Your first year at Wheaton

A guide to housing, academics and more

Welcome, new students, to the Wheaton College family!

Wheaton is a community whose members support each other. It is a family that challenges and celebrates each other. As Lyons, we work together to explore who we are as individuals and discover what we bring to the team. Your supporting cast will include your peers, faculty, administrators, parents and guardians, friends, and alumni. At Wheaton College, you will spend your time learning, teaching, building, creating, researching, leading, organizing and collaborating. You will push yourself in ways you never thought possible.

Wheaton College provides a community of opportunity. We will challenge and support you to connect your academic experience and intellectual development with your personal growth and co-curricular experience.

Living and learning together on campus affords an environment in which you will engage in intentional dialogue, explore your identity and discover your passions. The Honor Code will teach you the values of respect, responsibility and accountability while appreciating the value of diversity, equity and inclusion within a community. As you look to your first year on campus, I hope you will engage in one of the many opportunities around campus and get involved in a club, organization or group.

You are about to embark on one of the biggest transitions of your life. Our faculty and staff are always looking to best support you and engage you in the community. I am so excited you chose Wheaton; it is surely a special place. We will see you later this summer. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Darnell T. Parker

Darnell T. Parker Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Wheaton College Honor Code

As members of the Wheaton community, we commit ourselves to act honestly, responsibly and, above all, with honor and integrity in all areas of campus life. We are accountable for all that we say and write. We are responsible for the academic integrity of our work. We pledge that we will not misrepresent our work nor give or receive unauthorized aid. We commit ourselves to behave in a manner which demonstrates concern for the personal dignity, rights and freedoms of all members of the community. We are respectful of college property and the property of others. We will not tolerate a lack of respect for these values. I accept responsibility to maintain the Honor Code at all times.

Getting started

This guide to your first year at Wheaton includes some key information, including first steps you should take as a new student.

Your Wheaton account

With access to your Wheaton student account you can:

• Check your Wheaton email

• Access the new student portal on insideWheaton (portal.wheatonma.edu)

• Access the housing portal, also on insideWheaton

To keep up-to-date with important communications, it is recommended that you get in the habit of accessing information on InsideWheaton (portal.wheatonma.edu) and checking your Wheaton email regularly over the summer. Campus offices will share critical information with you primarily through your Wheaton email.

Need help accessing your student account?

Shortly after your enrollment, an email was sent to the address listed on your application with instructions on how to set up your account.

Having difficulty? Information Technology Support Services (ITSS) can help! support@wheatoncollege.edu

508-286-3900

Dear family and friends,

We are all excited to have your student’s Wheaton journey start this summer! As part of their support network, it goes without saying that the journey starts for you as well.

You have played a large role in getting your student to this point and that support is not going to go away. Our goal is that your student, over the course of their time at Wheaton, develops both academically and personally. We know that your continued influence will shape their experience in so many ways.

For some, your student may be the first generation in your family to attend college. For others, it may have been many years since someone attended college. No matter where you are, it may not be easy to empathize, understand their experiences and know how to help. Over the next few months, we will communicate directly with your student, but also try to keep you updated. We will have orientation programs designed for you, to help with your transition.

Please help us make sure you are informed. If your student did not include your email address in their application, please have them contact Admission to add it to our records. (Give us a call if you would like us to mail updates to you this summer.)

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us, especially when you are not sure who to talk to or where to go.

Together we will be important partners in your student’s success!

Wheaton’s Orientation Team orientation@wheatoncollege.edu

508-286-8232

Student health forms

Required of all students. Please schedule your physical examination now. You will receive an email sent to your Wheaton email account with details on how to submit the information through our online system.

