Summer at Carleton

Summer student workers

Summer at Carleton is a time focused on unique learning opportunities and special programs. While there are no formal academic courses offered for enrolled students during these months, meaningful education takes place in many different forms. A smaller community of fewer than 200 students remains local for the summer, living either on campus or in the greater Northfield area, to participate in significant academic research with faculty or work in various campus offices.

Because of this shift, campus operations adjust to balance major summer events such as Reunion and the Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI), as well as essential campus maintenance and preparation for the upcoming year.

To help students navigate the summer months, the section below includes a list of available services and supports for quick access to updated information. Students can also find a comprehensive list of summer resources in the Student Resource Guide.

During break, all Carleton College policies apply and can be found in the Campus Handbook. Some additional policies apply.

Break Housing

Students may apply for on-campus housing through Residential Life. Please review the eligibility criteria and application deadlines on the Residential Life Break Housing website. 

Summer Housing is made up of three distinct sections: Commencement Week, Summer Break, and Pre-Season/Early Arrival. Students can apply for housing only for the section(s) during which they meet the outlined eligibility requirements.

Arrival/departure instructions, conduct policies, safety information, student storage, and billing information are detailed in the Summer Break Housing Expectations.

Meals

Bon Appétit

Meal plans are required during Commencement Week and during the Early Arrival summer sections and will be included in the housing bill. Meal plans are optional during the Summer Break section as the dining halls and Schulze Cafe have limited hours during the summer.

Fresh vending machines are available at Sayles-Hill, the Rec Center, and on the second floor of the integrated science center between Olin and Anderson. These machines provide quick, fresh, and convenient food choices when you’re on the go. The machines are stocked daily with fresh items.

Community Meals

Community Meals will be held in the Multicultural Center (MCC) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., beginning June 22nd. This is an opportunity to connect with other students on campus over warm, nutritious meals. Contact svogel@carleton.edu with any questions. All students are welcome.

Grab and Go Food Source

The Grab and Go Food Source will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the Chapel, beginning the week of June 14th. At the Food Source, students can find free, nonperishable food items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and snacks. Contact svogel@carleton.edu with any questions. All students are welcome.

Cooking Classes

Check out TimelyCare for on-demand cooking demonstrations.

Bon Appétit will host cooking classes at 6 p.m. on June 30 and July 9 in the Multicultural Center. Registration is required and will be available for the first 20 students. More information forthcoming.

Carleton Student Organic Farm

The Carleton Farm allocates at least 10% of their available harvest for free to Carleton students in an effort to help improve summer food access on campus and share the joys of the farm. Their farm stand sets up on campus once a week. The Farm also makes free produce available to anyone who comes during volunteer hours. Contact Amanda Sames (asames@carleton.edu) for more information.

Cooking Spaces

Students are welcome to use the Multicultural Center and Dacie Moses House kitchens to cook meals over the summer in addition to the kitchens in their residential space. Please leave the space clean for the next student.

Grocery Store Transportation

Carleton will subsidize transportation costs for students who need rides to and from local grocery stores. To receive the subsidy, First Choice transportation vouchers can be picked up at the following campus locations: Security Services, Student Activities, the Dean of Students Office, Mail Services, and during Community Meals. The First Choice Shuttle will be available on demand Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. The shuttle will be unavailable from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. daily. To schedule a ride, call 507-645-4447. Driving appointments made in advance are encouraged. Visit the First Choice Shuttle website for more information.

Transportation

For life-threatening emergency transportation, call 911. For non life-threatening emergency, call Security Services (507-222-4444).

First Choice Shuttle

The Northfield/Dundas shuttle is an on-demand service anywhere within the Northfield and Dundas city limits. The cost to ride is $15 each way.

Hiawathaland Bus

The Red and Blue Lines of the Hiawathaland Buses continue to run over the summer. Due to the closure of College St. and building of the new transit stop, the bus stop will be temporarily moved to the Northfield public library, effective June 22. The bus is free of charge to Carleton students with their OneCard.

Regular routes run Monday-Friday 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call dispatch at 866-623-7505 for on-demand rides Monday-Friday 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Medical Care

For life-threatening emergency transportation, call 911. For non life-threatening emergency or mental health crisis, call Security Services (507-222-4444).

Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) is closed over the summer. Please use the following resources for medical care.

TimelyCare

Carleton College students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare – the virtual health and well-being platform designed for college students.

TimelyCare offers free medical guidance to assess the need for in-person Urgent Care appointments and can also provide prescriptions and treatments when appropriate.

Northfield Urgent Care

If you need in-person medical care, Northfield Urgent Care is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Activities & Community

Summer is a great time for Carleton students to explore new sites and activities around Northfield. Here are some ideas to get started – bonus points if you invite friends!

Additional Resources