Welcome to Wheaton!

We are excited to welcome you to campus in August!  We have created this document to serve as a running guide of commonly asked questions of new students and families to the Wheaton Community.  If you have a general question that is not listed below, please email [email protected] so we can add the question and answer to the list below.

For more individualized questions, we encourage you to reach out to the following offices directly.  If it is unclear who you should contact, please email [email protected].

Students are encouraged to check out the New Student Page on Inside Wheaton (login required)

 We look forward to seeing you in August!

Contact Student Resources

For individual or specific questions and concerns

Move-in Information

More information to come from Residential Life

Orientation Information

New and Transfer Student Orientation is a mandatory program

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a general question, please email [email protected].

On this page:

Academic Planning and Course Registration

What should I do if I was not able to attend Academic Orientation on June 18?

If you missed the in-person Academic Orientation, you are not behind. New first-year and transfer students can register for fall courses throughout the summer with the help of their Student Success Advising team at the Filene Center for Academic Success. Email [email protected] or schedule an appointment for a virtual or on-campus meeting via the Starfish portal.

How do I prepare for a summer advising appointment (virtual or on-campus)?

Before your advising session, it will help to log into InsideWheaton (login required) with your Wheaton credentials and explore a few tools so that you and your Student Success Advisor can make the most of your time together. Don’t worry if you are not sure how to navigate everything – you can work together with your advisor, who will show you how to access information about your academic interests, view sample major maps, and use our academic tools. You can also book several appointments with an advisor if you’d like to over the summer, as needed.

Academic Planning Info:
Access our Academic Orientation: Advising & Registration Information on insideWheaton (login required). Here you’ll find advising and registration information as well as tools to help you prepare for your course planning conversation. Take a look before your appointment, if you can.

Do I need to take any placement tests before I register for certain courses?

Some students will need to complete placement assessments before registering for certain courses. These are available through Canvas, Wheaton’s course management system, which you can access with your Wheaton email credentials.

  • Language Placement: If you plan to study a language at Wheaton (or continue one you studied previously), complete the placement assessment for that language through our Canvas page . Additional information about Global Cultures and Languages is also available on our website.
  • Chemistry Placement: If you are interested in health professions, pre-med, or science-related majors, please complete a Chemistry placement assessment before registering for chemistry. The test is on our Canvas page and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or for help with access!

What should I do if I am interested in double-majoring or taking multiple minors?

Wheaton offers a range of ways to shape your academic program, including double majors, minors, and three honors pathways: the Eliza Wheaton Scholars Program, the Taylor & Lane Social Justice Scholars Program, and the Global Honors Program. There are also cross-registration options with SACHEM (consortium) colleges and Brown University for eligible students.

The best first step is a conversation with your Student Success Advisor, who can help you think through your goals and connect you with the right faculty and resources. Email [email protected] or schedule an appointment through Starfish .

Who can I ask about electives, Honors Programs, cross-registration at Brown University, or the pre-professional tracks?

There are a lot of resources available for you at Wheaton College, including the faculty advisors within your major who can help guide you through your educational experience. If you would like to explore our various opportunities and programs, start by meeting with your Student Success Advisor. You can schedule an appointment using links on the Advising website or email the Office of Advising at [email protected].

How do I access academic support services like tutoring?

The Filene Center for Academic Success offers a full range of academic support services* during the Fall and Spring semesters:

  • Peer Tutoring: writing tutors, subject-area tutors, and strategic learning/success tutors are available in the Filene Center
  • Peer Advisors: students who can help you navigate campus resources and academic planning; available in the Filene Center for drop-ins and appointments, and also in your fall First Year Experience lab
  • Accessibility Services: Our team is available throughout the summer and academic year. If you have a disability and are seeking academic accommodations, contact Accessibility Services early. Housing accommodation requests should be submitted by July 1, 2026.

You may also want to check out the recording of the Academic Success and Supports webinar hosted on June 3, 2026. Contact [email protected] for more information!

*If you haven’t already done so, be sure to complete the College Student Inventory (CSI) . Your Student Success Advisor will review your responses with you over the summer and again during the first few weeks of the fall semester to help tailor your experience and connect you with relevant resources.

Transfer Students

How are transfer students involved in student life at Wheaton?

Transfer students are involved throughout student life at Wheaton, including student leadership roles, clubs and organizations, and student employment. It is important that transfer students attend Transfer Student Orientation to kick off their experience at Wheaton College. While transfer students can feel like they just went through a similar orientation at their previous school, we have intentionally created a modified Transfer Orientation program that focuses on the nuts and bolts of the culture and community at Wheaton so you feel prepared on your first day on campus. Keep an eye on your emails to get involved, and don’t miss the Student Club and Org Fair on the second Friday of each semester.

How do transfer credits work for incoming transfer students?

First, it is important to make sure the transcripts from your previous institutions have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office ([email protected]). Once the Registrar’s Office processes the transcripts, schedule a meeting with a Student Success Advisor to talk through your transfer credits and degree requirements and discuss your academic plan. You can schedule an appointment using links on the Advising website or email the Office of Advising at [email protected].

Housing

When will I learn about my room and roommate assignment?

Residential Life will communicate with new students regarding their room and roommate assignments during the first week of August. Transfer students will receive additional communication throughout July to help Residential Life staff best match and place transfer students, as everyone’s experiences and preferences are different. Keep track of your Wheaton email for this information, which will ask questions like “Do you prefer to live with other transfer students?” “Would you like to live in the first-year area?” or “Do you want to live with someone from your class year?” just as examples.

Students are encouraged to check out the Residential Life website to learn more about living on campus, including what will be needed for their room and what items are prohibited. You may also want to check out the recording of the Living on Campus webinar hosted on June 10, 2026.

Do I need to register through the Housing Portal if I am not planning to live on campus?

Students are expected to live on campus all four years, but a limited number of petitions to live off-campus are accepted each year. This would include requests to Commute from a parent/guardian’s residence and also requests to live in an independently leased off-campus house or apartment. More information can be found here: Living Off Campus.

Accessibility and Accommodations

How do I submit accommodations documentation over the summer?

Students seeking classroom and/or housing accommodations are encouraged to review the website and the steps listed for Accessibility Services. Students must be the ones to initiate this outreach and can do this by filling out a registration form, submitting documentation that meets our guidelines, and setting up an intake meeting with a member of our team. Any questions can be directed to:  [email protected].

Study Abroad

How can I learn more about Study Abroad Opportunities?

There are some first-year students who study abroad in their first semester at Wheaton through the WheaGo program. Other students have the option to participate in a variety of Global Education programs throughout their student experience, including faculty-led trips at the end of the spring semester, semester-long study abroad programs, and the semester in the city program at the College of Social Innovation in Boston, MA. After you get to campus in the fall, consider visiting the Center for Global Education to learn more about these opportunities.  You can also talk with your Student Success Advisor and the Life and Career Design Institute to discuss how these opportunities fit into your academic and career goals. You may also want to register for the Designing Your Student Experience webinar coming up on July 22, 2026.

You are also encouraged to attend the annual Study Abroad Fair – Friday, September 25, 2026. This is a great way to learn more about all of Wheaton’s study away opportunities!

Fall New Student Orientation – Welcome Weekend

I attended Academic Orientation in June. Do I need to attend Fall Orientation in August?

Yes! Fall Orientation is mandatory for all new and transfer students. During Fall Orientation, new students will move into their residential halls, check in for the fall semester, learn campus resources and Wheaton’s values, begin to build a support network of peers and mentors, and participate in social programs and spirited campus traditions. Students will be assigned to an orientation group, and a student Orientation Leader will guide them throughout the program.