The Alliance
The Alliance is a student organization at WPI whose mission to provide a voice and body for students of WPI of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The organization offers social and educational programming, and a support networks for students.
Safe Zone
The Safe Zone Committee at WPI consists of students, staff, and faculty who work to provide the campus community with education and training to promote the understanding of issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering an atmosphere of growth and enrichment for all. Please email the Committee with any questions, suggestions, or comments.
Safe Zone “Safe Space” Program
The “Safe Space” program is a campus-wide network of trained individuals who can act as resources for members of the campus community with questions or concerns related to LGBTQ+ issues.
Members that have completed the training and committed to help provide a “Safe Space” can highlight their visibility to the WPI community by prominently displaying the Safe Zone logo. The Safe Zone logo sends a message to LGBTQ+ people and their allies that the person displaying said symbol will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if a member of the LGBTQ+ community needs help, advice, or to talk with someone.
The Job Search & Handshake
The Career Development Center has some tips about what you choose to share or not share about your identity in your job search here.
If you wish to change your preferred name in Handshake, you can edit this in your student profile. If you wish to change your gender assignment in Handshake, go here for instructions.
Gender Inclusive Restrooms
There are numerous gender-inclusive restrooms available on campus. A full listing of the locations can be found on WPI’s Interactive Map.
Legal Name or Gender Change
If you have legally changed your name and/or gender and wish to have this reflected in your official student record, complete the Legal Name or Gender Change Form available on the Registrar’s web site.
Preferred Name
If you are interested in sharing your gender identity with WPI or listing your preferred name in UNIX based applications at WPI (this includes the campus directory and your email display name) and on your WPI ID card, you can confidentially contact Emily Perlow, Assistant Dean of Students, eperlow@wpi.edu, located in the Dean of Students Office in the Rubin Campus Center.
Please note, if you use a first name that differs from your legal name, you have the ability to update it for general communications as well. For example, WPI’s Public Relations team uses the Merit platform to share student news through hometown press release. If you would like to use your preferred name, please contact media@wpi.edu.
Otherwise, Your legal name and gender will continue to be used in systems that require it, for example: financial records, government reporting, official University records, medical records. This will not change your name in Banner or on class lists or rosters. This can currently only be done by completing the Legal Name or Gender Change form.
Canvas
You can update your name in Canvas on your own. This can be done by following these steps.
Gender Inclusive Housing & Housing Application
Residential Services offers a variety of undergraduate housing opportunities that support students with a variety of gender expressions. For more information on housing options and directions on how to update your preferred name in Star Rez, WPI’s housing selection and roster database, click here. While your legal name will appear in your housing application. You do have the ability to create your own username for the online housing application search function.
Mental Health and Wellness Support
The Student Development and Counseling Center affirms and supports students of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Staff strive to provide a safe, intentional space where LGBTQ+, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students can have their wellness needs met. The SDCC is located on Einhorn Rd and can be reached at 1-508-831-5540.
Getting Connected with Worcester Community Health Care Providers
Health Services staff annually attend the “Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health” symposium and are knowledgeable in students of all sexual orientations and offer gender affirmative care. They can direct you to appropriate community resources based upon your needs. Health Services is located in the lower level of Stoddard C and can be reached at 1-508-831-5520.
Community Resources
There are a number of resources available to LGBTQ+ Worcester community members. A listing compiled by Worcester Pride can be found here.