Welcome back, Wheaton! Students new and old are back on campus for the fall semester, and it’s buzzing with activity. This year, members of the Wheaton community celebrated the end of the summer and the beginning of the school year with CORE events for the freshmen and Welcome Back Weekend for all class years.
CORE is the Campus Orientation and Registration Experience for first-year students. The first half of CORE is in June, where incoming students register for advising sessions, sign up for classes, and attend workshops. Students also have the option to spend the night on campus. This provides an opportunity for the students, as well as their families, to meet their classmates, faculty, and staff of the college without feeling overwhelmed.
“A big difference that I’ve noticed since June CORE was added a few years ago is that the freshmen are a lot more adjusted once they get to Wheaton in August. Our job has been made a lot easier since the freshmen already have a chance to stay on campus and discuss their schedules. It’s great to see how much of a difference it can make in easing their adjustment to Wheaton,” said senior preceptor Shosh Kruskal ’14.
During the second half of CORE in late August, students move into their residence halls and become official members of the Wheaton Community. This is a three-day event that helps students settle in with their new classmates.
“My favorite part of CORE was the candle lighting around the pond. It was beautiful to see and was the first activity that brought my entire class together,” said Eloise Peabbles ’17.
Welcome Back Weekend included fun events open to the entire campus; a chance for new and returning students to meet each other. Events began Thursday night with Live at the Loft featuring Skyler, a solo singer, pianist and guitarist. Every Thursday, Live at the Loft features a different band.
The “Rebel Without a Cause” dance was held in the Haas Athletic Center Friday night, where students dressed in punk-rock attire similar to the film stars Tommy Ramone and Patti Smith.
On Sunday, a Mijos Taco truck sat outside the Balfour-Hood Center, where students were offered a free afternoon snack courtesy of the Programing Council. With tacos in hand, students spread blankets, threw Frisbees, and started homework on the Dimple, enjoying the sunny day.
Due to the rain on Monday afternoon, the Labor Day barbecue was held in Chase Dining Hall, where hamburgers and potato salad were served. Darlingside, a campus favorite, performed live music, and students gathered to listen and purchase CDs and T-shirts. On the second level of Balfour, students could use a photo booth and acquire free novelties such as coffee mugs.
“My favorite part of the weekend was the feeling of being back within a community that not only accepts me but which I am proud to be a part of,” said Geoffrey Cook ’16.
Welcome Back Weekend concluded Friday night with a performance from the Mystic Jammers on Chapel Filed. The seven-piece band, along with some steel drums, performed reggae and Caribbean music.