Parents and Families Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can see all the campus happenings by checking out the following links:

Campus Events Calendar
Division of Student Affairs Site
Center for Student Leadership & Engagement
Modern Campus Involve – Student Organization Events

New student move-in will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024. More information about your specific move-in time will be provided by Residential Life later this summer. For those parents and guests looking to book their travel arrangements, we suggest you arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024 as noted above. There will be optional programming in-person for parents and families on August 26, which will conclude by 5:30 PM CST. Parents and families will then have time to have dinner with students and say farewell. Parents and families are welcome to depart at any time.

Visit the Parent and Family Orientation Schedule for a list of in-person and virtual offerings.

You are welcome to send some items to Macalester prior to your student’s arrival. To do so, please address any items you are shipping to Macalester:

First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105

To pick up your mail or packages, visit Mailing Services located in the lower level of the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center.

For more information and service hours, visit the Mailing Services website.

mailingservices@macalester.edu

651-696-6294

Check back in June for a Parents and Families Orientation RSVP form. The zoom links for each session will be provided directly on the Parent and Family Schedule. We encourage you to attend all of the events that are relevant or of interest to you and your family!

Sometimes students need a little nudge! Parents and families should please remind students to review any outstanding tasks in their New Student Portal.

Yes, there are events scheduled throughout Orientation that are just for parents and family members, as well as events that can be attended by both students and their families. For more detailed descriptions of those events, please refer to the Parent/Family Orientation Schedule .

Family members should plan to stay elsewhere. For a list of hotels in the area as well as information on special Macalester rates, visit the directions and lodging page.

Finals are scheduled from December 14-18, 2024. Until students have officially registered for classes, it is difficult to say when they will be able to leave. If you wish to book flights early, students should determine the date of their last exam at the beginning of the academic year and plan to leave after that. Residence halls usually close within 24 hours of the last final exam period. View the ‘24-’25 Academic Calendar for more information.

There is an ATM located on the lower level of the Campus Center.

Macalester College strives to create a welcoming environment in which all students can reach their academic potential and have equal access to academic opportunities and co-curricular activities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and provided reasonable accommodations as required under these acts and per the appropriate procedures. The College is committed to addressing barriers encountered by members of the Macalester community with documented physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilities. For more information including how to request accommodations, contact information, and other resources, please refer to the Center for Disability Resources webpage.

To learn more about the financial aid process and awards, see Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions.

The Health & Wellness Center site lists contact information, hours, and list of services.