Campus Center Programs & Services creates opportunities for Macalester students to find community, comfort, and connection. We foster a welcoming environment for all members of the Macalester family and set the stage to create an active, visible, and vibrant campus community hub.
The Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, or “CC” for short, is not just a building; it is an organization and program dedicated to helping our students feel at home and being their most authentic selves.
The center is named in honor of Ruth Stricker Dayton ‘57 who generously supported this facility for students and the entire Macalester community to enjoy.
Explore the Campus Center, level by level
Spaces in the Campus Center can be reserved by contacting Reservations or using the EMS WebApp
Lower Level
Lower Level
- John B. Davis Lecture Hall: A popular event space for keynote speakers, screenings, and performances. Due to COVID-19, the lecture hall has been converted into a classroom for use after the quiet period.
- The Loch: Student lounge with expanded space including a raised stage with lighting and sound system designed for performance. Home of Nessie’s dining option during weekdays. Popular space for events such as poetry slams, trivia, theater/variety shows. Features two billiards tables, dining options during the academic year, and a stage.
- The Loch Back Room: A meeting space specifically designed for Registered Student Orgs to host meetings, informational sessions, and more. Seating is available for 20 people, the room is set “as-is.” This can be reserved in the EMS Web App or through Reservations.
- Document Services: Provides quality printing, duplication, finishing and scanning services to Macalester faculty, staff, students and other customers requiring copy and print services.
- Mailing Services and Student Post Office: Offers most services available at a conventional Post Office. Student PO Boxes are assigned to all students living on campus and can be requested for those not living on campus via a Google Form.
- Restrooms: (2) All-Gender Restrooms and (2) Gendered Restrooms are available on the lower level of the Campus Center. All-gender bathrooms are available in almost every building on campus. View the Macalester College Map for information specific locations.
- ValuPort: The ValuPort is a vending machine that allows you to add Mac Money using cash without a charge. You need your card with you to be able to use the machine.
First Level
First Level
- Information Desk: Students, staff, and faculty can purchase items like subsidized Metro Transit Products, discounted movie tickets, campus-wide event tickets, and more. This is also the location of the campus-wide lost and found.
- Cafe Mac: Cafe Mac is the primary dining option on Macalester’s campus and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays, serving brunch and dinner on weekends.
- The Grille: The Grille is another dining option on campus for quick bites ranging from sandwiches, bag lunches, coffee, baked goods, and more.
Second Level
Second Level
- McPherson Atrium: Student lounge area with more flexible setup options. Often used for registration, tabling, fairs, and receptions for campus-wide events. Due to COVID-19, the Atrium is unavailable for reservations.
- Staff Offices: The offices of Campus Center Programs & Services, Student Leadership & Engagement, Residential Life, Health and Wellness Satellite Office, and Forensics are located on the second level of the Campus Center. Campus Center staff, Student Leadership & Engagement, and Residential Life make up the Center for Campus Life within the Division of Student Affairs.
- Restrooms: (2) Gendered Restrooms are available on the second level of the Campus Center. View the Macalester College Map for information specific locations of all-gender restrooms.
- Conference Rooms: There are seven small to large-sized conference rooms located in the Campus Center.
- Atrium Market: A popular dining option that features a “build-your-own” sub sandwich option including a beverage, cookie, and choice of chips or fruit.
- Open Pantry: The Open Pantry is now located in CC 227, where the former SORC used to be. Open Pantry is available to any student experiencing food insecurity.
- How to find Open Pantry:
- Use the elevator or stairs to access the second level of the Campus Center. Walk through the soft furniture in the Atrium and enter the doors with “Eichorn Student Activities” above them. You’re now in the Center for Campus Life offices. Turn left down the hallway by the MCSG office and the pantry is located at the end, near the lounge.
- Use the elevator or stairs to access the second level of the Campus Center. Walk through the soft furniture in the Atrium. Turn left to head down the hallway towards the restroom signs. Turn by the restrooms and there is a door that opens to a hallway, with a sign that says 227 on it. This door will take you right to the pantry.
- Student Lounge: The Student Lounge is located on the Second Floor of the Campus Center and features small tables, counter seating, power towers, and soft furniture. It is located directly next to Open Pantry.
