Building Your First Schedule

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Many colleges have a series of general education requirements. Wheaton’s Compass Curriculum and its embedded Mentored Academic Pathways (MAP) give you the freedom and flexibility to create your own unique academic journey. Whether you are a first-year or transfer student, building your first schedule is easy. You’ll work with faculty and staff advisors who will help you customize your academic schedule to align with your goals.

Building Your First Schedule

Prior to your arrival on campus, your Student Success Advisor will reach out via your Wheaton email. Together, you’ll discuss your personal and career interests, review course options, discuss AP or transfer credits, or any other questions you may have. Then, join us at Orientation to finalize your schedule and connect with our community.

New Students (Fall Term)

A typical full-time, first-semester course load at Wheaton College is four courses (16 credits). Your first semester will include a First-Year Experience (FYE) course and three other courses aligned with your academic interests and goals. Throughout the summer, your Student Success Advisors will reach out to discuss your academic options, connect you with campus offices/resources, and answer any questions. Of course, you are also welcome to contact our Advising and Career Services team at [email protected] anytime.

Orientation MAP Day

During Orientation MAP Day, you’ll review curriculum requirements, explore mentored academic pathways, and learn to use academic planning tools such as Academic Catalog, DegreeWorks, and the registration portal. You’ll also finalize your fall semester course schedule with the guidance of Faculty MAP Advisors, Student Success Advisors and Peer Advisors.

Please Note: If you are unable to attend our on-campus Orientation MAP Day, register for our Virtual Orientation Session. If you have follow-up questions after you participate, an Academic Advising team member will be happy to connect with you over the summer. On-campus and remote appointments are available in July and August!

First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience (FYE) course is a foundational curricular component that combines the deep discussions, reading and writing of a traditional first-year seminar with cross-disciplinary discovery. It encourages students to consider complex problems and questions through multiple lenses right from the start. During Orientation MAP Day, you will engage in academic planning/advising workshops facilitated by MAP Advisors, Student Success Advisors and Peer Advisors to choose and register for an FYE section along with your other course selections.

First-Semester Science Labs

If you are planning to major in any of the biological or chemical sciences or pursue a health profession, you will need to complete specific lab science courses. First-semester science labs include Chemical Principles (CHEM 153) and Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO 114). Our individualized academic planning/advising workshops and course registration sessions at our upcoming Orientation MAP Day program will help you understand your academic requirements and options.

New Students (Winter Term)

If you are starting your Wheaton journey in January, building your first schedule is just as easy. Your Student Success Advisor will reach out prior to your arrival to answer any questions and direct you to campus resources. We also invite you to attend our comprehensive Winter Orientation. It’s a great way to meet other new students starting in the winter term and connect with your faculty, staff and peer academic advising network.

Transfer Students

The college journey is equal parts academic and personal growth. We are thrilled that your path led you to Wheaton. As a transfer student, you have access to all the same resources as first-year students. Your Student Success Advisor will reach out before your first semester to discuss transfer credits and connect you to campus resources to help with your transition. You’re also invited to attend Orientation to learn more about our Compass Curriculum and the academic pathways you can choose to finish your degree.

Your Unique Academic Journey

No matter where you are on your college journey, your experience is uniquely yours. As you navigate your personal College and Career Compass (pdf), here are some things to consider:

What are your strengths?
How might these help you in this first year?
What issues do you care about most?
Where do you want to have an impact?
What values are important to you in your home, family and community?
What are your hopes for this year?
Are there any things you are concerned about going into your first year?
What academic programs are you curious about?
(Even if you have already decided, choose at least three).

Academic Advising Network

Our Academic Advising Network is committed to providing quality holistic advising services that meet your unique needs. In partnership with colleagues across campus, your advisors are committed to fostering an intellectually enriching environment that supports your sense of belonging, engagement, persistence and academic success.

Your personalized advising network includes a MAP Advisor, a Major Advisor, a Student Success Advisor, and Peer Advisors.

MAP Advisor

Your MAP Advisor serves as your trusted faculty mentor throughout your academic journey, providing invaluable guidance and support. Expect regular communication with your MAP Advisor as they help you navigate the Compass Curriculum, especially during your first two years at Wheaton. Whether you have questions about course selections, career aspirations, campus resources, or extracurricular opportunities, your MAP Advisor is here to support you.

MAP advising is a focused opportunity for reflection and is a central component of the Compass Curriculum. The MAP guides your academic advising conversations—from identifying your strengths and emerging interests to exploring options for study abroad, Honors and Scholars programs, and Liberal Education and Professional Success (LEAPS) pathways. Advising discussions are targeted and personalized for your unique academic journey.

Major Advisor

Upon declaring a major, you’ll be paired with a dedicated faculty advisor chosen by the respective department. The Major Advisor plays a crucial role in offering personalized support and expertise as you navigate courses within your major. They’ll also help you explore complementary courses outside of your field of study that align with your interests and goals. Your Major Advisor is committed to help you set and achieve your postgraduate goals, whether you are considering graduate school, pursuing research opportunities, or exploring career options.

Embrace the chance to work closely with your Major Advisor as you progress. With their mentorship and support, you will be well-equipped to excel in your chosen field.

Student Success Advisor

Our dedicated team of professional Student Success Advisors at the Filene Center for Academic Advising is here to guide you throughout your time at Wheaton. Whether you are exploring different courses or considering a specialized major, they are equipped to recommend the best academic paths, resources and opportunities to match your needs. With a focus on your unique needs, they will help you design paths through the Compass Curriculum that align with your goals.

If you are seeking enrichment opportunities, interested in applying for grants, have questions about academic policies and requirements, are facing academic difficulty, need advice, or are considering various professional options, our Student Success Advisors are here to help.

Peer Advisor

Your Peer Advisor provides invaluable support helping you successfully transition into college life at Wheaton. Peer Advisors work closely with the First-Year Experience course faculty to enhance your learning experience in and out of the classroom. They’ll help you learn how to use academic technology/tools, understand academic processes, explore courses, connect with campus resources, and develop effective study habits and strategies.

Academic Questions

Contact [email protected] anytime and we’ll support you as you embark on this exciting new chapter!