If you’re the first in your family to attend college, you’ve come to the right place. We are proud to share that 21% of Wheaton students self-identify as first-generation students. Our campus partners are here to help you navigate college life, build community, and gain the skills and confidence you need to thrive at Wheaton.
Early Arrival Program
As a first-generation student, you’ll be invited to attend our Brave, Bold and First Early Arrival program before your first semester begins. This is a great opportunity to learn about all of our campus resources and connect with other first-generation students. You’ll learn your way around campus, meet with mentors, and make some friends before your first day of class.
Celebrating First-Gen Students
The first-gen student community is strong, independent and supportive. We celebrate our students annually during First-Gen Student Awareness Week. We recognize and celebrate this identity with events and programming such as networking events, movie nights, dinners, alumni panels and performances.
At the end of every spring semester, we celebrate our first-gen seniors who are graduating. This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate their achievements and bring their mentors and friends to celebrate with them.
First-Generation Student Support
As a first-gen student you’ll have access to many resources to foster your academic and personal growth. Here are some of our campus partners who are ready to support you along your journey.
- Academic Advising at Wheaton College is a shared responsibility between student and advisor, whether with an academic dean or faculty advisor.
- The Center for Social Justice and Community Impact provides opportunities for community service and for exploration of various beliefs.
- The Counseling Center’s primary role is to decrease emotional, psychological or behavioral barriers in order to support the intellectual growth and academic success of students.
- The Life and Career Design Institute provides one-on-one guidance to align your Wheaton academic and co-curricular experiences and career path with your interests, values and goals.
- The Marshall Center provides academic, social, cultural, and co-curricular programs and services for students of color.
- The Office for Institutional Equity and Belonging promotes, envisions, and institutionalizes tools that support student success. Our role is to engage our campus community in intentional DEIB work.
- Student Financial Services will help you manage your student account and come up with a payment solution that works best for you and your family.
Ways to Get Involved
Below are some ways to connect with other first-generation students and engage in the Wheaton community. Also, be sure to check out our online portal Engage@Wheaton for upcoming first-gen activities and programs.
Brave, Bold and First
Brave, Bold and First is a pre-orientation program that provides students an opportunity to acclimate to campus, develop connections with peers and meet campus resources. Contact [email protected] or [email protected].
First-Generation Advisory Committee
The First-Generation Advisory Committee is made up of students, staff and faculty who seek to institutionalize resources available to first-generation students and work alongside them to define their space and voice in the Community. Contact [email protected].
First-Generation Living Learning Community
The First-Generation Living and Learning Community (LLC) is a dedicated floor in one of our residence halls for those who identify as first-generation. Contact [email protected] or [email protected].
First-Generation Theme House
The First-Generation Theme House is an on-campus house for upperclassmen who are first in their families or immediate circle of support to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Contact [email protected].
The Ohm Initiative
The Ohm Initiative is an on-campus housing option for first-gen students looking for an inclusive community within the STEM field. As a house, they encourage academic excellence and creativity in rigorous professional fields among individuals with marginalized or under-represented identities. Contact [email protected].
WISE
Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence (WISE) aims to increase student engagement and enhance outcomes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). MUSES is a WISE student-led initiative that connects students with a peer mentor in STEM. Contact [email protected].
Meet Wheaton First-Gen Students
Maya Stankiewicz '26
Jeury Gonzalez '26
Kaylee Carson '25
Resources
Here are some additional resources to help you thrive academically and socially at Wheaton.
Questions?
We’re here to support you from your early arrival on campus through graduation. Our warm and welcoming team are happy to answer any questions throughout your journey. Contact us at [email protected].