Paul Reilly (he/him/his) is WPI’s Assistant Dean of Student Success in the Office of Academic Advising. He leads efforts to advise students on the academic opportunities available to them. WPI provides holistic support that includes tutoring, academic planning, fellowships and scholarships advising, and co-op planning. The school also offers specific programs for first-year students, transfer students, and sophomores. 

Paul believes strongly that colleges everywhere should do more to support students in their transition to higher education, to help address the academic and social gaps caused by the pandemic. He can speak about how WPI transformed its new student orientation program to help students and families make meaningful connections on campus earlier and under less pressure, and to guide students through course scheduling. 

Paul’s motivation is personal in nature. He was a first-generation international college student. His experience informs his efforts at WPI to ensure that all students are included and valued.