Stories and Resources: Welcome to MAC!

WELCOME

“My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” 

Maya Angelou

As you begin college and transition to a space that emphasizes academics, learning, and growth, it is important to remember the relative uniqueness of our experiences. As we attach meanings to our experiences here at Macalester, reflect upon your positions in the world generally, and the positions of others living in the communities surrounding us.

MAKING YOUR EXPERIENCES MEANINGFUL

Placing the four core values of Macalester—civic engagement, multiculturalism, internationalism, academic excellence—can be difficult. The process of learning about these values, and about ourselves in relation will be lived out during your time here, and below are some examples of Mac students who have been working to understand themselves and their communities.

Dan Klonowski’17 describes how he grew into new skills and new experiences by combining his extracurricular, and, later,  work experiences into the kind of learning experience that complements the skills he learns in his classes.

M.L. Kenney’18 describes the way her friendships grew, and she found community to be surprisingly important in her time here at Mac.

Shruthi Kamisetty’16 wrote a story about using grant opportunities at Macalester to educate and challenge conceptions she found frustrating as a child, and engaging in active global citizenship.

AJ van Arneman ‘16 depicts his growing understanding of his Macalester community in relation to his home outside the USA, and his time in Spain.

BASICS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

• Computer issues? Contact ITS desk in Neil Hall 314, call them at 651-696-6525 or email them at helpdesk@macalester.edu.
• Need some help with your course schedule? Look at the Registrar’s FAQ, talk to your academic adviser. The last day to add/drop classes is September 11. The Registrar is in 77 Mac 101. You can call them at 651-696-6200 or email at registrar@macalester.edu.
• Have an emergency or need to report a crime? Contact campus Safety and Security (651-696-6555, save this number in your phones!), or visit their office in Music Building M002 (651-696-6278). For SAFEWALK call 651-696-6699.
• Mac ID card issues? Find instructions at Card Services, or call them 651-696-6644, or email at osaloka@macalester.edu.
• Have questions about living on campus? Find some of the answers on the Residential Life page. If you have a roommate conflict or need resources, talk to your RA first!