Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education Newsletter
February 2023 | C-Term | Spring 2023
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Newsletter Highlights At-A-Glance
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New! Student Identity Center Updates
New! Current Events
New! Mental Health Resources
New! Campus Programs and Events
New! Social Justice Education
New! Professional Development Opportunities
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Student Identity Center Updates
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Television and computer displays have been installed in the Center for Black Excellence and the Lavender Lounge as well as the outer meeting space. These devices should be in working order, but please do contact us if there are any technical issues.
Also, new accessibility buttons have been installed to the main space as well as the respective identity centers courtesy of the Office of Accessibility Services. Please let us know if these are functioning properly as well.
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Collegiate Religious Center Updates
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Please pardon our appearance. The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) at 19 Schussler Road will be undergoing interior and exterior renovations on the main level Lounge which may impact student programs. Please note the space remains bookable and available for student and community as needed.
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WPI Celebrates Black History Month 2023
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WPI Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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New Health & Wellness Collaborative
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Join the WPI Teacher Prep Program
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Introduction to African American Studies
Offered in D-Term
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The Latest from the Office of Student Aid & Financial Literacy
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In mid-October, all 2022–23 FAFSA filers at WPI (except anticipated graduating seniors) will receive an email asking them to file for 2023–24. The FAFSA is due by March 31, 2023 and will require 2021 tax information. You’re encouraged to use the Data Retrieval Tool to fill out your FAFSA to assist with the streamlining process. WPI’s FAFSA code is 002233 . Please note that, unlike when they applied for admission, upper class students do not need to fill out the CSS Profile.
Not all students will be selected for verification by the Department of Education (upon completion of the FAFSA, your student’s Student Aid Report will indicate if they have been selected), but those who are will be required to complete verification documents prior to receiving their award in early summer 2023 for fall 2023. More information will be shared with those selected in early 2023 via email.
Be sure your student is checking the student aid portal for any aid requirements that are still due. Students must review any emails sent from our office regarding finalizing loan requirements. Federal Direct Loan requirements may be completed via studentaid.gov. Institutional Loan requirements (Manning Loans and other WPI Institute Loans) were sent via ECSI, a third-party vendor contracted with WPI, in mid-August from the Business Office.
As a reminder, upper class students will be required to sign a new disclosure form for the Manning Loans and other WPI Institute Loans even though they may have already signed their promissory note in a prior year. Requirements must be complete for loans to be disbursed to the student’s bill; if loan requirements remain incomplete, the student’s Federal Direct and WPI Institutional Loans may be canceled. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the office at finaid@wpi.edu or 508-831-5469.
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Protecting Your Spirit, Mind, and Body
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Upcoming Campus Programs and Events
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Upcoming Holidays, Holy Days, and Commemorative Days
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- International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27)
January 2023 is observed as:
- National Mentoring Month
- National Glaucoma Awareness
- Cervical Health Awareness Month
- National Blood Donor Month
- Birth Defects Prevention Month
- National Human Trafficking Prevention
- National Stalking Awareness Month
Happy Birthday to all of the January babies! |
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WPI News:
ODIME News:
Inside Higher Ed:
- ‘Transformational’: Federal Earmarks a Boon for Higher Ed | Congress sent more than $1.7 billion to nearly 550 colleges and universities in earmarks. Although a few institutions received tens of millions for projects, the median payment for institutions was $1.25 million, according to an Inside Higher Ed analysis.
- Teaching How to Teach the Holocaust | University of Kentucky embarks on an initiative to train K-12 teachers to teach about the Holocaust. Rising antisemitism nationwide, as well as some recent incidents in the state and on the campus, have made the work feel especially pressing to its supporters.
- A Photo Prompts Complaints and Controversy | A shared picture of a student reading Hitler’s Mein Kampf upset some Stanford University students. The response of the institution has now come under scrutiny.
- The DeSantis Takeover Begins | Florida governor Ron DeSantis vowed to defund DEI initiatives on the same day his hand-picked trustees convened at New College of Florida and fired the president.
The Chronicle of Higher Education:
Diverse Issues In Higher Education
The Journal of Blacks In Higher Education:
Local/State/National/International News:
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LGBTQIAP+ Resources and Support
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Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn
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- Residence Life Cinema (SWANK Motion Pictures, Inc.)
- Alcohol Awareness
- Asian Pacific Islander History and Culture
- Black History and Culture
- Constitution Day
- Disabilities
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Earth Day
- Hispanic History and Culture
- International
- LGBTQ+ Pride
- Social Relevance
- National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
- National Native American Heritage Month
- Women's History Month
- Women's Studies
- World AIDS Day
- Anyone on WPI Wi-Fi can access free streaming services at cinema.wpi.edu.
Podcasts:
Books:
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Voter Education and Registration
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Election Day 2023
Tuesday, November 7th
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Student Jobs and Internships
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The Office of Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs is looking to hire a team of undergraduates to assist in the daily implementation of the Launch and Frontiers programs. Summer staff are responsible for building connections with participants and serving as a liaison between participants and campus staff to ensure a positive experience. Additionally, you will be responsible for building and a sense of connection and belonging for our program participants. All summer staff will act as ambassadors from the WPI community, sharing WPI’s culture and traditions, while also serving as STEM role models and by sharing their personal experiences. A successful mentor will also exhibit a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and an interest to work with high school students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Applications are due by Sunday, March 26th. If you have any questions, please contact Gregory Lane, at glane@wpi.edu.
