Early Arrival Programs

The program tracks focus on building community among specific student affinity groups but also allows space for all students to connect with each other. Participation is optional, but highly recommended for students who would value making connections in these areas. All students who sign up for an Early Arrival Program will participate in Compass and have the option to choose a second program.

Early Arrival Program participants will arrive on campus on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.**  All programs will run through Friday, August 22, 2025. Residential students who are participating will move directly into their Fall room assignment when they arrive on campus. At the conclusion of Early Arrival Programs, students will transition to the Fall Orientation: Welcome Weekend.

There is a small program fee of $150, which covers housing, meals and all programming.

Abilities 1st! Track

Abilities First! is designed for students who want to explore accessibility at Wheaton. The program is open to all students and gives students the opportunity to explore supports with Accessibility Services prior to the start of the semester. Students who participate may be planning to register with the Office of Accessibility or may want to develop a deeper understanding of accessibility at Wheaton. Led by Accessibility Services.

Brave, Bold and First Track

The Brave, Bold, & F1rst track provides opportunities to engage with support resources aimed at equipping students who are the first in their families to attend an institution of higher education in the United States with the skills they need to succeed at Wheaton. Sessions range from financial literacy to academic preparedness and career resources. Those who choose to participate in Brave, Bold, & F1rst may self-identify as first-generation and/or low-income or be an ally to those communities.

Compass

The Compass program is designed to help new students make a confident and connected start at Wheaton College. The program’s focus is in three areas: 1) wellness and belonging, 2) academic success and study skills, and, 3) career and financial foundations. Students who participate in this program will have the opportunity to choose one of the other tracks as well, if interested. Led by the Filene Center for Academic Advising, Support & Accessibility.

Intercultural Track

The Intercultural Early Arrival provides an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue and explore their cultural identity, goals and start to build a network of peer support. The program has a focus on supporting students of color. Those who choose to participate may be a member of that community or may be an ally.  Hosted by the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning.

International Student Track*

The focus of this program is to deliver information to international students and U.S./Dual Citizens who live abroad about their immigration status, cultural adjustment, academic differences, options for employment and overall transition to Wheaton and the United States. Sessions will focus on American Hot Topics, Understanding health care and taxes in the United States, Employment.  Led by the Center for Global Education.

*International students are required to attend. 

Open Pride Track

Open Pride seeks to support incoming students who are interested in connecting to Wheaton’s LGBTQ+ support resources, from student organizations and classroom opportunities, to policies aimed at affirming a student’s chosen name on ID cards, class rosters, and more. Those who choose to participate in Open Pride may be a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally. Led by the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact.