI鈥檚鈥?lt;/strong>Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers Chapter

Join WPI鈥檚 South Asian Student Association

Join WPI鈥檚 Vietnamese Student Association

Support Stop AAPI Hate

Support the Asian American Women鈥檚 Political Initiative

Support the Commonwealth of Massachusetts鈥?Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission

Support the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

Support the Society of Native Hawaiian Engineers

Support the National Asian Pacific American Women鈥檚 Forum

Prioritize and Practice鈥?lt;/strong>Self-Care

Register to Vote鈥?OR-鈥?lt;/strong>Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote.鈥?lt;/strong>Vote.org

Become a鈥?lt;/strong>Poll Worker

鈥?amp;nbsp;

鈥淎sian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent鈥攊ncluding East, Southeast and South Asia鈥攁nd the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of 2019, there were about 22.9 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, AAPI people are a diverse and growing population that make up about 7 percent of the total U.S. population. AAPI Heritage Month 2023 will take place from Monday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 31. Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the unique journey of all AAPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions and cultures.鈥?amp;nbsp;

Learn more:鈥?lt;a>https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.鈥?lt;/strong>

WPI Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

alanejr — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month鈥?023 by increasing awareness about the causes and risk factors for sexual assault and empowering individuals to take steps to prevent it in their communities. This April, we encourage all individuals, communities, and organizations to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us through self-education and institutional advocacy.

STEM Scholar Highlights

Raychelle Burks, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Chemistry, American University)

Kuheli Dutt (Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, MIT School of Science)

Miriam Eckerson, JD (Senior Counsel Advocacy and Government Relations, AWIS)

Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn

Explore Gordon Library鈥檚 Sexual Assault Awareness Month LibGuide

Explore Study: Undergraduate Women Majoring in STEM More Frequently Face Sexual Assault Than Those Outside of STEM (Diverse Education)

Explore Combating Sexual Harassment in STEM Act

Explore Taking on Sexual Harassment in STEM

Read Sexual Harassment of Women in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)

Read Meet Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivors on Pandora鈥檚 Project

Watch Picture A Scientist (2020)

Watch The Hunting Ground (2005)

Watch Sex for Grades (2019)

Watch Outcry (2020)

Listen to Resilient in STEM Podcast (Episode 4: 5 Ways to Support Sexual Assault Survivors)

Listen to The Sexual Violence Research Podcast

Listen to Indelible Podcast

Listen to Finding OK Podcast

Take Action

Attend Sexual Assault Survivor Lunch & Learn: Empowerment, a Pathway to Healing

Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1 PM EST

Register here

Attend Podcast on Consent with Dr. Elaine Byrne (Psychologist)

Multiple dates

Register here

Attend What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line?

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM EST

Register here

Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote. Vote.org

Become a Poll Worker

Thank you to the members of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Planning Committee:

Brenda Cummings (Gordon C. Library)

Ryan Duval (Title IX Office)

Matthew Foster (the Housing & Residential Experience Center)

Mia-Kay Fuller (ODIME)

Stanley Horton (Title IX Office)

Christine Sharry (Student Activities Office)

Taylor Rohena (Office of Accessibility Services)

Richard Song (Division of Talent and Inclusion)

鈥淲e take this moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of survivors and victims, the perseverance of advocates, and the dedication of the professionals in many fields who support those who experience sexual assault. Sexual assault can be a life-changing trauma for far too many of our neighbors, colleagues, family, and friends. The CDC has found that about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men suffer sexual violence at some point in their lives. That trauma can be compounded by institutions and cultural perceptions that blame survivors rather than meet them where they are in their journey to healing, accountability and justice.鈥?amp;nbsp;

Learn More: www.justice.gov/ovw/blog/recognizing-national-sexual-assault-prevention-and-awareness-month-2021

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

WPI Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month 2023

alanejr — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Arab American Heritage Month 2023

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)鈥?lt;span>celebrates Arab American Heritage Month 2023 by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Arab Americans throughout history. We encourage our community to study, observe, and celebrate this community and its rich heritage.

"By advancing innovation, leading businesses, serving in our military, teaching in our schools, and representing communities in elected office, Arab Americans make us stronger and help us form a more diverse and vibrant America." 鈥揓oseph R. Biden, Jr., United States President

STEM Scholar Highlights:

Dr, Joanne Chory (Biologist)

Dr. Omar M. Yaghi (Chemist)

Dr. Shadia Habbal (Astronomer and Physicist)

Read, Watch, Listen and Learn

Explore Gordon Library's Arab American Heritage Month LibGuide

Explore the Arab American National Museum

Explore the Center for Arabic Culture (Somerville, MA)

Explore the 2023 Arab American Heritage Month Educators Tool Kit

Explore TeachMideast鈥檚 Arab American Heritage Month Resource Guide

Read A Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month, 2023 online

Read Arab Music: A Survey of Its History and Its Modern Practice

Read more about How Arab Women Are Making Waves In Tech

Read Arab American Faces and Voices: The Origins of an Immigrant Identity

Learn about the ethnic and religious diversity of Arab Americans.

