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.
On this page
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Move-In to Residence Halls/Check-In to EAP
New Students sign in to their Early Arrival program and pick up their room keys and information packets.
Balfour Hood Campus Center
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch
Chase Dining Hall
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Lunch/Campus Resource Scavenger Hunt!
Discover campus resources (and secret study spots!) with this interactive activity
Filene Center
3:00 p.m.
Wheaton College EAP Opening Remarks
Join campus leadership and the Early Arrival Program Coordinators as they give their opening remarks to commence Early Arrival 2023!
Weber Theater
5:00 p.m.
Friends and Family Goodbye
5:00 p.m.
Student Programming Begins – Student Icebreaker
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
Chase Dining Hall
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Evening Program
This is a great chance to play games and meet first years attending other EAP programs.
Pine Hall, Conger Commons
Thursday, August 24, 2023
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast – O.L. (Orientation Leader) Meet and Greet
Chase Dining Hall
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Intro to Abilities 1st
Meneely 102
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Wellness, Wheaton, and You
Learn more about wellness at Wheaton as you strive to take care of your body and mind amid the exciting transition to college. Hear some wellness tips and tricks from Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Health and Wellness & Director of Counseling.
Meneely 102
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Transitions and Planning for Success
Examine the biggest differences between high school and college regarding laws and accommodations. Develop your accommodation and self-advocacy plan. Led by Jerimiah Bergstrom.
Meneely 102
12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Individual Support and Campus Exploration
A fun, relaxing opportunity to explore the campus and address individual accessibility questions and concerns
Filene Center
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Chase Dining Hall
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Finding Your Way
Tours of the library including finding assistive technology and other library resources
Wallace Library
2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
Finding Your Free Time
Led by Accessibility Specialist Frannie Palmer. Discuss common concerns and strategies for managing the stresses of balancing schoolwork with the rest of life on Wheaton campus
Discovery Center 3328
3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Academic Excellence
Get to know a little more about how Academic Advising can help you make the most of your first semester and beyond! Led by Academic Success Advisor, Susan Friedman.
4:20 – 5:15 p.m.
Sharing Their Stories
Panel of current students share their experiences at Wheaton and take questions
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Chase Dining Hall
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Target Takeover
Free time or a chance to shop for last-minute items you may need for the school year. Transportation will be provided.
Meet Outside Global Ed, Howard Street
9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Evening Program
Pine Hall, Conger Commons
Friday, August 25, 2023
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Chase Dining Hall
9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
EAP Common Sessions
Come together with the students of every Early Arrival track for a morning full of activities focused around identity and intersectionality.
Hindle Auditorium in the Discovery Center for opening remarks, then break into smaller groups.
- Global Connections: Intercultural Communication – Discovery Center 3327
- Inspiring Belonging: Allyship and Solidarity – Discovery Center 3328
- Conversations Across Difference -Discovery Center 3332
- Three Areas of Control for Independent Productivity: Executive Functioning and Academic Self Advocacy – Discovery Center 3344
- Engaging for Success: Leadership for Success and Liberation – Discovery Center 3343
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Abilities First Evaluations and Closing
Discovery Center 3343
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Chase Dining Hall
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Welcome Ceremony