• 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 interdisciplinary 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 Commons

Register for Fall Open House on October 3, 2026

Open House Schedule

On this page:

• 8:00–8:25 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
• 8:30–8:50 a.m. Welcome Address
• 8:50–9:20 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.

See Around the Dimple for more on-campus activities to experience during your visit to Wheaton.

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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.

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Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00–8:25 a.m.

Watson Fine Arts Center (26), Haas Concourse

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Welcome Address

8:30–8:50 a.m.

• Jeff Cutting, Associate Vice President for Enrollment
• Michaele Whelan, President

Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)

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Compass Curriculum

8:50–9:20 a.m.

Discover the Compass Curriculum—a transformative approach to academics that empowers you to carve your own path to success through personalized advising, integrated experiences and professional mentorship. In this session, a faculty presenter will walk you through the innovative structure of Wheaton’s curriculum, while describing how current students navigate the curriculum and shape meaningful academic and career paths.

• Justin Schupp, Associate Professor of Sociology, Coordinator of Environmental Studies Minor and Coordinator of the Compass Curriculum

Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)

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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. Students with a strong interest in environmental studies can also explore our accelerated 4+1 M.S. in Environmental Science, which provides a clear pathway to advanced training and career preparation.

• Juvenal Lopez, Assistant Professor of Biology, Biological, Chemical, and Environmental Sciences Department
• Christopher Kalberg, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Biological, Chemical, and Environmental Sciences Department
• Jessie Knowlton, Associate Professor of Biology; Co-Chair, Biological, Chemical, and Environmental Sciences Department

Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Hindle Auditorium (23)

Business and Economics

Wheaton’s innovative Business and Economics Departments offer students a variety of options with our current programs in Business and Management, Economics, 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 offer a 4+1 M.S. 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.

• Kellie Mackisey, Professor of Practice of Business, Business and Economics Department

Diana Davis Discovery Center, Room 3328 (23)

Creative Arts

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. Students interested in advancing their creative careers can also explore our 4+1 M.A. in Creative Industries, an accelerated graduate program designed to deepen professional and creative skill sets.

• Kent Shaw, Associate Professor of English; Coordinator of Creative Writing, English and Philosophy Department
• Patrick Johnson, Associate Professor of Film, Media, and Communications; Chair, Film, Media, and Communications Department
• Stephanie Burlington Daniels, Professor of Theatre, Creative Arts Department

Watson Fine Arts, Weber 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, Chair and Associate Professor of Education, Education Department

Diana Davis Discovery Center, Room 3344 (23)

Exploring your Academic Options

Having an open mind is important as you consider your academic options. In fact, it can be advantageous to enter college without having decided upon a major. 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.

• Jonathan Millen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Diana Davis Discovery Center, Room 3327 (23)

The Social Sciences

Delve into the dynamic world of the social sciences at Wheaton College, where students investigate the forces that shape individuals, communities and global systems. This session introduces the breadth and depth of programs such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, and Public Health. Faculty and students will share how interdisciplinary research, experiential learning and real-world engagement prepare graduates to think critically, communicate effectively and solve complex problems—equipping them for careers in advocacy, public policy, mental health, law, global service and more.

• J Sterphone, Professor of Practice in Sociology, Society and Politics Department
• Aubrey Westfall, Professor of Political Science, Chair Society and Politics Department
• Christina Reppucci, Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience, Psychology and Neuroscience Department

Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3332 (23)

Exploring the Humanities

Discover how studying the humanities at Wheaton deepens your connection to people and histories beyond your own experience through creative and scholarly works that have shaped societies from the ancient world to the present. In conversation with Wheaton humanities faculty, learn how these fields sharpen critical thinking, communication, and writing; prepare graduates for competitive careers and advanced study; and offer valuable perspectives and tools addressing the complexities of our world.

• • John Partridge, Professor of Philosophy, English and Philosophy Department
  • Leah Niederstadt, Associate Professor of Museum Studies, History of Art; Curator of the Permanent Collection, History and Humanities Department
  • Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, Professor of Religion, History and Humanities Department
  • Joel Relihan, Professor of Greek, Latin and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, History and Humanities Department
  • Francoise Rosset, Associate Professor of Russian, Women’s and Gender Studies, Languages and Culture Department

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3346 (23)

  Nursing

  Our 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 lab.

  • Jamie Truax, Professor of Practice in Nursing, Nursing Department
  • Cyndi Sullivan, Professor of Practice in Nursing, Nursing Department

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 2360 (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.

