Fall Open House
Discover the possibilities at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Join us at Open House for an inside look at life on campus:
- 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
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.
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
8:00–8:25 a.m.
Watson Fine Arts Center (26)
Welcome Address
8:30–8:50 a.m.
- Walter Caffey, Vice President for Enrollment, Dean of Admission and Student Financial Services
- Michaele Whelan, Ph.D., President
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)
Compass Curriculum
8:50–9:20 a.m.
Discover the Compass Curriculum—a transformative approach 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 current students share their own experiences navigating Compass and shaping 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)
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.
- Shari Ackerman-Morris, Senior Professor of the Practice of Biology
- Primrose Boynton, Assistant Professor of Biology
- Christopher Kotyk, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)
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 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.
- Leanna Lawter, Professor of Business and Management
Diana Davis Discovery Center, Room 2300 (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.
- Stephanie Burlington Daniels, Professor of Theatre
- Kelly Goff, Professor of Art and Chair of the Creative Arts Department
- Patrick Johnson, Chair and Associate Professor of Film, Media and Communication
- Clinton O’Dell, Professor of Theatre Design
- Julie Searles, Senior Professor of the Practice of Music
- Kent Shaw, Associate Professor of English, Coordinator of Creative Writing
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.
- Julia Bach, Professor of the Practice of Education
Mars Arts & Humanities, Meneely Room 207 (15)
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
Mary Lyon Hall, Woolley Room (14)
Integrated 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.
- Jonathan Chow, Associate Professor of Political Science
- Karen McCormack, Professor of Sociology
Mars Arts & Humanities, Meneely Room 301 (15)
Think, Create, Communicate: The Humanities Advantage
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’ll gain insight into the real-world applications of humanities: from problem solving and team building to communication, critical analysis and navigating complexity in a global world.
During the Q&A, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to speak with the faculty and current students in the Humanities.
- Lisa Lebduska, Professor of English
- John Partridge, Professor of Philosophy
- Joel Relihan, Professor of Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
- Francoise Rosset, Associate Professor of Russian, Women’s and Gender Studies
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 1314 (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 center and labs.
- Colette Dieujuste, Dean of Nursing and Associate Professor
- Lori Martone-Roberts, Professor of the Practice of Nursing
Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center, Room 3332 (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.
- Mark LeBlanc, Professor of Computer Science
Mars Center for Science & Technology, Room 1120 (15)
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.
Emerson Dining Hall/Faculty Dining (29)
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.
- Madison Flowers, Assistant Director of Athletics for Recreation and Varsity
- Tim Jordan, Assistant Dean, Residential Life
- Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Health and Wellness and Director of Counseling
- Raquel Ramos, Dean of the Marshall Center
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—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.
- Alida Gomez, Associate Director, Center for Global Education
- Sean Schofield, Assistant Vice President for Life and Career Design
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)
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)
Tours* of the Mars Center for Science and Technology, Nursing Simulation Labs and Wheaton’s Innovation Spaces (includes a general 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)
Tours* of Visual and Performing Arts Facilities (includes a general campus tour)
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 from the Office of Admission (1)
Campus Tours*
11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Explore a residence hall as well as academic spaces and athletics facilities. Plus, 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 Commons (27) from 12:30—1:15 p.m.
Departing in front of Chase Dining Hall (27) at 12:30 p.m.
*All tours conclude at the Office of Admission where admission 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.
Office of Admission (1)
Around the Dimple
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 the wheatoncollegeshop.com for your discount.
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Campus Bookstore (19)
CTRL+Delete
1:00–5:00 p.m.
Ctrl+Delete explores the persistent threat of censorship in the United States, from historical book bans used to control knowledge and suppress marginalized voices to today’s escalating restrictions–including the removal of books and art from public spaces as well as the June Supreme Court decision (Mahmoud v. Taylor) requiring schools to provide opportunities to opt out of learning about books that include LGBTQ+ characters. By tracing these acts of erasure across time, the show reveals how censorship has shaped, and continues to shape, what stories are told and who gets to tell them.
Watson Fine Arts, Beard and Weil Galleries (26)