Pre-arrival checklist

Dates, deadlines, web links and more information can be found in the “New Student” section of InsideWheaton

Check out the academic calendar for important dates

wheatoncollege.edu/ academic-calendar

General

■ Set up your Wheaton email

■ Provide urgent incident contact information

■ On-Campus ALERT

■ Emergency contact information

■ Missing student contact information

■ Submit student health forms

■ Submit your student ID photo

■ Car registration/parking pass (if applicable)

Financial

■ Complete federal loan requirements

■ Create access for yourself (and proxies) to your Student Billing Account through Campus Commerce

Orientation (page 6)

■ Register for June’s Summer Orientation program

■ Complete required Everfi online modules

■ AlcoholEDU

■ Sexual Assault Prevention

■ Diversity, Equity and Belonging

■ Mental well-being

■ Plan to attend Fall Orientation and Welcome Weekend

Access the housing portal (page 8)

■ Complete the Housing Agreement

■ Apply for living learning communities

■ Answer your lifestyle questions

Academics (page 12)

■ Set first semester schedule (in person at Summer Orientation or virtually afterward)

■ Complete Student Inventory survey by July 1, 2023.

Orientation programs

These orientation programs seek to support you in finding your place at Wheaton and to prepare you for both social and academic life at college.

Summer Orientation

Summer Orientation is a comprehensive series of programs that serve as a fun and engaging start to your Wheaton journey. New students will select from one of two sessions (June 12–13 or June 15–16).

During summer orientation, you will connect with your assigned orientation leader and the rest of the new students in your orientation group. We will provide you with things to think about and do in preparation for your first semester at Wheaton.

You will delve into content about academics, social life and what to expect as the fall semester begins. In addition, your orientation leader will be available for questions, and you’ll get to know some of your new classmates. Registration is required for Summer Orientation. All new students will receive an invitation to register via their Wheaton email address.

Families and friends: We will have sessions for you as well! The programs designed for you will cover academics and social life and how to support your student’s transition to college.

Early Arrival Programs

Our early arrival programs are designed to celebrate both individual interests and identity. Wheaton offers programs in the days preceding the mandatory New Student Orientation program. Specific dates and registration information can be found on our website.

The unique program tracks focus on building community among the individual groups but also allow space for all participants to connect with each other. It is a wonderful opportunity to get a jump start on your Wheaton experience. For more information on Early Arrival Programs, please email orientation@wheatoncollege.edu

Abilities 1st!

Designed for students who wish to explore Accessibility Services in more depth prior to the start of the semester. More information on Accessibility at Wheaton can be found on page 19. Led by Accessibility Services.

Brave, Bold and First

Intended for students who will be the first in their family or within their community of support to attend college. Led by the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact.

Intercultural

Geared toward students of color. This program provides an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue and explore issues of cultural identity, community building and intercultural learning. Led by the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning.

International Student

Created for all international students and internationally identifying people who have primarily studied outside of the United States. Designed to help new students with issues of immigration status, cultural adjustment, academic differences, employment authorization and an overall transition to Wheaton College and the United States. Led by the Center for Global Education.

Open Pride

Intended for students who identify as LGBTQ+ and want to explore their gender identity, expression and/or sexuality, while also building meaningful community with other queer people, and exploring resources available to them. Led by the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact..

Fall Orientation and Welcome Weekend

The Welcome Weekend program—Friday, Aug. 25 through Monday, Aug. 28—is mandatory for all new students. It kicks off with an official welcome by campus leadership and the signing of the Wheaton Honor Code. These four days before the semester starts will be filled with opportunities to meet your classmates, various educational sessions, exploration of the campus and final preparations for the first day of classes. Families are encouraged and welcome to attend on the first day.

Fall Orientation activities will continue throughout the fall semester with opportunities to engage with those in your class year, faculty, staff and student leaders. These experiences will build on content from the summer and fall programs to provide insight and reflection as you continue through your first year.

For all program dates and current information, check out wheatoncollege.edu/orientation

New student housing

An exciting part of the Wheaton College experience is living on campus. There are so many opportunities to engage with new people; get involved in student activities, clubs, sports, music, theater, and more; develop leadership and interpersonal skills; and find your place both in the Wheaton community and (eventually) in the greater world.

