Schedule of Events

Friday, September 28
3:00- 8:00pm Arrival and Registration
Campus Center, Lobby 		Pick up your registration packet, which includes a full schedule of events. Staff members will be available to answer questions.
3:00-7:00pm Library Exhibits
Gordon Library 		In the Gladwin Gallery, The Engaging and Enduring Mr. Dickens: Highlights from the Fellman Dickens Collections. In the Class of ’41 Gallery, Vanishing Points: Paintings by Erika Wade.
5:00-6:30pm WPI Legacy Reception
Higgins House		 This reception celebrates the family ties within our WPI community, including parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and/or other distant relatives. 
6:00-7:30pm Muslim Student Association Weekly Learn and Discuss
Collegiate Religious Center, 19 Schussler Road 		Weekly Halaqah by the Muslim Students Association.
6:30-8:00pm Shabbat Services
Collegiate Religious Center, 19 Schussler Road 		Join Hillel for Shabbat services and refreshments. A Q&A session on Hillel’s on-campus presence, as well as interfaith activities and projects will follow.
6:00-8:00pm Clam Bake
Campus Center, Odeum 		 Sponsored by Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, enjoy live beach-themed musical entertainment and a clambake complete with your choice of fresh lobster or chicken, steamers, clam chowder, corn on the cob, baked potato, and dessert. This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with other parents and students and to bid on silent auction items to benefit charity. Tickets must be pre-ordered in advance and are $40 for lobster and $30 for chicken.
6:00–8:00pm Dinner on your own If you prefer not to take advantage of the clam bake, experience one of Worcester's many dining options.
7:00-9:00pm Red Sox vs. Orioles
Goat’s Head, Founders Hall 		Check out the game and enter a raffle for Red Sox gear that will be given away throughout the game.
7:30pm The Pirates of Penzance
Alden Memorial 		Ahoy! Make way for the scallywags of the WPI Men’s Glee Club and the fair maidens of Alden Voices as they join forces with VOX Musical Theatre for a jaunty production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic, The Pirates of Penzance. This fully staged and orchestrated production will be guest conducted by Robin Gordon-Powell from the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society in London. One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved light operas, Pirates tells the comical tale of a wrongfully indentured pirate and his travails as he searches for freedom and love. Advance tickets can be purchased through the Parents Weekend registration form for $10 per student/seniors or $20 for general admission.
7:00-9:00pm Christian Bible Fellowship Friday Night Fellowship Hagglund Room, Campus Center FNF is a student-led, informal time of praise and fellowship, where students gather together to worship God and encourage each other in the Christian faith.
8:00pm Brave
Fuller Labs, Upper Perreault Lecture Hall 		Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida, a Scottish princess, defies an age-old custom, which unleashes chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to undo a beastly curse before it's too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Presented by the Social Committee (SocComm). Rated PG.
Saturday, September 29
8:00am- 4:00pm Arrival and Registration
Campus Center Lobby 		Pick up your registration packet, which includes a full schedule of events. Staff members will be available to answer questions.
8:30–9:15am Continental Breakfast
Campus Center Odeum  

Relax with a complimentary cup of coffee and continental breakfast while enjoying the stylings of one of WPI's musical groups before the President's Welcome at 9:15am.

9:00–10:00am Admissions Tour for Siblings
Bartlett Center 		The WPI Admissions Office will offer student-led campus tours at 9:00, 11:00, and 2:00, and an information session at 10:00 and 1:00 for any siblings who may be interested in learning more about what WPI has to offer. While walk-ins are welcome, please call 508-831-5286 or e-mail admissions@wpi.edu to pre-register.
9:15–10:15am President’s Welcome Address
Campus Center Odeum 		 Join us for welcome remarks by WPI’s 15th president, Dennis Berkey.
9:30am-8:00pm Self Guided Tour WPI's New Recreation Center
Recreation Center 		You and your family are welcome to take a self-guided tour of WPI’s new state-of-the-art recreation center. Stop at the desk when you enter the building anytime throughout the day for tour information.
10:00–11:00am Admissions Information Session for Siblings
Bartlett Center 		The WPI Admissions Office will offer student-led campus tours at 9:00, 11:00, and 2:00, and an information session at 10:00 and 1:00 for any siblings who may be interested in learning more about what WPI has to offer. While walk-ins are welcome, please call 508-831-5286 or e-mail admissions@wpi.edu to pre-register.
10:00am–5:00pm Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester 		Just two blocks from campus, the Worcester Art Museum is acclaimed for the quality of its collections. Admission is free for WPI students with WPI ID, $14 adults, $12 seniors/students with ID, and free for those 17 and under.
10:00am-9:00pm Library Exhibits
Gordon Library 		In the Gladwin Gallery, The Engaging and Enduring Mr. Dickens: Highlights from the Fellman Dickens Collections. In the Class of ’41 Gallery, Vanishing Points: Paintings by Erika Wade.
10:30–11:20am Parents College Session I Choose from one of the educational sessions offered.
Feel free to attend with your student.
  • Characteristics of Successful Students and the WPI Class of 2016
    ~ Higgins Labs 116
    John H. Pryor, Director, Cooperative Institutional Research Program, Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA
    What are the unique characteristics of WPI students, and what expectations do they have of their time in college?  WPI participated in this national research project again this fall, and this session will highlight results from the WPI class of 2016 with a particular slant towards what it takes to be successful in the science and technology fields in college.  Presented by the director of the study, who is also the parent of a member of the class of 2016. 

