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Campus Center
Macalester Campus Center

The Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, or “CC” for short, is not just a building; it is a student-centered space dedicated to helping our students feel at home and being their most authentic selves. 

The center is named in honor of Ruth Stricker Dayton ‘57 who generously supported this facility for students and the entire Macalester community to enjoy.

We foster a welcoming environment for all members of the Macalester family and set the stage to create an active, visible, and vibrant campus community hub and create opportunities to find community, comfort and connection. 

Campus Center Building Hours – Note that hours are limited this summer as the Campus Center is renovated to better serve students this fall. Learn more about the project here.

Academic Year:

Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Summer Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (via card access for Macalester students, faculty and staff)

Explore the Campus Center

Spaces in the Campus Center can be reserved by contacting Reservations or using the EMS WebApp.

Lower Level

  • John B. Davis Lecture Hall: A popular event space for keynote speakers, film screenings, and performances with a capacity of 258. 
  • The Loch: Student lounge with expanded space including a raised stage with lighting and sound system designed for performance. Home of Nessie’s dining option during weekdays. Popular space for events such as poetry slams, trivia, theater/variety shows. Features two billiards tables, dining options during the academic year, and a stage. 
  • Document Services: Provides quality printing, duplication, finishing and scanning services to Macalester faculty, staff, students and other customers requiring copy and print services.
  • Mailing Services and Student Post Office: Offers most services available at a conventional Post Office. Student PO Boxes are assigned to all students living on campus and can be requested for those not living on campus via a Google Form.
  • Restrooms: (2) All-Gender Restrooms and (2) Gendered Restrooms are available on the lower level of the Campus Center. All-gender bathrooms are available in almost every building on campus. View the Macalester College Map for information specific locations.
  • ValuPort: The ValuPort is a vending machine that allows you to add Mac Money using cash without a charge. You need your card with you to be able to use the machine.

First Level

  • Information Desk: Students, staff, and faculty can purchase items like subsidized Metro Transit Products like Universal Passes (students) and GoTo Card (Faculty/Staff) discounted movie tickets, campus-wide event tickets, and general information about campus and exploring the Twin Cities. 
  • Cafe Mac: Cafe Mac is the primary dining option on Macalester’s campus and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays, serving brunch and dinner on weekends.
  • Restrooms: (2) All-Gender Restrooms are available on the first floor of the Campus Center, both inside and outside of Cafe Mac.

Second Level

  • McPherson Atrium: Student lounge area that is a prime gathering space for students.
  • Staff Offices: The Center for Student Leadership & Engagement, Forensics, and Program Board are located on the second level of the Campus Center. 
  • Restrooms: (1) All-Gender Restroom and (2) Gendered Restrooms are available on the second level of the Campus Center. View the Macalester College Map for information specific locations of all-gender restrooms. 
  • Conference Rooms: There are three conference rooms (capacities ranging from 16-28) located in the Campus Center equipped with Zoom TVs to support hybrid meetings.
  • The Grille: The Grille is another dining option on campus for quick bites ranging from sandwiches, bag lunches, coffee, baked goods, and more.
  • Open Pantry: Open seven days a week during the academic year, the Open Pantry is available to any student experiencing food insecurity.  Stop in during operating hours, or place an online order for pickup whenever the Campus Center is open.
  • Commuter Kitchenette: The Commuter Kitchenette is equipped with 2 microwaves, compostable dishware and an ice machine to serve students not on a meal plan while they are on campus.