Frequently Asked Questions
What immunizations are required for admission to Carleton College?
To be compliant with Minnesota State Law, all incoming students are required to submit:
- dates of immunization against tetanus and diphtheria (Td) or Tdap (must have had Td/Tdap within the past 10 years)
- dates of immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) (need evidence of 2 doses of MMR)
- a completed Tuberculosis Risk Assessment on page 5 and if indicated, submit results of a PPD (Mantoux test) within the past 6 months
- International Students must provide results of a TB mantoux test given within the last 6 months
Other FAQs
Site Index- Advising Handbook
- Foreign Language Placement Testing
- Housing
- Information Technology Services
- New Students 2009
- OneCard
- Post Office
- Wellness Center
Advising Handbook (back to index)
- When do Carleton students declare a major? If I already know what I want to major in, can I declare a major early?Carleton students declare majors spring term of their sophomore year. Students cannot declare earlier. Why...
- Are courses at St. Olaf available to me?
Yes. By special arrangement and if space is available, students may take courses at St....
- Do I have to take the placement tests?While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students...
- O.K. So I'll take three courses my first term. How do I know which ones to take?Most students will pre-register for one of the special courses for first-year students. In order...
- What do I need to know about the 3-3 calendar?You may have already noticed unusual features of Carleton's calendar. In some ways, it resembles...
- Will I have an adviser to help me register?You will be assigned an academic adviser after summer registration, but before you arrive on...
- What has to be done to fulfill the writing requirement?Based on how you scored on the self-placement writing placement exam you will be directed...
- What are the departmental policies on AP scores and placement?See the Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar’s web site....
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials at The Carleton...
- How do I know what courses are available?Consult the paper schedule on course information sent to you in summer mailing # 3...
- What do "Distros" and "RAD" mean?"Distros" are distribution requirements, which require you to take a variety of courses in four...
- What do HU, AL, SS, MS, and ND stand for?About one-third of the courses you take at Carleton will fulfill distribution requirements in our...
- What is a concentration?Students may elect to complete one of Carleton’s 16 concentrations in addition to a major....
- What is "scrunch"?"Scrunch" refers to Carleton's Satisfactory/ Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC) grading option. For this option, S=A to...
- What should I do to prepare for placement tests?The purpose of the placement tests is to make sure you get into the right...
- What is the purpose of academic advising?Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their...
- What do I need to know about Priority Registration?Carleton students register in priority order. That means that for most courses, seniors register first...
Foreign Language Placement Testing (back to index)
- How do I know what level to register for?Take the placement test!...
- When should I start language study at Carleton?Whether you are continuing a language you studied in high school or are starting a...
- Can I minor in a language?Students who fulfill requirements for advanced coursework beyond the language requirement receive a “Certificate of...
- What opportunities will I have to practice my language outside of the classroom?All language departments offer a variety of extra-curricular activities, including language tables, film screenings and...
- Why does Carleton have a language requirement?As a liberal arts college, Carleton challenges its students to study broadly as well as...
- Can I major in a language?Regular majors are available in French: Literature, French: Cultural Studies, Greek, German, Latin, Russian and...
- What language should I take?If you have already achieved some degree of proficiency in a language and are excited...
- What languages are offered at Carleton?Currently Carleton offers instruction in ten languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin,...
- I've placed out of the language requirement. Now what?Keep going! Some courses numbered in the 200s offer advanced work in conversation and composition;...
- What are the benefits of language proficiency?Career goals
Some jobs require knowledge of a foreign language, but many more present additional opportunities...
- I'm bad at learning languages. What do I do?Whether a result of variable experiences in high school or natural talents, all students have...
- How do I fulfill the language requirement?You may meet the language requirement in four different ways:
by testing out with an appropriate...
Housing (back to index)
- How are first year student room assignments determined?Remember that Roommate Preference Questionnaire you completed? Residential Life staff read each and every Roommate...
- Are there phones in Cassat and Memorial Halls?There are phones available in every room of Cassat and Memorial Halls....
- What size are the beds in the halls?Carleton College uses bunkable beds with an 80" (extra long) twin mattress. When students arrive,...
