Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 56.90
Liaison Paul Mathisen
Submission Date April 16, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 John Orr
Professor
Liberal Arts & Computer Engineering
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have mentoring, counseling, peer support, academic support, or other programs to support underrepresented groups on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the programs sponsored by the institution to support underrepresented groups:

• Connections works to increase the access to educational opportunities at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for underrepresented students of African, Latino, and American Indian descent. Established in 1993, Connections is a comprehensive network of support services for students of color while enrolled at WPI.
• The Society of Women Engineers works to support women in achieving their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, to expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and to demonstrate the value of diversity.
• ALANA Student Support Network is a group of administrators from several colleges within the Worcester consortium. The network's goal is to develop a stronger connection between all the ALANA students in the Worcester consortium and to expand support and resources for ALANA students, provide opportunities for them to meet and dialogue, and then for them to develop genuine supportive relationships with each other.
• WPI is committed to providing support services for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender (GLBT) community on campus. To date, we have active student groups, events, and we are building a resource library at the OASIS Cultural Center.
• The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) contributes to the national agenda by increasing the number of underrepresented minorities receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, math, engineering, and technology disciplines.


The website URL where more information about the support programs for underrepresented groups is available:
Does the institution have a discrimination response policy and/or team (or the equivalent) to respond to and support those who have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, act of discrimination or hate crime?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s discrimination response policy, program and/or team:

It is the policy of WPI to provide each qualified individual, regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, genetic identity disability, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or any other protected status - the opportunity to participate in the University's educational and employment programs and activities in a discrimination and harassment-free environment, in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. WPI prohibits and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment. WPI prohibits and will not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who have complained about, or participated in an investigation of a complaint about unlawful discrimination or harassment. WPI will administer any complaint of discrimination or harassment with the utmost degree of privacy and confidentiality possible under the circumstances of each matter as permitted by law. Any individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to prohibited discrimination or harassment in connection with any University program or activity should immediately bring the matter to the attention of Tracy Hassett, Vice President of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator (for faculty or staff conduct), Philip Clay, Dean of Students/Deputy Title IX Coordinator (for student conduct) or one of the other Deputy Title IX Coordinators.


The website URL where more information about the institution’s discrimination response policy, program and/or team is available:
Does the institution offer housing options to accommodate the special needs of transgender and transitioning students?:
No

Does the institution produce a publicly accessible inventory of gender neutral bathrooms on campus?:
Yes

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.