Urinetown...The Musical
2025-11-09 14:00 (America/New_York) | Watson Fine Arts – Weber Theatre, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Book & Lyrics by Greg Kotis, Music & Lyrics by Mark Hollman.
Winner of three Tony Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself! In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets.The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Urinetown provides a fresh perspective on one of America’s greatest art forms.
Tickets may be purchased online through the Box Office once they become availalbe.

Fall Open House
2025-11-11 08:00 - 14:30 | All Campus, 26 E. Main St., Norton, MA, 02766, United States
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

Register for Open House
Open House Schedule
November 11, 2025

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

Mary Lyon Hall, Holman Room (14)
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: [REDACTED]
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)

CTRL+Delete
2025-11-11 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-13 13:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-15 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-18 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 13:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-22 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-25 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-02 13:00 - 17:00 and 3 more dates | Watson Fine Arts – Beard and Weil Galleries, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
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 listening 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.
Alongside overt bans and challenges, the exhibition also addresses the quieter but equally insidious forces of self-censorship within art and educational institutions, where fear of controversy, loss of funding, or political pressure can limit which narratives are made visible. Central to the exhibition is the Ultra Violet Archive, an interactive library which resists silencing by preserving cultural memory and amplifying suppressed voices. Projects like the Minecraft Uncensored Library—a digital platform where banned texts are freely accessible—demonstrate how artists, activists, and technologists are developing inventive strategies to fight suppression.
As part of the exhibition, we will hold a community reading of Frederick Douglass’s work during National Banned Books Week in October. The exhibition also features a dedicated space where visitors can share their own experiences with censorship creating an archive that underscores the ongoing relevance of these struggles. Opportunities to engage will create a space for shared reflection, underscoring the enduring power of words to inspire freedom, dialogue, and change.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 1:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
Please note: the galleries will be closed November 26–December 1 for November break.
Beard and Weil Galleries

Wheaton in NYC
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Ama Raw Bar, 39 Downing Street, New York, NY, 10014, United States
Connect with fellow Wheaton graduates during a relaxed evening of networking at Ama Raw Bar in New York City. Discover how the Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI) is shaping opportunities for current students and explore meaningful ways to stay engaged with the Wheaton community.
Tickets are $10 and include food and one drink ticket. Please register by Friday, November 7.
Register

Joan Scheckel & The Technique™
2025-11-13 17:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Ellison Lecture Hall, Norton, MA, 02766
Joan Scheckel is an internationally renowned creator of The Technique™, a highly influential approach to writing, directing, and filmmaking craft in Hollywood. Dubbed the “director’s guru,” she is celebrated as a master teacher inspired by traditions such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Joseph Campbell. Her pioneering work advocates for a shift away from cultural conflict towards storytelling rooted in feeling and meaning, transforming all aspects of mise en scène—from writing and acting to directing and visual style.

Student Recitals
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Mary Lyon Hall – Woolley Room, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Gifted student performers demonstrate mastery in voice, violin, piano and other instruments.

Screening of "Secret Mall Apartment" with artist Michael Townsend
2025-11-17 18:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Ellison Lecture Hall, Norton, MA, 02766
Jeremy Workman’s 2025 documentary “Secret Mall Apartment” tells the story of eight Rhode Island artists who created a secret apartment inside the Providence Place Mall, living undetected for four years. Far more than a prank, the secret apartment became a deeply meaningful place for all involved—both a creative protest against gentrification and a compelling examination of what (and where) we call “home.” Join us for a post-screening discussion with artist Michael Townsend, the documentary’s primary subject.

Wheaton College Dance Company presents Continuum
2025-11-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Watson Fine Arts – Weber Theatre, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
The ensemble performs under the direction of Artistic Director Andrea Taylor.
Pay-what-you-can tickets are available via the Watson Box Office.

You are Being Taped!
2025-11-21 11:00 - 15:00 | Haas Concourse and Lobby, Watson Fine Arts
Join Leah Smith (Wheaton class of 2014) and Michael Townsend of the Providence-based Tape Art studio to help create an original tape-based mural in the Haas Concourse & Lobby of Watson Fine Arts. Tape Art has conducted hundreds of community mural projects, highlighted most recently in Jeremy Workman’s award-winning documentary, Secret Mall Apartment (2024). Training and materials will be provided free of charge; participants may choose to work in one or both of the mural project’s two-hour shifts.
Students interested in participating should email arts@wheatoncollege.edu for more information.
This event is part of Wheaton’s Fall of Freedom programming.

Author and Illustrator Mike Curato
2025-11-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Ellison Lecture Hall, Norton, MA, 02766
Join us for a presentation by Mike Curato, author of the graphic novel Flamer which received several honors including the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult, the 2021 Massachusetts Book Award for Young Adult, and was listed as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. Flamer also has the distinction of being one of the top 10 banned books of 2024, and Mike has become a fierce advocate of free speech.
The highly acclaimed young adult book is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel in which Curato addresses his own adolescent struggles with being gay and bullied. Curato said he wrote the book to validate his own life and help other kids like him. Mike’s debut adult graphic novel, Gaysians, released in June of 2025 to critical acclaim. His presentation will be followed by a book signing.
This event is part of Wheaton’s Fall of Freedom programming.

