Academic Orientation – Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP)
Now is when the fun begins! Meet your classmates and get ready to start your Wheaton experience.
Academic Orientation – MAP is a required, one-day program, designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to Wheaton. You will connect with faculty, staff, and peers while exploring academics, campus resources, and what to expect as you begin the fall semester. Peer advisors will also be available throughout the day to answer questions and help guide your experience.
Wheaton will offer two identical Academic Orientation – MAP sessions—Session I (8:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.) and Session II (2:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m.)—so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
Summer 2026 Date is Thursday, June 18th
Virtual programming will be available throughout the summer for students and families that are unable to attend. More information will be shared soon.
What to Expect: A Sample Academic Orientation Schedule
While final schedules will be shared closer to your session, each Academic Orientation – MAP session follows a similar structure:
- Welcome Program with faculty and campus leadership
- Faculty-led First-Year Experience (FYE) class
- Academic exploration through a Major Fair
- Course registration with faculty support
- Engagement with campus resources, including the Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI)
- Family sessions focused on student transition, wellness, and support
- BBQ and Resource Fair to close the day
Both Session I and Session II offer the same experience, simply at different times
Schedules
- Academic Orientation Schedule (Mon. 6/23, Tues. 6/24, Fri 6/27)
- Family Orientation Schedule (Mon. 6/23, Tues. 6/24, Fri 6/27)
For Nursing majors, WheaGo students and Transfer students:
We are excited to welcome you to Wheaton as you begin this next chapter of your academic journey. Whether you are joining us as a first-year or transfer student, Academic Orientation – MAP is designed to provide you with the information, resources, and connections needed to start strong.
Offered in two identical sessions, the program allows you to choose the experience that best fits your schedule while ensuring access to all key components of orientation
Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., along with a continental breakfast. Students and their families are invited to attend a Welcome Program featuring faculty and senior leadership commencing at 9:30 a.m. in Weber Theater. During the day, families will engage with student support offices and enjoy various opportunities to connect with the campus community. The Student and Family Programs will wrap up by 4:00 p.m. on the same day.
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect on Academic Orientation – MAP:
- Orientation Sessions: You will participate in a series of informative sessions covering a range of topics, including academic expectations, campus resources, student support services, and extracurricular opportunities. These sessions will help you understand the tools and resources available to you, and answer any questions you may have.
- Campus Navigation: Get ready to explore our beautiful campus! Throughout orientation, you will have the chance to discover key locations on campus, such as academic buildings, the library, residence halls, dining facilities, and other important areas. You will gain a better sense of the campus layout and feel more comfortable navigating your new surroundings.
- Academic Advising: Academic success is a priority. During orientation, you will meet with academic advisors who will guide you in selecting courses, understanding degree requirements, and mapping out your academic path. They will be invaluable resources as you plan your schedule and explore your academic options.
- Social Activities: Building connections and fostering a sense of community is essential. Orientation will include various social activities, icebreaker sessions, and chances to interact with your peers. You will have the opportunity to make connections and form friendships that can last throughout your college years and beyond.
Family Orientation
Family Orientation will also take place on June 18, 2026, the same day as your Academic Orientation – MAP. You will receive a link to register yourself and up to two guests. While you work with advisors to map out your academic schedule and connect with other new students, your family and friends will meet with Wheaton community members across campus to learn how they can support you throughout your college experience.
Online Learning Modules
As part of your Orientation, there are four online educational modules to complete prior to the start of your first semester. The focus of this content is to enhance your safety and well-being as you navigate the academic, social and personal challenges associated with college. Check your Wheaton email for more information about these learning modules.
Summer Orientation Schedules
Academic Orientation Schedule
Dates: Monday, June 23 | Tuesday, June 24 | Friday, June 27, 2025
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF).
8:30–9:15 a.m. | Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy a continental breakfast until 9:30 a.m. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
9:30–10:20 a.m. | Welcome from the Provost
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Begin your orientation experience with a warm welcome from Provost Jonathan Millen and TED-style presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff. This dynamic session is designed to energize your start and offer insight into the academic journey ahead.
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Concurrent Academic Sessions
Diana Davis Spencer ’65 Discovery Center (23)
- First-Year Experience Lab – Preview interactive FYE sessions and learn strategies for college success.
- Major Fair – Meet faculty from across departments to explore majors, minors, and programs.
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Lunch with Peers, Faculty & Staff
Chase Commons (27)
Enjoy lunch in a relaxed setting while connecting with students, faculty, and staff.
1:45–4:30 p.m. | Academic Planning & Course Registration
Diana Davis Spencer ’65 Discovery Center (23)
Work with advisors and faculty to review options and register. You’ll leave with a personalized schedule and support network.
4:30 p.m. | Departure
We look forward to seeing you again soon for the Fall Orientation program!
Family Orientation Schedule
Dates: Monday, June 23 | Tuesday, June 24 | Friday, June 27, 2025
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF).
8:30–9:15 a.m. | Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy a continental breakfast until 9:30 a.m. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
9:30–10:20 a.m. | Welcome from the Provost and the Wheaton Community
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Begin your orientation experience with a warm welcome from Provost Jonathan Millen, followed by TED-style presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff. This dynamic session is designed to energize your start and offer insight into the academic journey ahead.
10:35–10:45 a.m. | Welcome from Student Affairs
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Darnell Parker, Vice President for Student Affairs, welcomes families and shares Wheaton’s commitment to student success.
10:45–11:20 a.m. | Coaching Your Student Through the Transition
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Zack Irish, Dean of Students, shares practical advice and insights on supporting student independence, typical first-year challenges and supports, and the evolving roles of the student and their family during the college transition.
11:20–11:40 a.m. | Health and Counseling Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Wellness and Director of Counseling, discusses campus wellness services, health insurance, and record requirements.