 

  • A Nation of Brothers?  Freemasonry and the history of America ~ Salisbury Labs 104
    Steven Bullock, Humanities and Arts
    Masons have played an important, although often hidden, role in the American imagination, sometimes seeming to be great heroes of the republic, sometimes secret conspirators seeking to destroy it.  This session looks at the connections between the fraternity and the nation, noting the links with the Revolution, the development of the United States, and DaVinci Code author Dan Brown.

 

  • My kid wants to go where? …to do what? ~ Olin Hall 107
    Interdisciplinary & Global Programs Staff
    Worcester to Windhoek, Boston to Bangkok, DC to Denmark. Learn about the various opportunities WPI students have to complete degree required projects. The IQP and MQP will be decoded and demystified. The application process and qualifications will be discussed.

  • Beyond the Aid Package: Financial Aid at WPI ~ Salisbury Labs 402
    Financial Aid Staff
    Join representatives from the WPI Office of Financial Aid for an update on the financial aid process for the upcoming year, including changes within the office. After a brief update, parents will have an opportunity to speak with representatives regarding general financial aid questions in a questions and answers format.

  • Return on Your Investment: How to jump start your career ~ Salisbury Labs 105
    Career Development Center
    This session will provide you with tips about what students can do during their college years to begin establishing a career prior to graduation. Join the Career Development Center and corporate representatives to learn about the benefits of internships and co-ops. A brief presentation will be followed by questions & answers.
11:00am–Noon Admissions Tour for Siblings
Bartlett Center 		The WPI Admissions Office will offer student-led campus tours at 9:00, 11:00, and 2:00, and an information session at 10:00 and 1:00 for any siblings who may be interested in learning more about what WPI has to offer. While walk-ins are welcome, please call 508-831-5286 or e-mail admissions@wpi.edu to pre-register.
11:00am Volleyball vs. Bridgewater State University
Harrington Auditorium
11:30am–12:20pm Parents College Session II Choose from one of the educational sessions offered.
Feel free to attend with your student.
  • Academic Support and Programs for First-Year Students ~ Salisbury Labs 105
    Aleshia Carlsen-Bryan, Assistant Director, Academic Advising Office
    Academic planning is an important component in your student’s educational success. This session is designed to provide you with information about resources and programs available at WPI that can assist your student in planning their educational career.

  • Academic Support for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors ~ Salisbury Labs 104
    Paul Reilly, Director, Academic Advising Office
    The WPI curriculum, grounded in theory and practice, is designed to provide your student with flexibility in planning their educational career. This session will provide you with information about what your student can expect academically during the sophomore, junior, and seniors years at WPI and how you can support their academic endeavors.

  • Digital Shakespeares ~ Olin Hall 107
    Michelle Ephraim, Humanities and Arts
    As an English Professor at WPI Professor Ephraim strives to balance traditional text-based learning and technological/multi-media-based opportunities in higher education. In this session, she will discuss how she enhances traditional approaches to literature with technology and how she engages students in dynamic pedagogical discussions about how new technologies help (or hinder) student learning.

  • Greek Life at WPI ~ Salisbury Labs 402
    Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council
    Did you know that 30% of WPI students are involved in fraternities and sororities? …that fraternity and sorority members performed over 16,600 hours of community service last year? …that Greeks raised over $75,000 for charitable causes? This session provides a snapshot of the fraternity and sorority community at WPI.

  • Five Changes for Parents ~ Higgins Labs 116
    Mike Weber, The Leadership Institute
    The tears! The fun! The changes! Sending a student off to college is a series of ups and downs that transcends understanding! Mike Weber has been there! He examines five significant changes in how we interact as families in the transition to college. A must-see for parents of new students!

