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Your Opinion Matters: Help Tech Eats Rename The Market at Founders!

hbecka — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Tech Eats is looking for input on what we would rename The Market located down in Founders Hall and want to get the community involved!
Please click the link below and share the flyer with anyone who is interested.
Voting closed October 12th and our grand re-opening celebration begins October 21st at 11am!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J3NYV52

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;

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 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)

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.

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

alanejr — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 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 C-term (January 10 - March 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

WPI Calendar Resources:

2023 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Paid Holidays

WPI Academic Calendars and Catalogs

Diversity Calendar Resources:

Win Holiday Calendar (Sapro Systems)

Diversity Calendar 2023 (Diversity Resources)

Calendar of Observances 2023 (Anti-Defamation League)

2022-2023 Multicultural Calendar (National PTA)

2023 Workplace Diversity and Inclusivity D&I Calenda (Worktango)

2023 Religious Holidays & Observances Calendar (Slide Share)

Important Diversity & Cultural Calendar, Dates and Celebration Events (Diversity for Social Impact)

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.

A Look Back At National First Gen Day 2022

alanejr — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrated National First Gen Day on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 to acknowledge, elevate, and highlight the successes of all first-generation undergraduate and graduate students. November 8th is annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day, which was chosen to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

This year, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) and Student Activities Office (SAO) hosted a drop-by event in the Rubin Campus Center lobby from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST with a photo opportunity, giveaways, celebration stickers, first-gen pins, resources, treats, and interactions with WPI's First Gen Fellows (faculty and staff who are also First Gen).

A special thanks to all those who made the 2022 celebration possible:

Christina Genovese (Student Activities Office)

Jennifer Daigle (University Advancement)

Hiba Khan '25 (Student Activities Office)

Olivia Kochol '26 (Student Activities Office)

Alesia LeSane (ODIME)

Christine Sharry (Student Activities Office)

Casey Thomas (University Advancement)

Micah Wilde '23 (Student Activities Office)

Dining Services (Chartwells)

First Generation Student Association (FiGSA)

First Generation Success Program Support Team (ODIME)

To learn more about first-generation resources at WPI, check out the first-generation page and read more about WPI鈥檚 support.

"November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act (鈥淗EA鈥? emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson鈥檚 War on Poverty. Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education. Additionally, HEA ushered in programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates." Learn More

The mission of WPI鈥檚 First Generation Success Program is to optimize access to campus resources and support for first-year students who identify as first generation. The program is designed to foster student鈥檚 personal, academic, and professional development at WPI through programming, mentorship, and a residential community.

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 (B-Term/Fall Semester)

alanejr — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 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 holidays, interfaith and holy days, and other commemorative events which may impact student and employee participation in campus programs and events during B-term (October 24 - December 16) / Fall semester (August 24 - December 16).

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.

WPI Calendar Resources:

2022 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Paid Holidays

2023 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Paid Holidays

WPI Academic Calendars and Catalogs

Diversity Calendar Resources:

Win Holiday Calendar (Sapro Systems)

2022 Global Diversity Calendar (Google Doc)

Diversity Calendar 2022 (Diversity Resources)

Diversity Calendar 2023 (Diversity Resources)

Calendar of Observances 2022 (Anti-Defamation League)

Calendar of Observances 2023 (Anti-Defamation League)

2022-2023 Multicultural Calendar (National PTA)

Diversity Calendar 2022 | Inclusion and Cultural Events (iMocha)

2022 Workplace Diversity and Inclusivity D&I Calendar (Worktango)

Important Diversity & Cultural Calendar, Dates and Celebration Events (Diversity for Social Impact)

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

alanejr — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In an effort to foster a community of inclusion at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) we encourage you to be mindful of holidays, interfaith and holy days, and other commemorative events which may impact student participation in campus programs and events during A-term (August 24 - October 13) / Fall semester (August 24 - December 16).

Please refer to the resources below as you need to when conducting your 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 Talent and Inclusion.

