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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>

WPI Participation in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events Around Worcester

alanejr — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Faculty and Staff in Attendance at Annual MLK Breakfast

WPI staff and faculty were in attendance at the local community-wide 38th MLK, Jr. Annual Breakfast. Rev. Dr. Deborah Jackson, Dean of the Business School gave an inspiring Invocation.

In addition, WPI participated in two local initiatives as part of a special day of service to the greater Worcester community. The Office of Government and Community Relations along with Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME), Student Activities Office (SAO), and the STEM Education Center coordinated two campus-wide donation drives.

One was to collect books about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement for local elementary school children led by the Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS).

The second was to collect pajamas, socks, and basic hygiene products to assemble for children in emergency foster care led by YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

Zeta Psi Members at YMCA for MLK Day Service

Tau Kappa Epsilon members pulling together emergency kits for foster care children.

Applications Open for Women鈥檚 Research and Mentorship Program (WRAMP)

nmanterni — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Apply to be a graduate or undergraduate mentor with WRAMP and gain valuable experience while inspiring young women in STEM. WRAMP empowers and supports women in STEM through a multi-tiered mentor program and hands-on WPI graduate research. Within this program, teams of four are created, including one graduate student, one undergraduate student, and two Worcester Public High School students. Throughout the semester the team works on the graduate student's research project each week; attends two Saturday sessions designed to promote confidence and professional skills; and plans one team social activity (ie: lunch in the dining hall, campus tour, movie night, game night with other teams etc). The program concludes with team presentations and a poster session.

All mentors will receive a stipend upon the successful completion of the program.

(Specific stipend information is included in the applications)

This is a grant-funded program for female-identifying students.

Mentor Professional Development Workshops: Wednesday, January 18 & Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 5:00 鈥?7:00 PM

Saturday Opening Session: January 28, 2023, 9:00 AM 鈥?12:00 PM

Saturday Mid-Session: March 4, 2023, 9:00 AM 鈥?12:00 PM

Friday Closing Session and Poster Presentation: April 14, 2023, 4:00 鈥?6:00 PM

Team Meetings: As scheduled and agreed upon by your team, 2-5 hours per week January 28 鈥?April 14

Application deadline is December 6, 2022

2021 NGLA Virtual Conference in Review- Case Study Winners

crsharry — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000

The Student Activities Office is excited to announce that two students from the Interfraternity Council placed third in the Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) Virtual Conference Order of Omega Case Study Competition. The exercise is an opportunity for students to think critically about how to address issues surrounding the fraternity and sorority community. John Putskia and Ardavasd Ardhaldjian represented WPI, showcasing their ability to place theory to practice in situations that involve the larger Greek community. Below are a few thoughts our award winners had to say about their experience at the NGLA Virtual Conference:

鈥淣GLA provided me with a valuable experience to help guide me through my position. I gained access to important resources and learned about various aspects of risk management. Also, I participated in the Order of Omega case study, which was an awesome, practical exercise that threw Ardy and I into a realistic adjudication process. I would highly recommended that future WPI IFC members participate in this event!鈥?- John Putska 23'

"Going into a virtual NGLA, I thought I was going to sit behind a computer screen all day and listen to speakers. For some of the events, this may have been the case, but for the Order of Omega Case Study Competition, I had a lot of fun. John and I, as fellow members of IFC, we're encouraged to make a team and participate in this competition by the IFC advisor. Going into the competition both of us were unsure of what to expect. We were given a unique real-life example of multiple Greek Chapters clearly breaking, an unnamed, university's guidelines. Our challenge was to consider all the stakeholders in the situation and inform the university's Inter-Fraternity Council on how they should proceed while acting as their Greek life advisor. Our optimal solution needed to be prepared and presented in less than 12 hours. This time constraint made things more interesting. John and I spent the time individually dissecting the scenario and convened for 3-4 hours to synthesize our thoughts and finally present our solution. A panel of judges listened to us speak and individually provided insightful feedback on our solution, presenting skills, and teamwork."- Ardavasd Ardhaldjian 鈥?2

Dinner Dialogue: One Race, Diverse Experiences: Acknowledging Black Student Community, Tensions, and Multiple Identities through Dialogue

blisk — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

As a student leader in a club, a peer mentor, and a fellow student, sometimes it can be hard to serve the diverse needs of all Black American, Black immigrant, and Black international students. Come talk about your experiences with Professor Chrystal George Mwangi, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and learn more about what she learned in a study looking at how Black American, Black immigrant, and Black international students experience higher education in both similar and distinct ways. You'll leave with a greater understanding of the complexities of race, racial identity, and intra-racial group dynamics on college campuses.

Sponsored by the Supporting WPI through Effective and Equitable Teamwork (SWEET) Grant Team, supported by the Davis Foundation.

April 2, 2020

Hagglund Room, Rubin Campus Center

6:00 - 7:00 pm

Dinner will be provided.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://wpi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZuRgyH14oJ5Bxr