Academic Resources
Academic Advising, Career Services, Academic Resources/Tutoring and Disability Services
Academic advising at Wheaton College is a shared responsibility between student and advisor. Advisors assist students as they:
• explore learning inside and outside the classroom,
• reflect upon their goals and academic choices,
• plan their academic programs, and
• monitor their progress toward completion of all degree requirements.
Academic advisors can recommend courses and fields of study appropriate to the individual student’s interests and abilities. Students are responsible for understanding the college’s requirements and for seeking appropriate academic advice to guide them in their choices; students, not their advisors, are ultimately responsible for their own academic decisions and for fulfilling the requirements for the degree.
Advisors may also guide students’ adjustment to the academic expectations of the college. Students should turn freely to their advisors for information and guidance in all matters that have an impact on their academic activities. If an advisor is unable to help, he or she will refer the student to other resources in the college.
First-Year Seminar advisors and transfer advisors. All first-year students are assigned a faculty advisor when they select their First-Year Seminars. Most students are advised by the faculty member who serves as the instructor for their seminar. This enables the advisor to offer guidance based upon firsthand knowledge of the student’s academic skills. Normally, students remain with this advisor until they declare their major.
Similarly, all new transfer students are assigned to a faculty advisor. They work with that advisor to resolve any transfer credit questions and make their initial course choices. With the transfer advisor, students identify their areas of academic interest, explore major options and initiate the major declaration process.
New student advising teams. In addition to their First-Year Seminar advisor or transfer advisor, each new student is assigned peer and administrative advisors. Advising teams are led by the faculty advisor and offer each student academic, peer and staff support throughout their transition to Wheaton.
Preceptors are academic peer advisors who assist new students throughout orientation and their first year at Wheaton. They provide peer perspectives on academic issues and responsibilities, guide students in their preliminary course selections in preparation for meetings with their faculty advisors, and serve as study-strategy tutors, offering reading, time management, note-taking and test-taking strategies.
Administrative mentors assist students during their first two years at the college. They offer guidance on any administrative questions students may have, from financial to residential to life planning. They can assist with referrals and problem solving as students navigate their life at the college.
Major advisor. Once a student declares a major at Wheaton, typically during the sophomore year, he or she will be advised by a major advisor. Assigned by the departments, major advisors help students find courses inside and outside of the major that fit their field of interest, find faculty who share their academic focus, and assist students in setting and making progress on their postgraduate goals.
Pre-professional advisors. In addition to advisors assigned by the college, Wheaton students interested in a range of professional fields may also consult faculty with expertise in those professions. Students may seek pre-professional advice in the fields of medicine and health, education, law, business, communications, theology, engineering and art.
The Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services. Wheaton College offers professional advising and learning support through the Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services, which consists of four units: Academic Advising, Career Services, Academic Resources/Tutoring and Disability Services.