Dear Parents and Families of the Class of 2026,
Spring has arrived, and campus is buzzing with the energy and excitement of the final semester.
Classes will conclude on Wednesday, May 6, followed by the reading period from May 711. Final exams will take place from May 12–15. Senior Week is scheduled for May 19–21, and the 194th Commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 24. No tickets or reservations are required; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details can be found on the commencement website. Seniors are required to move out of their campus residences by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25.
This season is as emotional as it is exciting. Your students are beginning to say goodbye to a place that has shaped them in countless ways. At the same time, they are stepping toward what’s next. It’s a tender in-between moment, and your support means more to them than you may realize.
We remind students that Wesleyan will always be a place they can return to. We encourage them to stay connected through WesConnect, our student and alumni networking platform, and to take advantage of the Gordon Career Center, which remains available to them as they navigate life after Wesleyan.
As the semester winds down, students are balancing final papers, projects, and exams while also trying to soak in these last moments. A quick message, a word of encouragement, or a reminder of how proud you are can go a long way during this time. I have shared important information with students about graduation requirements and next steps; if they have any questions, please encourage them to reach out.
On a personal note, this is my first graduating class, and it has been such a joy to witness the Class of 2026 grow into the individuals they are today. I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of their journey, and I look forward to celebrating this meaningful milestone with all of you on May 24!
Best,
Shelissa Newball
Dean for the Class of 2026
snewball@wesleyan.edu