Inclusive Design Council

The Inclusive Design Council (IDC) brings together representatives from the various diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility offices/departments to discuss current events, campus climate issues, student programs/events, collaborative projects, and other equity/inclusion issues impacting undergraduate and graduate students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

Council representatives include:

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

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

Kalvin Cummings
Assistant Director, Religion and Spiritual Life, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education

  Kalvin Cummings (he/him) serves as the Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life at WPI. Within his role, Kalvin primarily responsible for the coordination, implementation, and assessment of campus spiritual life programs and religious observations. Kalvin provides leadership and oversees all aspects of the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) and its functions, supervises the University Campus Chaplains, supports student organizations of faith, as well as leads and coordinates the office’s community service efforts.   Kalvin was born in Chicago, raised in Tennessee. ...

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Arnold Lane
Director of Multicultural Education & Community Engagement, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education

Arnold M. Lane, Jr. (he/him) serves as the Director for Multicultural Education and Community Engagement in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME). Within his role, Arnold leads and oversees all student diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI. Arnold and the ODIME team oversee and manage four student identity centers: OASIS Multicultural Center, Collegiate Religious Center, Center for Black Excellence, and Lavender Lounge which promote the office's various ...

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Alesia LeSane
Assistant Director, Multicultural Education and Student Success, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education

Alesia LeSane (she/her) serves as Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME). Within her role, Alesia is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and assessment of inclusion-related learning experiences for the campus community, with primary emphasis on initiatives related to the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students. Alesia plays a key leadership role in the ODIME success programs. Prior to ODIME, Alesia worked in ...

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Office of International Student Life (ISL)

Adrienne Boertjens
Assistant Director International Student Life, International House

Adrienne joined the WPI International House team in 2022, having previously worked in International Student Services and Residence Life at other institutions.  Adrienne earned her Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Minnesota State University Mankato, as well as a Spanish language minor while studying abroad in Costa Rica.  Adrienne then earned her Master's degree in Higher Ed Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University, during which time she interned at University of Alaska, Anchorage.  Adrienne is an avid collector of houseplants, and enjoys spending time with her 2 cats, ...

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Colleen Callahan-Panday
Director, Int Student Life, International House

Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x6030

Colleen has worked with international students at WPI since 2008.  She has a bachelors degree in Global Studies from St. Lawrence University, and a Master's Degree in International Education from the School for International Training. Colleen loves to learn about different parts of the world from her students, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, and dog. Every few years you can spot her visiting family in Kathmandu, Nepal. Colleen works with all areas of international student advising at WPI including: * Tax advising * OPT: pre-completion, post-completion, STEM ...

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Office of Accessibility Services (OAS)

Amy Curran
Director, Accessibility Services, Accessibility Services

Amy Curran joined the Office of Accessibility Services in September 2019, bringing with her over a decade of experience in the field. Holding degrees in Sociology and School Counseling, Amy is dedicated to making a positive impact. She is committed to supporting students in achieving their academic goals and fostering an environment that encourages and boosts student self-advocacy. Collaboration is at the core of Amy's approach, as she actively engages with various campus partners to enhance the overall student experience. Recognizing the vital importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ...

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Undergraduate Admissions Diversity Outreach Initiatives Team (DOI Team)

María-Cristina Gavilán
Director of Admissions for Diversity and Outreach, Admissions & Aid

Pronouns: She/Her/EllaWhat piece of advice would you give someone applying to WPI?Don't feel bad about asking for help from people familiar with the admissions process, such as your guidance counselor and teachers. Also feel free to reach out with any questions, we are here to help!Regional responsibilities: MA*,TX, Puerto Rico 

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Office of Equal Opportunity & Outreach (EOO)

Division of Talent and Inclusion DEIB (T&I DEIB Team)

Tony Laing
Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Talent & Inclusion

Dr. Tony Laing is a K-12 and higher education scholar-practitioner. He teaches and writes in the area of gender, sexuality and youth studies. Specifically, his scholarship and publications lie at the intersection of youth studies, gender studies (constructions of masculinities), single-gender schools, queer theory, and African American Studies. Dr. Laing serves as the Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Talent and Inclusion at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Previously, he served as K-12 Wayland METCO Director which provides educational ...

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