Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) boasts numerous strengths that contribute to its vibrant campus life and academic excellence. Central to these strengths is a strong sense of community that fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment for students, faculty, and staff. WPI is unique for its revolutionary reimagining of undergraduate STEM education based on the principles of combining theory and practice through a project-based curriculum.

The Framework Plan process was designed to align the physical campus with the mission and goals of WPI. It is understood that not all proposed options will be implemented within the next ten years, and some may never be realized. The goal is to provide adaptable ideas and possibilities, allowing the campus to evolve and meet the changing needs of the University over the coming decades. Through interviews, listening sessions, focus groups, previous studies, and physical observations, the strengths and challenges facing the physical campus were identified and consolidated into key issues foundational to the development of the plan. The key issues include improve student housing options; define research community themes; connect campus neighborhoods; and strengthen WPI and visitor experience. These key issues contribute to a compelling narrative about WPI’s legacy and its future trajectory.