Parent and Family Orientation Schedule

Parents & Families Orientation Overview and Introduction to Student Affairs (7-8 pm CST)

Join the Orientation staff for an overview of what to expect during Orientation this year and learn more about the web of support available to students through the Division of Student Affairs. 

Living on Campus (7-8 pm CST)

Join staff from Residential Life, Public Safety, MacPass, and Center for Student Leadership & Engagement to gain a clearer sense of what your student can expect when living on campus at Macalester and what resources are available to them. We will end the session with a Q&A.

Health and Well-being at Macalester (7:00-8:30 pm CST)

Have questions about health and wellness resources for your student at Macalester? Join us for this informational session and engage in Q&A with staff.

Career Exploration at Macalester (7:00-7:30 pm CST)
It’s never too early to start supporting your student’s career development! Get to know Career Exploration staff and learn about the hallmark programs they offer. 

Introduction to Division of Institutional Equity (7:30-8:00 pm CST)
Institutional Equity at Macalester welcomes the class of 2028 and your families! We will share information about programs and resources available to students and answer questions about life at Macalester. Institutional Equity includes the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice, and the Title IX Coordinator and Non-Discrimination Officer.

8:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.
Move-In and Check-In

Residence Halls and Kagin Ballroom (Check-in)

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, schedule, and class t-shirt here.

More detailed Move-In Day instructions will be shared in August.

10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.
Resource Fair

Leonard Center Portico

Stop by our resource fair to meet staff from Disability Services, Student Employment & Payroll, Information Technology Services, the Sustainability Office, Career Exploration, and more.

11:00-1:00 P.M.
Zero Waste Lunch

Leonard Center Field House

Enjoy an all-campus lunch with fellow new students at the Leonard Center Field House.

12:00-4:00 P.M.
Campus Tours

Great Lawn, Flag Pole

Familiarize yourself with the Macalester campus by taking a student-led tour. Tickets available at check-in. Space is limited.

1:00–1:45 P.M.
Café Mac Tour: Navigating Food Allergies and Celiac Disease

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.

2:30-3:30 PM
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.

4:00-4:30 P.M.
*Orientation Welcome

Leonard Center Fieldhouse

President Suzanne Rivera will welcome new students to the Macalester community. 

4:30–5:30 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. 

5:30 PM-7:30 P.M.
Dinner on Your Own and Family Farewell to Students

Location on your own

Families will be able to have dinner with students at an off-campus location of their choosing and say farewell during this time.