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Information for Families and Visitors

Tickets

Commencement is a ticketed event, and eligible seniors have received information about how they can claim up to 5 tickets. Any tickets remaining unclaimed will be distributed by lottery to those requesting more than 5 tickets. Students were notified of their lottery status on February 27, 2024.

Note: Any child under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may attend without a ticket and therefore not count towards a graduate’s guest ticket limit.

Live Stream

A link for the live stream of the May ceremony will be posted on our main Commencement webpage prior to the event. We will also post a link to the recording shortly after the ceremony.

Directions and Parking

Macalester College is located at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Snelling Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. Use 130 Macalester Street, St. Paul, Minnesota for GPS directions to available parking. There is no charge to park in Macalester’s lots or on the streets close to campus. View our Interactive Campus Map for details.

Schedule of Events

Our full Schedule of Events can be found here. Please note that some events are for graduates only, or by invitation.

Some events of specific interest to family and friends are below:

  • Senior Art Show
    • Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10 – Noon to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 11 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Law Warschaw Gallery, Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
  • Zero Waste Picnic
    • Friday, May 10 – 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    • Café Mac, Campus Center (also outdoor seating, weather permitting)
  • Academic Department Receptions
  • Marking the Moment
    • Friday, May 10 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Chapel
    • Uniquely Macalester, this moment is a creative reimagination of traditional Baccalaureate services.
  • Continental Breakfast
    • Saturday, May 11 – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
    • Café Mac, Campus Center (also outdoor seating, weather permitting)

Accessibility/Accommodations

If a member of your group is in need of accessible seating or other accessibility accommodations for Commencement, please fill out this form by April 26, 2024. Contact our Center for Disability Resources with any specific questions.

Accessible parking is available on campus. The College does not provide wheelchairs or walkers for guests.

Hotels/Lodging

Please see our list of hotels with courtesy blocks in place to reserve lodging. Our Admissions department also maintains a Places to Stay webpage which may have more options.