Parent Newsletter - January, 2022

From the President

Dear Parents,

Last weekend 25 new students—mostly transfers from other schools, plus a handful of first year freshmen, including internationals—experienced a January Orientation that demonstrated our commitment to their academic, relational, and spiritual flourishing.  These resilient students began their Wheaton College experience in single digit temperatures on ice-covered snowy lawns—in the 23^rd month of a global pandemic.

A student-led January Orientation Committee moved newcomers into their residence halls and helped them explore a range of student activities. I welcomed them on Friday afternoon and then met with them on Saturday morning to explain the meaning of our Community Covenant. They also received academic advising, heard testimonies from current students, dined together throughout the weekend, and enjoyed indoor games at the Beamer Student Center.

We pray that our newest along with all Wheaton students will flourish here this semester!

In Christ’s service,

Philip Ryken
President 

Virtual Parent Town Hall

All parents are invited to join our virtual Parent Town Hall with President Ryken and members of Wheaton’s Senior Administrative Cabinet. President Ryken will give a College update and parents will have an opportunity to ask questions via Slido.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CST
Watch live at this video link.

Ask questions during the event on Slido, Event Code #522 490. If you would like to submit a question ahead of time, please email it to parents@wheaton.edu.

For those who cannot attend live, the session will be recorded and made available at wheaton.edu/parents.

Zoom Parent Prayer Gatherings

Will you pray with us? Zoom Parent Prayer Gatherings will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 7 p.m. in all U.S. time zones. This date coincides with the Collegiate Day of Prayer, a day set apart to pray for college campuses across the country. More information will be coming soon, but mark your calendars for this special opportunity to join with other parents and pray for Wheaton College!

Center for Career and Vocation (CVC) Offers Two Opportunities

Mock Interview Day

The CVC will host a Mock Interview Day on Wednesday, February 16. Recruiters and alumni from organizations who regularly recruit at Wheaton will be available in-person, and virtually, to conduct mock interviews with students. Space is limited, so students need to sign up early to ensure they have a spot.

Even students who are great conversationalists need preparation to think through their stories, connect the dots between their experience and skills and the needs of an employer, and do all of that smoothly and confidently. To prepare for these mock interviews, we encourage students to practice using Big Interview, our online mock interview tool.

Career Communities

Is your student interested in a wide range of topics? Is he or she gifted in several areas and perhaps struggling to narrow their vocational interests? A Career Community (CC) can be a great way to learn about a particular industry with other students.

With interactive and creative experiences, open dialogue where all questions are welcome, and the safety of a small group, CCs are an ideal environment for students in all stages of career development. 

Students can sign up for these innovative, relational, and, we believe, transformative experiences via our website.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services connected with many students prior to arrival for spring semester who contracted COVID-19 over the Christmas break, reflective of the nationwide omicron surge. Entering the semester with the reality of the contagious nature of this COVID-19 variant, contingency planning included adding isolation beds, temporarily postponing chapel and large group gatherings, and limiting off-campus interactions to get through the wave of potential cases while regathering in January.

There are two new changes in campus protocols for isolation and quarantine, directed by the new CDC guidance: 1) a 5-day isolation, with diligent masking for an additional 5 days; and 2) a close contact quarantine for 5 days, with a Day 5 test, for all unvaccinated or “unboosted” students. Students will be given until Monday, January 31^, to get their booster dose due to the holidays and difficulty in some areas to source a booster. An on-campus booster clinic is planned for Friday, January 21. Students will receive an email with a link to sign-up for a limited number of doses. Local pharmacies, such as Walgreens, CVS, Osco, Mariano’s, and Walmart, also have online scheduling options.

A reminder for all spring entering or returning students, Student Health Services medical entrance paperwork is due by Monday, January 17.

Introducing the Wheaton College Summer Institute

The Enrollment Division of Wheaton College is pleased to announce the launch of a new pre-college program: The Wheaton College Summer Institute. WCSI is a residential, academic program designed for high school students entering their Junior or Senior year in the fall of 2022. Held for two weeks (June 19–July 2, 2022), and with the option to choose from 15 course offerings, including a music course through the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, students will participate in class, chapel, and co-curricular programs both on campus and off. Successful completion of WCSI will give participants a wonderful introduction to Wheaton’s fun and Christ-centered campus life as they engage with other Christian students, learn from renowned Wheaton faculty, and earn two college credits. Learn more about course offerings, faculty, cost, and more by visiting the Wheaton College Summer Institute’s website.

How to Pray for Wheaton in January

• Pray for the safety and health of students, faculty, and staff as they return to campus and life together amidst the continuing pandemic.
• Pray for transfer and new students starting their Wheaton experience this semester. Pray that they quickly experience a sense of belonging and security as they assimilate to life at Wheaton.
• Pray for students struggling with loneliness, mental health, relationship dynamics, and their academic loads. Pray that they would find rest, healing, and joy as they start a new semester.

With thanks for your involvement and prayers, 

The Wheaton College Parent Engagement Team