- This event has passed.
Fall Open House
October 26 @ 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Get up close and personal with Wheaton College in Massachusetts during one of our upcoming in-person Open Houses where you will be able to spend the day with us.
- Choose from faculty-led sessions focusing on an area of academic interest
- Tour areas of campus related to the fields you’re interested in, from makerspaces and arts facilities to science and nursing labs
- Attend a student life discussion with college administrators—covering residential life, student activities and leadership
- Meet Wheaton faculty and students
- Learn more about admission and financial aid and connect with a counselor
- Explore internship, research, experiential learning, and study abroad opportunities
- Enjoy lunch at the award-winning Chase Dining Hall
Register to attend Saturday, October 26 at 8:00 a.m.
Open House Schedule
Saturday, October 26, 2024
On this page:
- 8:00–8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. Welcome Address
- 9:00–9:20 a.m. Compass Curriculum
- 9:30–10:20 a.m. Academic Presentation Breakout Sessions
- 10:30–11:20 a.m. The Wheaton Experience Breakout Sessions
- 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Complimentary Lunch and Campus Tours
To locate the buildings you want to visit, find the corresponding numbers on the Wheaton Campus map (pdf).
See Around the Dimple and On the Field for more on-campus activities to experience during your visit to Wheaton.
Guest access to Wi-Fi: WheatonGuest
Simply select WheatonGuest from the available Wi-Fi networks on your device. After connecting, you will be directed to our Guest Captive Portal Page to review and accept our Terms of Use. Upon login, you will be redirected to the Wheaton College website and connected to the internet.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00–8:30 a.m.
Watson Fine Arts Center (26)
Welcome Address
8:30–9:00 a.m.
- Walter Caffey, Vice President for Enrollment, Dean of Admission & Student Aid
- Jonathan Millen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Ajahni Jackson, Student Government Association President, Class of 2025
- Elizabeth McKinley, Student Government Association Executive Secretary, Class of 2026
Enjoy your time while you wait by listening to two of Wheaton’s student performance groups, The Wheaton Whims and The Blend, who will perform prior to the Welcome Address.
Cole Memorial Chapel (4)
Compass Curriculum
9:00–9:20 a.m.
The Compass Curriculum gives students the freedom and flexibility to create their own path to success, with personalized advising and professional mentorship. Learn more about Compass and other key elements of a Wheaton education, which encourages academic rigor, career exploration and skills development, as well as the requirements for graduation.
Justin Schupp, Associate Professor of Sociology; Coordinator of the Compass Curriculum, ’22-’25; Coordinator of Environmental Studies Minor
Cole Memorial Chapel (4)
Academic Presentation Breakout Sessions
9:30–10:20 a.m.
Get a comprehensive overview of our academic programs from the faculty who designed the curriculum. Are you undecided on a major? Feel free to select the session that piques your interest or attend an interactive session with student panelists to hear how they discovered their major at Wheaton.
Choose from the following:
Biological, Chemical, and Environmental Sciences
Faculty and current students will showcase the array of exciting courses and research opportunities available in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, and environmental science at Wheaton.
- Primrose Boynton, Assistant Professor of Biology
- Drew Davinack, Assistant Professor of Biology
- Mike Nicholson, Professor of the Practice of Biology
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Hindle Auditorium (23)
Business
Wheaton’s innovative business department offers students a variety of options with our current three majors or minors in business and management, finance, or marketing. Each establishes a strong foundation of knowledge and skills while allowing students to specialize in areas of interest to them. We also now offer a 4+1 MS in Business and are establishing pathways for other advanced degrees in specialized business areas. New majors and minors are on the horizon as we adapt to the demands of today’s global workforce.
- C.C. Chapman, Senior Professor of the Practice of Business and Management
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3327 (23)
Creative Arts and Film, Media and Communications
Learn more about our programs in Creative Writing, Dance, Design, Digital Media and Communication, Film and New Media Studies, Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. You will have a chance to meet with faculty and staff to learn more about opportunities offered by these programs.
- Kelly Goff, Associate Professor and Chair of Creative Arts Department
- Patrick Johnson, Associate Professor of Film and New Media
- Jennifer Madden, Professor of the Practice of Theater
- Tania Schlatter, Professor of the Practice and Design Program Lead
- Julie Searles, Senior Professor of the Practice of Music
- Kent Shaw, Associate Professor of English
Watson Fine Arts, Kresge Experimental Theatre (26)
Education
Whether you are pursuing Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education, Wheaton provides small classes and a supportive environment for students ready to join this meaningful profession. In this session, you will hear from education department faculty and students about the rewards of teaching, experiential learning opportunities, and the process for obtaining licensure.