Wheaton College Jazz Band
2025-11-24 20:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Weber Theatre, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
The band, under the direction of Diamond Centofanti, Assistant Professor in Music in Performance, performs a mix of American music ranging from jazz to rhythm and blues to rock.

Student Recitals
2025-12-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Cole Memorial Chapel, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Wheaton students studying voice and various instruments showcase their skill performing work from their studies this semester. Free, no ticket required.

Winterfest 2025
2025-12-03 16:00 - 19:00
It’s part European holiday market, part arts exhibition and concert, and all fun.
Celebrate the winter season at the college’s annual Winterfest, featuring an indoor community craft fair, illuminated ice sculptures, food vendors; sweet treats, photo ops and more. (Note: The craft fair in Emerson Dining will open at 2 p.m.)
The event will culminate with the Holiday Vespers Concert in Cole Memorial Chapel at 7 p.m. Wheaton’s long-standing choral tradition for the holidays celebrates music of varied cultures and time periods, and features the Wheaton Chorale and Chamber Singers under the direction of Assistant Professor Alexandra Lutkevich.
As part of the celebration, the college will collect non-perishable food items, for the Wheaton Food Pantry. Each item will donated entitles the donor to 1 ticket for the craft fair giveaway featuring items donated by our vendors. Donated items will be accepted at the Craft Fair in Emerson Dining.
Non-perishable food items will also be collected at Vespers in support of the Norton Cupboard of Kindness.
This event is open to Wheaton students, faculty and staff and their families, and Norton residents. Parking for visitors will be available at Lot #2 on East Main Street (see campus map).
The celebration is sponsored by Arts at Wheaton and the Office of the President.

Holiday Vespers Concert
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Cole Memorial Chapel, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Wheaton’s choral tradition for the holidays celebrates music of varied cultures and time periods, and features the Wheaton Chorale and Chamber Singers under the direction of Assistant Professor Alexandra Lutkevich.
Pay-what-you-can tickets are available via the Watson Box Office.

Wheaton Steelband Concert
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts
Join us for an evening of Soca and Calypso music. Jason ‘Panman’ Roseman has been sharing his inherited expertise with us, bringing to the ensemble his distinctive arrangements and original compositions composed in the irrepressible styles of Trinidad and Tobago. You are invited to come and lime with the band, the music, and the extraordinarily brilliant and innovative instruments of Trinidad.
Pay-what-you-can tickets are available via the Watson Box Office.

Great Woods Symphony Orchestra presents Paris Moderne
2025-12-07 14:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Weber Theatre, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Comprised of Wheaton students, faculty, and members of the public, the GWSO presents a concert featuring colorful and evocative masterpieces by Debussy, Ravel, Satie, Stravinsky, and Milhaud.
Pay-what-you-can-ticketing available via the Box Office.

Student Film Screening
2025-12-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Watson Fine Arts – Weber Theatre, Norton, MA, 02766, United States
A curated selection of student work is showcased in this end-of-semester screening.

Winter Orientation 2026 - Day 1
2026-01-19 10:00 | All Campus, 26 E. Main St., Norton, MA, 02766, United States
Day 1 Schedule: Monday, January 19, 2026
Orientation is a required program for all new and transfer students.
Items marked (M) indicate Mandatory Participation.
Register for Winter Orientation
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Residential Student Check-in (M)
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Atrium
For new and transfer students who will be living on campus. When you arrive on campus, park in Lot #4. Then, head directly to the Balfour-Hood Campus Center Atrium. There will be a designated check-in table for new and transfer students where our friendly staff will welcome you to campus. Please contact reslife@wheatoncollege.edu with any specific questions about move-in.
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Commuter/Off-Campus Student Check-in (M)
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Atrium
For new and transfer students who will be living off-campus. When you arrive on campus, park in Lot #4. Then, head directly to the Balfour-Hood Campus Center Atrium. There will be a designated check-in table for new and transfer students where our friendly staff will welcome you to campus. Please contact reslife@wheatoncollege.edu with any specific questions about check-in.
5:00 p.m. Meet Your Orientation Leaders (M)
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Club Hub
Meet with Orientation Leaders and participate in a fun activity to get to know the other new students.
5:30 p.m. Dinner with Orientation Leaders (M)
Chase Commons
Enjoy your first dinner at Wheaton College with the Orientation Team.
6:30 p.m. Candle Lighting Ceremony
Outside of Chapel
A time-honored Wheaton tradition: the lighting of candles to commemorate the start of your Wheaton journey!
7:00 p.m. Game Night!
Balfour-Hood Campus Center, Atrium
Compete for glory and level up your new connections with a variety of board games and Mario Kart.
View the Day 2 Orientation Schedule
