Dear Families and Friends of the Class of 2026,
I hope that you’re enjoying the last few days of summer! Campus is starting to buzz with the excitement as students return to campus. University housing opens for returning students on Friday, August 30 at 10:00 AM, and classes start on Monday, September 2. Fall break will be from October 21-October 22, with classes resuming on Wednesday, October 23. Fall classes will end on December 6, with reading period taking place from December 7-10. Exams will run from December 10-14 and university housing will close on December 15.
As Juniors, your student has declared their major, and is probably feeling very settled in the rhythm and flow of Wesleyan. Junior year is a great point for students to start exploring their major in greater depth and those students interested in pursuing an honors thesis, should start having conversations with their advisor about the process. This is a great year to forge strong connections with faculty and mentors on campus that will serve them long after they graduate.
Students should also start having more serious conversations with the Gordon Career Center about life post Wesleyan, whether that’s graduate school opportunities or employment opportunities. Juniors should also think about fellowship opportunities. The fellowship office is holding a Webinar on August 20 at 5pm, please encourage your student to attend and learn more about the various fellowships, application process, and deadlines.
Junior year is also a time when many students study abroad. Wesleyan has a rich study abroad program that allows students to better understand themselves in relation to the world. If your student is studying abroad, these are some helpful resources for you to refer to as your student navigates their experience abroad.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And hopefully, I will see you during Homecoming & Family Weekend taking place from November 1-3.
Best,
Shelissa Newball
(860) 685-2764
Snewball@wesleyan.edu