Lunch on your own
Several dining options are available on campus:

  • Open 11:30am–Midnight: Grab lunch at the Campus Center Food Court—pasta, pizza, made-to-order sandwiches, and a fresh salad bar. All items sold a la carte.
  • Open 10:30am–1:15pm: Dine at the Pulse on Dining Marketplace, Morgan Hall. On-campus WPI students can use their WPI meal plans. Guests can enjoy the all-you-can-eat brunch in our newly renovated dining experience for $10. Make a reservation for additional family members using the registration form. Tickets must be pre-ordered.

 

Noon-2:00pm Chet Williamson and Chromatic Swing
Campus Center Patio, Lower Level 		 Enjoy the jazz and blues stylings of this Central Massachusetts band. (Rain location: Campus Center Stage, Lower Level)
Noon Football vs. Hobart College Alumni Field All pre-registered families will receive two complimentary tickets to the game and WPI students can be admitted free with an ID. Additional tickets can be purchased at the gate to Alumni Field.
Noon-4:00pm Basketball Toss, Cornhole, Ladderball, Oversized Chess, and More!
Quadrangle 		Challenge your family members to a game of ladderball, basketball toss, and more right on the Quad. (Rain location: Campus Center Odeum)
Noon-4:00pm Get a WPI Souvenir!
Campus Center Lobby 		Stop by the photo booth in the Campus Center Lobby to get your Parents Weekend souvenir.
1:00pm Carnival Snacks
Quadrangle 		Grab popcorn, fried dough, or popsicles—a perfect afternoon treat, compliments of Student Government Association. (Rain location: Campus Center Odeum)
1:00–2:00pm Admissions Information Session for Siblings
Bartlett Center 		The WPI Admissions Office will offer student-led campus tours at 9:00, 11:00, and 2:00, and an information session at 10:00 and 1:00 for any siblings who may be interested in learning more about what WPI has to offer. While walk-ins are welcome, please call 508-831-5286 or e-mail admissions@wpi.edu to pre-register.
1:00–3:00pm Get Your Goat On!
Quadrangle 		Get your picture taken with WPI's famous and always energetic mascot, Gompei the Goat. (Rain location: Campus Center Lobby)
1:00–3:00pm Tie-Dye Fun
Quadrangle 		 Stop by the SocComm table and tie-dye a t-shirt. An annual favorite among parents, students, and siblings! (Rain location: Campus Center Odeum)
1:00-5:00pm MyWorcester Tour
Departs Institute Road, behind Morgan Hall 		Worcester is a great city! Leaving on the hour at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, this tour will highlight some of the many interesting features of Worcester and WPI’s connection with the city. It will also show you some of the many fun things for students to do in the city, while highlighting how easy it is to ride the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). Sponsored by the WRTA and supported by Preservation Worcester. Seating is limited on each tour, so in order to participate, please sign up by 12:45pm at the Parents Weekend registration tables in the Campus Center lobby for a tour time .
2:00pm The Pirates of Penzance
Alden Memorial 		Ahoy! Make way for the scallywags of the WPI Men’s Glee Club and the fair maidens of Alden Voices as they join forces with VOX Musical Theatre for a jaunty production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic, The Pirates of Penzance. This fully staged and orchestrated production will be guest conducted by Robin Gordon-Powell from the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society in London. One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved light operas, Pirates tells the comical tale of a wrongfully indentured pirate and his travails as he searches for freedom and love. Advance tickets can be purchased through the Parents Weekend registration form for $10 per student/seniors or $20 for general admission.
2:00–3:00pm Admissions Tour for Siblings Bartlett Center The WPI Admissions Office will offer student-led campus tours at 9:00, 11:00, and 2:00, and an information session at 10:00 and 1:00 for any siblings who may be interested in learning more about what WPI has to offer. While walk-ins are welcome, please call 508-831-5286 or e-mail admissions@wpi.edu to pre-register.
2:00–3:00pm Robotics Demonstration
Harrington Auditorium 		See the latest creations of the WPI/Mass Academy Robotics Team. With over 130 WPI student-mentors on the team, this is one of the most popular activities on campus. Team members will demonstrate the winning moves of their internationally awarded FIRST robots. Audience volunteers will get a chance to operate the robots via remote-control.
2:00pm Brave
Fuller Labs, Upper Perreault Lecture Hall 		Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida, a Scottish princess, defies an age-old custom, which unleashes chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to undo a beastly curse before it's too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Presented by the Social Committee (SocComm). Rated PG.
2:30-4:00pm Engineers Without Borders
Salisbury Labs, First Floor Lobby and Room 115 		WPI students are involved in engineering projects on a global scale. Come take a closer look at WPI’s student chapter of Engineers Without Borders and learn about their current project in Guatemala.
