As the humanitarian crisis unfolds in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, WPI’s community of global citizens and humanists has been working to become the helpers our world—and community—needs. These efforts include providing support for WPI students, faculty, and staff who are personally impacted—and more broadly increasing awareness, rallying aid, promoting dialogue, and identifying paths forward for fellow students and scholars.
As early as February 22, WPI’s International House was in touch with our Ukrainian and Russian students to help them understand and take advantage of university support structures. For these students, the war can mean being cut-off from family, friends, and finances, which brings the associated repercussions of how to keep living and learning amid emotional and economic crisis. “We are here for the students and have been since the beginning. A critical part of our work is to anticipate needs and strongly advocate,” said Colleen Callahan-Panday, director of international student life. “Our doors are open to answer questions and provide essential support,” she added, noting work underway regarding financial help, housing, and work for the summer and beyond.
Activities and accommodations to support Ukrainian and Russian students also involve many other offices across campus including Financial Aid, Bursar, Career Development Center, Student Development and Counseling Center, and the Housing & Residential Experience Center. And the students themselves are engaged in outreach, curating content on a web page that offers suggested ways to help.