- Can I move in any earlier than 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9?We are able to accommodate first year students who must arrive early because of travel...
- Are refrigerators available in the residence halls?Refrigerators are available in every floor lounge. Many students enjoy having small refrigerators in their...
- Is there a place to store trunks, giant pieces of luggage, bikes and boxes?Yes, Carleton has limited storage available. Storage tickets can be purchased from the Bookstore. Contact...
- Is cable TV available in College-owned houses?Some of the College-owned houses are wired for Cable TV installation. Residents of the houses...
- What meal plan are first year students on?First year students are assigned to the 20 meal plan. The 20 meal plan is...
- Will there be a phone in my room? What will my phone number be?Each room has a phone. Your phone number will always start with 507-222-. The last...
- How does Carleton encourage sustainable living and what can I do to help?Sustainability is becoming more and more important on Carleton’s campus. For example, Carleton students are...
- Are there laundry rooms in the halls and houses? How do you pay for laundry?Each hall and most campus houses have laundry facilities on the main floor or in...
- Are there kitchens and lounges on each floor? What equipment do they have?There is a kitchen and lounge area on every floor but one. The kitchens have...
- I have additional questions about residential policies, problems, etc. Who can I turn to for answers?The Residential Life staff oversee residential facilities (room assignments and changes, keys, damage charges), but...
- Do I need to purchase my own printer?No. Printers are available in the library and the many computer labs located around campus....
- What are the differences between halls, larger houses, small houses?There are differences in architecture, room size and type, privacy of bathrooms, student class years...
- What furnishings are provided in the rooms? What should I bring myself?All rooms are furnished with a bunkable bedframe, 80" (extra long) twin mattress, desk, desk...
- What are quiet hours and when are they in effect?The most common and potentially aggravating problem with hall life is excessive noise. Campus-wide quiet...
- What are the policies regarding alcohol and drugs?Students are expected to make responsible decisions concerning the use of alcohol. The College recognizes...
- Is cable TV available in the residence halls?There is cable TV available in the TV lounges of the residence halls. Cable TV...
- How can we decorate?We encourage you to decorate your room with posters/pictures that make your room your home....
- What do I need to do if I want to host a party or an event?Your RA and hall director have event registration forms with complete guidelines. Any use of...
- Is there a housing contract?The Conditions of Occupancy printed on the back side of the Room Condition Report is...
- Are pets allowed in the halls and houses?Fish, yes. Dogs, cats, gerbils, birds, snakes, lizards, or any other animal unable to live...
- What is a substance free area?The possession or use of alcohol, controlled substances and tobacco products by residents or their...
- May I look at my room during the summer?Carleton College's halls and houses are actually occupied during the summer months by summer program...
- When will I know what my housing assignment is for the fall and who my roommate will be?Residential Life staff complete housing assignments for new students in late July. As soon as...
- Is my personal property insured anywhere on campus (your room or storage)?Carleton College does not insure and is not responsible for loss or damage from any...
- Are the halls air conditioned?All campus halls and houses have centrally-controlled heating since Minnesota can get quite cold in...
- Does every floor have bathrooms? What about co-ed bathrooms?Most floors have two bathrooms (male and female) but some floors have three or more....
- How big are the rooms/halls/houses? How many people live on a floor?The halls and houses vary in size a great deal. Floor plans for all residence...
- What type of cleaning is provided in the residence halls and houses?The residence hall public areas (lounges, hallways, kitchens and bathrooms) are cleaned daily (Monday through...
- Is smoking allowed in campus buildings or dorms?Carleton is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor spaces, including but not...
- What is the "housing freeze?"Although the Housing Freeze sounds like something related to cold months in Minnesota, it actually...
- Can I host visitors in my dorm?Of course you can host visitors. When inviting or hosting guests, please be considerate of...
Information Technology Services (back to index)
- What kind of computer should I bring to Carleton?We don't make any recommendations with regard to PCs or Macs -- whichever you prefer...
New Students 2009 (back to index)
- What do I do if I lost my “Computing at Carleton” booklet?Call the Student Computing Helpdesk at 507-222-4040 for help retrieving your username and/or password....
