Wheaton’s Compass Curriculum is designed to help you explore your interests while building a clear path toward graduation. Through the Compass framework and its embedded Mentored Academic Pathways (MAP), students engage with a broad range of ideas and experiences before ultimately choosing a path that shapes their academic journey.
Whether you are a first-year or transfer student, building your first schedule is a collaborative process. You will work with a team of faculty and professional advisors who will help you explore your options and design a schedule that aligns with your interests, goals, and the requirements of the Compass Curriculum.
Building Your First Schedule
Prior to your arrival on campus, you will receive a message from the Advising Office in the Filene Center for Academic Success. This message will introduce you to Wheaton’s academic programs, the online tools used for academic planning, and the steps you should take to prepare for course selection.
Course selection for new students begins during our on-campus Orientation in June and continues throughout the summer. After Orientation, members of the Student Success Advising Team will be available throughout July and August (both virtually and in person) to help you build your first-semester schedule and think through how your courses can support your academic interests and goals.
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. Your Student Success Advising Team is available throughout the summer to discuss your academic options, connect you with campus offices/resources, and answer any questions. Book online directly to meet with an advisor, or email [email protected] with any questions.
During Academic Orientation, you will learn about Wheaton’s curriculum and Mentored Academic Pathways (MAP), explore the academic tools used for planning your degree (such as the Academic Catalog, DegreeWorks, and the registration portal), and begin thinking about how your interests connect to your first semester. With guidance from your network of academic advisors, you will finalize your fall course schedule.
Please note: After Orientation, members of the Academic Advising team are also available throughout the summer to answer questions and help with schedule adjustments. Both on-campus and virtual appointments are available throughout July and August.
The First-Year Experience (FYE) course is a foundational part of Wheaton’s curriculum. It combines the reading, writing, and discussion of a traditional first-year seminar with cross-disciplinary exploration and the development of strategic learning skills. Through FYE, students begin engaging with complex questions and ideas from multiple perspectives right from the start of their college experience.
Along with the seminar, students participate in a First-Year Experience Lab that focuses on strategic learning and academic success skills. In the Lab, students reflect on how they learn, explore the expectations of college-level work, and begin developing their Experiential Learning Plan (ELP), a roadmap that connects their academic interests with opportunities such as internships, research, and other hands-on experiences. This work also helps students begin shaping their Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP), which will guide their academic and experiential learning throughout their time at Wheaton.
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 beginning your Wheaton journey in January, the process of building your first schedule will follow the same supportive approach. Before the semester begins, your Student Success Advisor will reach out to answer questions, help you prepare for course selection, and connect you with campus resources.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
We’re glad your academic path has led you to Wheaton. As a transfer student, you have access to the same advising, academic support, and campus resources available to all Wheaton students. Before your first semester, your Student Success Advisor will reach out to review your transfer credits, discuss your academic interests, and help you begin planning your schedule. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.