New Student Housing Portal

Access the online housing portal through the Campus Live page on InsideWheaton. Within the portal, there is a housing application that includes a number of questions that will help match you with a roommate (taking into consideration sleeping schedule, social habits and more). Residential Life will use this information to best match roommates and assign rooms that are as close as possible to your preferences.

First-year housing options

First-year students are assigned to double occupancy rooms. Many first-year students live in the residence halls on “lower campus,” in the area that surrounds Chase Dining Hall and east of Peacock Pond. Most students will live in a traditional gender-inclusive building, and we also offer a number of common interest communities that students can opt into, including quiet housing, LGBTQ+ and Ally, substance-free, and all female to nonbinary or all male to nonbinary housing options. If you are looking to be more involved as a resident and community member, consider applying for a Living Learning Community, such as Wellness, Service Learning or First Gen. Applications and opt-in forms can be found in the housing portal on June 1 and are due when the housing application closes on June 30.

Housing Accommodations

Students who may need specific housing accommodations based on a documented need can initiate a request through Accessibility Services. More information on Accessibility Services can be found on page 19. Email accessibility@wheatoncollege.edu for answers to specific questions.

Transfer housing options

Students who are transferring to Wheaton and are new to campus have the option of being housed with first-year students, other incoming transfer students or another student on campus who has a similar class year. When transfer students are completing the profile questions within the housing portal, it is suggested that they indicate this preference so as to streamline their housing assignment process.

Commuter students

Students who are enrolled as commuter students do not need to complete the housing preferences form in the portal. However, students who want to change their status from residential to commuter should complete the 2023–2024 status change form found on the main page of the housing portal.

Housing Application closes June 30

After June 30, Residential Life will download the results and work on matching roommates and making assignments. You can access the housing portal at any point before it closes to make profile changes, search for roommates, and learn more about community choices.

Residence hall rental services

Wheaton has partnered with these companies to offer special services for students living in residence halls.

MicroFridge

MicroFridge is a combination refrigerator/freezer and microwave. This is the only microwave allowed in residence hall rooms (students can bring their own refrigerator, up to 3 cubic feet). MicroFridges can be rented or purchased, with free delivery and pickup to and from your room. For more information, visit mymicrofridge.com or call 800-637-7567

Student Moving Services

Student Moving Services (SMS) is Wheaton’s preferred vendor for students in need of shipping or storage services. Storage service includes packing, pickup and delivery on campus. For more information, email shippingservices@comcast.net or call 774-281-3615.

Questions?

For more information about residential life, visit wheatoncollege. edu/residential-life, email reslife@wheatoncollege.edu or call 508-286-8214

New Student Housing

Portal closes June 30, 2023

Campus life

Transitioning to college life is exciting, but there are a lot of things to think about as you plan your move and your first days here at Wheaton. Here are a few rules and resources to keep in mind.

Parking on campus

New students—first-year and transfer students—are allowed to have a vehicle on campus, but must fill out a car registration application through Wheaton Campus Safety. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to register as early as possible.

To complete the car registration application:

1. Log in to insideWheaton using your Wheaton ID and password

2. On left, open “WINDOW”

3. Select “Student & Financial Records”

4. Click “On-Campus Parking Application Form”

In addition, students who are not Massachusetts residents must submit a Nonresident Student Vehicle Information Form to the Town of Norton. The form can be completed and downloaded from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website (mass.gov/lists/ rmv-forms-and-applications), under Vehicle Registration Forms. An out-of-state decal will be issued. Please note that this form must be submitted in person to Wheaton Campus Safety.

More information on parking can be found on the New Student page on InsideWheaton.

