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WPI’s Academic ProgramsWPI’s Academic Programs

John Orr

Provost

Professor of Electrical &Computer Engineering

Jan. 11, 2009

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The WPI ExperienceThe 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

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New Academic ProgramsNew Academic Programs

• Interactive Media and Game Development

• Robotics Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

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Some WPI DifferencesSome 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

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WPI Undergraduate CalendarWPI 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)

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WPI Degree RequirementsWPI 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)

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Interactive Qualifying ProjectInteractive 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 theachievement ofunderstanding of the issues

• Often performed off campusand overseas

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Major Qualifying ProjectMajor Qualifying Project

• Demonstrate disciplinary skills, methods, and knowledge. Integrative.

• Small team project on a“real world” topic

• Substantial written projectreport

• Usually, an oral presentation• Similar to a “Senior Thesis”

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New England is nice (sometimes) New England is nice (sometimes) but…but…

• So are other places likeSilicon Valley, London,Namibia

• Go global!

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Humanities and Arts RequirementHumanities 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

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Academic AdvisingAcademic 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, …

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Satisfactory Academic ProgressSatisfactory 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

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Satisfactory Academic ProgressSatisfactory 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 1st year if no credit

achieved– Can return to WPI only by successful petitioning

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A Little AdviceA Little Advice

• Stay in touch with your son or daughter – but allow them to grow in independence

• Be sure to get their email, IM and/or text messaging addresses as well as their cellphone number

This is an Exciting TimeThis is an Exciting Time

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And Perhaps Somewhat StressfulAnd Perhaps Somewhat Stressful

• For the student…

• And the parents

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In a Summer or two…In a Summer or two…

• Perhaps an Internship

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Student Support MechanismsStudent 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

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Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently 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?

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More Questions

• Ask your son or daughter – try email or text messaging!

• Contact Academic Advising (508) 831-5381:– Dale Snyder, Director, dsnyder@wpi.edu– Connie Peppes, Assoc. Director, cpeppes@wpi.edu

• Contact Art Heinricher, (508) 831-5397, heinrich@wpi.edu or John Orr, (508) 831-5222, orr@wpi.edu

Best WishesBest Wishes

• For a great year!

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Project-type Work in the First YearProject-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

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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% ofentering studentsgraduate from WPI in6 or more years

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Insight ProgramInsight 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