What We Do
Student Advocacy
Navigating College can sometimes be complicated. The various systems, policies, and procedures are sometimes make sense to those who work with them regularly, but can be lengthy, and difficult to understand. The Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students are available to help students develop an understanding Macalester policies, procedures and expectations.
- We will listen to your questions and concerns.
- We will assist you in understanding university systems and policies.
- We will make phone calls and inquire on behalf of students to determine which office, person, or campus resource the student should work with to get questions answered and to resolve issues. We are committed to helping students have a good experience at Macalester.
The office maintains the personal records of all current students and alumni for eight years after graduation. The Dean of Students serves as an ex officio member of the Academic Student Committee. The Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students can provide most immediate assistance with questions involving:
- leave status and withdrawal
- emergency financial loans
- co-curricular policy or programs
- individual academic standing
- concerns which effect the quality of student life
Graduate School Recommendations / Evaluation Forms
Members of the Student Affairs staff are eager to assist students and alumni who need letters of reference or recommendation for other institutions, scholarship applications, graduate school, study abroad, employment, or other audiences.
To arrange for such a letter to be written (or form to be completed), please contact the Pat Traynor, Executive Assistant to the Office of Student Affairs, at 651-696-6220, Weyerhauser Hall room 119.
In most cases, two weeks is needed to process requests for letters of recommendation or reference. This is particularly the case when the requester wants to meet a staff member prior to the letter being written.
Please let us know how we can help -- we are eager to be of assistance.
Note: oftentimes a release form will need to be signed in order for a staff member to write to both on- and off-campus audiences.