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Parents and Families Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • How can my student get involved? What events are happening on campus?

    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
  • When should I arrive and depart?

    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.
  • How should I spend my time on campus?

    Visit the Parent and Family Orientation Schedule for a list of in-person and virtual offerings.
  • Can I ship my student’s belongings to campus?

    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.

    [email protected]

    651-696-6294
  • Do I need to register to attend Parent and Family Orientation events?

    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!
  • How can I help my student stay on top of important tasks they need to complete prior to the start of school?

    Sometimes students need a little nudge! Parents and families should please remind students to review any outstanding tasks in their New Student Portal.
  • Are there sessions during Orientation that are just for parents and family members?

    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 .
  • Will I be staying on campus during Orientation?

    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.
  • When should I book return flights for my student?

    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.
  • Where can I get cash while I am on-campus during Orientation?

    There is an ATM located on the lower level of the Campus Center.
  • My student received accommodations for a learning disability in high school. Can they receive these at Macalester?

    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.
  • Where can I find out more information about my student’s financial aid award?

    To learn more about the financial aid process and awards, see Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Where can I find out more information about health services on the Macalester campus?

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