The transition to college is an exciting time that involves the whole family. We encourage family and friends to join us this summer to learn more about how the transition to Wheaton College is a collaborative experience between the student, the college, and the student’s family.
Save the Date
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Family Orientation takes place on the same date and time as your student’s Academic Orientation. Students may bring up to two guests. They will register their guests on the same form that they complete for Academic Orientation, choosing either the morning or afternoon session. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:
Morning Session Schedule
8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., followed by lunch
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF) .
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. │Check-in and Continental Breakfast
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy a continental breakfast. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. │Whea-TALKS
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
We do orientation a little differently here. Whea-TALKS are fast, bold presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff, and your first real taste of what Wheaton is all about.
9:15 – 9:25 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.
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. │Coaching Your Student
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Zack Irish, Dean of Students, and Ashley Noyes, Assistant Dean of Students, share 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.
10:20 – 10:50 a.m.│Health and Counseling Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Wellness and Director of Counseling, provides an overview of campus wellness services, health insurance, and record requirements.
10:50 – 11:15 am | Q&A on Student Support
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Join Dean Zack Irish, Dean Ashley Noyes, and Dean Kate Puopolo for a Q&A focused on student wellness, support systems, and preparing for the transition to college.
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. │Optional Campus Tour
Departs from the Office of Admission (1)
Take another opportunity to explore the campus with student guides. Campus tours are optional and may overlap with other activities.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. │Optional Student Financial Services Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
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.
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. │Resource Fair and Community Networking
Beard Fieldhouse, Haas Athletic Center (10)
Connect with other families and explore the wide range of campus resources available to support your student’s transition to Wheaton.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. │Lunch
Beard Fieldhouse, Haas Athletic Center (10)
Reconnect with your student for a BBQ-style lunch, while continuing to explore campus resources.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. │WheaGo Luncheon
Athletics Classroom, Haas Athletic Center (10)
WheaGo Global students and their families are invited to pick up lunch in Beard Fieldhouse and gather as a group to connect with the Global Education team in preparation for the fall semester abroad.
Afternoon Session Schedule
2:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner
Note: Building number corresponds to the Campus Map (.PDF)
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. │Check-in and Light Refreshments
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Students and families are invited to check in and enjoy light refreshments. Staff will be available to guide you from Lot 2 to the check-in area.
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. │Whea-TALKS
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
We do orientation a little differently here. Whea-TALKS are fast, bold presentations from Wheaton faculty and staff, and your first real taste of what Wheaton is all about.
2:45 – 2:55 p.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.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. │Coaching Your Student
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Zack Irish, Dean of Students, and Ashley Noyes, Assistant Dean of Students, share 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.
3:50 – 4:20 p.m.│Health and Counseling Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Wellness and Director of Counseling, provides an overview of campus wellness services, health insurance, and record requirements.
4:20 – 4:45 p.m. | Q&A on Student Support
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Join Dean Zack Irish, Dean Ashley Noyes, and Dean Kate Puopolo for a Q&A focused on student wellness, support systems, and preparing for the transition to college.
5:00 – 6:15 p.m. │Optional Campus Tour
Departs from the Office of Admission (1)
Take another opportunity to explore the campus with student guides. Campus tours are optional and may overlap with other activities.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. │Optional Student Financial Services Overview
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theater (26)
Join staff from our Student Financial Services office to learn more about how Wheaton can support your student.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. │Resource Fair and Community Networking
Beard Fieldhouse, Haas Athletic Center (10)
Connect with other families and explore the wide range of campus resources available to support your student’s transition to Wheaton.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. │Dinner
Beard Fieldhouse, Haas Athletic Center (10)
Reconnect with your student for a BBQ-style dinner, while continuing to explore campus resources.