- Sara Donaldson, Associate Professor of Education
- Scott Gelber, Professor of Education; Department Chair
Diana Davis Discovery Center, Room 3344 (23)
Exploring your Academic Options
Having an open mind is important as you consider all academic options. At Wheaton College we encourage exploration to find out what interests and passions really drive you. Join a panel of Wheaton students who were once in your shoes and hear how they navigated the process of choosing a major.
- Fran de Alba, Associate Provost for Academic Administration and Faculty Affairs, Professor of Hispanic Studies
- Dolores Radlo, Dean of Advising
Mars Arts and Humanities, Meneely 301 (15)
Humanities for the 21st Century
Discover how studying the humanities at Wheaton equips students with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Through a conversation with some of Wheaton’s faculty, you will get a sense of the practical applications the Humanities disciplines offer: problem solving skills, teamwork building, embracing complexities, and the ability to communicate at a high level.
During the Q&A, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to speak with the faculty and current students in the Humanities.
- Charlotte Meehan, Professor of English, Playwright-in-Residence
- Dana Polanichka, Professor of History
- John Partridge, Professor of Philosophy
- Mary Beth Tierney-Tello, Professor of Hispanic Studies
Discovery Center, Room 3346 (23)
Integrated Social Sciences
This session is an introduction to the breadth and depth of social sciences programs, student-faculty research and connections with other departments. The session also will highlight how Wheaton’s approach to the liberal arts will prepare you for success after graduation — regardless of your major.
- Srijana Shrestha, Associate Professor of Psychology
- J Sterphone, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology
- Aubrey Westfall, Associate Professor of Political Science
Watson Fine Arts Center, Ellison Lecture 102 (26)
Nursing
Our new Nursing program is designed to prepare students for clinical practice as nurses at the intersection of community health and social justice. Faculty will highlight the unique advantages of Wheaton’s program and provide a glimpse into our state-of-the-art simulation center and labs.
- Jamie Truax, Professor of the Practice of Nursing
- Marianne Williams, Professor of the Practice of Nursing
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3328 (23)
Physics, Math and Computer Science
Explore our programs in physics, astronomy and geology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Faculty will discuss the many rich opportunities to get involved in research both on and off campus.
- John Collins, Professor of Physics, Chair of Physics and Astronomy
- Martin Gagne, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 1349 (23)
The Wheaton Experience Breakout Sessions
10:30–11:20 a.m.
These sessions are designed to showcase the myriad of resources, support networks and opportunities available to help you personalize your Wheaton experience and ensure you are set up for success both in and outside of the classroom.
Choose from the following:
Admission and Student Financial Aid
Wanda Suriel, Director of Admission and Carla Minchello, Director of Financial Aid will be available to answer any questions regarding the admission and financial aid application processes.
Watson Fine Arts Center, Ellison Lecture 102 (26)
Campus Leadership, Involvement, Belonging and Wellness
We believe that learning and growing extend beyond the classroom. The door is always open for you to become an important part of a community that supports individual expression and collective responsibility. An interactive panel of students and administrators will highlight the many opportunities for student leadership and involvement on campus.
- Lyndsey Aguilar, Associate Director of Residential Life
- Leonard Breton, Director for The Centers for Social Justice and Community Impact and Religious and Spiritual Life
- Mark De Bossuet Monteiro, Class of 2027
- Madison Flowers, Assistant Athletic Director, Recreation and Varsity Administration
- Meher Narang, Class of 2027
- Raquel Ramos, Dean of the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning
Watson Fine Arts, Kresge Experimental Theatre (26)
Experiential Learning at Wheaton College
Wheaton is dedicated to facilitating experiences that broaden students’ perspectives and support their development. Join us to learn more about our Center for Global Education and our brand new Life and Career Design Institute—holistic approach to life and career navigation. You’ll hear about a range of experiential learning, from internships to research to study abroad, as well as Wheaton’s commitment to providing every student the opportunity for funded experiential learning.
- Sean Schofield, Assistant Vice President for Life and Career Design
- Gretchen Young, Dean, Center for Global Education
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Hindle Auditorium (23)
Complimentary Lunch and Campus Tours
Enjoy lunch
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Choose a time to dine that works best for you and enjoy a complimentary lunch in our award-winning dining hall. Meal tickets will be provided at the dining hall entrance.
