Dear Families and Friends of the Class of 2026,
As we soak up the last bits of fall and approach the end of the semester, it is hard to believe that in just six months the Class of 2026 will be walking across Denison Terrace to receive their diplomas!
Thanksgiving break starts on Wednesday, November 26, and classes will resume on Monday, December 1. I am sure your senior is looking forward to some much-needed rest and time to recharge. When students return, there are two weeks of classes, with finals beginning on Tuesday, December 16 and ending on Saturday, December 20. Housing closes on Sunday, December 21 at noon.
At this point in the semester, seniors should be having conversations with their faculty advisors to ensure that they are on track to meet Wesleyan’s graduation requirements by May 2026. Those requirements are: 32 credits without oversubscription, a minimum of 16 Wesleyan credits, completion of a major, residency (six semesters for entering first-years; four or five semesters if a junior or sophomore transfer, respectively), and a GPA of at least 74.00. If your student has questions about their ability to graduate, please have them schedule an appointment with me.
As I’ve been meeting with students this semester, I get a sense that they are excited about graduation, and there is also a sense of nervousness about what the future holds for them. The break provides a great opportunity to check in with your student, and see how they are really feeling about leaving Wesleyan in the spring. In addition to the questions about where they are with their major and post-graduation plans, some good questions to ask your student are:
- Looking back, what experiences at Wesleyan have shaped you the most?
- Is there anything you still want to do or experience before you graduate?
- How can I support you as you think about your transition from Wesleyan?
If your student hasn’t connected with the Gordon Career Center (GCC), now is a good time to encourage them to set up an appointment. The GCC can help your student translate what they have been learning in the classroom to applicable skills that they can articulate when applying for jobs or graduate school. Please encourage your student to connect as soon as possible so they can make the most of the resources and guidance available to them.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I hope you and your family have a great holiday season!
Best,
Shelissa Newball
Dean for the Class of 2026
snewball@wesleyan.edu