- What are my banking options in Northfield?The banks available are Community Resource Bank, First National Bank, Premier Bank Minnesota, TCF National...
- How do I get to Carleton?For driving directions to and from Carleton, information about buses for students to and from...
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials for your classes...
- Where can I find my Carleton Net ID and password?The Carleton username and password were sent in Mailing #1. They can be found on...
- Are freshman seminars offered Fall term only? Can I take more than one?Most freshmen seminar courses are offered only during fall term. However, there are a limited...
- Are there any hotels within walking distance of campus?The Archer House—which is located downtown on Division Street, two blocks from Johnson House, the...
OneCard (back to index)
- What does a replacement OneCard cost?The cost of your first OneCard is covered by Campus Services. The $10.00 fee for...
- How many Schillers should I purchase?A student may need between $400 and $1000 Schillers per term, or $40 to $100...
- Can I withdraw funds from my Schillers account?No, withdrawal of cash funds is not permitted from any OneCard account. However, Schillers can...
- What should I do if I lose my OneCard?Mark your OneCard LOST anytime day or night on the OneCard Dashboard .
This is an...
- Why is my photo on my OneCard?Your photo appears on your OneCard to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use. It serves as...
- Must all students and employees have a OneCard?OneCard serves as the official Carleton College form of identification for students and employees. Your...
- How do I check my account balance(s)?OneCard Dashboard is the place to check your account balance(s) and recent transaction history. Also,...
- Can I get a refund if I withdraw, graduate or leave the college?Balances less than $20 will be forfeited.
Refund requests are accepted when a student withdraws, or...
Post Office (back to index)
- When is the Campus Post Office open?Service Window Hours
...
- What is the best way to ship my personal belongings?
New student shipments must not arrive on campus prior to August 15.
We recommend UPS ground...
- What is my student mail/ship to address?Student address
...
- Where do I retrieve my packages at Carleton?
Packages are stored in multiple locations due to the high volume of packages shipped to...
- Where is my student mail box located?Student mail boxes are located outside of the Campus Post Office in the Sayles-Hill lobby.
An...
- How do I ship my bicycle to Carleton?
Check with a bike shop near your home. Some bike shops will package a bike...
Wellness Center (back to index)
- I see a medical provider for chronic ongoing health condition. Can I continue care at The Wellness Center?We recommend that students with chronic health conditions make an appointment at the Allina Medical...
- What immunizations are required for admission to Carleton College?To be compliant with Minnesota State Law, all incoming students are required to submit:
dates of...
- Does the Carleton Insurance Plan offer Mental Health Coverage?Yes. The insured student is responsible for a $100 deductible per year. After that, outpatient...
- Does Carleton College offer an insurance plan that I can purchase?The College works with Collegiate Insurance Resources (800-513-3788) to provide a student accident/sickness plan. Contact...
- Can I use The Wellness Center if I don’t purchase the Carleton sponsored insurance plan?Yes, but please note that health services beyond general diagnosis of illness and treatment of...
- Where do I go if I have a disability and need accommodations?All students with disabilities must register with Disability Services for Students before accommodations can be...
- What do I do if I need prescription medicines while I am at Carleton?· You can fill your prescription medicines before coming to Carleton at your home pharmacy.
·...
- I won’t be able to make the deadline for the Health and Physical form to be returned by August 6th. What should I do?Call The Wellness Center (507-222-4080) and leave a message with your name and the date...
- I anticipate needing on-going counseling for a psychological concern. Can I work with a psychologist at The Wellness Center?The Wellness Center (TWC) offers short-term individual and group counseling services to enrolled Carleton students....
- Is there a peer I can talk to regarding health questions?Yes. The Student Wellness Advisors (SWAs) are available to provide you with educational information and...
- Are there fees to see health care providers at The Wellness Center?No. There are no fees to see mental health or physical health providers. However, there...
- What services are available at The Wellness Center?Please see the Wellness Center website for a full description of the mental health and...
- Where can I find information about alcohol and other drug resources?The Wellness Center provides students with chemical health screenings, referrals and education about alcohol and...