4:00–5:30pm Parents’ Reception
Higgins House 		Hosted by the WPI Parents Association, this reception will give you an opportunity to hear from our featured speakers, Philip Clay, Dean of Students and Art Heinricher, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and to talk with other parents about their experiences, all in a unique and beautiful space on campus. Light refreshments will be served.
4:30pm Women's Soccer vs. MIT
Alumni Field
5:30pm Dinner on your own Experience one of Worcester's many dining options.
7:30pm The Pirates of Penzance
Alden Memorial		 Ahoy! Make way for the scallywags of the WPI Men’s Glee Club and the fair maidens of Alden Voices as they join forces with VOX Musical Theatre for a jaunty production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic, The Pirates of Penzance. This fully staged and orchestrated production will be guest conducted by Robin Gordon-Powell from the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society in London. One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved light operas, Pirates tells the comical tale of a wrongfully indentured pirate and his travails as he searches for freedom and love. Advance tickets can be purchased through the Parents Weekend registration form for $10 per student/seniors or $20 for general admission.
8:00pm Mike Super, Magician
Campus Center, Odeum 		See Magician Mike Super wow the crowd with his amazing abilities to mystify and amaze. Voted America’s favorite mystifier on NBC’s hit TV show Phenomenon, Mike Super’s illusions are sure to leave you wondering, “how’d he do that?” Presented by Social Committee (SocComm).
8:00pm Brave
Fuller Labs, Upper Perreault Lecture Hall 		Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida, a Scottish princess, defies an age-old custom, which unleashes chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to undo a beastly curse before its too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Presented by Social Committee (SocComm). Rated PG.
Sunday, September 30
8:30am–1:00pm Arrival and Registration
Campus Center Lobby 		Pick up your registration packet, which includes a full schedule of events. Staff members will be available to answer questions.
8:30am-12:30pm Work On Worcester
Campus Center Patio, Lower Level 		In its fourth year, this community service event annually sends over 300 WPI volunteers into the Worcester community for the day to help paint, beautify, landscape and more in partnership with various community agencies. There is an additional volunteering opportunity available from 12:30-4:00pm. Each volunteer will receive a t-shirt and pizza lunch. Please wear closed toed shoes and old clothing. Sign up your family by clicking here. Sponsored by Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council. (Rain location: Campus Center Stage, Lower Level)
10:30am–1:15pm Dine at the Pulse on Dining Marketplace
Morgan Hall 		On-campus WPI students can use their WPI meal plans. Guests can enjoy the all-you-can-eat brunch in our newly renovated dining experience for $10. Make a reservation for additional family members using the registration form. Tickets must be pre-ordered.
11:00am-5:00pm Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester 		Just two blocks from campus, the Worcester Art Museum is acclaimed for the quality of its collections. Admission is free for WPI students with WPI ID, $14 adults, $12 seniors/students with ID, and free for those 17 and under
11:30am–12:30pm Catholic Mass
Riley Commons, Riley Hall Lower Level 		Join WPI’s Newman Club for a Roman Catholic worship service.
12:15pm Mary Poppins
Hanover Theatre, Worcester 		Head to the historic Hanover Theatre in Worcester where you will enjoy Mary Poppins with your family. Tickets are available in a limited quantity and are $35 per person and include free bus transportation from campus. Bus departs in front of the Bartlett Center at 12:15am.
12:30-4:00pm Work On Worcester
Campus Center Patio, Lower Level 		In its fourth year, this community service event annually sends over 300 WPI volunteers into the Worcester community for the day to help paint, beautify, landscape and more in partnership with various community agencies. There is an additional volunteering opportunity available from 8:30am-12:30pm. Each volunteer will receive a t-shirt and pizza lunch. Please wear closed toed shoes and old clothing. Sign up your family by clicking here. Sponsored by Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council. (Rain location: Campus Center Stage, Lower Level)
3:00–4:30pm Parents Weekend Concert
Alden Memorial		 The WPI Music Division of the Department of Humanities and Arts presents its annual Parents Weekend concert. Members of the orchestra, concert band, and jazz bands will each perform under the direction of professors Richard Falco and Douglas Weeks.
5:30pm Dinner on your own Experience one of Worcester's many dining options.
8:00pm Brave
Fuller Labs, Upper Perreault Lecture Hall 		Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida, a Scottish princess, defies an age-old custom, which unleashes chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Presented by the Social Committee (SocComm). Rated PG.