Watch On Her Shoulders online via Gordon Library

Watch The Fight online via Gordon Library

Listen to the Arab American Caf茅 podcast

Listen to the Arab Talk podcast

Listen to the Queer Arabs podcast.

Take Action

Participate in campus Arab American Heritage Month Programs:

Arab American Heritage Month Trivia Night on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in the Rubin Campus Center Stage from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST.

Join us while the committee table-sits in the Rubin Campus Center for a raffle for testing your knowledge, and enjoy goodies on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, between 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST.

Share your story: "National Arab American Demographics," Arab American Institute

Support the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee

Support the Arab America Foundation

Support the Arab American Institute

Prioritize and Practice Self-Care

Support AmidEast鈥攁 nonprofit engaged in promoting understanding between Americans and the people of the Middle East and North Africa.

Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration

Everything you need to vote. Vote.org

Become a Poll Worker

Thank you to the members of the Arab American History Month Planning Committee:

Alesia LeSane (ODIME)

Gregory Lane (Pre-Collegiate Office)

Kim Wykes (Student Activities Office)

Lori Ostapowicz-Critz (Gordon C. Library)

Erin Mayo (Office of Accessibility Services)

The initiative for the national designation and commemoration of Arab American Heritage Month was launched in 2017. In 2019, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution to Congress to proclaim April as National Arab American Heritage Month. National Arab American Heritage Month was recognized in April 2021 by President Joe Biden with the U.S. Department of State, some members of Congress and 37 governors issuing proclamations supporting the month, according to Arab America.

Learn More: https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/arab-american-heritage-month

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Kosher Meals Being Made Available In Celebration Of Passover

alanejr — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Passover

The holiday of Passover is coming up and you have the option to order Kosher-for-Passover meals if you elect to observe the customs of this holiday, which begins sundown Wednesday, April 5, 2023 and ends on sundown April 12-13, 2023 depending on your tradition and observance.

A common tradition during Passover is to eat unleavened bread or Matzah which will be included in the aforementioned meals. If you have any specific questions regarding celebrating Passover or the Passover meals themselves, please do not hesitate to contact Hillel at hillel-officers@wpi.edu.

The form below will provide more details for the sign up and payment process of this optional meal service. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Chartwells 鈥?Dining Services will be preparing Passover meals for those who sign up using this form link by Wednesday, March 29, at 12:00 PM EST. For those who choose to sign up, you will receive a follow-up email confirming your participation, thank you!

Please see the link below or the hyperlink in the description above for the signup form: https://forms.gle/jVbUq7YvKUzmEcod8

Happy Holidays Everyone!

鈥?lt;a>Rabbi Ahuvah Loewenthal and I were speaking about the joyful holiday of Passover which begins Wednesday Night, April 5th. Rabbi spoke about how families and friends gather the first two nights to tell the ancient story of liberation enacted through symbolic foods and rituals. Chapter 12 and 13 of the Book of Exodus instructs us to remove leavened products from our domains, and refrain from eating them during the eight-day observance. High holiday periods of fasting have various spiritual and anthropological explanation, they also serve to gather us as a meaning-making community. In partnership with Hillel Student Organization and WPI Dining Services, students at WPI will be able to keep Passover dietary laws as an important and meaningful expression of Jewish identity.鈥?lt;/strong>

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

WPI Celebrates Ramadan 2023

alanejr — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Ramadan 2023

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) in partnership with the Division of Talent and Inclusion, Muslim Student Association (MSA), Dean of Students Office, Chartwells 鈥?Dining Services gathers the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) community together in observance of Ramadan. As the Shawwal Moon has not been sighted globally, Thursday March 23, 2023 is likely to mark Ramadan鈥檚 official observance. Ramadan is an Islamic holy month during which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking each day from dawn to sunset, eating only within a short overnight period. In our campus planning and partnership(s), we have hoped to include information and marketing about Campus Prayer and Reflection Spaces and healthy resources for Suhoor (a meal ahead of sunrise) and Iftar (the main meal of the fasting day occurring at sunset). Learn more about supporting Muslim students and employees throughout Ramadan 2023.