- Are there 24 hour emergency services available to Carleton students?There are no after-hour medical services provided through The Wellness Center. Students may seek evening...
- I need to receive allergy shots while I am at Carleton. Can I get them at The Wellness Center?No. The Wellness Center does not offer allergy shot services. You can get your allergy...
- Advising Handbook
- Foreign Language Placement Testing
- Housing
- Information Technology Services
- New Students 2009
- OneCard
- Post Office
- Wellness Center
Advising Handbook (back to index)
- When do Carleton students declare a major? If I already know what I want to major in, can I declare a major early?Carleton students declare majors spring term of their sophomore year. Students cannot declare earlier. Why...
- Are courses at St. Olaf available to me?Yes. By special arrangement and if space is available, students may take courses at St....
- Do I have to take the placement tests?While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students...
- O.K. So I'll take three courses my first term. How do I know which ones to take?Most students will pre-register for one of the special courses for first-year students. In order...
- What do I need to know about the 3-3 calendar?You may have already noticed unusual features of Carleton's calendar. In some ways, it resembles...
- Will I have an adviser to help me register?You will be assigned an academic adviser after summer registration, but before you arrive on...
- What has to be done to fulfill the writing requirement?Based on how you scored on the self-placement writing placement exam you will be directed...
- What are the departmental policies on AP scores and placement?See the Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar’s web site....
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials at The Carleton...
- How do I know what courses are available?Consult the paper schedule on course information sent to you in summer mailing # 3...
- What do "Distros" and "RAD" mean?"Distros" are distribution requirements, which require you to take a variety of courses in four...
- What do HU, AL, SS, MS, and ND stand for?About one-third of the courses you take at Carleton will fulfill distribution requirements in our...
- What is a concentration?Students may elect to complete one of Carleton’s 16 concentrations in addition to a major....
- What is "scrunch"?"Scrunch" refers to Carleton's Satisfactory/ Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC) grading option. For this option, S=A to...
- What should I do to prepare for placement tests?The purpose of the placement tests is to make sure you get into the right...
- What is the purpose of academic advising?Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their...
- What do I need to know about Priority Registration?Carleton students register in priority order. That means that for most courses, seniors register first...
Foreign Language Placement Testing (back to index)
- How do I know what level to register for?Take the placement test!...
- When should I start language study at Carleton?Whether you are continuing a language you studied in high school or are starting a...
- Can I minor in a language?Students who fulfill requirements for advanced coursework beyond the language requirement receive a “Certificate of...
- What opportunities will I have to practice my language outside of the classroom?All language departments offer a variety of extra-curricular activities, including language tables, film screenings and...
- Why does Carleton have a language requirement?As a liberal arts college, Carleton challenges its students to study broadly as well as...
- Can I major in a language?Regular majors are available in French: Literature, French: Cultural Studies, Greek, German, Latin, Russian and...
- What language should I take?If you have already achieved some degree of proficiency in a language and are excited...
- What languages are offered at Carleton?Currently Carleton offers instruction in ten languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin,...
- I've placed out of the language requirement. Now what?Keep going! Some courses numbered in the 200s offer advanced work in conversation and composition;...
- What are the benefits of language proficiency?Career goals Some jobs require knowledge of a foreign language, but many more present additional opportunities...
- I'm bad at learning languages. What do I do?Whether a result of variable experiences in high school or natural talents, all students have...
- How do I fulfill the language requirement?You may meet the language requirement in four different ways: by testing out with an appropriate...
Housing (back to index)
- How are first year student room assignments determined?Remember that Roommate Preference Questionnaire you completed? Residential Life staff read each and every Roommate...
- Are there phones in Cassat and Memorial Halls?There are phones available in every room of Cassat and Memorial Halls....
- What size are the beds in the halls?Carleton College uses bunkable beds with an 80" (extra long) twin mattress. When students arrive,...
- Can I move in any earlier than 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9?We are able to accommodate first year students who must arrive early because of travel...
- Are refrigerators available in the residence halls?Refrigerators are available in every floor lounge. Many students enjoy having small refrigerators in their...