  • Martin Gagne, Senior Professor of Practice of Computer Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics Department

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 1349 (23)

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  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 Information Session

  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.

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3332 (23)

  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. Join leaders from across campus in learning about the many opportunities for student leadership and campus involvement, and how they enrich the Wheaton student experience.

  • Lyndsey Aguilar, Associate Director of Residential Life
  • Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Health and Wellness and Director of Counseling

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3327 (23)

  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 Life and Career Design Institute—a 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.

  • Kathleen Potter, Interim Assistant Vice President of Life and Career Design
  • Alida Gomez, Associate Director of the Center for Global Education, Study Abroad Advisor

  Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Hindle Auditorium (23)

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  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 Commons (27)

  11:30 a.m.

  Tour of STEM, Nursing, and Innovation Spaces*
  

  Explore the spaces that support Wheaton’s STEM and Nursing Programs through an interactive tour of the Mars Center for Science and Technology, Nursing Simulation Lab, and Innovation Spaces. Visit student research labs, see where nursing students safely practice clinical skills and procedures, and discover the creative technologies and hands-on resources available in Wheaton’s makerspaces. Weather permitting, the tour will also include a visit to Wheaton’s rooftop observatory.
  *Includes a general campus tour.

  Departing from the Office of Admission (1)

  12:30 p.m.

  Tour of Visual and Performing Arts Facilities*

  Explore the spaces where Wheaton students create, exhibit and perform. Visit our visual and performing arts facilities and discover the connections among theatre, music, visual art, design, film and new media, studio art, and art history.
  *Includes a general campus tour.

  Departing from the Office of Admission (1)

  Campus Tours*

  Rolling departures from 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

  Get a broad overview of Wheaton’s campus and student experience on a student-led tour featuring a residence hall, academic spaces and athletic facilities. The tour may pass by or briefly highlight STEM, nursing, innovation, and visual and performing arts facilities. For a more in-depth look at those spaces, please select one of the specialized tours.

  Departure locations:

  • Office of Admission (1) steps: 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
  • Chase Commons (27): 12:30-1:15 p.m.

  *All tours conclude at the Office of Admission, where admission counselors will be available to answer any questions about the admission and financial aid application process.

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  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.

  Office of Admission (1)

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  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:

  1. Visit CampusWelcome.com
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Enter access code: 0525
  4. Show your coupon email at the register or use it online at the wheatoncollegeshop.com for your discount.

  Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Campus Bookstore (19)

  Athletics

  • 12:00 p.m. Field Hockey vs. Mount Holyoke College
    Diane C. Nordin ‘80 Athletic Field, near Haas Athletic Field (10)
  • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Men’s Volleyball–Blue-White Scrimmage
    Emerson Gymnasium (10)

  Fall Fest

  12:00-2:30 p.m.
  Check-in – Dimple
  Rain location – Haas Athletic Center (10)

  • Community BBQ
  • Beer Garden | Inflatable Pub
    Beer and wine, cash only
    21+, must show valid ID to enter
  • Wheaton Community Toast | 1:30 p.m.
    Gather in the Dimple for a special All Together Now toast with President Michaele Whelan and Alumni Board President Patrick Summers ’94, P ’28, as we celebrate Wheaton’s thriving community, growing momentum and collective impact.

  Alumni Games and Gatherings

  • Men’s Lacrosse | 8:30-10:00 a.m.
    Diane C. Nordin ‘80 Athletic Field, near Haas Athletic Center (10)
    Brunch to follow in Diana Davis Spencer ‘60 Cafe (28)
  • Men’s Basketball | 10:30 a.m.-12:00p.m.
    Emerson Gymnasium (10)
  • Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
    Balfour Natatorium (10)
    Gathering to follow meet
  • Softball | 12:00 p.m.
    Clark Athletic Field, near Clark Center (3)
    Reception to follow
  • Women’s Lacrosse | 2:00-3:00 p.m.
    Diane C. Nordin ‘80 Athletic Field, near Haas Athletic Center (10)

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  Gallery Exhibition: they never asked

  1:00-5:00 p.m.
  Stop by our Beard and Weil galleries during your visit to see the current exhibit, they never asked. The exhibition looks at systematic, racialized patterns of U.S. immigration enforcement and confinement and considers how erasure can be met with documentation and creativity.

  The Beard and Weil Galleries are a vital part of Wheaton’s creative and intellectual life. Our dynamic programming features work by contemporary artists and innovative exhibitions drawn from Wheaton’s Permanent Collections and the Gebbie Archives.
  Watson Fine Arts, Beard and Weil Galleries (26)