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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This schedule is tentative and subject to change – check back as the summer progresses for more information!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residence Halls and Kagin Ballroom (Check-in)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n More detailed Move-In Day instructions will be shared in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DeWitt Wallace Library<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leonard Center, Schall Atrium<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop by our resource fair to meet staff from Disability Services, Student Employment & Payroll, Information Technology Services, the Sustainability Office, Career Exploration, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Lawn, Flag Pole<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Familiarize yourself with the Macalester campus by taking a student-led tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, Caf\u00e9 Mac<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brought to you by Disability Services and Caf\u00e9 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 Caf\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Janet Wallace Fine Arts Building, Mairs Concert Hall<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leonard Center Fieldhouse<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n President Suzanne Rivera will welcome new students and their families to the Macalester community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Lowe Dayton Atrium<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We invite you to gather and mingle with fellow parents, staff, and faculty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Location on your own<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Tuesday, June 23 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Join the Orientation team for a welcome and overview of what to expect during your student\u2019s transition to Macalester. You\u2019ll also learn about the Division of Student Affairs and the many ways we support students as they navigate college life\u2013academically, socially, and personally.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, July 7 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s never too early to start thinking about your student\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, July 14 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll close with time for your questions and conversation. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, July 21 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, August 4 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll cover key resources, support systems, and ways students can get involved\u2014and wrap up with a Q&A session. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, August 11 2026 – 7:00-8:00 P.M.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Join staff from Macalester\u2019s 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\u2013including the Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice, the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and the Title IX and Non-Discrimination office. We\u2019ll also leave time for your questions about student life and support at Macalester. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cannot attend a specific session, recordings of the webinars will be available and added to this website. Questions? Email orientation@macalester.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n10:00 A.M.\u20132:00 P.M.
Library Open House<\/h5>\n\n\n\n10:00 A.M.\u20132:00 P.M.
Resource Fair<\/h5>\n\n\n\n12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Campus Tours<\/h5>\n\n\n\n1:00 P.M. \u2013 1:45 P.M.
Caf\u00e9 Mac Tour: Navigating Food Allergies and Sensitivities<\/h5>\n\n\n\n2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Supporting Your Students’ Transition to College<\/h5>\n\n\n\n3:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Orientation Welcome<\/h5>\n\n\n\n4:15 P.M. \u2013 5:15 P.M.
Parents and Families Reception<\/h5>\n\n\n\n5:15 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Dinner on Your Own and Family Farewell to Students<\/h5>\n\n\n\nOnline Webinars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Questions? Email orientation@macalester.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOrientation Overview \/ Welcome \/ Introduction to Student Affairs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCareer Exploration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHealth and Well-being <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nResidential Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCampus Life (Housing, Dining, Public Safety, Getting Involved)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInstitutional Equity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nQuestions?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n