Upcoming Deadlines

All deadlines are currently passed. Check the to do list for details.

Welcome to Macalester! Go Scots!

 

Mac Fact

The United Nations flag has flown at Macalester since 1950 and is a symbol of commitment a global education in an international community.

student orientation
   To Do          Schedules          Meet the OLs          FAQs          Contact Us      

faqs

About my room/The Residence Halls

Registration/Classes

Technology/Computing
  • The Information Technology Services is the best source for all of your computing questions. Click ITS Orientation for more information.
  • MyInfoServices is your introduction to Macalester library, computing, web and media services resources that you will need to know about right away as you start fall semester.

ID card/Money/Mail
Orientation Leaders/Contacts

Other...

Already in the Room…

  • Bed
  • Desk
  • Chair
  • Bookcase
  • Dresser
  • Telephone

Don't Bring…

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

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!

Refrigerator Rental

Rental of a 2.9 cu ft. refrigerator/freezer or a 2.5 cu ft. to 3.6 cu ft. refrigerator is available through Bedloft.com. Enter Macalester College at the Bedloft homepage for details.

Shipping your things to campus

We call it Trunk Storage. Please arrange for your boxes to arrive after August 15th. Address:

Your Name,
Attn: Trunk Storage
Macalester College
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1899

Pick up times and location will be posted at the Campus Center. For more information contact Mailing Services.

Property Insurance

If you would like insurance coverage for your personal possessions while you are at Macalester contact:
National Student Services, Inc,
P.O. Box 2137,
Stillwater, OK 74076.
Or apply on line at www.nssi.com
Policies cover theft, fire, water damage, and breakage to personal property.

Telephone and Voicemail

Telephones and phone service are provided in all College residence hall rooms. In College-owned houses used for student residences, one or two telephone lines are provided based on occupancy. All Macalester students who live on campus may request a free voice mailbox set up on the College system. To request a voice mailbox, please e-mail Kelly Borke at borke@macalester.edu. Your request should include your name, your residence hall and room number, your Macalester phone number and your Macalester ID number. All student, staff and faculty contact information is accessible in the on-line Directory. If you have questions about Telecommunications services at Macalester, please see the Telecomm Web pages or call 651-696-6566.

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.

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

Money that you put on your card is called Auxiliary Points (Aux Points).  Aux Points can be used at the Grille, Atrium Market, Scotty’s, Highlander, Textbooks, Information Desk and for laundry.  Leave your quarters at home because all campus laundry machines only take Aux Points.  You can put money on your card in one of two ways:  (1) online with a credit card via Manage My ID or (2) at the Card Value Center in the lower level of the Campus Center with cash.  Manage My ID is a new program that is being added this summer.  We are sorry that we can not provide you with a link to the website yet.  The Card Value Center is located next to the ATMs.  If you do not use all the Aux Points 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 visit the Card Services Office, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center.  If you want to take some time to look for your missing ID card, they can put your card on “lost” status which will disable all services on your card (i.e., aux points, your meal plan, access).  You can also purchase a replacement ID for $20 by paying with check, cash, credit card, or by billing it to your student account. All services and aux points (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 in the lower level of the Campus Center. You can go to the SPO window to get your combination once you get to school.

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.

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

Family Weekend is October 9-11th. Families are encouraged to attend but not required.

Where do I get cash?

There are US Bank and University Bank ATM  in the  lower level of the Campus Center. If you have an account with any other bank, you can use the US Bank ATM but will be charged $2.00 by US Bank and another fee by your bank for the service.  University Bank charges $1.50.  If you have a Wells Fargo account, feel free to stop by the Wells Fargo ATM 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.)

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 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!

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.

Are there activities for accompanying family members?

All family members including younger children are welcome to orientation, however please bare in mind that the programs are mainly for adults and incoming students and have nothing structured for children. They are welcome to bring items to entertain themselves.

Are transfer students eligible to participate in any of the "Unique Program Opportunities?"

The various "Unique Program Opportunities" as structured largely for only incoming first year students and therefore transfer students may not apply or participate in these programs. Transfer students are however welcome to apply to the MacWard Bound program, but would need to note that first year students will have placement priority.

What are the requirements to qualify for a parking permit?

Registration for faculty and staff will be valid until such time as all vehicles are re-registered (typically 3 - 4 years). Resident student registration is valid for one year, September to August. Non-resident student registration is valid for one semester at a time. First year resident students are NOT eligible for a campus parking permit. Medical and work-related exceptions
may be requested from the Director of Safety and Security. Registration is not transferable. Parking permits are issued to Macalester faculty, staff, and eligible current students upon completion and signature of a vehicle registration form at the Facilities Services Office.