Parent & Family Orientation Schedule
Carleton's most current COVID-19 information is available here.
As of Aug. 16, all individuals—regardless of vaccination status—are required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces on campus. Masks are not required while eating or drinking, or while alone or with a roommate/housemate in an enclosed space.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RESIDENCE HALL CHECK-IN & INFORMATION, Residence Hall
Welcome to Carleton! Make this your first stop when you arrive on campus. Check-in at the main entrance of your students’ residence hall, begin to unpack, and meet staff members and roommate(s). Look for the staff members in the blue shirts for assistance. For those arriving after 3:00 p.m., late check-in will be available until 6:00 p.m. at the Sayles-Hill Campus Center Information Desk.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK, Sayles-Hill Campus Center, 2nd Floor, Room 253
Stop by if you have been assigned a student employment position or are planning to work on campus in the future. This is a convenient time to complete your employment paperwork. Bring your required original documentation (examples: passport, driver’s license, original birth certificate or Social Security card) to verify your work eligibility. You are not allowed to work until your employment paperwork has been submitted.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING (SHAC) ORIENTATION FOR FAMILIES, Boliou 104
Come to learn and get your questions answered about Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) services on campus including physical health care and counseling. We’ll also discuss accessing and paying for off-campus health resources.
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. RESOURCE FAIR, West Chapel Lawn Tent
You and your student(s) will meet lots of friendly students and staff members who can help them succeed at Carleton. There will be various offices from across campus that are designed to prepare and support students throughout their academic career.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING (SHAC) OPEN HOUSE, Davis Hall, Ground Level
Stop by Student Health and Counseling Office to meet staff, tour the facility, and learn about the services available.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. OPTIONAL WALKING TOURS
- Campus Tours, Willis Hall, Street side
You may have toured campus briefly when you were considering Carleton, but now it’s time to learn more. This campus tour will provide useful information about the college and assist you in finding your way around. This tour is approximately 45 minutes in length and begins at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.
- Library Tours, Gould Library
You may have seen part of Gould Library during previous campus visits, but now it’s time to see the whole thing! Join us for a chance to explore the “Libe” and learn how to get books, e-book, journal articles, course reserve readings, DVDs, datasets and more. Plus you’ll learn where to find computers, printers, and help with library research and writing. This tour is approximately 30 minutes in length and begins at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- Student Organic Farm Tours, Willis Hall, Street side
Your student will enjoy some of this food throughout the year in the dining halls, so come see how it’s grown. Join the 2021 Summer Farm Interns on a tour of the student organic farm. You’ll learn how the farm is managed and see what’s growing this year. This tour is approximately one hour in length and begins at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- Arboretum Tour, Kiosk in front of the Recreation Center
Hike a small slice of the Upper Arboretum to learn about the restoration work the College is doing in this 800 acre nature preserve. There won’t be time to share the whole place with you, but we hope to provide enough information to encourage you to explore more of the 15 miles of trails on your own. This tour is approximately 1 hour in length and begins at 11:00 a.m.
- Why Treaties Matter Tour, Weitz Center for Creativity, Commons
Why Treaties Matter at Carleton is a traveling exhibition that details the Indigenous history of this region and the treaties that were used by the American government to give control of the land to settlers. It is the product of collaboration across the College. The exhibit and programming are co-sponsored by the Public Works Initiative, Arts @ Carleton/the Office of Director of the Arts, the Humanities Center, the Perlman Learning and Teaching Center, the Perlman Teaching Museum, the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, and the Broom Fellowship for Public Scholarship. Special thanks to Professor Meredith McCoy, Professor Susannah Ottoway, Professor Michael McNally, and Kelly Connole for heading the efforts. This tour is an hour in length and begins at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. LUNCH, Language & Dining Center (LDC)
Free lunch provided for families and guests at this location only. Students’ meals are included in their dining meal plan, so be sure your student brings their OneCard.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTIONS
Choose from the list of receptions below and join families, students, and staff members in learning more about a specific program or aspect of student life at Carleton. Feel free to stop by multiple locations.