11:40–11:55 a.m. | Q&A on Student Support
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Ask questions with Dean Zack Irish and Dean Kate Puopolo about health, wellness, and family support.
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch
Chase Commons (27)
1:15–3:15 p.m. | Campus Resources Presentations & Office Hours
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
Attend short presentations and open office hours with key campus resources.
1:15–1:45 p.m.
Presentations begin at 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Room 1: Accessibility Services
- Room 2: Dining Services
Office Hours are available for families to talk with staff from 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
- Room 3: Health and Counseling Services
- Room 4: Athletics and Recreation
1:45–2:15 p.m.
Presentations begin at 1:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Room 1: Residential Life
- Room 2: Life and Career Design Institute
Office Hours are available for families to talk with staff from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Room 3: Dining Services
- Room 4: Accessibility Services
2:15–2:45 p.m.
Presentations begin at 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Room 1: Student Financial Services
Office Hours are available for families to talk with staff from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Room 2: Life and Career Design Institute
- Room 3: Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership
- Room 4: Residential Life
2:45–3:15 p.m.
Office Hours are available for families to talk with staff from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Room 2: Student Financial Services
2:15–3:30 p.m. | Optional Campus Tour
Departs from the Office of Admission (1)
Another opportunity to explore the campus with student interns.
2:45–3:15 p.m. | Campus Resource Mix & Mingle
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
Informally meet with representatives from: Accessibility Services, Residential Life, Campus Safety, Athletics, Life and Career Design Institute, Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership, and the Dean of Students Office.
3:15–3:30 p.m. | What’s Next
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
Dean Zack Irish shares the summer task list and arrival day tips, and answers final questions.
Explore CampusFamilies are welcome to explore the campus while students complete course registration (students will finish by 4:30 p.m.).
Academic Orientation Schedule
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF).
8:30–9:15 a.m. | Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy a continental breakfast until 9:30 a.m. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
9:30–10:20 a.m. | Welcome from the Provost and the Wheaton Community
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Begin your orientation experience with a warm welcome from Provost Jonathan Millen, and TED-style presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff. This dynamic session is designed to energize your start and offer insight into the academic journey ahead.
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.| Cohort Sessions
Diana Davis Spencer ’65 Discovery Center (23)
- Nursing Department Orientation for Nursing Students
- WheaGo Orientation for WheaGo Students
- Transfer Academic Orientation for Transfer Students
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Lunch with Peers, Faculty & Staff
Chase Commons (27)
Enjoy lunch in a relaxed setting while connecting with students, faculty, and staff.
1:45–2:45 p.m. | First-Year Experience Lab: Strategic Learning Preview
Diana Davis Spencer ’65 Discovery Center (23)
Jump into your first interactive First-Year Experience (FYE) Lab! You will explore how to approach learning in college and get a taste of the engaging, hands-on sessions you’ll participate in this fall, all designed to help you succeed from day one.
3:00 p.m. | Departure
We look forward to seeing you again soon for the Fall Orientation program!
Family Orientation Schedule
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF).
8:30–9:15 a.m. | Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy a continental breakfast until 9:30 a.m. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
9:30–10:20 a.m. | Welcome from the Provost and the Wheaton Community
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Begin your orientation experience with a warm welcome from Provost Jonathan Millen, followed by TED-style presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff. This dynamic session is designed to energize your start and offer insight into the academic journey ahead.
10:35–10:45 a.m. | Welcome from Student Affairs
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Darnell Parker, Vice President for Student Affairs, welcomes families and shares Wheaton’s commitment to student success.
10:45–11:20 a.m. | Coaching Your Student Through the Transition
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Zack Irish, Dean of Students, shares practical advice and insights on supporting student independence, typical first-year challenges and supports, and the evolving roles of the student and their family during the college transition.
11:20–11:40 a.m. | Health and Counseling Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Wellness and Director of Counseling, discusses campus wellness services, health insurance, and record requirements.
11:40–11:55 a.m. | Q&A on Student Support
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Ask questions with Dean Zack Irish and Dean Kate Puopolo about health, wellness, and family support.
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch
Chase Commons (27)
1:15–1:45 p.m. | Cohort Breakout Sessions
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
Families are invited to attend a breakout session about their student’s experience entering Wheaton.
- Families of Nursing students will have the opportunity to hear from Colette Dieujuste, Dean of Nursing, in the Emerson Dining Room.
- Families of WheaGo students will have the opportunity to hear from Gretchen Young, Dean of Global Education, in the Trustees Conference Room.
- Families of Transfer students will have the opportunity to hear from Zack Irish, Dean of Students, and other leaders in the Student Affairs division, in the Faculty Dining Room.
1:45-3:00 p.m. | Optional Campus Tour
Departs from the Office of Admission (1)
Another opportunity to explore the campus with student interns.
1:45-2:00 p.m. | Student Financial Services
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
The Student Financial Services team will provide a brief overview of the student account (tuition bill), payment options, and the mandatory health insurance charge and waiver process.
2:00-2:15 p.m. | Accessibility Services
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
The Accessibility Services team will provide a brief overview of the process students must follow to seek academic and housing accommodations as they prepare to begin at Wheaton.
2:15-2:30 p.m. | Residential Life
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
The Residential Life team will provide a brief overview of the process for new student housing assignments and what students should bring for their first semester living on campus.
2:30-2:45 p.m. | Life and Career Design Institute
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
The Life and Career Design Institute team will provide a brief overview of the resources they provide to your student from day one on campus, throughout, and beyond their time as a student, as they prepare for their life and career after Wheaton.
2:45-3:00 p.m. | What’s Next
Emerson Dining Hall (29)
Dean Zack Irish shares the summer task list and arrival day tips, and answers final questions.