Please note the information below reflects the Fall 2025 schedule. This page will be update in early Summer 2026. Thank you.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. RESIDENCE HALL CHECK-IN & INFORMATION, Residence Hall
Welcome to Carleton! Make this your first stop when you arrive on campus with your student. Students will check-in at their residence hall, where they will receive a room key, OneCard, New Student Week name tag and additional information. If you experience travel delays and arrive after 2:00 p.m., please notify reslife@carleton.edu to coordinate check-in.
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK, Great Hall, Severance Hall
Stop by if you have been assigned a student employment position. This is a time to meet with Human Resources to complete the I-9 form. This is a two-step process. You will complete Step 1 in Workday prior to your arrival on campus. To complete Step 2, you need to present the appropriate forms of identification. Identification presented must be ORIGINAL; photos, copies, scans, and videoconferencing can not be accepted. A list of acceptable forms of identification can be found on page 3 of the I-9. Documents may include one item from List A or a combination of one document from List B and one document from List C. You must complete the form I-9 before meeting with your supervisor for training.
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. OLD FASHIONED POPCORN WAGON & HYDRATION STATION, Sayles-Hill Campus Center Patio
Stop by the Sayles-Hill Campus Center as we hand out free popcorn and something to drink. This popcorn wagon has a long history in Northfield, with over 46 years of serving popcorn. Owned and staffed by local volunteers.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING (SHAC) ORIENTATION FOR FAMILIES, Skinner Memorial Chapel
Come to learn and get your questions answered about Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) services on campus, including the brand new clinic, 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, Sayles-Hill Campus Center, Great Space
You and your student(s) will meet lots of friendly staff members who can help foster success at Carleton. There will be various offices from across campus, 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, Class of 1974 Center, Second Floor
Stop by the new Student Health and Counseling clinic to meet staff, tour the clinic, and learn about the services available.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. POP-UP REUSE SHOP, Skinner Memorial Chapel, Room 17, Lower level
Why buy new when you can reuse hangers, desk lamps, dorm room organizers and more to outfit your room? Save money, help reduce waste on campus and support community partners. Items will be available on a pay-what-you-will basis. Proceeds benefit local community partner non-profits. You can also learn about opportunities to get involved in the local community while at Carleton. Sponsored by the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE).
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. OPTIONAL WALKING TOURS
- Campus Tours, Bald Spot
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. Look for the A-frame sign on the Bald Spot for the tour departure location. 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
Join in for a chance to explore the Gould Library – aka the “Libe” – and learn how to access books, e-books, journal articles, course reserve readings, films, special collections, and much more. You will also see where to find computers, printers, and help with library research and writing. The tours will take place on Tuesday, September 10th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are approximately 30 minutes in length and begin at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Meet inside the front entrance of the library where the tour begins. - Student Organic Farm Tours, Bald Spot
Your student will enjoy some of this food throughout the year in the dining halls, so come see how it’s grown. Join the 2025 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. Look for the tour sign on the Bald Spot for the designated meeting location. This tour is approximately one hour in length and begins at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH, Language & Dining Center (LDC)
Free lunch provided for parents and families at this location only. Students’ meals are included in their dining meal plan, so be sure your student brings their OneCard for admission. New students will not be admitted without 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
The Career Center invites students and families to an informal open house. Career Center professional staff, student staff, and the pre-health advisor will be available to answer any questions about resources, programs, and jobs/internships. Join us for refreshments and conversation. Rain location: Alumni Guest House (AGH) Meeting Room - Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE), Sayles-Hill Campus Center, Room 153
Come visit the CCCE (pronounced Trip-See-Eee) for tasty treats and good information. The CCCE helps Carleton students burst the Carleton bubble to make change in our local community. We also support civic engagement through voting, dialogue and deliberation, organizing, and activism. Students can take Academic Civic Engagement (ACE) courses, work for a local organization via a Carleton community-based work study job, volunteer, participate in an alternative spring break trip, apply to live in the Wellstone House of Organizing and Activism and much more. Come to the open house to learn more about how to get involved. - Dacie Moses House, 110 Union Street
Stop by the Dacie Moses House for a cookie and a warm welcome! This historic home, affectionately known as the “cookie house,” is a unique hub of campus life. It’s a place where students gather to relax, sing, and feel at home, continuing a cherished Dacie’s tradition of hospitality. - Development & Alumni Relations, Bird House, 400 E 1st Street
Stop by Bird House to enjoy popsicles, play lawn games, pick up some Carleton swag, and learn how our team supports Carleton students. - First-Generation Welcome Reception, Sayles-Hill Campus Center, Room 251
Welcome to Carleton! Join other first-generation college students, faculty and staff and learn about the resources and support available to you. - Gender & Sexuality Center, Hodgson House, 205 E 2nd Street
The Gender & Sexuality Center welcomes students and families to visit its office in Hodgson 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! - Office of Intercultural Life, Sayles-Hill Campus Center, Room 201
The Office of Intercultural Life (OIL) invites students and families to an informal reception. Enjoy some refreshments as you connect with OIL Peer Leaders and staff. 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 entrance
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 and share about the many programs, services, discussions, and holiday events representing a wide variety of religious perspectives, traditions, and practices. Join us for treats and refreshments in the Chapel. All backgrounds and beliefs are welcome! - Office of Sustainability, Goodsell Observatory
Stop by the Office of Sustainability for an informal open house! Meet our Sustainability and student staff to learn about the many ways to get involved in climate action on campus and in our community. We’ll have refreshments and conversation while you explore how to make a difference. Learn about our work on reducing campus emissions, supporting sustainable and equitable food systems, and partnering with local organizations on water and climate projects. - TRIO/Student Support Services, 216 College Street
Following the required TRIO orientation, students, their families and supporters are invited to join us at the TRIO House for light refreshments and a chance to connect in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Come meet our staff, explore the space, and start building community with fellow TRIO students and families.
3:00 – 4:15 p.m. PARENT & FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS, Skinner Memorial Chapel
- 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 available to Carleton students and their families. This session will also offer some suggestions about the role of family in a liberal arts education. - Finances at Carleton: What to Expect in the Coming Year
This session is designed for you to meet staff from the Student Financial Aid team and learn more about what to expect in future years as well as current year reminders. Presentation leaders: Danielle Hayden, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Student Financial Aid
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. A CARLETON WELCOME, Recreation Center, 501 Three Oaks Drive
Your journey is just beginning. The Carleton Welcome will provide details on 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 with your New Student Week group — separate from your family. The presenters include the following, in order of appearance:
- Vice President & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
- President
- Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Vice President for Inclusion, Equity, & Community
- Carleton Student Association President
- Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
- New Student Week Program Assistants
5:45 – 6:15 p.m. CLASS OF 2029 FRISBEE TOSS, 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 New Student Week group.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PARENT & FAMILY RECEPTION, Weitz Center for Creativity, Weitz Commons
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