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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 theachievement ofunderstanding of the issues
• Often performed off campusand overseas
8
Major 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”
9
New England is nice (sometimes) but…
• So are other places likeSilicon 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 1st 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 email, IM and/or text messaging addresses as well as their cellphone number
15
This is an Exciting Time
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And Perhaps Somewhat Stressful
• For the student…• And the parents
17
In a Summer or two…
• Perhaps an Internship
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 email or text messaging!
• Contact Academic Advising (508) 831-5381:– Dale Snyder, Director, [email protected]– Connie Peppes, Assoc. Director, [email protected]
• Contact Art Heinricher, (508) 831-5397, [email protected] or John Orr, (508) 831-5222, [email protected]
21
Best Wishes
• For a great year!
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% ofentering studentsgraduate from WPI in6 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