Engage

At the heart of Wheaton College’s student media landscape, WCCS 96.5 FM offers more than just music and talk programming—it provides a dynamic platform for creative expression, hands-on learning, and community connection. Whether you dream of hosting your own radio show, producing a podcast, or simply want to get involved behind the scenes, the station’s doors are open to students from all majors and backgrounds. This page is your gateway to becoming an active participant in the WCCS community, with pathways to submit your own content, explore campus engagement opportunities, and reach out directly to our team. Discover how you can lend your voice, share your passions, and help shape the sound of Wheaton’s airwaves.

Why Engage with WCCS?

College radio has a long tradition of amplifying underrepresented voices, testing new ideas, and giving students a unique sandbox for creativity. At WCCS, you don’t need to be a communications major or have prior broadcast experience to make an impact. The station is built on the belief that every student has a story to tell, a playlist to share, or a perspective worth hearing. By getting involved, you’ll develop real-world skills in audio production, public speaking, content curation, and teamwork—all while having fun and building lasting friendships.

Beyond personal growth, engaging with WCCS connects you to the broader Wheaton community. Your show could become a regular part of someone’s day, introduce listeners to new music genres, spark important conversations, or simply provide a sense of companionship during late-night study sessions. The station also collaborates with campus organizations, hosts events, and covers local news, making it a vital thread in the fabric of student life. No matter your interest area, there’s a way for you to contribute and leave your mark on 96.5 FM.

Submit Your Own Show

Do you have a concept for a radio program that you’re itching to bring to life? WCCS welcomes show proposals from all students, and the process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. Start by brainstorming the format: will it be a music show centered on a specific genre, era, or theme? Perhaps a talk show that dives into politics, pop culture, sports, or campus issues? Or maybe a hybrid that mixes interviews with curated playlists? The only limit is your imagination—and compliance with FCC regulations, which we’ll guide you through.

Once you have a solid idea, you’ll need to prepare a brief pitch that outlines your show’s concept, target audience, and proposed time slot. Don’t worry if you’ve never used a mixing board or audio software; the station provides training sessions and mentorship from experienced staff. We encourage you to visit the Executive Board page to meet the team members who oversee programming and can answer your questions. After approval, you’ll be scheduled for a recurring slot and gain access to our studios, equipment, and promotional support. Remember, commitment and consistency are key to building a loyal listener base.

What Makes a Strong Show Proposal?

• Clarity of concept: A one-sentence description that captures the show’s essence.
• Consistency in theme or format: Listeners should know what to expect each week.
• Feasibility: A realistic plan for filling an hour (or more) with engaging content.
• Originality: While tribute shows are fine, adding your unique twist helps you stand out.
• Enthusiasm: Your passion is what will keep you going through midterms and finals!

Submit Your Own Podcast

Podcasting has exploded as a medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment, and WCCS embraces this evolution by offering students the chance to produce and distribute podcasts under the station’s banner. Unlike a traditional live radio show, a podcast allows for pre-production, editing, and the freedom to release episodes on your own schedule. You might create a narrative series, an interview-based deep dive, a roundtable discussion, or even audio fiction. The station can host your podcast on its website and promote it through social media, helping you reach an audience beyond the FM dial.

Submitting a podcast follows a similar path to a show proposal: you’ll present your idea to the programming team, outlining the podcast’s theme, intended length and frequency of episodes, and the equipment or resources you’ll need. Even if you have no technical experience, our staff can walk you through basic recording and editing techniques, often using free or campus-licensed software. Think of it as a low-pressure way to hone your audio storytelling skills. Plus, having a podcast credit from WCCS can be a standout addition to your résumé, demonstrating initiative, digital literacy, and the ability to connect with an audience.

“WCCS gave me the confidence to find my voice and the tools to share it. I started with a one-hour indie music show and ended up producing a podcast that reached thousands of listeners.”

Explore the Wheaton Engage Page

While WCCS is a standalone organization, it’s part of the larger ecosystem of student activities at Wheaton College. The Wheaton Engage Page serves as a centralized hub where you can discover clubs, events, and leadership opportunities across campus. By visiting this platform, you’ll not only find WCCS’s profile but also see how the station collaborates with other groups—think co-sponsored concerts, live remote broadcasts from campus events, or joint initiatives with the arts and journalism departments.

On the Engage Page, you can browse upcoming WCCS events, apply for membership, and connect with station leaders. It’s also the primary portal for tracking your involvement hours if you’re aiming for leadership roles or need to log co-curricular activities for certain programs. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a regular show, stopping by the Engage Page is a great first step. You might find a one-time volunteer opportunity, such as helping with a live broadcast or participating in a promo photo shoot. Check it out to see how WCCS fits into your Wheaton experience and to tap into the broader network of student media and entertainment.

Contact Us Directly

Sometimes the simplest way to engage is just to reach out and start a conversation. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, want to pitch an unusual idea, or need technical guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We don’t publish personal emails or phone numbers here for privacy reasons — the most reliable route is the station office in person, or a message to the relevant board member, whose roles are set out on the Executive Board page. Our student leadership team monitors inquiries and typically responds within a couple of days during the academic year.

For specific concerns—like advertising partnerships, alumni outreach, or technical difficulties with the web stream—you can also consult the Executive Board page to identify the right person to contact. The station is run by students, for students, with faculty advisory support, so our communication channels are designed to be friendly and accessible. Whether you’re a first-year student curious about radio or a senior with a groundbreaking podcast idea, we’re here to listen and help you get started. You can also tune into our live stream via the Listen Live page to hear what’s currently on air, which might spark inspiration for your own project.

Moreover, we encourage in-person visits during office hours, which are posted outside the studio at the start of each semester. There’s something uniquely valuable about walking into the studio, seeing the equipment firsthand, and talking face-to-face with current hosts. The WCCS community thrives on personal connections, and our door is always open to those who share a love for audio and storytelling. So take that first step—bring us your idea, sit in on a shift, or come say hello. Your voice matters, and we can’t wait to hear what you’ll bring to the airwaves of 96.5 FM.