WPI Calendar Resources:

2022 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Paid Holidays

WPI Academic Calendars and Catalogs

Diversity Calendar Resources:

Win Holiday Calendar

Diversity Calendar 2022

Diversity Calendar 2022 | Inclusion and Cultural Events

2021-2022 Workplace Diversity and Inclusivity D&I Calendar

Important Diversity & Cultural Calendar, Dates and Celebration Events

Anti-Defamation League Calendar of Observances

WPI Mourns a Longtime Friend and Colleague

amduffy — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

WPI and the Worcester community lost a valued friend and colleague last week when Scott Feldman, who worked for Chartwells and its predecessor DAKA for nearly 30 years, passed away Wednesday evening, March 10. He was 55.

Joe Kraskouskas, WPI鈥檚 Director of Dining Services, worked with Scott since early 1992 and remembered his colleague as 鈥渢he one who would always say 鈥榶es, I can help with that鈥?no matter what. We all relied on Scotty. He never said no.鈥?lt;/p>
Scott, who was most recently the supervisor at the Goat's Head, was a graduate of the Fanning Trade School and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served proudly as a Culinary Specialist. After his service, he began what became a 35-year professional career in food service in the Worcester area.

Scott was a constant presence not only at WPI but on several other college campuses and at organizations throughout the city. He worked with WPI, Becker College, Worcester State University, Worcester Elderly Nutrition, Camp Joslin and Clara Barton summer camps for children with diabetes, and the Worcester Tornadoes. There鈥檚 simply no telling how many college students, campers, baseball fans, and seniors were helped by Scott at some point over the last three decades.

At WPI, Scott held numerous roles and, among other things, managed the shipping and receiving of all food-related products, as well as all vending machine operations prior to the current contracts with Coke and Foley Vending. He helped Chartwells pivot to provide grab-and-go meals for students during the pandemic and was part of the team delivering meals to students at the Hampton Inn.

鈥淓veryone leaned on Scott when they needed help,鈥?Kraskouskas said. 鈥淎nd he never asked for help in return or complained about the workload.鈥?lt;/p>
In his other roles over the years, Scott managed all dining operations at Worcester Tornadoes games, with up to 3,000 spectators; supervised the evening shift at Worcester State University鈥檚 four retail operations; oversaw dining services for the Leicester campus of Becker College; and was part of a team that produced up to 5,000 meals daily for Worcester鈥檚 nutrition program for the elderly. He also assisted with the catering services for the inaugurations of more than five university presidents, as well as countless alumni and reunion events.

One of Scott鈥檚 favorite roles was overseeing dining operations for the Camp Joslin and Clara Barton summer camps, which served diabetic children from 6 to 16 years of age.

鈥淟ots of people in higher ed dining services will pick up work at camps during the slow summer months,鈥?Kraskouskas said, 鈥渂ut the work is hard and the kitchens can be very hot. But Scotty loved it anyway and looked forward to it. And the kids loved him at all of his camps. He used to tell me stories about a camp on Lake Winnipesaukee where he worked early in his career, and he had such fond memories of it all these years later. He didn鈥檛 travel much but he loved his summer camps.鈥?lt;/p>
Quiet and shy, but funny and open when you got to know him, Scott was described as humble, hardworking, and very kind. His work was his life, Kraskousksas said, noting that Scott鈥檚 few 鈥済uilty pleasures鈥?included Dr. Pepper and his Ford F150s, and he adored his cats and dogs. Scott did not marry or have children but enjoyed his family and doted on his niece and nephews. After his passing, Scott鈥檚 father and siblings found many photos of his 鈥淲PI work family,鈥?which didn鈥檛 surprise those who knew him.

鈥淭hrough his varied career with Chartwells, Scott found WPI to be his favorite campus, the one he always returned to,鈥?said Kraskouskas. 鈥淗e was a very generous and honest person and was well liked by all of us. We鈥檙e going to miss him terribly. The entire community will. 鈥?lt;/p>
Services were held Sunday, March 14. Scott鈥檚 obituary noted that memorial contributions could be made to the World Central Kitchen; it seems fitting that feeding people will be a central part of his legacy.

Dining Locations and Hours for Move-in and the Start of C-Term/Spring Semester 2021

amduffy — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome back!

Here are the hours for our dining locations as we welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus.

The Campus Center Food Court and Dunkin are now open, and both Morgan Hall and the Goat鈥檚 Head will be open as of January 23鈥攁ll for online ordering and pickup.

Please remember that there will be no on-site dining just yet. We are excited to be offering mobile ordering from all dining locations through the GET Mobile app. With this mobile app you can track meals and points balances as well as make Goat Bucks deposits to your account in real time. Remember that faculty and staff also get 10% off when you pay with Goat Bucks.

