Focusing on purpose, pathways and possibilities

Spring MAP Day set for March 18

The Wheaton campus will pause classes on Wednesday, March 18, for a day of reflection, exploration and forward motion. 

The spring 2026 MAP Day will include a keynote address from former U.S. Rep. James Langevin (D–R.I.), a career fair featuring more than 70 organizations, and a showcase for student scholarship and creativity. 

As always, a centerpiece of the programming will be advising. MAP Day will feature advising by academic program as well as class-based gatherings and information sessions on a range of topics from applying to law school and preparing for Massachusetts’ teaching licensure exams to competing for prestigious awards, such as Watson fellowships and Fulbright scholarships. 

“MAP Day centers academic advising as an essential part of the educational experience,” said Dolores Radlo, dean of advising. “It’s a dedicated time for students to examine their academic path, connect with faculty and mentors, explore majors and high-impact opportunities, and make thoughtful, informed choices about what comes next.”

The keynote address by former Congressman Langevin will explore how education can translate into meaningful action. During more than two decades in the House of Representatives, Langevin became a national leader on cybersecurity, national security and disability rights. His remarks will focus on service, resilience and leadership—framed by his life experiences as the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress. 

Career and Internship Fair

One of the day’s highlights, the Catherine Filene Shouse Career and Internship Fair, sponsored by the Life and Career Design Institute, will feature employers, nonprofit organizations and campus partners available to discuss internships, research roles, part-time positions and post-graduate pathways. 

An added benefit this year will be the opportunity to network with alumni from varied backgrounds and have conversations about their Wheaton experience and the career journeys that followed. 

The fair will also feature a “passport program” where students can participate to win prizes by creating connections and professional relationships with alumni and employers.

Because the career fair occurs simultaneously with MAP Day programming, students can move in and out as their schedules allow—making real-time connections between advising conversations, academic interests and career aspirations.

Inspiration and Information

MAP Day programming also promises inspiration from students and professors. Faculty members will deliver short presentations, in the style of TED Talks, highlighting compelling questions, emerging research and innovative work across disciplines. 

At the same time, the Academic Festival will showcase student scholarship through poster presentations and collaborative research projects. Together, these sessions spotlight the intellectual energy of the Wheaton community and create space for curiosity, conversation and interdisciplinary discovery.