Dining

New students are automatically enrolled in the carte blanche (all-you-care-to-eat) meal plan at Wheaton, which includes unlimited dining at Chase Dining Hall and select meals at our other three locations, plus a set of guest meals and Lyons Bucks that can be used throughout the semester to purchase items at other dining locations on campus.

Vegan, vegetarian and allergen-free options are available daily. Staff are also very helpful in supporting specific dietary needs, however they are able. For more information about meal plan options, our mobile dining app and how to connect with Dining Services staff, visit wheatoncollege.edu/dining

Activities, clubs and organizations

Life outside of the classroom is vibrant most every day (and night). The vast majority of your time is not in class, so take advantage of every opportunity. Attend a performance, join a club, be a leader on campus—the path is yours to create. Check out engage.wheatoncollege.edu to get started and to learn more.

Bringing a computer

Wheaton’s Information Technology Support Services recommends certain computer brands and vendors based upon their performance within the college network. These vendors are Apple and Dell. Students are not restricted to these vendors; however, you are required to meet minimum standards for your computer to be compatible with the college network.

IT Support Services has special arrangements with Apple and Dell for educational sales, although any purchase is made directly with the vendor and not with Wheaton College. For more information, visit wheatoncollege.edu/computer-sales or email support@ wheatoncollege.edu

Students do not need to purchase Microsoft Office or anti-virus software, as Wheaton College has a site license that you are able to use while you are a student of the college. Once on campus you will be able to download and install these products for free.

Learn more about technology basics at Wheaton at wheatoncollege.edu/technology

Building your first schedule

Ahead of Summer Orientation, a Student Success Advisor will contact you through your Wheaton email account to welcome you to our Wheaton community and answer any initial questions you may have.

At Summer Orientation, you will learn about your Compass curriculum requirements and pathway options, use academic planning tools (Academic Catalog, DegreeWorks, registration portal), and create and finalize your fall semester course schedule with the guidance of Wheaton College faculty members and Student Success Advisors. A full-time, first-semester course load at Wheaton College is four 1-credit courses. Your first semester will include a First-Year Experience (FYE) course, and three other courses of your choice that are aligned with your interests and goals.

Please Note: If you are unable to attend Summer Orientation, a Student Succes Advisor will contact you through your Wheaton email account to work with you virtually to set up your first semester schedule.

To prepare, consider the following reflection questions while completing the “Your College and Career Compass” exercise (page 18).

• What are some of the strengths that you are bringing to college? How might these help you in this first year?

• What do you care about most, and where do you want to have an impact?

• If it is helpful, you might consider placing these strengths and values in the contexts of your home, family, and community.

• What are your hopes for this year, and are there any things you are concerned about going into your first year?

• What academic programs are you curious about?

After orientation and during the summer, our Student Success Advisors will contact you again to follow up on your academic planning and course selections, connect you with campus offices/ resources, and answer any questions you may have as you prepare to join our community in the fall. For more information: advising@ wheatoncollege.edu

If you are interested in taking biology and/or chemistry in your first semester, turn to page 16 of this booklet for information to help you plan which course(s) to take.

Your unique academic journey at Wheaton

From day one, the Compass curriculum gives you the freedom and flexibility to create your own paths to success with individualized advising and professional mentorship each step of the way. Academic advising is an essential component of your undergraduate experience, and is embedded within and throughout every stage of your unique academic journey at Wheaton College.

Your academic advising network of support includes

A Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) Advisor, a Major Advisor, a Student Success Advisor (SSA) and Peer Advisors & Coaches

MAP Advisor & Major Advisor

As a new student you will have a Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) advisor, a faculty member who is your academic advisor for the start of your Wheaton career. You will then transition to an advisor within your declared major for the rest of your time with us, though your MAP Advisor will continue to provide valuable guidance and mentorship.

Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) advising is a focused opportunity for reflection, and is a central component of the Compass curriculum. The MAP guides your academic advising conversations—from identifying your strengths and emerging interests to exploring options for study abroad, Honors & Scholars programs, and Liberal Education and Professional Success (LEAPS) pathways—advising discussions are targeted and personalized for your unique academic journey. You will start this journey with academic planning and course selection during New Student Orientation in June.

