D i v e r s i t y a t W P I

You belong here ...

What do you want toaccomplish in life?You want to engineer the world’snext great skyscraper.

You want to start your own software company.

You want to find a cure for a common disease.

Prepare to take off...

“As a forward-thinking institution, WPI benefits immensely from cultural and ethnic

diversity. Campus life is enhanced by students of color whose distinct backgrounds

and perspectives exemplify our increasingly global society.”

Calvin Hill Ph.D.assistant dean of students and director of diversity programs

In WPI’s vibrant diverse community,our African American, Latino, andNative American students benefitfrom an outstanding array of aca-demic and social resources—includ-ing programs and organizationsspecifically designed to enhance theexperience of multicultural groups.Our Global Perspective Program and our Excellence in Mathematics,

Science, and Engineering Program(EMSEP) actively promote academicachievement and cultural aware-ness. At WPI, you will live and learnin a comfortable, dynamic environ-ment, surrounded by students froma variety of backgrounds who shareyour enthusiasm for science, engi-neering, and technology.

The support and advice you’ll enjoyin WPI’s tightly knit multiculturalcommunity will help you feel athome. At the same time, our innova-tive academic programs and manyopportunities to gain professionalexperience will prepare you for arewarding career—and to make areal difference in the world. It allstarts here at WPI.

Accele

Making the transition from home to collegecan be difficult, no matter where you’re from.Having a strong network of friends and supportfrom the beginning makes all the difference.That’s why WPI offers an exciting pre-orienta-tion program for African American, Latino,and Native American students. The Excellencein Mathematics, Science, and EngineeringProgram (EMSEP) invites you to campus earlyand gives you a jump start on college life.

Through EMSEP, you’ll not only meet fellowstudents of color, you’ll also get to know faculty,administrators, and others who can help youadjust to life at WPI. EMSEP allows you toexplore campus and the city of Worcester—your home for the next few years. You can volunteer in your new community, go on fieldtrips to Boston, and even try your luck at theWPI bowling alley.

Make the gradePrograms that help orient studentsto life at WPI and prepare them tothrive academically:

■ Career Development Program

■ Drop-in Tutoring Center

■ Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Program (EMSEP)

■ Faculty/Academic Advisors

■ Insight Program (First-Year Orientation)

■ Major Selection Program

■ Math and Science Help (MASH)

■ Orientation Leaders

■ Peer Learning Assistants

■ Resident Advisors

■ Student Development & Counseling

■ Walk-in Sessions

■ Writing Center

erate the college experience

What’s more, EMSEP offers an array of aca-demic support services and professional devel-opment that extend beyond your first year.The program will provide you with a solid academic foundation on which to build yourfuture success. WPI wants you to feel comfort-able, supported, and confident throughoutyour time here; EMSEP is the springboardto launch you on the right track.

“EMSEP created a second family for me on campus and gave

me the support I needed in terms of academics and social life.”

Rashad Hardaway ’08biochemistry major from Boston, Mass.

Learn from the

“Professors here are awesome. They’re always available if you need help, and they’re

really easy to talk to. I’ve been able to build some great relationshipswith my electrical and computer engineering professors.”

Michael Dias ’08electrical and computer engineering major from Boston, Mass.

In addition to a solid experience in practicalproblem solving, we provide students withthe individualized support and guidance theyneed to thrive at WPI. It’s all about preparingyou for success in your chosen profession—and for success in life.

WPI ensures that you have the skills andresources you need to succeed in your projectsby helping you build a well-rounded founda-tion in the humanities and the sciences. Ourcourses are taught by renowned professorswho care about their students’ achievements,and our small classes promote student inter-action and group learning. This encouragesstudents to have their voices heard and fostersan academic environment that encouragescooperation—not competition.

At WPI, learning doesn’t end whenyou step outside of the classroom and lab.Our innovative, project-enriched approachto academics requires students to go out intothe world to put what they learn in class intopractice by sizing up and solving real-worldproblems, working in teams with other stu-dents. WPI’s Global Perspective Programgives you the opportunity to complete yourprojects off campus and even travel to sitesaround the world.

WPI student projects are sponsoredby leading corporate, government,and nonprofit organizations.

■ Travel to Thailand to introduce young children tocomputers.

■ Evaluate the impact of energy resources onthe environment in Morocco.

■ Learn how to collect DNA evidence and to use it in a court of law.

■ Study the influence of mathematics on the art ofSalvador Dali.

■ Develop a wellness program for firefightersin Costa Rica.

■ Design and implement a robot-building competition for local high school students.

■ Explore the feasibility of alternative fuels forpowering spacecraft.

Recent sponsors:

■ Cheetah Conservation Fund (Namibia)

■ Gillette

■ Johnson & Johnson

■ Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (Australia)

■ MIT Lincoln Laboratory

■ NASA Johnson Space Center

■ National Science Foundation

■ Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research

■ United States Patent and Trademark Office

e world

“The projects are a great aspect of the WPI program because

they help students bring together everythingthey've learned in four years, and see how what they've

learned in different classes is interconnected.”

