Parents Page
Thank you for your interest in Summer Programs @WPI. We strive to provide a fun and educational experience in a safe environment for every child attending our day and residential programs. Below are the answers to questions frequently asked by parents. If, at any time, you have additional questions, please call the summer office at 508-831-4900.
Our staff:
Brian Degon - Director, Summer Programs
Mike Jackson - Manager of Academic Operations, Summer Programs
***NOTE: All participants must submit a payment, photo and ALL FORMS PRIOR to arriving on campus for their program.***
Participants will NOT be allowed to participate in the program otherwise.
Who teaches the programs in the summer?
At WPI, our faculty teach in many of the summer programs. In addition, some programs are also taught by WPI graduate students and WPI undergraduate students.
What training does the summer staff receive?
All our PAs (program assistants) and RAs (residential assistants) receive centralized training in residential safety (dorm rules, fire, evacuations etc.), campus safety (building safety, fire drills, etc), internet and computing safety (WPI usage policies, appropriate access) and lab safety (use of equipment, safety procedures). In addition, all staff are CORI cleared. There is a residential complex coordinator - adult WPI staff member- on call 24/7 for the length of the summer.
Why do you need medical information, photos and photo releases?
1. Medical info and emergency contact. If there is a medical emergency with your child while he/she is on campus, we need to be able to respond to get them the care they need. If this involves ambulance transport to a hospital, your insurance policy information and subscriber name is required by local hospitals. In addition, if there was a medical emergency, you will be called but if we are not able to reach you, please provide the name of an alternate ‘emergency contact’.
2. Photos. At WPI all program participants are issued ID access cards. During the course of their program, this card provides access to buildings, labs and residence halls as required by the specific program. In addition, it also provides access to the dining facilities and is coded with the meals for each program. This card cannot be issued without a photo. Please email a photo –headshot with plain background- to the summer office at summer@wpi.edu prior to the start of the program. The photo can be from a digital camera or cell phone. If you do not have a digital photo, please mail us a photo and we will create the digital image for your child’s ID. A school photo is a good choice. The photo ID system is for the safety and security of all those who attend our summer programs at WPI.
3. Photo release. We ask for permission to photograph your child as they participate in summer activities. We would like to be able to not only provide the group with a commemorative photo of all who participated but also use the pictures on our website, in our brochures and on our facebook page to show the wide range of activities summer participants are engaged in at WPI. At no time will your child be identified by name, town, school or any other personal piece of information.
How do the participants access their dorm rooms, the dining hall, the labs etc.?
At WPI all program participants are issued access cards. During the course of their program, this “smartcard” provides access to buildings, labs and residence halls as required by the specific program. In addition, it also provides access to the dining facilities and is coded with the meals for each program. This card is attached to a colored lanyard reading WPI SUMMER PROGRAMS and is given to each participant at program check in. It should be worn at all times while on campus.
What if there is a medical emergency while my child is on campus?
Summer programs at WPI start in June and run through August. During the weekday hours of 8am-5pm there is a dedicated summer program EMT on call. Overnight and on weekends, our campus police has EMT trained officers who will respond to a medical emergency.
Where will my child be staying while in the program?
At WPI, summer program participants stay in our campus dormitories. For most halls, there are shared living space and shared bathrooms. Each bed has a ‘linen package’ : sheets, 1 pillowcase, 1 pillow, 1 towel. Here are some links to details about each dorm including a picture of a typical dorm room and lounge area. In the summer, groups of similar ages will be placed in dorms.
How do I reach my child in case of an emergency?
During regular business hours in the summer (8-5) you can call the summer office or the program coordinator from the list of numbers below. At any time 24 hours a day, you can call campus police who will be able to put you in touch with your child. In addition, there is an on-call complex coordinator from residential services who will also be able to help.
Summer Office 508-831-4900
On-Call Complex Coordinator- 508-831-5645
Campus Police 508-831-5433, for emergencies, please call 1-508-831-5555
What are the general drop-off/pick-up policies?
For non-residential programs, we ask that a parent or guardian drop off the child on the first day of the program and be sure to meet the PA in charge of drop-off. Each PA will have a clipboard with the names of the children and the names of those authorized to pick them up. If there are any changes in this paperwork, please let the PA know on the first day of the program.
For residential programs, you will need to park your car and walk up to the assigned area for check in. Each program will have staff to greet participants. During check in the Summer Office will provide each participant with an ID access card, room key, and basic instructions.
What are WPI’s policies for internet usage?
All summer program participants must abide by WPI’s Network Security Policy, Campus Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use policy. Full policy text is available at http://www.wpi.edu/about/policies/netsec.html
Where/what will my child eat while on campus? What if I have dietary restrictions?
All program participants have meals in Morgan Dining Hall. Morgan serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other meals may include a pizza party, BBQ on the quad, ice cream social etc. If you have any dietary restrictions, please notify us immediately so we may work with you to determine the best approach.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: January 29, 2012 14:37:56