Professional Student Success Advisor (SSA) & Peer Advisors/Coaches

Our dedicated team of professional Student Success Advisors (SSA) are available for all students to help answer questions, navigate your first year in college, support your academic progress, help you understand academic policies and meet deadlines, provide programming for time management/organization and strategic learning skills, prepare for meetings with your faculty, help with academic planning, and connect you with other important campus resources.

Our Peer Advisors & Coaches are student leaders who provide proactive and strength-based support to help you work towards your academic and personal goals, develop effective study habits and learning skills, manage challenges, and build strong and supportive peer connections. Our professional and peer advising staff is located in the Filene Center for Academic Advising, Career Services & Accessibility in Kollett Hall. A Student Success Advisor will connect with you before, during, and after Summer Orientation.

Help your Student Success Advisor get to know you better. Please complete the Student Inventory survey by July 1

Choosing first-semester science labs

If you are planning to major in any of the biological or chemical sciences, or pursue a health profession, please note that you will need to complete specific lab science courses at the start of your academic career at Wheaton, including CHEM 153 and BIO 114. Our individualized and discipline-specific advising sessions at the upcoming Summer Orientation will help you understand your academic requirements and options. Please feel free to contact advising@wheatoncollege.edu if you’d like to speak with a Student Success Advisor to answer any questions you may have ahead of Summer Orientation.

Your college and career compass

The four areas below are designed to help you consider what you might want your college and career experience to be. In the four quadrants below, check the words that best describe what you see as your skills and abilities, majors that you are curious about (choose at least three even if you think that you have already decided), issues that you care about, and values. Do these key skills, interests, and values accurately reflect your ideas about yourself and your future?

Skills and abilities

What are your strengths?

■ Problem solving

■ Attention to detail

■ Building relationships

■ Counseling/advising

■ Training/coaching

■ Communication

■ Resolving conflict

■ Motivating others

■ Event planning

■ Customer service

■ Building things

■ Data analysis

■ Public speaking

■ Leadership

■ Encouraging others

■ Creating

■ Editing

■ Design

■ Organizing

■ Teaching

■ Languages

■ Writing

■ Coding

■ Music

■ Art

■ Athletics

Programs

Check three of interest. Star two that you’re curious about.

■ African, African American, Diaspora Studies

■ Anthropology

■ Ancient Studies

■ Bioinformatics

■ Biology

■ Business and Management

■ Chemistry

■ Classics

■ Computer Science

■ Creative Writing

■ Criminal Justice

■ Dance

■ Design

■ Digital Communications

■ Economics

■ Education

■ English

■ Environmental Science

■ Film and New Media Studies

■ French

■ German

■ Greek

■ Italian

■ Latin

■ Russian

■ Hispanic Studies

■ History

■ History of Art

■ International Relations

■ Marketing

■ Math

■ Music

■ Neuroscience

■ Nursing

■ Philosophy

■ Physics

■ Political Science

■ Psychology

■ Public Health

■ Religion

■ Sociology

■ Theatre

■ Visual Art

■ Women’s and Gender Studies

Issues

Where do you want to have an impact?

■ Environment

■ Medicine

■ Athletics

■ Clean energy

■ Mental health

■ Diversity, equity, and inclusion

■ Health care

■ Technology

■ Sustainability

■ Nature

■ Poverty

■ Education

■ Reproductive rights

■ Democracy

Values

What do you care about most?

