1 WPI’s Academic Programs John Orr Provost Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Jan. 11, 2009

2 The WPI Experience Great faculty who work closely with students Mastery of the Major area of study Outcomes-based evaluation Appreciation for social responsibility Real world (global) projects Learning to learn Depth in the humanities Maturation - independence

3 New Academic Programs Interactive Media and Game Development Robotics Engineering Environmental Engineering

4 Some WPI Differences Each semester is divided in half: –Four terms per academic year –Normally 3 courses per term –Most courses meet 4 or 5 days per week Flexible program planning, few required courses First-year seminars that address big issues Two large project experiences Non-punitive grades: A, B, C, “NR”, rarely: NAC Credit: 1 course = 1/3U, ~ 3 semester hours

5 WPI Undergraduate Calendar 4 Seven-week terms per academic year –(A & B: fall; C & D: spring) –E term in summer Typically 3 courses per term, each “1/3 unit” –1/3U is approximately equal to 3 semester hours therefore 1 unit per term 4 units per year 16 units in 4 years (15 units required to graduate)

6 WPI Degree Requirements The Major Project (MQP) The Interactive Project (IQP) The Humanities/Arts Experience Social Sciences Distribution Requirements in the Major –Science, Math, Engineering, Computer Science Physical Education 15 units of credit (most courses are 1/3 unit)

7 Interactive Qualifying Project Appreciation of the interrelationships of science, technology, and society Small team project under guidance of one or more faculty members Project report reflecting the achievement of understanding of the issues Often performed off campus and overseas

8 Major Qualifying Project Demonstrate disciplinary skills, methods, and knowledge. Integrative. Small team project on a “real world” topic Substantial written project report Usually, an oral presentation Similar to a “Senior Thesis”

9 New England is nice (sometimes) but… So are other places like Silicon Valley, London, Namibia Go global!

10 Humanities and Arts Requirement Humanities and Arts is distinct from Social Science Substantive understanding of at least one aspect of the humanities, and some breadth… (3 activities for depth, 2 for breadth) Sequence of thematically related courses Culminating with an Inquiry Seminar, Performance, or Language fluency

11 Academic Advising First Semester: –New Student Orientation –First Year Advising Program (“Insight”) –Major Selection Program Remainder of WPI career: –Confirm Major and Faculty Advisor –Academic Advisor normally remains with the student for 4 years –Advisor provides assistance in course selection, review of graduation requirements, career advice, …

12 Satisfactory Academic Progress Students must complete at least 4/3 units (4 courses) of work in 2 terms (1 semester) 3 levels of unsatisfactory progress: Warning, Probation, Suspension Special rules if student receives no credit in one or more terms

13 Satisfactory Academic Progress Academic WARNING –Official warning at end of B or D term (copy to parents) Academic PROBATION –Failure to achieve S.A.P. leads to loss of eligibility for financial aid, co-op, team sports, and project centers Academic SUSPENSION –Can occur at end of B term of 1 st year if no credit achieved –Can return to WPI only by successful petitioning

14 A Little Advice Stay in touch with your son or daughter – but allow them to grow in independence Be sure to get their , IM and/or text messaging addresses as well as their cellphone number

This is an Exciting Time 15

And Perhaps Somewhat Stressful For the student… And the parents 16

In a Summer or two… Perhaps an Internship 17

18 Student Support Mechanisms Faculty (course teachers, academic advisors) Other course staff: teaching assistants Resident Advisors (RAs) Academic Advising Office, Dale Snyder, Connie Peppes Tutoring services – “MASH” Services for Learning Disabilities Counseling Center Dean of Students, Philip Clay, and his staff Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Art Heinricher

19 Frequently Asked Questions What “early warning” signals exist for students in academic difficulty? Are parents notified of academic difficulties? Are grades sent to parents? What does the “NR” grade mean? What academic support services are available? How can I solve a financial aid problem?

20 More Questions Ask your son or daughter – try or text messaging! Contact Academic Advising (508) : –Dale Snyder, Director, –Connie Peppes, Assoc. Director, Contact Art Heinricher, ( 508) , or John Orr, (508) ,

Best Wishes For a great year! 21

22 Project-type Work in the First Year Great Problems Seminars – Feed the World – Power the World – Heal the World – Make the World Project-based Learning Community – Calculus + Physics + Humanities

23 Retention Approximately 60% of entering students graduate from WPI in 4 years Approximately 70% of entering students graduate from WPI in 4 ½ years Approximately 80% of entering students graduate from WPI in 6 or more years

24 Insight Program Orientation team of faculty advisor, upper- class students and first year students stay together through fall terms (A and B terms) Advising and social activities in residence halls Confirm major and advisor related to major at end of B term