Dear Families and Friends of the Class of 2026,
Welcome to Senior Year! Campus is starting to buzz with the excitement of students returning for the fall semester. I want to share some important fall dates with you: University housing opens on Friday, September 5 at 10 am and classes begin on Monday, September 8. Fall Break starts on Monday, October 20, with classes resuming on Wednesday, October 22. Homecoming/Family Weekend takes place from Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26. Please remind your student not to finalize travel plans for Fall Break or the end of the semester until they have consulted with professors about the timing of midterm or final exams.
It’s hard to believe that in just about ten months, the Class of 2026 will be walking across Denison Terrace to receive their degrees. In order to graduate on Sunday, May 24, 2026, seniors must meet Wesleyan’s four graduation requirements by the end of their final semester. While this information has already been shared with students, it’s always a good idea to check in with them to ensure they are on track. If your student has any questions or concerns about their progress, please encourage them to reach out to me or their faculty advisor.
As important as it is to ensure all graduation requirements are met, it’s equally essential for seniors to begin thinking about their transition from Wesleyan and what comes next. If your student hasn’t already, they should schedule a meeting with the Gordon Career Center to explore post-graduation plans.
Senior year can be both exciting and emotional as students reflect on their Wesleyan journey and begin to anticipate life after college. This is a valuable time for them to consider how they’ll maintain the meaningful connections they’ve built on campus. The Office of Alumni Engagement is a great resource for students looking to stay connected after graduation.
I’ll be in touch again before the end of the fall semester. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Shelissa Newball
Dean for the Class of 2026
snewball@wesleyan.edu