Chase Dining Hall (27)
Tours* of the Mars Center for Science and Technology, Nursing Simulation Labs and Wheaton’s Innovation Spaces (includes a campus tour)
11:30 a.m.
Get to know the spaces that house our STEM and Nursing programs through interactive tours of the Mars Center for Science and Technology and our clinical simulation center—an important part of nursing education. See where students practice skills safely and learn new procedures, explore student research labs, and view Wheaton’s innovative, creative makerspace as you learn about ways that students can utilize the resources of Wheaton’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Departing from the Office of Admission (1)
Campus Tours*
11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
See a residence hall, academic spaces and athletics facilities, and learn more about the Wheaton student experience. Student-led tours will depart on a rolling basis between 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Departing from the steps of the Office of Admission (1) from 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. and in front of Chase Dining Hall (27) from 12:30—1:15 p.m.
Tours* of Visual and Performing Arts Facilities (includes a campus tour)
12:30 p.m.
Join us on a tour of the visual and performing arts facilities on campus. See the spaces where Wheaton students perform and create. Discover the many ways in which our Theatre, Music, Visual Art, Design, Film and New Media, Studio Art and Art History departments are connected.
Departing in front of Chase Dining Hall (27) at 12:30 p.m.
Tours* of the Mars Center for Science and Technology, Nursing Simulation Labs and Wheaton’s Innovation Spaces (includes a campus tour)
12:30 p.m.
Get to know the spaces that house our STEM and Nursing programs through interactive tours of the Mars Center for Science and Technology and our clinical simulation center—an important part of nursing education. See where students practice skills safely and learn new procedures, explore student research labs, and view Wheaton’s innovative, creative makerspace as you learn about ways that students can utilize the resources of Wheaton’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Departing in front of Chase Dining Hall (27) at 12:30 p.m.
*All tours conclude at the Office of Admission where admission and student financial services counselors will be available to answer any questions regarding the admission and financial aid application process.
Ask questions!
The Office of Admission is open all day. Stop by to say hello or ask a question. Look for the bright blue “Ask Me” buttons for assistance.
Around the Dimple and On the Field
Go shopping at the Campus Bookstore
Start building your Wheaton wardrobe! Follow the instructions below to receive a coupon for 20% off one apparel or gift item. (See store for details. Restrictions apply.) The bookstore will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Follow these easy steps:
- Visit CampusWelcome.com
- Enter your email address
- Enter access code: 0525
- Show your coupon email at the register or use it online at wheatoncollegeshop.com for your discount.
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Campus Bookstore (19)
Shelter
This October, students participating in a First-Year Experience (FYE) course are working in teams to create temporary shelters from zip ties and bamboo, a sustainable material that grows on campus. Taught by Professors Kelly Goff and Leah Niederstadt, the course’s overarching theme is “shelter.” Drawing on anthropology, design, museum studies, and visual art, the students have been challenged to design, build, and modify temporary structures that can accommodate at least two people and that broadly interpret the concept of “shelter.” The sculptural creations will evolve on the Dimple outdoors as the FYE students work on site until October 31st and will remain on view until November 15th.
The Dimple
Wheaton College Lyons
Wheaton College LyonsWheaton College fields 24 NCAA Division III athletic teams that compete as members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC)
12:00 p.m.— Field Hockey
Wheaton College vs. Mount Holyoke College
Diane Nordin ’80 Athletic Field
Beard and Weil Galleries
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
INTO LIGHT Project is a national nonprofit that creates exhibitions of portraits and stories of people who have died from the disease of drug addiction in each state. Their mission is to change the conversation about drug addiction through the power of art and storytelling. Wheaton College is the host of the Massachusetts exhibition.
Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, Massachusetts
Watson Fine Arts, Beard and Weil Galleries (26)
Coming Soon!
October 31, November 1 and 2
November 7 – 9
Written by Aristophanes, adapted by Ellen McGlaughlin, directed by Don Mays
Produced in special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (playscripts.com)
Follow Lysistrata, our Athenian heroine, as she creates an…unconventional…movement to end the Peloponnesian War. The women of Greece vow a prohibition in the bedroom until the violence of war has ceased. If the women of Greece refuse to love, will the men refuse to war? This fast-paced, comedic retelling of the classic Aristophanes play brings to light issues society has been discussing for millennia. Will we finally figure out how to make love, not war?
Tickets may be purchased online via the Watson Box Office. $5 student, $10 faculty & staff & seniors, $15 general