Orientation

If you have any questions regarding Orientation or Life at Mac, there are several ways to contact the Orientation office and talk to current Macalester students. Email us at orientation@macalester.edu, send an instant message on AOL Instant Messenger to macorientationhq, or call us at (651) 696-6842. Otherwise, see below for a list of commonly asked questions.

What should I bring?

Don't Bring…

Air conditioner
Extra furniture
Pets
Halogen lamps
Hot plate
Open coil heater
Toaster oven
Microwave
Telephone
Answering machine
Modem
Candles
Incense

Already in the Room…

Bed
Desk
Chair
Bookcase
Dresser

What should I do over the summer?

Whatever you want! Don’t feel like you have to plan much for next year...enjoy the time you have!

When do I find out who my roommate is?

The department of Residential Life will send out a mailing in early August that will inform you of your roommate, their address, and phone number. We suggest you contact your roommate before September in order to ease your transition to Macalester.

Should I buy all the things for my room before I get to Macalester, or are there places nearby that I can purchase things?

If you don’t want to purchase things before you get to campus, stores like Target, Wal Mart, grocery stores, and a hardware store are just a quick car or bus ride away!

What are Orientation Leaders (OLs) and how can I get in touch with mine?

Orientation Leaders are upper-class students who will aid you in your transition to Macalester. Over the summer your OLs will write you and provide you with their contact information. Feel free to ask them any questions or concerns you may have about coming to Macalester!

What should I do if I have a question about a class I’m interested in?

A description of regularly offered classes are included in the 2008-2009 Course Catalog. To find information about any other classes, visit the Registrar’s website at http://www.macalester.edu/registrar/. If you have a more specific question, feel free to call or e-mail the professor that teaches that class.

When will I find out what classes I’m signed up for, and what happens if I want to change them?

You will receive a copy of your schedule when you arrive on campus. In August, information will be mailed regarding your First Year Course and advisor. First-Year courses cannot be changed once they are assigned. While preference is given to your top ranking, it is nearly impossible to give everyone their first choice. Completion of a First-Year course is mandatory for graduation from Macalester, and therefore you are not able to drop or withdraw from it.

Should I bring a Laptop or Desktop Computer? Can I connect to the Internet?

Either a Laptop or Desktop computer will work on the Macalester Campus. Laptops are available to check out from the Campus Center or Library. All First-Year students will have access to Macalester’s Ethernet computer network in the residence halls, as well as most academic buildings. Wireless internet is also available in most buildings.

Who should I ask if I have any questions about Macalester?

The 2008 Orientation Staff will be happy to help you with anything you may need! Please call us at (651) 696-6842 or e-mail us at orientation@macalester.edu with any questions or concerns.

What are the most important activities of each day for Orientation?

Events that are mandatory include those concerning student employment (stop by the table in the lower level of the Campus Center, meet your supervisor, go to the large group meeting about work study), first year class meetings, getting your ID card and the library/computer orientation (where you get information about email.) All of the other Orientation events during the day are strongly encouraged because they will help you with the transition to Mac. Evening social events are encouraged because they will help students meet other students!

How do I put money on my ID card? How does this process work?

Money can be put on your ID card at the Information Desk in the Campus Center by using cash, ATM/Debit card, credit card or check. This money can be used at the Grille, for laundry, etc. If you do not use all the money on your card, the surplus will be returned to you when you graduate from Macalester.

What happens if I lose my ID card?

You should first see the Card Services Manager, who is located on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center. They will disable your card and block anyone from using the money on your card. Then you should go to Physical Plant for a new card. Any money on your lost card will be transferred to your new card.

How does the mail work? Where do I get the combination for my mailbox?

The Student Post Office (SPO) is located on the basement level of the Campus Center. You can go to the SPO window to get your combination once you get to school.

Where can I buy a computer? Where can I get a computer cable? Where is the computer pick up? What happens if I have problems with my computer?

Computers may be purchased directly from Apple, Dell and MPC online here. Ethernet cables may be picked up free of charge at the joint Library/ITS computer orientation sessions in the Library lower level, Friday 8/22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 8/23 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; cables will also be available free at the Help Desk in Humanities 314, and may be purchased in the Highlander store, Campus Center lower level.

Where can I use a campus computer if I don’t have one of my own?

General-purpose computer labs are located in Dupre Hall 253 and 353, the Humanities Resource Center, Kagin basement, Kirk Hall basement and the lower level of the Library. Students may check out laptops for short-term use in the Campus Center and the Library. Many academic departments maintain computer labs for teaching and research, and set their own policies about access and use. For more information, please see http://www.macalester.edu/its/services/campuscomputerfacilities/.

How can I get bus passes or movie tickets?

Students can get discounted bus passes and movie passes at the Information Desk in the Campus Center.

How do we get to and from the State Fair on Sunday, August 24th?

Schedules for the Metro Transit bus and Macalester shuttle can be found at the Info Desk. Ask your OL for info or go to the Info Desk.

When is Parents’ Weekend? Do they have to attend?

Family Weekend is October 3-5th. Families are encouraged to attend but not required.

Where do I get cash?

If you have a US Bank account, there is an ATM machine in the basement of the Campus Center. If you have an account with any other bank, you can use the US bank ATM machine but will be charged $2.00 by US bank and another fee by your bank for the service. If you have a Wells Fargo account, feel free to stop by the Wells Fargo ATM machine at SuperAmerica on Snelling (it’s about 3 blocks from campus) or the Wells Fargo Bank on the corner of Grand and Fairview (about 5 blocks from campus.)

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

If you have other questions and would like to speak to someone in person, feel free to call the Orientation Office at (651) 696-6842, or you can email the office at orientation@macalester.edu.

Welcome to Macalester College