April 2025
From the President
Dear Parents,
Every change in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government brings noticeable differences to higher education. The 2024 US national elections certainly are no exception.
Since January, we have seen a flurry of changes to international travel restrictions, research funding, immigration enforcement, the repayment of college loans, the definition of diversity, staffing levels in the Department of Education, and so much more. What can you expect from Wheaton College during this time of transition?
You can expect us to stay squarely on our Christ-centered mission. You can expect us to stay very well informed through our many affiliations in higher education. You can expect us to be fully compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. And you can expect us to prioritize the total physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and communal well-being of every one of our beloved students.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about governmental changes and their impact on Wheaton College, please reach out to us at presidents.office@wheaton.edu.
In Christ's service,
Philip Ryken
President
WheatonGives
WheatonGives, the College’s annual giving day, was a great success! We are thankful for the Lord's provision through the generosity of students, alumni, family, and friends. With your generosity, we broke the record for total dollars raised and had an all-time high number of donors. Each gift strengthens Wheaton’s mission to equip students as they learn to think boldly, live faithfully, and serve Christ wholeheartedly. Keep an eye on your email inbox for the final totals and a video recap of the festivities!
Commencement 2025
Congratulations to the parents of graduating seniors! Commencement Weekend is all about celebrating as a community, and we hope you will join us on May 9-11 to honor the Class of 2025. As you make plans to attend, be sure to consult the Commencement Week Event Schedule and review the Undergraduate Commencement FAQs.
This year’s Commencement speaker will be Reverend Ricky Jenkins. Rev. Jenkins is a Wheaton College Trustee and Senior Pastor of Southwest Church in Indian Wells, California.
If you have friends and family who would like to watch Commencement virtually, they are invited to tune in via live stream on Sunday, May 11 at 3 p.m. CDT.
Please direct Commencement-related questions to the Registrar’s Office at 630.752.5045 or commencement@wheaton.edu.
Honor Your Graduate With a Custom Yard Sign
Download a generic or customizable yard sign, send it to your local print shop, then stake it in your lawn to let the world know you are proud of your Wheaton graduate!
Commencement Brunch Registration Deadline
Families are invited to register for Sunday’s Commencement Brunch hosted by Bon Appetit in Anderson Commons. Brunch will be held between the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies and costs $24.95 for adults; $12.58 for kids ages 3-7; free for graduating seniors. Please see the reservation instructions and RSVP for the Commencement Brunch by Thursday, May 8 if you plan to attend.
Center for Vocation and Career
This semester has been busy in the Center for Vocation and Career. From our annual “WAY5” event where more than 100 first-year students explored their top personal and professional strengths, to the March/April Senior Series, which taught seniors about organizing their finances and navigating the housing market post-graduation, the CVC is committed to serving our students no matter where they are in their college journey.
As we enter the last month of the semester, our career coaches are ready and eager to lean in! If your student needs help building a vocational plan, exploring full-time job options, discussing an internship, or more, please encourage them to make an appointment with a coach here.
Campus Housing Dates and Storage Information
Meal plans end with dinner on Thursday, May 8 and housing closes on Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m. unless your student receives approval from the Residence Life office to remain on campus. Siblings of May graduating students may remain in housing until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11, but they must submit a request. Students are required to complete the checkout list provided by their residence life staff member -- and an incomplete or improper checkout may result in a fine.
Summer Housing
Summer housing is available Monday, May 12 through Saturday July 26. Students participating in a college-sponsored trip, those from an international country, summer researchers, students working on-campus jobs, and summer school students may apply for summer housing. We are not able to provide housing for students working off campus, or those whose off-campus lease dates differ from our housing calendar. For housing questions contact, housing.services@wheaton.edu.
Summer Storage
Wheaton College offers limited summer space for students to keep their belongings in the storage area where they currently live. Generally, students may store several boxes, a small fridge (which counts as one box), and a bicycle. Each building has slightly different space limitations.
Students can store couches or larger furniture on campus for a fee and will receive a campus email from the Office of Ministry and Evangelism about the process, cost, and storage move-in date.
Find general information on storage opportunities in our student handbook. Students are encouraged to store belongings in plastic tubs to protect items from a possible summer rainstorm. The College is not responsible, and will not be liable for loss, theft, or damage to students' personal belongings, whether by act of God, accident, negligence, or intentional act. For these reasons, students are strongly encouraged to carry personal property insurance.
Fall Housing
Housing reopens to returning students on Sunday, August 24 at 2 p.m. The Housing Calendar will keep you informed of opening and closing dates throughout the year.
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Wheaton in the Northwoods Lightens the Load for Students
Encourage your student to get ahead on credits with Wheaton in the Northwoods (WIN). WIN is a two- to four-week immersive program held at HoneyRock during the May term. This program features focused coursework, along with pre-class and post-class assignments, to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
WIN allows students to fulfill most of their Christ at the Core general education requirements while living in community, exploring God’s creation, and learning from exceptional Wheaton faculty. This intensive program opens space in the traditional semester for students to explore double majors, catch up on credits, or even graduate early. Learn More Here!
How can you pray for Wheaton this month?
- Protection from fear and anxiety as students face the academic rigors associated with the final weeks of the academic year.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment for graduating seniors regarding post-graduation plans.
- Pray for grace for the campus community to lean upon the Lord’s sufficiency to finish the semester strong.
The Wheaton College Parent Engagement Team