WPI students and employees will have access to Suhoor Packs, which will be available for purchase at the Rubin Campus Center Food Court (using Goat Bucks, Credit Card, Bonus Points) as well as Morgan Dining Hall (using meal swipes) Thursday March 23, 2023 through Friday, April 21, 2023. Students and employees can simply notify the cashier about the need for meal swipe to break fast, receive a ticket upon swipe, give the ticket to the Dining Associate at the designated pick-up station, and then receive the Suhoor Pack.

Iftar Meals will be available from Halal Shack Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST. Students will be able to use special meals or exchange board meals at the checker in Morgan Dining Hall. For weekend meals (Saturdays and Sundays), students and employees will be able to retrieve their dinner (prepared from the Halal Shack) at Morgan Dining Hall by letting the cashier know it is the Iftar meal that they are seeking.

鈥淔asting is not limited to Ramadan in Islamic practice, it is also not limited to Islam. As our community gathers in observance of Ramadan in support of our Muslim community 鈥?we remember how important it is to have access to nutrient dense foods for our physical and spiritual wellbeing.鈥?

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

For Eid Al-Fitr (to celebrate the closing of Ramadan), which is expected on Friday, April 21, 2023 between 7:30 PM 鈥?8:30 PM, this celebration will be hosted at the Halal Shack. The maximum capacity for the Eid dinner will be (80) guests and participants will sign-up by using the promotion鈥檚 QR code as soon as possible. The menu for this celebration, provided by Chartwell鈥檚 will serve to include: Trevit Daal, Masala Base, Cumin Basmati Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chettinad Chicken, Black Chana Masala, and it would not be a celebration without a salivating Dessert Buffet.

ODIME will host dates to be available in all of our student identity centers (OASIS Multicultural Center, Collegiate Religious Center, Center for Black Excellence, and Lavender Lounge) as well as ready made vegetarian meals in the Collegiate Religious Center for additional support.

"Joe Kraskouskas, Director of Dining, Shavaun Cloran, Registered Dietitian and the entire Chartwells staff are proud to be part of this important effort to support those celebrating Ramadan and ensuring adequate nourishment is provided to all."

For more campus resources about Ramadan, please visit:

Supporting Muslim Students and Employees During Ramadan 2023

Dine of Campus - Ramadan

Religious Holidays and Observances

Gordon Library Guide - Faith and Spirituality: Islam

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

ODIME Forms New LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board

alanejr — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board

For the past several years, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been working to better support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual (LGBTQIAP+) community through various initiatives, programs, and policy updates. These causes have been taken up by various members of our campus, including faculty, staff, and students, in their respective roles and have allowed for the LGBTQIAP+ community at WPI to increase, become more visible, and thrive during their time here.

Before efforts were made to include a Gender-Inclusive Housing process to Housing Selection for first-year and upper-level students, students used to have to individually out themselves to a staff member in order to receive the housing they needed to live comfortably at WPI. Prior to the inclusion of Gender Inclusive Restrooms in all academic buildings on campus, community members used to have to leave the building they were in for work, class, etc. in order to use a restroom that fit them best. WPI鈥檚 Lived Name Process has not always been as simple as being able to go on to Workday to update your profile; community members used to have to individually out themselves to staff and faculty in order to not be deadnamed on campus.

Deadnaming (verb): using a person鈥檚 name received at birth instead of the one they have chosen.

Then, in early December of 2021, a group of LGBTQIAP+ students sent WPI administration the WPI Students鈥?Demands for Campus Support and Safety for LGBTQIAP+ Students letter. This caused a shift in the campus culture that allowed the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) to put forth initiatives that would drastically improve the landscape of WPI for LGBTQIAP+ students through collaboration with other campus departments and students, including the development and creation of the inaugural Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality role in Fall of 2022. This shift also opened up pathways for other students who were not apart of the initial letter writing to speak up about their experiences at WPI and provide feedback about what needs to change in order for them to feel they are part of this community.

All of this was possible because of those members of our community who stood up and spoke out to advocate for the success of all of our LGBTQIAP+ community members at WPI. However, these efforts were diluted throughout campus and did not have the cross collaboration needed to take on the larger challenges facing this community head on.

ODIME put a call out to faculty and staff across campus in January 2023 to join the new LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board, including several individuals who started and have continued this work during their time at WPI. The purpose of the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board is to provide a space for LGBTQIAP+ advocates in the WPI community to join together to strategize and inform WPI and ODIME programs and services to better serve our LGBTQIAP+ students. Through bi-weekly meetings, the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board outlines current challenges, leads various initiatives (including the December 2021 Letter), and provides current knowledge, critical thinking, and analysis to institutional decision-makers.