- Career Center, Johnson House/Alumni Guest House Patio
How does Carleton help prepare students for life after Carleton? Career Center staff and the pre-health advisor will be available to answer your questions, show you some of the available resources, and give you tips about how to connect liberal arts skills to rewarding career paths. Join us for treats and conversation. Rain location: Alumni Guest House Meeting Room.
- Office of Intercultural Life, Sayles-Hill Campus Center, 2nd Floor, Room 201
The Office of Intercultural Life (OIL) invites students and families to an informal reception. Enjoy some refreshments as you connect to the Carleton community. Are you interested in having an OIL Peer Leader Mentor? This is a great time to sign up. All are welcome.
- Office of the Chaplain, Skinner Memorial Chapel, Street side
Want to know more about religious and spiritual life at Carleton and in the Northfield community? The chaplains and chaplain’s associates (student peer leaders) will be available to answer questions about the many services, discussions, and holiday events representing a wide variety of religious perspectives. Join us for treats in the Chapel.
- TRIO/Student Support Services, 216 College Street
Calling all TRIO students, families, and friends! Tour the TRIO House, meet returning TRIO students, and get answers to any questions you may have. Refreshments provided.
- Gender & Sexuality Center, Clader House, 209 East Second Street
The Gender & Sexuality Center welcomes students and families to visit its office in Clader House. The Gender & Sexuality Center is a space that supports the success of LGBTQIA+ students and provides resources for everyone in the Carleton community. Stop by to see our space, check out our resource library, and meet the Gender & Sexuality Center staff. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are!
- Alumni Relations Office, Bird House
Stop by Bird House to play lawn games, get some cool gear, and learn how the alumni relations office will be there for you during your time as a Carleton student and beyond. Refreshments will be offered, and alumni relations staff (including some Carls!) will be there to answer questions about how to connect with alumni in your area and across the world.
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. PARENT & FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS, Skinner Memorial Chapel
- 3:00 p.m. The First Year at Carleton: A Primer for Parents & Families
The beginning of a college career brings momentous transitions to students and their families. At this session, staff and faculty will describe the various resources for guidance and assistance available to Carleton students and make some suggestions about the role of family in a liberal arts education.
- 3:45 p.m. Finances at Carleton: What to Expect in the Coming Year
This session is designed for you to meet staff members who are here to help answer questions regarding college finances and financial aid at Carleton College. Presentation leaders: Rod Oto, Associate Dean of Admissions/Director of Student Financial Services; Mike Kotchevar, Associate Director of Student Financial Services and Admissions; and Candace Koen, Student Accounting Manager.
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. A CARLETON WELCOME, Bald Spot
Hear from the President, the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, and others for a true Carleton welcome with details about the incoming class, what it means to be a Carl, and what to expect this week and in the years ahead. You will be seated symbolically apart from the students and watch as they begin to interact with their New Student Week group and celebrate being a Carl.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. CLASS OF 2025 FRISBEE TOSS, Little Bald Spot
This ceremony is the official beginning of your student’s four years at Carleton. Each first-year student will get a Frisbee, encircle the field, listen to a brief announcement by President Byerly, and then toss their Frisbee into the air. Parents and family members are encouraged to line-up around the field behind the students to observe this tradition.
6:15 - 6:30 p.m. TIME WITH YOUR STUDENT, Bald Spot
This is a great time for those last minute hugs and goodbyes before you attend the Parent & Family Reception and students attend dinner with their NSW group.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. PARENT & FAMILY RECEPTION, West Chapel Lawn Tent
This is an opportunity to meet staff from the Division of Student Life and ask any lingering questions. This is also a great time to meet some fellow Carleton parents and families. Enjoy light appetizers before departing campus. A brief message will be delivered at 6:45 p.m. by Dr. Carolyn H. Livingston, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students.
7:30 p.m. PARENTS & FAMILIES DEPART CAMPUS