MACommunity

Welcome to the Mac Community! You, the Class of 2016, are the newest members of a dynamic and exciting College community. A part of joining a new community, is beginning to find your niche, or niches. Be sure to check out these great resources available to all students on campus.

Here are some departments that offer great programs and events to get you started:

THE CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE

The CRSL works to recognize and affirm the diversity of religious and cultural experience at Macalester College. All students, from faith traditions, no tradition, and those in exploration, are welcome. For more information about the programs and orgs listed below click here:

• Multifaith Council- The Multifaith Council is a body of students drawn from diverse religious and spiritual traditions seeking to prepare students for leadership and engagement in a pluralistic and multi-faith world.
• Dharma Encounters
• Covenant Groups
• The Lilly Project
• The Interfaith House (programmed housing option, designed to bring together people of different religious traditions to live in an intentional community)

Religious Student Orgs:

• Mac Catholics
• Macalester Christian Fellowship
• Macalester Jewish Organization
• Mac Protestants
• Mac Unitarian Universalists
• Muslim Student Association
• Sitting@Mac (Buddhist Meditation)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAMS 

International Student Programs (ISP) works to integrate international students into all aspects of college life, help them engage in and contribute to the Macalester experience, and apply their learning to their own lives and cultural contexts.

For more information and a list of programs click here. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF MULTICULTURAL LIFE

The Department of Multicultural Life (DML) promotes a welcoming and pluralistic environment that is inclusive of the entire College community and works to infuse multiculturalism throughout all aspects of campus life.

The DML hosts programs such as:

• Pluralism & Unity Program
• Alumni of Color & Friends Host Family Program
• Allies Project
• Emerging Scholars Program
• Soup & Substance Lunch Series
• SPEAK! Series
• Cultural House Poetry Slam
• Lavender Graduation
• Rites of Passage

For a complete list of programs and services offered by the DML, click here.

THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CENTER 

The Civic Engagement Center (CEC) is your key to bridging your campus experience with the world around you. As part of the Institute for Global Citizenship, the CEC offers opportunities to prepare you for effective civic leadership, a core value of Macalester's mission.

• Community Service: Want to volunteer? The CEC can connect you with community partners and opportunities that meet your interests! Check out opportunities hereor drop by and meet with a student organizer to find out more.
• Community Based Learning: Some courses require participation in Community Based Learning or Community Based Research. Last year the CEC supported 49 courses that were involved in community projects. If your course has a community based component, staff in the CEC can help you find a community placement! More information is availablehere.
• The Leaders in Service Program: This program brings together student leaders as volunteer coordinators and issue based organizers working to encourage involvement in the local community. Leaders connect students to volunteer opportunities in a variety of issue areas and plan on-campus educational events (like: Hunger & Homelessness Week, Day at the Capitol, Pizza & Politics). Leaders participate in workshops, training, and reflection to support their work with volunteers and in the community. More information can be found here.
• Opportunities Abound Student Leaders: Opportunities Abound is a partnership between various Macalester departments and community agencies to promote increased access to higher education for local youth – many of whom are potential first generation college students, low income and/or students of color. More information and how to apply can be found here.
• Off-Campus Student Employment Program (OCSE):This program is an opportunity for students to earn their financial aid awards while working at a local nonprofit organization or elementary school. Keep your eyes open for the application and partner list at the beginning of Spring semester 2013. More information can be found here.

For more information as well as a complete list of programs and events click here.

BLOG QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

• What does community mean to you?
• What type of community do you want to find, create, or be part of here at Mac?
• In what ways have you created community at Mac? How about in the Twin Cities?

SOCIAL MEDIA: Building a Network

• Relationship building is a key component of your experience at Mac and beyond so why not use social media to start building some relationships. Check outLinkedIn for more information on how to create an on-line professional database that will connect you with peers and professionals in the area.
• Have you staying in contact with your class? Make sure to stay involved through the Class of 2016 Facebook page.

MAC 101--THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

"Some students find it easier to find community on campus than others. There is nothing wrong with finding a sense of community earlier or later." - Niko Martell ('13)

"It's hard to find one favorite thing about Mac. It feels like home for me now. There is a sense of community that is hard to explain." - Esther Biesse ('13)

"It takes time to figure out what you want to be and do in life, just be patient." - Gabriela Landeros ('15)