Friends of the First Year
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders (OLs) welcome new students to Macalester College and ensure a smooth transition into college life. As ambassadors of the campus community, they provide guidance, support, and information to incoming students during orientation programs. They have a passion for fostering a positive and inclusive campus environment.
First Year Course Preceptor
FYC Preceptors are active members of their FYC community and contribute to the transition and overall student success of Macalester’s first year students. They hold office hours, and assist students with course content and assignments. Preceptors help students develop writing skills appropriate for their FYC. This can include reading, commenting on student papers, meeting with students to discuss drafts, holding study sessions, etc. They can serve as a mentor as they assist FYC students in their transition to Macalester including helping with time management techniques, identifying effective study strategies, connecting them to resources around campus, understanding course selection and registration, etc.
First Year Course Faculty
FYC faculty are professors who teach First Year Courses and serve as students’ initial academic advisors. They create learning environments that emphasize discussion, critical thinking, and foundational academic skills like writing and research. In addition to guiding students through course content, FYC faculty support their advisees as they transition to college, helping them navigate course selection, explore academic interests, and connect with resources across campus.
Residence Hall Directors
Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) are full-time, master’s-level professionals who live on campus and play a central role in supporting the residential experience. They provide 24-hour on-call support, supervise and mentor the Resident Assistant (RA) team, and help create safe, inclusive, and engaging living environments. RHDs are visible, accessible members of the community who foster student growth, respond to concerns, and support learning beyond the classroom.
Resident Assistant
Resident Assistants (RAs) are trained student leaders who live in community on the floors with the residents they support. As live-in peer resources, they help build strong, inclusive communities by fostering a safe and welcoming environment. RAs connect with residents through one-on-one conversations, community-building activities, and by offering guidance on navigating campus life and resources.
Career Advisors
Career Advisors support you throughout your career journey, helping you explore interests, build application materials, and navigate job searches. They offer one-on-one appointments, workshops, and classroom visits. Connecting early, especially during your first year, is a great way to start shaping a meaningful path.
MAX Center
As the primary learning center on campus, the Macalester Academic Excellence (MAX) Center supports students in their efforts toward academic success and educational independence by fostering a community of intellectually engaged, life-long learners. They offer tutoring in writing, science, math and economics. They also offer study skills support, providing individual support for students seeking assistance with time management, reading, studying, and other skills needed for academic success across the disciplines.
Hamre Center
What They Do: The Laurie Hamre Center for Health & Wellness offers integrated medical and counseling services as well as campus leadership on health promotion and sexual respect for all students and serves as a resource supporting the entire Macalester community’s effort to build a healthy campus. They are dedicated to providing care, support, and connection to resources for students of all identities.