Parent Newsletter

From the President

Dear Parents,

Wheaton’s campus certainly gets much quieter after Finals and Commencement. Although there are still a few students taking summer classes or starting their summer jobs on campus, most of our rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors have gone home, or else set off on global adventures. For example, just a few days after the semester ended, the football team headed for ministry and competition in Portugal.

You might be surprised, though, to see certain parts of campus spring to life as soon as our students leave. The day after Commencement, heavy equipment arrives on campus so that our facilities team can tackle large and small construction projects. When our students return next August, they might be surprised to see solar arrays on several of our buildings and across the Billy Graham Center parking lot—a project that is already well underway.

Meanwhile, employees across campus mobilized this week for Wheaton’s first Staff Development Day on the theme “One Body, Many Parts.” Staff members sang God’s praises, held sessions on spiritual formation and cross-generational communication, and shared lunch fellowship at cross-divisional tables. Please know that even when your student is not on campus, we are still strategizing about ways to serve our student body more joyfully and more effectively. Pray for us over these summer months, as we will pray for you and your student.

In Christ's service, 

Philip Ryken
President 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

All of us at Wheaton College celebrate the Class of 2025 and the families that supported them throughout their college journey. It will be exciting to hear how God leads and guides Wheaton’s newest alumni in the years ahead.

You are invited to watch (or re-watch) the full Baccalaureate and Undergraduate Commencement services.

(Photo: Aerial photo of Undergraduate Commencement 2025 in Edman Chapel)

 

 

Student and Faculty Academic Awards

Numerous students and faculty were given special recognition during our annual Honors Convocation Chapel and in the 2024-25 Honors Convocation Program.  At this annual Chapel, we recognize several students and also honor faculty who are retiring, have earned promotions or tenure, or receive faculty awards.  Congratulations to all!

CVC Services for the Class of 2025

Whether your graduated senior has already landed or is still searching for his or her next step, the CVC is here to support them through the transition to life after Wheaton and beyond. We offer access to our full range of services for two years after graduation! New graduates can begin by making a coaching appointment here.

We are also eager to celebrate the students who will be completing internships this summer, especially those funded by the CVC! This year, we awarded over $95,000 to help students complete unpaid or underpaid internships without financial stress. Internships are a valuable experience for every student – they offer networking and mentorship opportunities, a chance to try out an industry of interest, and employers like to see internships on resumes. If your student is currently completing an internship, or considering one for the future, encourage them to have a conversation with a CVC career coach.

President Ryken in the Philadelphia Area

Alumni and parents who reside in the Philadelphia area are invited to join President Philip Ryken on Friday, May 30 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for a time of fellowship and to hear the latest news from campus.

Bring a friend, a Wheaton grandparent, or a prospective student and spend an evening with Wheaton College!

Seating is limited, so please register by May 23 to secure your spot. RSVP now.

Important Dates for 2025-2026

Classes Begin	August 27, 2025
Homecoming Weekend	September 26-27, 2025
Fall Break	October 18-22, 2025
Family Weekend	November 7-8, 2025
Thanksgiving Break	November 26-30, 2025
Christmas Break	December 19, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Classes Begin	January 12, 2026
Spring Break	March 7-15, 2026

Student Financial Services

2025-2026 Financial Aid Offers

Continuing student financial aid reviews for next year will begin in June, after spring grades are posted, so make sure your student files their 2025-2026 FAFSA if they have not already done so. They should also check their Wheaton Gateway Financial Aid Dashboard and complete any outstanding requirements to avoid delays in receiving their offer. Emailing sensitive information is not recommended, so required documents not submitted by electronic forms, such as tax returns and W-2’s, should be scanned and uploaded using our Secure File Transfer.

Please encourage your student to monitor their Wheaton email account over the summer! This is our main method of communication regarding any missing items we might need in order to complete their offer. We will email your student and send a postcard to their home address when their financial aid offer is ready to view and accept on their Financial Aid Dashboard.

Billing and Payment

Monthly statements will continue when there is a balance (amount due or a credit) or activity on your student’s account, so we recommend that you review their account for copy/print charges, room check-out fines and other miscellaneous fees that may be assessed over the next few weeks. We recommend your student set up an Electronic Refund account in their Billing & Payment Gateway profile to expedite refunds of credit balances. Students returning in the fall can leave credit balances in their accounts to offset future charges. Graduating students or students taking a gap semester/year should request a refund so we are not holding funds for non-enrolled students. Students should use this online form to request a refund of a credit balance:  eRefund Request Form

Fall 2025 billing statements will be published online in the Billing & Payment Gateway in late July with a due date of August 27, 2025, the first day of regular classes. Students and their authorized users will receive an email when the bill is ready to view and fall payment plans open for enrollment. Please visit our website for more information on Billing and Payment, and our Costs page for details on 2025-2026 tuition, food and housing costs.

Not receiving monthly billing notices? Students need to grant parent access to the Billing & Payment Gateway under their profile for Authorized Users. Once authorized, parents will receive two automated emails with login credentials which will allow access to account activity, on-line payments, and payment plans. This also gives our office permission to speak with parents about their student’s account. Students log in to the Billing & Payment Gateway through the Wheaton Gateway, while Authorized Users log in here. 

Please direct questions to Student Financial Services at sfs@wheaton.edu or 630-752-5700.

Stay At HoneyRock This Summer
Exclusive May Booking Discount

• If you’re still searching for the perfect summer getaway for your family, consider visiting HoneyRock! Experience the beauty of the Northwoods when you rent one of our guest cabins. Book your reservation this month and receive a $200 discount.
• Each lakeside cabin offers cozy living spaces for up to five people, fully stocked kitchens, and access to a variety of HoneyRock activities. Enjoy hiking on our many trails, canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding on Long Lake, swimming in our designated swim area, and indulging in a classic Wrangler Dinner on Wednesday nights, among other fun activities.
• HoneyRock’s cabin rentals provide an excellent opportunity to connect with friends and family, unplug, and relax. Cabins are available throughout June and from late July into early August.

Get $200 off Your Cabin Rental Here

 

How to Pray for Wheaton in the Month of May

• For seniors still discerning their post-graduate plans -- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
• For those in the campus community who ended the academic year depleted and/or heavy hearted -- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
• For incoming students preparing to attend Wheaton College in the fall – Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

The Wheaton College Parent Engagement Team