Orientation Schedule & Presentations

This program of events is designed to introduce you to your overall experience at St. Olaf College. There will be opportunities for you to meet new friends and connect with the people who will support you throughout your academic career. You will discover resources available to enhance your academic and social wellness and learn more about the community in which you will live for the rest of your time at St. Olaf.

THE SCHEDULE BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE.  WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE FALL 2024 SCHEDULE! It will be shared in person upon your arrival.

Tuesday, August 30:  Arrival Day

Time  Location Description
10:00am – 10:00pm  Buntrock Commons Orientation Check-in
10:00am – 5:00pm Meet in Buntrock Crossroads Transportation to local Banks

Set up bank accounts and/or exchange currency at local banks. 

7:00pm – 9:00pm The Pause Welcome Dinner 

Stop by anytime for Taco Buffet

 

Wednesday, August 31st  

Time  Location Description
8:00am – 8:30 am Viking Theater Welcome & Introductions
8:30am – 9:15am Stav Hall Breakfast with your International Student Counselor 
9:15am – 9:30am TBD Group Photo Please wear your T-shirt
9:30am – 11am TBD Campus Tours & Icebreakers
11am – 11:30am Tomson 280 Using Technology at St. Olaf College

Heather Malecha and Ezra Plemons, Information Technology

11:30am –11:45am Tomson 280 Campus SafetyDerek Kruse Director of Public Safety
11:45am – 12pm Tomson 280 Dean of Students Tim Schroer, First-Year Class Dean
12pm – 1:30pm Stav Hall Lunch
1:30pm – 2:15pm Tomson 280 Life in the U.S. and on the HillPanel discussion with St. Olaf faculty and staff
2:15pm – 3:15pm Tomson 280 Health and Wellness at St. Olaf
3:30pm – 4:30pm  Tomson 280 Mental and Spiritual Support at St. Olaf 
4:30pm-5pm Tomson 280 International Oles Tips & Tricks!

International Student Counselors 

5pm-6:30pm Stav Hall Dinner
5:30pm – 8:30pm Meet in Buntrock Crossroads Shopping at Target for Dorm Room Supplies
9pm-9:30pm Your Residence Hall Meet and Greet with your Residence Life StaffRes life staff will knock on doors

 

Thursday, September 1st

Time  Location Description
8:00am – 8:50am Stav Hall Breakfast with your Counselor
9am-10:15am Viking Theater Staying in Status: Immigration Regulations for F-1 students

Megan Carmès, Assistant Director for International Student Engagement

10:30am – 11:15am Viking Theater Race in the U.S.

Martin Olague, Director of the Taylor Center

11:15pm – 12pm Viking Theater Social Identities in the U.S. and on the HillCurrent International Student Panel
12pm – 1:30pm Stav Hall Lunch
1:30pm – 2:00pm Viking Theater International Oles Tips & Tricks!

International Student Counselors 

2pm – 3pm TBD St. Olaf Campus Scavenger Hunt
3pm – 3:30pm Viking Theater Gender Identity and Sexuality David Gardner, Assistant Director for International Student Programming
3:30pm – 4:15pm Viking Theater Title IX

Pamela McDowell, Title IX Coordinator

4:15pm – 5pm TBD Campus Life Breakout Session

International Student Counselors 

5pm-6pm Stav Hall Dinner
7:00pm –8:00pm  Viking Theater International Student Social Event

 

Friday, September 2nd

Time  Location Description
8:00am – 8:50am Stav Hall Breakfast with your Counselor
9:00am – 10:00am Tomson 280 Health Insurance in the U.S.

Megan Carmès, Assistant Director for International Student Engagement

10am-12pm Tomson 280 Surviving & Thriving at St. Olaf!

Current International Student Facilitated Discussion by Country/Region & Academic Interests

12pm – 1:30pm Stav Hall Lunch
1:30pm – 2pm Tomson 280 Financial LiteracySteve Lindley, Director of Financial Aid
2pm – 2:30pm Tomson 280 Student Employment Amarin Chanthorn, Employee Engagement & Experience 
2:30pm-8pm Meet in Buntrock Crossroads Trip to the Twin Cities Walker Sculpture Garden and 

Global Market for Dinner

 

Saturday, September 3rd

Time  Location Description
8:00am – 9:00am Stav Hall  Breakfast with your International Student Counselor
9am – 10am Viking Theater Academic ExpectationsDavid Gardner, Assistant Director for International Student Programming
10:15am- 11:15am Viking Theater Cultural AdjustmentMegan Carmès, Assistant Director for International Student Engagement
11:15am- 12pm Viking Theater Wrap Up – Transition to New Student Orientation

 

Tuesday, September 6th

Time  Location Description
11:30am – 1pm Ballrooms International Student Lunch

Bring your lunch from the Caf & your roommate!

 

Wednesday, September 7th

Time  Location Description
7pm – 8pm Viking Theater Check-in with your Counselor 

Any last questions before classes start?

A selection of presentations from International Student Orientation will be shared here (Coming Soon!)