Parent and Family Orientation Schedule 2026
Orientation for parents and families of new students will be a mix of online and in-person sessions this year. Throughout the offerings below, parents and family members will learn more about the Macalester campus, hear from Macalester faculty and staff, understand the resources available to their student, and learn how to best support their student in their time transition to college.
This schedule is tentative and subject to change – check back as the summer progresses for more information!
In-Person Offerings
Monday, August 31, 2026
8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Move-In and Check-In
Residence Halls and Kagin Ballroom (Check-in)
More detailed Move-In Day instructions will be shared in August.
10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.
Library Open House
It’s time to check-in for Orientation (including students who moved in early!) Parents and families check in here, too. Get your room key, MacPass (student ID), name tag, and orientation schedule here.
DeWitt Wallace Library
10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.
Resource Fair
Leonard Center, Schall Atrium
Stop by our resource fair to meet staff from Disability Services, Student Employment & Payroll, Information Technology Services, the Sustainability Office, Career Exploration, and more.
12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Campus Tours
Great Lawn, Flag Pole
Familiarize yourself with the Macalester campus by taking a student-led tour.
1:00 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.
Café Mac Tour: Navigating Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, Café Mac
Brought to you by Disability Services and Café Mac leadership. Learn about inclusive food accommodation practices available to students dining on campus. This orientation event is for students and parents/guests who manage food allergies, celiac disease and medical diets. The event includes a tour of Café Mac that highlights need-to-know information: where to find ingredient labels at each food station, sourcing gluten free items, and a discussion of food safety practices. A question and answer session with General Manager Amy Tomes and Executive Chef Chad Plotnik will be part of the tour. Staff from Disability Services will be available to talk with students and families individually after the event.
2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Supporting Your Students’ Transition to College
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Building, Mairs Concert Hall
This session will cover a range of ways parents and families can help support their students in the transition to college. This event will feature speakers from a range of support resources on campus.
3:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Orientation Welcome
Leonard Center Fieldhouse
President Suzanne Rivera will welcome new students and their families to the Macalester community.
4:15 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.
Parents and Families Reception
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Lowe Dayton Atrium
We invite you to gather and mingle with fellow parents, staff, and faculty.
5:15 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Dinner on Your Own and Family Farewell to Students
Location on your own
If your family will be departing on Monday, we recommend saying farewell at this time; however, there is no formal farewell program so parents/families are welcome to depart from campus whenever works best for their situation.
Online Webinars
The dates and registration for webinars will be coming soon. Explore the webinar topics below. If you’re unable to attend a live session, recordings will be posted here after each webinar concludes. All webinar times are in Central Daylight Time
Questions? Email [email protected].
Orientation Overview / Welcome / Introduction to Student Affairs
Tuesday, June 23 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
Join the Orientation team for a welcome and overview of what to expect during your student’s transition to Macalester. You’ll also learn about the Division of Student Affairs and the many ways we support students as they navigate college life–academically, socially, and personally.
Career Exploration
Tuesday, July 7 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your student’s career development. Join the Career Exploration team to learn how they support students starting in their first year. Bring your questions, there will be time for discussion at the end.
Health and Well-being
Tuesday, July 14 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
Join staff from the Laurie Hamre Center for Health & Wellness to learn about the integrated medical, counseling, and health promotion services available to students. This session will highlight how the Hamre Center supports student well-being across all identities and contributes to a healthy, caring campus community. We’ll close with time for your questions and conversation.
Residential Life
Tuesday, July 21 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
Learn how Residential Life supports students through a student-focused, learning-centered approach to campus living. This session will introduce LIFE@MAC, our residential curriculum, as well as community expectations, housing services, and the ways we foster inclusive, relationship-rich living environments. Staff will also share key details about move-in day and explain the important role of Resident Assistants (RAs) in supporting students’ transition to college life. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.
Campus Life (Housing, Dining, Public Safety, Getting Involved)
Tuesday, August 4 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
Join staff from Residential Life, Public Safety, the MacPass program, and the Center for Student Leadership & Engagement to learn what your student can expect from living on campus at Macalester. We’ll cover key resources, support systems, and ways students can get involved—and wrap up with a Q&A session.
Institutional Equity
Tuesday, August 11 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.
Join staff from Macalester’s Division of Institutional Equity as we welcome the Class of 2029 and their families. This session will introduce the offices and resources that promote equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus–including the Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice, the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and the Title IX and Non-Discrimination office. We’ll also leave time for your questions about student life and support at Macalester.
If you cannot attend a specific session, recordings of the webinars will be available and added to this website. Questions? Email [email protected].