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Professional Development Opportunities
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How to manage money, deal with debt, and
create a financial legacy
Thursday, February 16, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Topics Covered:
- Preparing your financial future for the short and long term
- Making the decisions that may help you save more money today
- Creating a financial legacy that you can pass on to future generations
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A Virtual Career Conference for Black Men in College
Friday, February 24, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM EST
The Global Leadership Summit is a virtual intercollegiate career conference focused on helping the next generation of global leaders thrive globally. GLS topics include:
Diversity and Inclusion in Global Leadership
Career-Development & Readiness on a Global Scale
International Leadership Development
Networking & Global Exchange
The purpose of the event is to help Black men in college navigate the Global Leadership pipeline and provide information about the full range of opportunities available to them pre- and post-graduation, particularly those with a global focus. We will discuss opportunities in study abroad, Peace Corps, global business, fellowships (Fulbright), and other resources.
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Summer Research Opportunities
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Computing for an Equitable Energy Transition
We are anticipating that we will also receive funding for another REU opportunity - Computing for an Equitable Energy Transition. If funded, Computing for an Equitable Energy Transition will run from June 12th through August 11th, 2023. Participants will leverage resources and expertise in the College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts to conduct research at the intersection of energy technology and social equity, in a wide range of disciplines from computer science and engineering through economics and history. We invite students from a wide range of majors in and outside STEM to apply. Undergraduate students from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Up to date information and application materials will be posted at the link when available (anticipated Thursday, February 2, 2023).
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MURALS: Materials-focused Undergraduate Research Applied to the Life Sciences
The Materials-focused Undergraduate Research Applied to the Life Sciences (MURALS) REU Program is recruiting undergraduate students from underrepresented groups to participate in a 9-week long research experience from June 12th through August 11th, 2023. MURALS REU students will leverage the scientific expertise, infrastructure and programs in the College of Engineering and Institute of Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to conduct research at the intersection of materials and the life sciences. Application review begins Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
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RIDE: Research for Inclusivity and Driving Equity (RIDE)
Our Research for Inclusivity and Driving Equity (RIDE) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site (see the attached flier) offers students a 9 week immersive experience on the UMass campus to work on interdisciplinary project in community engaged research focused on transportation. It includes a weekly stipend and housing on campus. Students who will be enrolled full-time in a 4-year or community college program in Fall 2023 are eligible, including incoming freshman students. There is a bias for students interested in engineering, but it is by no means restricted to engineering. As students will see from the projects, it is interdisciplinary. Application review begins Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
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The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program (PEP) is a multi-institutional program between the 6 Woods Hole scientific institutions and the academic partner, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. PEP is a 10-week program designed primarily for college juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in marine and ocean sciences who want to spend a summer gaining practical experience in marine and environmental science. The program consists of a four-week course in global climate change and a ten-week research project – all in the sea-side village of Woods Hole.
Participating students will receive a $5,000 stipend in addition to tuition for the course, travel to/from Woods Hole, and room and board during the program.
Application Requirements
2023 Important Dates
- February 10 - Application deadline (the portal will close promptly at 11:59 PM EST)
- February 17 - Letter of recommendation deadline (the portal will close promptly at 11:59 PM EST)
- June 3 - Interns travel to Woods Hole
- June 5 - Welcome and orientation events
- August 11 - Final presentations and symposium
- August 12 - Interns depart Woods Hole
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Summer Research at the University of Michigan
Spend nine weeks on an intensive research project.The Summer Research Opportunity Program aims to expand access and opportunity to diverse students and facilitate their preparation as a pathway to doctoral studies at the University of Michigan.
Eligibility
- Minimum 3.0 on 4.0 GPA Scale
- Planning to Apply to U-M Doctoral Program
Benefits
- $4,500 Stipend (plus travel expenses)
- Housing and Meals
- Weekly Seminars
- Research Symposium
- Academic Community
Program Dates: Tuesday, May 30, 2022 to Thursday, August 3, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2023
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Scholarship Opportunities
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ODIME Staff Weekly Drop-In Hours
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Campus Chaplains and Religious Advisor Weekly Drop-In Hours
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Academic Support Services
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WPI Multicultural, Intercultural, International, and Religious Community
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Campus Advocacy Resources
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- Dean of Students | Student resources for advocacy, citizenship, empowerment, inclusion, respect, and support
- Office of International Student Life (ISL) | Student resources for international support, education, community, and advocacy
- Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) | Student resources for accommodation services, advocacy, support, and assistance
- Title IX | Student resources for anti-discrimination policy and equal opportunity education
- Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) | Student resources for counseling, therapy, and mental health/wellness
- Graduate Student Government (GSG) | Student resources for addressing the social and academic needs of graduate students
- Student Government Association (SGA) | Student resources for addressing the social and academic needs of undergraduate students
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Additional Support and Resources
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(ODIME newsletter is distributed on Wednesdays weekly while classes are in session.)
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