- Is there a place to store trunks, giant pieces of luggage, bikes and boxes?Yes, Carleton has limited storage available. Storage tickets can be purchased from the Bookstore. Contact...
- Is cable TV available in College-owned houses?Some of the College-owned houses are wired for Cable TV installation. Residents of the houses...
- What meal plan are first year students on?First year students are assigned to the 20 meal plan. The 20 meal plan is...
- Will there be a phone in my room? What will my phone number be?Each room has a phone. Your phone number will always start with 507-222-. The last...
- How does Carleton encourage sustainable living and what can I do to help?Sustainability is becoming more and more important on Carleton’s campus. For example, Carleton students are...
- Are there laundry rooms in the halls and houses? How do you pay for laundry?Each hall and most campus houses have laundry facilities on the main floor or in...
- Are there kitchens and lounges on each floor? What equipment do they have?There is a kitchen and lounge area on every floor but one. The kitchens have...
- I have additional questions about residential policies, problems, etc. Who can I turn to for answers?The Residential Life staff oversee residential facilities (room assignments and changes, keys, damage charges), but...
- Do I need to purchase my own printer?No. Printers are available in the library and the many computer labs located around campus....
- What are the differences between halls, larger houses, small houses?There are differences in architecture, room size and type, privacy of bathrooms, student class years...
- What furnishings are provided in the rooms? What should I bring myself?All rooms are furnished with a bunkable bedframe, 80" (extra long) twin mattress, desk, desk...
- What are quiet hours and when are they in effect?The most common and potentially aggravating problem with hall life is excessive noise. Campus-wide quiet...
- What are the policies regarding alcohol and drugs?Students are expected to make responsible decisions concerning the use of alcohol. The College recognizes...
- Is cable TV available in the residence halls?There is cable TV available in the TV lounges of the residence halls. Cable TV...
- How can we decorate?We encourage you to decorate your room with posters/pictures that make your room your home....
- What do I need to do if I want to host a party or an event?Your RA and hall director have event registration forms with complete guidelines. Any use of...
- Is there a housing contract?The Conditions of Occupancy printed on the back side of the Room Condition Report is...
- Are pets allowed in the halls and houses?Fish, yes. Dogs, cats, gerbils, birds, snakes, lizards, or any other animal unable to live...
- What is a substance free area?The possession or use of alcohol, controlled substances and tobacco products by residents or their...
- May I look at my room during the summer?Carleton College's halls and houses are actually occupied during the summer months by summer program...
- When will I know what my housing assignment is for the fall and who my roommate will be?Residential Life staff complete housing assignments for new students in late July. As soon as...
- Is my personal property insured anywhere on campus (your room or storage)?Carleton College does not insure and is not responsible for loss or damage from any...
- Are the halls air conditioned?All campus halls and houses have centrally-controlled heating since Minnesota can get quite cold in...
- Does every floor have bathrooms? What about co-ed bathrooms?Most floors have two bathrooms (male and female) but some floors have three or more....
- How big are the rooms/halls/houses? How many people live on a floor?The halls and houses vary in size a great deal. Floor plans for all residence...
- What type of cleaning is provided in the residence halls and houses?The residence hall public areas (lounges, hallways, kitchens and bathrooms) are cleaned daily (Monday through...
- Is smoking allowed in campus buildings or dorms?Carleton is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor spaces, including but not...
- What is the "housing freeze?"Although the Housing Freeze sounds like something related to cold months in Minnesota, it actually...
- Can I host visitors in my dorm?Of course you can host visitors. When inviting or hosting guests, please be considerate of...
Information Technology Services (back to index)
- What kind of computer should I bring to Carleton?We don't make any recommendations with regard to PCs or Macs -- whichever you prefer...
New Students 2009 (back to index)
- What do I do if I lost my “Computing at Carleton” booklet?Call the Student Computing Helpdesk at 507-222-4040 for help retrieving your username and/or password....
- What are my banking options in Northfield?The banks available are Community Resource Bank, First National Bank, Premier Bank Minnesota, TCF National...
- How do I get to Carleton?For driving directions to and from Carleton, information about buses for students to and from...
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials for your classes...