The Chartwells Team looks forward to seeing you.

Welcome back and be safe!

Campus Center Food Court and Dunkin' Closed Today October 15

jaquinnszcesuil — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The Campus Center Food Court and Dunkin鈥?Donuts will be closed starting at 9am today, October 15, due to sewer line maintenance in the Campus Center.

The Goat鈥檚 Head, Foisie Caf茅, and Morgan Hall Pulse on Dining are available the following hours through making a reservation using the Dine on Campus app:

Morgan Hall, Pulse on Dining: 7am-8pm

Founders Hall, Goats Head Restaurant: 7am-9am; 11am-2pm; 4:30pm-10pm

Foisie Caf茅: 10am-2pm

We apologize for any inconvenience and will update the community when services resume. Please contact facilities@wpi.edu with any questions.

Thank you,

WPI Facilities Team

Campus Center Food Services Reopen Friday at 7 am

jaquinnszcesuil — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Dining services in the Campus Center will resume normal operations starting tomorrow at 7 am, with breakfast at Campus Center Food Court or Dunkin Donuts. Make sure to use the Dine on Campus system to make your dining reservations. All hours and locations can be found on the Dine on Campus website.



Thank you for your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience today鈥檚 closure may have caused. Please contact facilities@wpi.edu with any questions.

Thank you,

WPI Facilities Team

Campus Center Food Court Re-Opens August 10, 2020

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The Campus Center Food Court will re-open Monday August 10, 2020. The Hours of operation for August 10 - 14, 2020 will be 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Please go to www.dineoncampus.com/wpi for all hours of operation, menus, nutritional information, news and events. Dining Services has directional signage in the food court to help guide guest to allow for proper social distancing to keep everyone healthy and safe.

The Quorum Now Open

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

WPI鈥檚 dining partner, Chartwells, will reopen The Quorum July 13, hours of operation are Monday - Friday 11:30 am - 2 pm with a set summer menu featuring salads, a wide variety of gourmet deli sandwiches, and of course fresh coffee, cappuccino, and more. Check out the menu here.

Chartwells has implemented several safety measures for dining in on campus.

All dining service associates will have their temperature checked prior to coming to work in all locations.

Guests and dining service staff are required to wear face coverings.

Dining facilities will not be accepting cash as a form of payment. Credit cards, Goat Bucks and Apple Pay will be accepted as forms of payment.

All dining rooms have been organized to optimize social distancing for guest safety.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed to ensure guest and associate safety.

Directional and floor signage have been installed to encourage social distancing at all times.

Chartwells associates have undergone training from both WPI and Chartwells in order to return to work.

Hand sanitizer will be available for guests as they enter the dining facility

Call x 5400 for info and to order.

The Quorum Reopens July 13, 2020

amduffy — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The Quorum Reopens Monday, July 13

WPI鈥檚 dining partner, Chartwells, will reopen The Quorum July 13, with a set summer menu featuring salads, a wide variety of gourmet deli sandwiches, and of course fresh coffee, cappuccino, and more. Check out the menu here.

Chartwells has implemented several safety measures for dining in on campus.

All dining service associates will have their temperature checked prior to coming to work in all locations.

Guests and dining service staff are required to wear face coverings.

Dining facilities will not be accepting cash as a form of payment. Credit cards, Goat Bucks and Apple Pay will be accepted as forms of payment.

All dining rooms have been organized to optimize social distancing for guest safety.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed to ensure guest and associate safety.

Directional and floor signage have been installed to encourage social distancing at all times.

Chartwells associates have undergone training from both WPI and Chartwells in order to return to work.

Hand sanitizer will be available for guests as they enter the dining facility

On-campus delivery will be available from 11 am to 1:30 pm. (Delivery is not available at Gateway Park or Prescott Street at this time)

Call x 5400 for info and to order.

Dining Hours as of March 16, 2020

admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Please go to www.dineoncampus.com/wpi or the App to see what's open now.

Auntie Anne's & Planet Smoothie Closed for Repairs

admin — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Planet Smoothie and Auntie Anne's will be closed for repairs until further notice.

Sorry for any inconvenience,

Dining Services Team

Did you Know? Dining Services has an app?

admin — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000