Current members of the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board include:

Oscar Chavez (Office Academic Advising)

Lindsay Davis (Department Humanities & Arts)

Stan Horton (Title IX Office)

Greg Lane (Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs)

Paige Neuman (Gordon C. Library)

Kat Keyes (Division of Talent & Inclusion)

Taylor Rohena (Office of Accessibility Services)

Angela Romano (Office of Academic Advising)

Hilary Clark (Division of Talent & Inclusion)

Rebecca Moody (Department of Humanities & Arts)

Arnold Lane, Jr. (ODIME)

Ben Pollard (Physics Department)

Mia-Kay Fuller (ODIME)

Emily Perlow (Division of Student Affairs)

Jill Westover (Gordon C. Library)

Vi Leroux (Career Development Center)

Riky Hanlan (Career Development Center)

The Alliance Executive Board

I am excited to work with all of these people through the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board because I know that I am surrounded by individuals who truly care about advocacy work and want to push our campus to change and grow. This is not only special, it is also unique in that we are able to utilize our identities to better serve our students and our entire community. I cannot be more grateful for this opportunity to create a campus culture where all queer and trans students feel seen, validated, and respected.

-Mia-Kay Fuller (They/Them), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality

Learn More About LGBTQIAP+ Support

If you have any questions regarding the LGBTQIAP+ Advocacy Board, or would like to know more, please contact Mia-Kay Fuller (They/Them) at diversity@wpi.edu.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Supporting Muslim Students and Employees During Ramadan 2023

alanejr — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Ramadan 2023

In preparation for Ramadan (expected Wednesday, March 22nd through Friday, April 21st), which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the Division of Talent and Inclusion, the Office of Diversity Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME), the Dean of Students Office, and Chartwells - Dining Services are working together to develop resource guides for the health and nutrition of students and employees (as needed) who fast during the month from dawn until sundown. 鈥淩amadan gathers us鈥?is a common saying which means Ramadan gathers all Muslims with their families, children, and friends worldwide.

We believe this sacred time during Ramadan can also gather all of us. Along with providing 鈥渂uild-a-bag鈥?and preferred dietary options for participating Muslims to break fast, we also remind our community of faculty and staff members to be aware of this month of Ramadan and the high holidays that follow this observance, Eid Al Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.

Every year, during the month of Ramadan, observing Muslims change their eating pattern. Ramadan is an Islamic holy month during which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking each day from dawn to sunset, eating only within a short overnight period. With this lifestyle change, changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels are consequently affected. These changes can also affect the health and nutritional status of students and employees. Thus, our Muslim students and colleagues may be hungry, tired, lethargic, or dehydrated periodically throughout their day.

As Ramadan gathers us all, in support of our Muslim community we ask all faculty and staff to employ leniency in terms of how this lifestyle change during the month might impact schoolwork, deadlines, projects, examinations, and class attendance.

鈥淚n a verse from the Qu鈥檙an referring to Ramadan, it was in the Ramadan month the Qu鈥檙an was revealed and made clear as guidance for humankind. As Ramadan gathers us all, we remember to rest, and be guided by whatever truth is made clear, whatever is birthed during this time.鈥?lt;/span>

-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life

If you have any specific questions or need support, please contact Kalvin Cummings (He/Him) at diversity@wpi.edu.

For more resources and information about Ramadan, please visit:

Religious Holidays and Observances (Collegiate Religious Center)

Ramadan Information Sheet (Islamic Networks Group)

When is Ramadan 2023? (Muslim Aid)

Islamic Calendar 2023 (Islamic Relief USA)

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Mindful Consideration: Diversity Calendar Resources for Planning Campus Programs (D-Term/Spring Semester)

alanejr — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In an effort to foster a community of inclusion and belonging at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) we encourage you to be mindful of religious holidays, interfaith and holy days, and other commemorative events which may impact student and employee participation in campus programs, events, and activities during D-Term (March 13 - May 3) / Spring Semester (January 10 - May 3).

Please refer to the resources below as you need to when conducting your program/event scheduling and planning this term/semester.

If you are unsure if the identified date may discourage active participation in your program/event please feel free to consult with a member of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education or Division of Talent and Inclusion.

Outlook Resources:

Add holidays to your calendar in Outlook for Windows

Diversity Calendar Resources:

Win Holiday Calendar (Sapro Systems)

Religious Calendar (Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education)

Diversity Calendar 2023 (Diversity Resources)

Calendar of Observances 2023 (Anti-Defamation League)

For more information and resources explore: Religious Holidays and Observances

The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.