Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

Promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives.
Students pose during an ODIME event
OASIS Multicultural Center | 20 Schussler Road
Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) | 19 Schussler Road
Center for Black Excellence | Rubin Campus Center (RCC 222)
Lavender Lounge | Rubin Campus Center (RCC 225)

Academic Year Hours of Operation:

  • Monday - Friday

    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT

  • Saturday and Sunday

    12:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT

Summer Hours of Operation:

  • Monday - Friday

    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT

  • Saturday and Sunday

    Closed


Mission

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) houses several identity centers which are designed to foster an inclusive campus community which respects, honors, and celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in all of its dimensions; including but not limited to differences of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, nationality/citizenship, and other identities.

Vision 

To support and equip both undergraduate and graduate students with the language, skills, and competencies to be agents of change. ODIME is committed to producing global citizens who are willing to use their knowledge and expertise to effectively address social, political, economic, and climate issues faced by society. We work with students through identity development, skill building, cultural competency, civic engagement, advocacy, and action-oriented student research. 

 

Preview

 


ODIME programs and services are designed to support the social, personal, cultural, spiritual, and professional development of all undergraduate and graduate WPI scholars to ensure their academic success.

The ODIME team promotes social justice, equity, inclusion, and multicultural awareness while also providing the close community students need to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Students connect with each other and find a network that lasts long after graduation.

 

Diversity

The wide variety of differences (i.e. personality, learning styles, communication styles, life experiences, etc.) and group/social differences (i.e. race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, nationality/citizenship, and other social identities) among individuals.

Inclusion

The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement of all individuals, regardless of their background, differences, or abilities. Inclusion creates an environment (intellectual, social, cultural, political, geographical, etc.) where everyone feels valued, respected, supported, and where their diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions are acknowledged and embraced.

Multicultural Education

Multicultural education is a comprehensive approach that values and celebrates the diverse cultures of individuals, aiming to prepare them for success in a global society. It promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and justice bringing philosophical ideals into various learning environments.

The primary goal of multicultural education is to assist individuals with developing awareness by providing knowledge about the histories, cultures, politics, and contributions of various groups. It also equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, language, and expertise to challenge and address issues of discrimination and inequality, including but not limited to: racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, heterosexism, religious intolerance, xenophobia, and more.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute adheres to two firm guiding principles: We show respect for each other as individuals with equivalent intrinsic value, and there is zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination within our community.

CONTACT
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: 508-831-5796

Student Diversity Resources

ODIME Events

ODIME Events

Student Diversity Programs

ODIME Programs and Events

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) sponsors and co-sponsors various cultural, spiritual, academic, and professional programs, activities, socials, and other learning experiences open to the WPI community.

LGBTQIAP+ Support

LGBTQIAP+ Support

Resources for Queer and Trans Students

LGBTQIAP+ Support

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is committed to providing support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic, Agender and Pansexual populations. The “+” is used to respectfully and sensitively recognize all populations in the community.

First Generation Success Program

First Generation Success Program

Resources for First Gen Students

First Generation Success Program

You may be the first in your family to attend—and graduate from—a four-year college or university, but you’re not alone. In fact, hundreds of students, staff, and faculty members are or were first-generation students. WPI's First Generation Success Program is here to help you get connected to other first-generation students, as well as the academic and social resources you need to help you achieve your goals.

International Student Life

International Student Life

Resources for International Students

Office of International Student Life

The Office of International Student Life (ISL) serves all international student related immigration and cultural adjustment needs including new student orientations, work authorizations, travel signatures, and non-resident alien tax help.

International House at WPI provides programs, services, and immigration support, to assist and educate international students and scholars in their transition to U.S. society and academic culture.

Office of Accessibility Services

Office of Accessibility Services

Resources for Student Accommodations

Office of Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) coordinates accommodation services and support to assist students with documented physical, learning, sensory, psychological, and developmental disabilities during their time at WPI.

WPI Logo

WPI Logo

Resources for Anti-Discrimination Policy and Equal Opportunity Education

Title IX

WPI’s approach to preventing sexual misconduct is comprehensive and progressive. All members of the WPI community are protected by federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and transgender status.

WPI is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment free from gender-based discrimination. It expresses the community's expectations in the Interim Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Lavender Graduation

OMA Family Dinner

2023-2024 Alliance Executive Board at Pride Prom 2023

2023-2024 Alliance Executive Board at Pride Prom 2023

LSAMP Spring Symposium

Collegiate Religious Center Kitchen

Collegiate Religious Center Lounge

OASIS Cultural Center Kitchen

OASIS Cultural Center Lounge

National First Generation Day

National First Generation Day

LSAMP Pinning Ceremony

Pride Prom, 2021

Connections Pre-Orientation Program

WPI Land Acknowledgement

WPI acknowledges the painful history of genocide in the U.S. for native and indigenous peoples. As a public statement that honors the indigenous people as native inhabits on this land, WPI honors and respects the many and diverse tribal nations who were forcefully removed from their sacred lands.

WPI would like to recognize the people of the Chaubunagungamaug and Hassanamisco Nipmuc Tribe as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We take this moment to honor their elders, past, present, and emerging. WPI strongly advocates for higher education professionals to honor the land, the original tribal occupants, and the history of where they are located.