Ametrica

What is Ametrica?

Ametrica started in 2010 with the purpose of promoting dialogue, intercultural sensitivity, and friendship between first year domestic and international students. It is a program of Macalester’s International Student Programs (ISP) and is facilitated by a small, diverse group of returning students. The format changes every year, but always includes weekly conversations and activities in the Twin Cities and beyond!

In 2024, all domestic Ametrica participants will arrive on Tuesday, August 20th for Pre-Orientation for International Students (PO4IS), alongside their international peers. Following PO4IS, weekly sessions will take place every Thursday afternoon (4:30-6:30 PM) during the first 7 weeks of the Fall semester. The central component is dialogue in groups of 5-8 students about a range of themes pertinent to students from around the world. Previous topics have included family, peace, current events, race, law, economics, health, and love.

On a few occasions during the semester, Ametrica participants also venture off-campus to explore the broader Twin Cities area.

Both domestic and international Ametrica participants are assigned ISP peer mentors, as an additional link to the Macalester and ISP community (check the Mentor Program link for details).

You will find the 2024 Ametrica application in your new student portal.

Expectations

Actively engage in all planned activities, including but not limited to Thursday sessions. Please note that the Ametrica program is only for your first year at Macalester.

You can engage in the following years as a mentor and Ametrica facilitator through the Mentor Program.

Value of the experience

On top of intriguing weekly dialogues and engaging activities, many previous participants have said that Ametrica was a critical stepping-stone of their Macalester experience and beyond. Most alumni of Ametrica state that their favorite aspect was that they came away from the program having built valuable friendships, often lasting the rest of their Macalester years.

2024 Events

PRE-ORIENTATION (PO4IS)

Tuesday, August 20 Ametrica Participants (both domestic and international participants) arrive at Macalester. (Please complete the Arrival form (to be provided early Summer) regardless of your method of transportation and date/time of your arrival.)

Check-in (keys, photos, student IDs, help moving into room)
Welcome session with ISP mentors

Wednesday, August 21

First Ametrica Meeting! (Introduction)

Thursday, August 22

Second Ametrica Meeting (Transition), Old Main 4th Floor Lounge

FALL 2024 (tentative)

Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm until Fall Break: Weekly Meetings (location TBD)

This, along with periodic outings and activities, is where the cross-cultural magic happens! When finalizing your course and extra-curricular schedules, be mindful that you commit to meet at this time every week for Ametrica. At a later date, you will also commit to dates for other activities.

Thursday, September 12 4:30-6:30 PM, Library Harmon room (LIBR 133)

Thursday, September 19 4:30-6:30 PM, Library Harmon room (LIBR 133)

Thursday, September 26 4:30-6:30 PM, outing location TBD

Thursday, October 3 4:30-6:30 PM, Leonard Center Nystrom Hall of Fame (LC 50)

Thursday, October 10 4:30-6:30 PM, Leonard Center Nystrom Hall of Fame (LC 50)

Thursday, October 17 – Fall Break, no meeting

Thursday, October 24 4:30-6:30 PM, Campus Center The Loch (CC L12)

Most Fridays 2:30-4:30 PM: Talk and Tea in the ISP Lair

SPRING 2025