Wellesley will bring you rich opportunities beyond the classroom and the residential community.
Learn about student organizations
During the first week of classes, be sure to go to the lively and informative Student Organization Fair, where student organizations gather in one spot to give new and current students a chance to ask questions, sign up for mailing lists, and much more! At this fair, you can also learn about Wellesley's community service organizations and Career Education's Civic Engagement program, which facilitates partnerships with community organizations off-campus and explores the role of social justice work across all career fields. Before the fair, you can learn about Wellesley's different student organizations here.
Community events and traditions
The College provides numerous events for the campus community, including trips to see professional sports and theater in Boston, concerts on campus, traditions such as Lake Day and Hoop Rolling. The Office of Student Involvement works closely with College Government, the director of on-campus affairs, and the Schneider Board of Governors, student organizations, and departments across campus to coordinate these events throughout the year.
Campus libraries
Wellesley's libraries offer quiet, comfortable settings for individual and group study. With your Wellesley ID card, you will have access to many nearby academic libraries, while Interlibrary Loan services deliver other Libraries’ resources to campus for your use. The Book Arts Lab and Special Collections allow for hands-on study of the history and arts of the book. Research resources are available in the libraries and on the Library & Technology Services website. Collections include more than 1.6 million print and electronic books, periodicals, government documents, video and audio recordings, music scores, maps and rare books and manuscripts.
Cross-registration and exchange programs
After completing your first semester, you may cross-register for courses with MIT. See opportunities at other schools. Wellesley has cooperative programs with nearby Babson College, Brandeis University, and Olin College of Engineering. You may also elect to spend a semester or a full year participating in the Twelve College Exchange Program that includes Amherst, Bowdoin, Connecticut College, Dartmouth, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Trinity, Vassar, Wesleyan, and Wheaton. In addition, you may choose to participate in other exchange programs with Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, or Mills College in Oakland, California.
Meet your College Career Mentor to begin your career journey
Wellesley Career Education is your window to a world of opportunity. Our team is here to support you as you explore the intersection between self and society and consider the exciting (but sometimes daunting!) question “What do I want to be when I grow up?” From day one on campus, you are paired with your own College Career Mentor, who will help you explore your interests through self-assessment, internships, fellowships, and civic engagement. A team of Career Community Advisors will provide industry expertise and guidance as specific fields begin to pique your curiosity. The path is non-linear, winding, and filled with possibility. We’re here to help you navigate! Connect with Career Education on the fourth floor of Green Hall and at www.wellesley.edu/
Study Abroad
Almost half of Wellesley College students elect to spend a semester or year abroad, typically during their junior year. More than 160 programs are available to students, with offerings in every academic discipline and world region. You will work with your major department, class dean, and the Office of International Study to select a program that will either strengthen work in the major or otherwise complement your overall degree program. Students who hope to study abroad should have a plan to complete the foreign language requirement prior to study abroad. The Office of International Study can provide you with information and guidance regarding study abroad through workshops, printed materials, and individual advising.
The Tanner Conference
The Tanner Conference provides an avenue for students and alumnae to reflect critically upon, analyze, and share their off-campus experiences with others. Encompassing the range of off-campus experiences of students, the conference explores the learning that occurs through internships, service-learning experiences, student teaching, study abroad, international Wintersession programs, courses in experiential learning, and independent study and research undertaken away from Wellesley. The conference also presents an opportunity for alumnae to return to campus to discuss how their participation in these experiences as Wellesley students has enriched their lives.
The Ruhlman Conference
The Ruhlman Conference fosters collaboration among students and faculty across the disciplines and enhances the intellectual life of Wellesley College. This day-long event provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, friends, family, and alumnae to come together in celebration of student achievement. Attentive to the diversity of student interest and accomplishments, the conference includes a variety of formats for the presentation of student work, papers, panels, posters, exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, and readings of original work.
Wellesley Plus
WellesleyPlus is a selective program that links coursework, advising, and peer mentorship to provide a strong foundation for a small group of first-year students at Wellesley. The program is designed to assist with the transition to college, as you and your classmates learn to build on your academic strengths and identify areas for improvement. Students are invited to participate in WellesleyPlus based on information provided during the admission process. Many first-generation college students are invited to participate in WellesleyPlus, as are Questbridge scholars and MasterCard scholars.