- Where can I find my Carleton Net ID and password?The Carleton username and password were sent in Mailing #1. They can be found on...
- Are freshman seminars offered Fall term only? Can I take more than one?Most freshmen seminar courses are offered only during fall term. However, there are a limited...
- Are there any hotels within walking distance of campus?The Archer House—which is located downtown on Division Street, two blocks from Johnson House, the...
OneCard (back to index)
- What does a replacement OneCard cost?The cost of your first OneCard is covered by Campus Services. The $10.00 fee for...
- How many Schillers should I purchase?A student may need between $400 and $1000 Schillers per term, or $40 to $100...
- Can I withdraw funds from my Schillers account?No, withdrawal of cash funds is not permitted from any OneCard account. However, Schillers can...
- What should I do if I lose my OneCard?Mark your OneCard LOST anytime day or night on the OneCard Dashboard . This is an...
- Why is my photo on my OneCard?Your photo appears on your OneCard to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use. It serves as...
- Must all students and employees have a OneCard?OneCard serves as the official Carleton College form of identification for students and employees. Your...
- How do I check my account balance(s)?OneCard Dashboard is the place to check your account balance(s) and recent transaction history. Also,...
- Can I get a refund if I withdraw, graduate or leave the college?Balances less than $20 will be forfeited. Refund requests are accepted when a student withdraws, or...
Post Office (back to index)
- When is the Campus Post Office open?Service Window Hours ...
- What is the best way to ship my personal belongings?New student shipments must not arrive on campus prior to August 15. We recommend UPS ground...
- What is my student mail/ship to address?Student address ...
- Where do I retrieve my packages at Carleton?Packages are stored in multiple locations due to the high volume of packages shipped to...
- Where is my student mail box located?Student mail boxes are located outside of the Campus Post Office in the Sayles-Hill lobby. An...
- How do I ship my bicycle to Carleton?Check with a bike shop near your home. Some bike shops will package a bike...
Wellness Center (back to index)
- I see a medical provider for chronic ongoing health condition. Can I continue care at The Wellness Center?We recommend that students with chronic health conditions make an appointment at the Allina Medical...
- What immunizations are required for admission to Carleton College?To be compliant with Minnesota State Law, all incoming students are required to submit: dates of...
- Does the Carleton Insurance Plan offer Mental Health Coverage?Yes. The insured student is responsible for a $100 deductible per year. After that, outpatient...
- Does Carleton College offer an insurance plan that I can purchase?The College works with Collegiate Insurance Resources (800-513-3788) to provide a student accident/sickness plan. Contact...
- Can I use The Wellness Center if I don’t purchase the Carleton sponsored insurance plan?Yes, but please note that health services beyond general diagnosis of illness and treatment of...
- Where do I go if I have a disability and need accommodations?All students with disabilities must register with Disability Services for Students before accommodations can be...
- What do I do if I need prescription medicines while I am at Carleton?· You can fill your prescription medicines before coming to Carleton at your home pharmacy. ·...
- I won’t be able to make the deadline for the Health and Physical form to be returned by August 6th. What should I do?Call The Wellness Center (507-222-4080) and leave a message with your name and the date...
- I anticipate needing on-going counseling for a psychological concern. Can I work with a psychologist at The Wellness Center?The Wellness Center (TWC) offers short-term individual and group counseling services to enrolled Carleton students....
- Is there a peer I can talk to regarding health questions?Yes. The Student Wellness Advisors (SWAs) are available to provide you with educational information and...
- Are there fees to see health care providers at The Wellness Center?No. There are no fees to see mental health or physical health providers. However, there...
- What services are available at The Wellness Center?Please see the Wellness Center website for a full description of the mental health and...
- Where can I find information about alcohol and other drug resources?The Wellness Center provides students with chemical health screenings, referrals and education about alcohol and...
- Are there 24 hour emergency services available to Carleton students?There are no after-hour medical services provided through The Wellness Center. Students may seek evening...
- I need to receive allergy shots while I am at Carleton. Can I get them at The Wellness Center?No. The Wellness Center does not offer allergy shot services. You can get your allergy...