Culture

Great Minds at Work:
A Community Where You Belong
Growth, Innovation, Excitement, and Community
WPI is a community. Problem solvers. Game changers. Everyday heroes. So much comes together to create the truly distinctive WPI culture. It begins with pride—the pride that comes from a sense of accomplishment, and the recognition that what we do here makes a real difference to our society and our future.
The WPI culture is distinctive. Ongoing personal growth and professional development opportunities ensure that we never stop learning and discovering. Diverse cultural events feed the spirit, and fitness programs keep the body strong. Work-life balance fosters a healthy and positive attitude while cross-campus partnerships and cooperation builds an appreciation for everyone’s contribution. We are all focused on using the brainpower on WPI's campus to make the world a better place.
Explore WPI's Professional Opportunities and Find Your Place Here

Meet Peter Hansen, Professor of History and International and Global Studies
Are you wondering why Peter Hansen has a soccer ball, Tibetan prayer flags, and lots of maps in his office? Read about those and other meaningful items in the Journal's Faculty Snapshot.

Community Spotlight: Officer Robert Vandal
Officer Robert Vandal has been keeping the peace for four decades, both on and off campus. Along the way, he’s made the rounds at WPI, giving public safety talks and presenting risk management sessions to students. What he didn’t expect was to land a role that officers don’t normally play—advisor to a college fraternity.

Beyond the Classroom: Terri Camesano, Dean and Competitive Dancer
As she will attest, Terri Camesano isn’t one to do anything half-heartedly. WPI’s dean of graduate studies, a mom of three girls, and a competitive ballroom dancer on the ProAm Dance Sport circuit, says each piece of her life balances out the other parts.
Bias Response Program
WPI is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and anti-oppressive community where all are valued and respected as intrinsic members of the community. As part of our work to develop a campus culture that rejects bias, prejudice, discrimination, and hateful acts, WPI has established this Bias Response Program (BRP).
Celebrating Multiculturalism on Campus
The Office of Multicultural Affairs works collaboratively with students across the campus to celebrate the ways different cultures and beliefs are honored in all aspects of life in the WPI community.
Working for a Common Mission
WPI is known for its rigorous approach to research and education. But we also have a reputation for being a place where people of all levels and of all disciplines collaborate. Whether in our open labs, as part of a mentorship program, or in classrooms, our faculty, staff, and students work together to make WPI a leading global polytechnic.
Gender Inclusive Restrooms and Preferred Names at WPI
WPI wants all community members to feel welcome and comfortable. Several gender inclusive restrooms exist across campus. Students, faculty, and staff who prefer to use a chosen name rather than their given name may identify themselves with their preferred name on their official WPI ID. Read more about how those decisions were made to make our campus inclusive of everyone.
United Way at WPI
WPI’s involvement with the United Way is a reflection of the deeply held beliefs of community generosity and spirit that permeates WPI. Each fall, WPI’s United Way campaign raises funds to support this important organization. Learn more about the United Way.

Health and Wellness at WPI
At WPI, wellness means taking care of the whole employee. Employees are encouraged to choose a path to wellness that fits their personal style, so they are offered many options. From seminars on stress management or healthy cooking to popular lunchtime fitness classes, we encourage employees to find what works for them.