Jeanine Plummerassociate professor, civil and environmental engineering;

director, Environmental Engineering Program

Strike a balance

When you’re finished with classesand homework for the day, there are plenty ofways to unwind at WPI and spend time withfriends. The choice is yours, whether yourpreferences run to a spontaneous volleyballgame or an impromptu video game tournament.

And don’t forget about group meetings andactivities. Maybe the Black Student Union ismeeting today to discuss a hip-hop groupthey’re bringing to campus. Or perhaps the

OASIS (Offering Acceptance, Support, andInclusion to Students) Cultural Center ishosting “Spanish Cooking Night.” Whateverstyle you choose, WPI encourages you toshare your culture with our community.

In addition, our professional student organiza-tions—National Society of Black Engineers(NSBE) and Society of Hispanic ProfessionalEngineers (SHPE)—offer career developmentand indispensable job-related assistance, such as

interview coaching, resume writing, and net-working opportunities at national conferences.

When you participate in WPI’s many activi-ties, cultural programs, and professionalgroups, you not only build friendships thatenhance your college experience, you also gainvaluable organizational, interpersonal, andmanagerial skills that will serve you beyondWPI and throughout your adult life.

Step outWhen Marcus, Mikayla, and Rashad met at WPI,they found they all had something in common—theirlove of step. They had been making beats with theirbodies since they were kids, and they all stepped inhigh school. So when they arrived on campus, theywere determined to pursue their love of dance andshare it with the rest of the community.

With the guidance and support of the administration,the trio organized the university’s first step squad, theWPI Panthers Step Team. They held campus-wide try-outs and will soon be an officially recognized club.

“Now that we’ve introduced step dancing to campus,everybody loves it,” says Marcus Lewis ’08, amechanical engineering major from Boston, Mass.“The squad is so popular that we perform at talentshows, cultural festivals, and even basketball games. It’s a really fun way to teach othersat WPI about our culture.”

WPI offers over 200 student clubs and activities, fromthe Aeronautics and Astronautics Society to theBallroom Dance Team to the Water Polo Club. And ifwe don’t have one that you want, we’ll help you startit. Sample organizations:

■ Academic Honor Societies

■ Black Student Union

■ Classical Music Club

■ Greek Life

■ Intramural Sports

■ Jazz Group

■ Photography Club

■ Professional Societies

■ Society of Martial Arts

■ Student Government Association

■ Tech News, student newspaper

For a complete list of organizations,see wpi.edu/+clubs.

“WPI’s project-enriched curriculum not only provides students

with tangible work experience, its collaborative nature also

imparts on them invaluable communication, leadership, and

teamwork skills for life.”

assistant professor H. J. Manzarihumanities and arts department

“WPI is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s helped

me to be more confident and has prepared me for my career.”

Albedith Diaz ’09electrical and computer engineering major from the Dominican Republic

Be a part of something

At WPI, you’ll be part of an intimatefamily of scholars. You’ll also be a member ofa larger community of college students in thearea, as well as a citizen of the city of Worcester.Each unique group will offer you somethingdifferent—and each will enrich your experiencehere by opening up new ways to learn, con-tribute, and excel.

With 12 other local colleges and universities,WPI belongs to a rich educational consortium

that offers cross-registration, shared library privi-leges, and a variety of collaborative social and support services for all students.

As the third largest city in New England, Worcesteris host to first-class entertainment venues, muse-ums, and even its own professional baseball team,the Worcester Tornadoes. The city offers studentsof color vast opportunities to explore cultures athundreds of different churches, communityorganizations, and ethnic restaurants.

bigger

“For me, helping my community is a way to give back for all of the

gifts I’ve received at WPI. It feels good knowing that

something I do today will help someone else tomorrow.”

Misael Diaz ’09 civil engineering major from Worcester, Mass.

Reach outWPI encourages students to serve as academic men-tors outside the university. One of our most popularprograms is Kids to College, in which our studentsvisit with local elementary school children and talk tothem about science, engineering, and the possibilityof going to college one day.

In their capacity as role models to young people, ourstudents strengthen their leadership abilities , hone theirsocial skills, and learn to be advisors. They also find ameaningful way to connect with and contribute to thesurrounding community.

Through Kids to College, Angelo Chandler Jr. ’08, amathematics and physics major from Leominster,Mass., feels he’s making a difference in the lives ofyoung people: “As college students of color, I believethat we can have a positive impact on these kids andtheir futures.” An actor, poet, and math whiz, herecalls feeling a bit out of place when he was in ele-mentary school, and he now enjoys encouraging chil-dren who might feel the same way. “I see my ‘littlebrother’ as a younger version of me,” he explains.

In addition to community outreach, there are lots ofother ways to get out and see Worcester. No matterwhat interests you, there’s always something excitinggoing on—from a monster truck rally to a poetryslam. For a sampling of all that our city has to offer,see worcestermass.org.

And what better way to put your education to usethan by solving problems in your own backyard?Our students use their brains—and their brawn—to make their home city a better place throughcommunity service. In the past, they’ve set upcomputer systems at the YMCA and helped con-struct a playground at a local elementary school.You’ll find that one of the surest ways to bond withthe community—and with other WPI students—is to roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Together,you’ll not only build computer networks, you’llalso build confidence and lasting memories.

