Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

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DEIB Staff

WPI's Values Statement

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) staff at WPI serve as subject matter experts, collaborating on professional development and infusing DEIB principles into all aspects of the WPI experience. They work to build community, share best hiring practices, and create an effective living, learning, and working environment for faculty, staff, and students in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education. The DEIB staff also aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in the WPI and Worcester communities. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Unit's Definitions

At WPI, we aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community that celebrates and embraces the diversity of all its members. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive WPI and Worcester community.

DIVERSITY

Diversity refers to the demographics of the workplace, encompassing students, faculty, and staff, including aspects such as ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, military/veteran status, nationality, disability status, and skills.

EQUITY

Equity ensures fair and equitable access, opportunities, and advancements for WPI students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.

INCLUSION

Inclusion means fair and respectful treatment of all students, faculty, and staff, fostering positive interactions within the WPI community.

BELONGING

Belonging focuses on creating an environment where students, faculty, and staff feel accepted and valued, and in which their perspectives are recognized and appreciated.

WPI's Core Values

WPI's core values highlight the importance of respecting and appreciating diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion, and actively promoting equity in the following ways:

 

Click below on our flashcards to see our values in action

Three faculty gather and two are shaking hands
Respect
Respect
The value of Respect aligns with Diversity by emphasizing the significance of treating others with dignity at all times. It also aligns with Inclusion and Belonging by valuing every voice and advocating for fair and respectful interactions within the WPI community.
Three faculty members gather around a table
Community
Community
The value of Community aligns with Diversity by emphasizing the importance of collaborative work across diverse backgrounds and disciplines. It also aligns with Inclusion and Belonging by encouraging engagement with diverse perspectives to advance the university's mission.
Two faculty members conversing and laughing
Inclusion
Inclusion
The value of Inclusion aligns with Diversity by aiming to create a campus environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel a strong sense of belonging while promoting respect for differences. Furthermore, it aligns with Equity by demonstrating a commitment to actively address and reduce systemic barriers that may impede the success of minoritized groups.
Loiacono Neurodiversity
Innovation
Innovation
The value of Innovation aligns with Diversity by recognizing the significance of a broad diversity of experiences, perspectives, and identities in driving innovative solutions. It also aligns with Equity by considering how innovation impacts different populations and ensuring that learning environments reflect this diversity.
Faculty member giving a speech behind a WPI podium
Achievement
Achievement
The value of Achievement aligns with Diversity and Equity by emphasizing the deliberate creation of exceptional experiences and positive outcomes for all students, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. It also aligns with Belonging by acknowledging and celebrating successes and embracing collective learning from both successes and failures.

Faculty & Staff of Color Receptions and Lunch & Learn Events

Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.
Faculty and staff of color reception.

News

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The DEIB Wellness Day Symposium

The DEIB Wellness Day Symposium, coinciding with Wellness Day at WPI on November 6, offers an opportunity to destress, connect, and engage in meaningful DEIB conversations. Join us for thought-provoking discussions, wellness activities, and the chance to build a more inclusive campus community.

Please register here to let us know you are coming.

Tony Liang

Tony Laing, PhD, to Lead Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at WPI

Tony Laing, PhD, recently joined WPI in the role of assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) in the Division of Talent & Inclusion. Laing will work with staff and faculty across WPI to infuse diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into decision-making processes and practices.

An Inclusive Excellence Action Plan at WPI

The Inclusive Excellence Action Plan is WPI's strategic approach to actualizing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WPI. This initiative spans four goals designed to engage our community in WPI’s mission and values, center the voices and lived experiences of marginalized and underrepresented communities, and collaborate in the development of institution-wide action plans. Find out more about Inclusive Excellence at WPI.

WPI's Welcoming Environment

WPI is committed to an environment welcoming to all. We ensure  a designated safe space, inclusive spaces including several Gender Inclusive Restroom locations, and a nursing room in the Gordon Library. The library staff has complied a Pride Resources (PDF) list for access to thousands of journal articles, newspaper articles, streaming video and other media referencing LGBTQIAP+ issues. 

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Pronoun Usage Resources

Dialogue around gender pronouns is a small way to normalize mindfulness of our assumptions and promote gender inclusion. We have curated some suggested practices that we hope will help promote gender pronoun visibility and greater efforts towards creating a more inclusive and affirming WPI community. 

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The Odyssey of Naudin Oswell

Learn more about Naudin Oswell ’30, WPI’s first Black graduate, who overcame racial discrimination to become a pioneering figure in public housing and in the investment banking community. 

Contact DEIB

Tony Laing, PhD
Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
508.831.6382 (O); 508.831.5715 (F); tlaing@wpi.edu

Bwann Gwann
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
508.831.5877 (O); 508.831.5715 (F); bgwann@wpi.edu


Division of Talent & Inclusion
Boynton Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609-2280