SophEx is an immersive social connection adventure that goes beyond the academic experience at WPI. As a member of SophEx, you’ll connect with students, faculty, and staff who share your interests.
Each SophEx Topic Community will have a Topic Community Fellow (a WPI faculty or staff member) and Topic Community Peer Mentors, who will lead weekly Common Meetings with your group. Students from various backgrounds and clubs on campus will also join the weekly meetings to help you explore activities, events, and discussions related to your Topic Community. Common Meetings will give you the chance to gain instant connections to people, programs, and student groups on campus—connections that will develop your leadership skills and knowledge within your specific Topic Community.
Topic Communities will also come together to connect outside of their specific groups through fun social opportunities both on campus and in Worcester. You might head to a WooSox game or see a performance at the Hanover Theatre; if you’re on campus, you could meet with some of our SophEx Fellows over a fry bar or take part in a high-stakes bingo night.
Who Should Join?
SophEx is open to all sophomore students regardless of major. You may join a Topic Community that aligns with your major or one completely outside your area of academic focus, making it a great way to integrate an interdisciplinary perspective into your WPI experience. While you and your peers may have different majors, your shared interests in topics like the arts or environmental justice will bring you together. Fellows from different disciplines will often collaborate on your Topic Community content too—for example, you might find a psychology professor and biology professor working together in the Physical Wellness Topic Community.
How to Register
To register, fill out the SophEx form by August 2, 2021 at 8:00 am EDT. You’ll be asked to select the three Topic Communities that interest you most, and will receive confirmation of your Topic Community by August 15, 2021. A complete list of Topic Community names and descriptions is available online to help you make your choice. By registering, you should be willing to attend a sophomore welcome program beginning on August 22, 2021 prior to the start of classes as well as weekly Common Meetings, and actively participate in Common Topic activities. Large group SophEx activity participation is always encouraged but not required. There is no cost to participate in this program.
You’ll receive more information on move-in for SophEx in the coming weeks. Any questions in the meantime may be emailed to gr-soph-ex@wpi.edu.