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Fall Open House
November 11, 2024 @ 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Get up close and personal with Wheaton College 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 on Monday, November 11 at 8:00 a.m.
Open House Schedule
Monday, November 11, 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. Wheaton Experience Breakout Sessions
- 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m. Campus Tours
- 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Complimentary Lunch
To locate the buildings you want to visit, find the corresponding numbers on the Wheaton Campus map (pdf).
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
8:00–8:30 a.m.
Watson Fine Arts Center (26)
Welcome Address
8:30–9:00 a.m.
- Michaele Whelan, Ph.D., President
- Walter Caffey, Vice President for Enrollment, Dean of Admission & Student Aid
- Ajahni Jackson ‘25, Student Government Association President
- Elizabeth McKinley ‘26, Student Government Association Executive Secretary
Watson Fine Arts, Weber Theatre (26)
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
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. Feel free to select the session that piques your interest or attend “Exploring your Academic Options” — an interactive session featuring student panelists who navigated the process of choosing their major after enrolling at Wheaton.
Choose from one of 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.
- Matt Evans, Professor of Chemistry and Geology
- Bob Morris, Professor of Biology
- Shari Morris, Senior 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 communications, 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.
- Del Case, Professor of Music
- Cheryl Mrozowski, Professor of Dance
- Patrick Johnson, Associate Professor of Film and New Media
- Clinton O’Dell, Associate Professor of Theater Design and the Department of Theater and Dance
- Claudia Fieo, Professor of Visual Art
- Tania Schlatter, Professor of the Practice and Design Program Lead
- Kent Shaw, Associate Professor of English
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.
- 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. Hear from a panel of Wheaton students who were once in your shoes and 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
Mary Lyon Hall, Woolley Room (14)
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
Diana Davis Spencer 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.
- Phoebe Chan, Associate Professor of Economics; Department Chair
- Jon Chow, Assistant Professor of Political Science
- Dennis Kalob, Professor of the Practice of Criminal Justice, Restorative Justice and Criminology, Sociology
- Kate Mason, Associate Professor of Sociology/Women and Gender Studies
- Christina Riggs-Romaine, Associate Professor of Psychology
Mary Lyon Hall, Holman Room (14)
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
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
- Mike Gousie, 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.
Mary Lyon Hall, Woolley Room (14)
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 as well as the support systems in place to ensure that you thrive in all aspects of your college experience.
- Leonard Breton, Director for The Centers for Social Justice and Community Impact and Religious and Spiritual Life
- Ariel Ferreira, Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Transition Programs
- Tim Jordan, Assistant Dean of Residential Life
- Kate Puopolo, Associate Dean for Health and Wellness; Director of Counseling
- Lisa Yenush, Senior Associate Director of Athletics
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 reimagined approach to career services that provides 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, Director of Life and Career Navigation
- Gretchen Young, Dean of the 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 Wheaton’s Innovation Spaces & Experiential 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 in front of 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. until 12:20 p.m. and in front of Chase Dining Hall (27) from 12:30 p.m. until 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 Wheaton’s Innovation & Experiential 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
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 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 (opposite the Office of Admission)