■ Authenticity

■ Achievement

■ Beauty

■ Belonging

■ Compassion

■ Community

■ Concern for Environment

■ Concern for Others

■ Creativity

■ Curiosity

■ Determination

■ Fairness

■ Family

■ Friendship

■ Growth

■ Happiness

■ Health

■ Economic justice

■ Arts

■ LGBTQ+ rights

■ Civil rights

■ Addiction

■ Animals Children

■ Adults

■ Older adults

■ Promoting healthy living

■ Criminal justice

■ Theater/film

■ Religion/faith

■ Economics

■ Public policy

■ Student debt

■ Honesty

■ Humor

■ Independence

■ Influence

■ Intelligence

■ Kindness

■ Integrity

■ Meaningful work

■ Respect

■ Responsibility

■ Scientific understanding

■ Security

■ Service

■ Social justice

■ Success

■ Wealth

■ Wisdom

Reference for graphic: Graphic based on work by Marc Hunsaker (2022) and the Stanford Life Design Lab

Accessibility at Wheaton

Wheaton College is committed to providing equitable access and supportive services for all students to fully access and thrive in the academic, residential and social aspects of student life at Wheaton College.

Affirmatively, Wheaton provides appropriate accommodations for eligible students with documented disabilities to afford equal access to educational programs and services. Appropriate accommodations are determined on an individual basis, facilitated by the Director of Accessibility Services, using comprehensive disability documentation as well as confidential consultation with the student.

If you are a student with a documented disability as determined under the ADA and as defined in Chapter 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, you may benefit from certain accommodations. If you believe you qualify and would benefit from appropriate and reasonable accommodations, we welcome you to meet with the Director of Accessibility Services who is available to discuss those options with you. Appointments and disability documentation must be completed and submitted at the beginning of the fall/spring semester. Upon review and determination of appropriate accommodations, the student is responsible for follow up with his/her individual faculty member(s), with support from Accessibility Services as needed; all personal information will remain confidential. Discussions with parents or legal guardians are encouraged when supported by FERPA documentation.

We have a clear process for disclosing a need and requesting supportive services, including accommodations:

• Students should complete the accommodation request form (wheatoncollege.edu/ accessibility-form)

• Gather and submit comprehensive documentation

• Meet with the Director of Accessibility Services as soon as possible (email: accessibility@wheatoncollege.edu)

• Communicate about accommodations with faculty at the start of each semester

• Connect with Accessibility Services regularly throughout the semester

For more information, visit: wheatoncollege.edu/accessibility-services/new-students

Campus resources

Whether you have questions about housing or course schedules, there is someone at Wheaton who can help. Here’s a quick list of some of the resources available to you.

Academic Advising

508-286-8215

advising@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/advising

Accessibility Services

508-286-8215 (voice)

508-286-5828 (TTY)

accessibility@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/ accessibility-services

Admission

508-286-8251

admission@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/admission

Athletics and Recreation

508-286-3987

athletics@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollegelyons.com

Campus Mail Services

508-286-3836

postoff @wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/ campus-mail-services

Center for Global Education

508-286-4950

wheatoncollege.edu/global-education

Counseling Center

508-286-3905

wheatoncollege.edu/counseling-center

Located at 42 Howard Street

Career Services

508-286-8215

wheatoncollege.edu/career-services

Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning

508-286-3532

marshallcenter@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/intercultural

Registrar

508-286-8247

registrar@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/registrar

Residential Life

508-286-8214

reslife@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/residential-life

The Center for Social Justice and Community Impact

508-286-3370

sjci@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/ social-justice-community-impact Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership

508-286-8222

sail@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/ activities-organizations

Student Financial Services

508-286-8232

sfs@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/sfs

Student Health Services

508-286-8210

wheatoncollege.edu/ student-health-services

Information Technology

Support Services (ITSS)

508-286-3900

support@wheatoncollege.edu

wheatoncollege.edu/technology

Wheaton College

26 E. Main Street

Norton, Massachusetts

02766-2322

508-286-8200

wheatoncollege.edu

/WheatonCollege

@wheaton

WheatonCollege

Wheaton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status in its admission policy, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other college-administered programs. For more information, visit wheatoncollege.edu/policies/eqopp