Graduate to successCompanies that have recruited our students:

■ Bose ■ Dell Computer ■ Fidelity Investments ■ General Electric ■ IBM ■ Microsoft ■ Pfizer ■ Raytheon ■ UMass Memorial Medical Center■ United Technologies

Graduate schools that have accepted our students:

■ Cornell University ■ Dartmouth Medical School ■ Duke University ■ New York University ■ University of Pennsylvania

(School of Dental Medicine) ■ Yale University

With a median starting salary of more than$51,000, many WPI graduates’ startingwages exceed the national average asreported by the National Association ofColleges and Employers (NACE):

Biology and BiotechnologyWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,999NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,433

Biomedical EngineeringWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,942

Civil EngineeringWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,377NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,774

Computer ScienceWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $51,176NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,664

Electrical and Computer EngineeringWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $56,314NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $52,000

Management Information SystemsWPI Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,750NACE Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,653

Launch your

You’ll work hard at WPI, and you andyour family will want to see a return on youreffort and investment. With the knowledgeand confidence you’ll gain—coupled withWPI’s accessible career resources—you canmove on to a profitable and satisfying jobin the field of your choice.

WPI cultivates strong relationships with largeand small corporations throughout NewEngland and around the world. Throughprojects and internships, students reap

career

“WPI definitely prepares you for the real world. Through the rigor of

the curriculum and the project program, you will be readyfor whatever the professional world throws your way.”

Shangari Meleschi BS ’02, MS ’04 engineer for General Electric’s advanced health management technology

significant career rewards, and by participatingin professional organizations, they are privy tobeneficial recruiting and networking sessions.Under-represented in the fields of science,engineering, and technology, African Americans,Latinos, and Native Americans are highly valued and avidly sought after to fill positionsin these industries. At WPI, you can join thisgroup of students who are breaking throughtraditional barriers. Our alumni are currentlymaking an impact in top national and

international corporations, including GeneralElectric, ING Financial Services, LockheedMartin, Raytheon, and Genzyme.

Another path to success is through furthereducation, and if you choose to attend law,medical, or any other professional school,you’ll be able to join fellow alumni at thenation’s best graduate schools, includingCarnegie Mellon University, Johns HopkinsUniversity, and MIT.

WPI students graduate with a solid compre-hensive classroom education coupled withinnovative practical project experiences. Theyare well prepared for graduate school or tolaunch directly into their careers as scientists,inventors and leaders of the future. Are youready to join them?

Quick factsEnrollment

■ 2,851 undergraduates

■ State represented: 41

■ Countries represented: 70

■ 1,018 graduate students

Financial Aid /AcademicScholarships

■ FAFSA and CSS Profile are requiredfor financial aid consideration

■ Applying for financial aid has noeffect on admissions decisions

■ All applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships

■ Academic scholarships are guaranteed to National Merit,National Achievement, andNational Hispanic Recognition finalists, as well as to valedictoriansand salutatorians

Faculty

■ Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1

■ 324 full- and part-time facultymembers

■ 95 percent have PhDs

Location

■ Worcester, Massachusetts (New England’s third-largest city,about 40 miles west of Boston)

■ Campus: 33 major buildings on 80 acres in a residential neighborhood

Residential Life

■ 95 percent of first-year students livein college-owned housing (housingis guaranteed for all freshmen)

■ All residence halls are smoke-free;all have sprinklers and smoke/heatdetectors

■ High-speed wireless Internet, cableTV, and telephone connections inall rooms

WPI Office of Admissions

Bartlett Center100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280Phone: 508-831-5286Fax: 508-831-5875E-mail: admissions@wpi.eduWeb: admissions.wpi.edu

WPI Office of Diversity Programs

100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280Phone: 508-831-5796Fax: 508-831-5818E-mail: diversity@wpi.edu

Areas of StudyENGINEERING ANDCOMPUTER SCIENCEAerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Science Electrical and Computer

Engineering Environmental EngineeringFire Protection Engineering Industrial Engineering Interactive Media and

Game Development Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering

LIBERAL ARTSEconomics Environmental Policy and

Development Humanities and Arts:

Drama/Theatre History Literature Music Philosophy and Religion

Interactive Media and Game Development

International Studies Professional WritingPsychological SciencesSociety, Technology, and Policy System Dynamics

MANAGEMENTManagementManagement Information Systems Management Engineering

PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDIESPre-Dental Pre-Medical Pre-Law Pre-Veterinary

SCIENCESActuarial Mathematics Biochemistry Biology and Biotechnology Chemistry Environmental Sciences Mathematical Sciences Physics

The best way to find out if WPI is a goodfit for you is to come and see for yourself.We encourage you to contact us to set upa visit and to learn more about WPI.

WPI Office of Admissions

Bartlett Center100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280Phone: 508-831-5286Fax: 508-831-5875E-mail: admissions@wpi.eduWeb: admissions.wpi.edu

WPI Office of Diversity Programs

100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280Phone: 508-831-5796Fax: 508-831-5818E-mail: diversity@wpi.edu