Carleton’s Reunion weekend has something for everyone! Come back for a weekend of reconnecting with old friends, new friends, faculty members, and current students. See what’s new—and what hasn’t changed—on campus.

Registration and Check-In

50th Reunion attendees:
Reunion check-in and onsite registration are located in Watson Hall on June 19 & 20.

  • Thursday, June 19: 3:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, June 20: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

50th Reunion attendees arriving after 1:00 p.m. on June 20 should check in at Anderson Hall during the hours noted below.

25th and Post 50th Reunion attendees:
Reunion check-in and onsite registration are located in the Anderson Hall Atrium.

  • Thursday, June 19: 3:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, June 20: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 21: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

All other Reunion class attendees:
Reunion check-in and onsite registration are located in the Anderson Hall Atrium.

  • Thursday, June 19: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, June 20: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 21: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Thursday evening dinner is only provided for the Classes of 2000 and 1975. There are many options for food in Northfield. If you have received a housing confirmation email from Alumni Relations and have arrived on campus after check-in locations are closed for the evening, please contact Security at 507-222-4444. A member of campus security can confirm your room assignment and meet you to let you into your pre-assigned room on campus. You can then check in and pick up your key and name tag when registration opens the following morning.

Alcohol and Cannabis on Campus

Under Minnesota state law, people younger than 21 may not purchase or be served alcoholic beverages. The College requests that all alumni conform to the letter and spirit of the law.

Carleton’s food service, Bon Appétit, holds the liquor license for service on campus.  Access to alcohol provided during Reunion weekend (at dinners and at large event venues) will be regulated as follows:

  • No outside alcohol is allowed at a Reunion event where Bon Appétit is serving.  
  • Alcohol needs to remain within the venue in which it is being served.
  • Bon Appétit will serve alcohol at meals and other all-Reunion and class-specific events. 

For safety reasons, glass containers are prohibited on the Hill of Three Oaks and all athletic fields. Please help keep our athletic fields safe for students.

The possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of cannabis remain prohibited on campus.

On-Campus Housing

As of April 24, 2025

  • Campus housing for the 5th–20th Reunion classes is currently full and waitlists are long. There is no longer an option to be added to a waitlist for campus housing.
  • Campus housing for the 25th–75th Reunion classes is currently full. You can request to be added to the waitlist for your class year during registration.

Those who reserve beds in campus housing as part of their reunion registration will be placed in their class residence hall wherever possible (first registered, first served). The Reunion Package is the only package that offers the option to reserve beds in campus housing. Housing is an additional fee of $50.00 per person for all Reunion Packages for the 5th through 45th reunion classes. We will notify those who have reserved campus housing of the building where they will be staying via email by late May. More information about the buildings being used for campus housing is available online. Specific room assignments will not be available until arrival on campus.

People who register together for Reunion and request campus housing will be housed together. If you need more than two beds for your party, multiple rooms next to each other may be assigned for you and your guests.

What is and isn’t provided in dorm rooms and bathrooms 

Rooms are mostly doubles, with some triples, some singles, and a few quads. A linen packet is provided with each bed, and includes 2 flat sheets, a light blanket, a pillow, a pillowcase, a bath towel, and a wash cloth. A small cup and a bar of hand soap is also provided with each bed. Residence halls feature bathrooms down the hall from rooms (except Davis, Severance, and James, which have private/semi-private baths). The showers in the bathrooms do not have grab-bars. You may want to bring flip-flops for the shower along with your own toiletries. 

All residence halls and houses are non-smoking. The residence halls are not air-conditioned (except Davis, Nourse, Watson, Lilac Hill, and the townhouses; James and Cassat have portable air conditioning units). Some fans are available for rent at check-in in Anderson Hall; you may also bring a fan from home. There are no bed-side lamps in dorm rooms. Cribs are not available, nor are irons. 

Accessibility for residential buildings

Alumni Guest House, Burton, Cassat, Davis, Evans, Goodhue, James, Severance and Watson have elevators. Other residential locations do not have elevators. Please make note when reserving campus housing if you are not able to climb stairs.

Requesting roommates or no roommates

There are far fewer single rooms on campus than there are people who register alone for Reunion. We will not be able to accommodate as many people on campus if those registering alone are not willing to share double rooms with a friend. Registrants not bringing a guest are encouraged to find a friend who is also coming without a guest, and make plans to share a room. Please list their name in the “I would like to room with…” section of the registration form. If a registrant coming alone does not list any roommates, we will NOT assign a roommate. You do not need to provide an explanation about why you don’t want a roommate.

Rooms are assigned in order of registrations received. If you are planning to room with a classmate or friend, you will be assigned a room when both your registration and your roommate(s) registration(s) have been received, or you may register together.

Housing families

Classes that traditionally bring children are placed carefully so that all of the family will be in the same room/suite or near each other. Some dorms have triples, quads, and quints available while others only have singles and doubles. If you need more than two beds for your party, multiple rooms next to each other may be assigned for you and your guests. If you have questions about these arrangements, email Alumni Relations or call 800-729-2586.

There is no housing charge for children (11 years old and younger) sleeping on the floor in their parents’ room with their own sleeping bag and pillow. Please note that no linen packet is provided in this situation. If you would like your children to have a bed, follow the steps in the registration to reserve a bed. The fee for a bed is $50. Carleton does not have cribs. Local classmates have been a great resource on this front and we encourage you to contact them directly.

Housing check-in & check-out information

Alumni who have reserved campus housing may stay on campus Thursday night, June 19 through Sunday morning, June 22. Alumni in the classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, and 2000 may check in on campus beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. All other class years may check in on campus beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. Residence halls will not be open in advance of these noted times. Custodial staff are working hard up to those times to clean all the residential halls following the end of the academic year and Commencement. Please note that only 1975 and 2000 will have class dinners on campus Thursday evening. Anyone else staying on campus Thursday evening will need to make their own arrangements for dinner on Thursday.

Please check out of your residence hall and return your room key(s) and/or keycards by noon on Sunday in the class lounge (please return to one of your class hosts) or to the express checkout boxes in many dorms. A charge of $50 for each lost key and $20 for each lost keycard will be assessed.

Please remember that there will be parties around campus on Friday and Saturday nights, which may affect your sleep if you turn in before your classmates.

If you reserved campus housing in your reunion registration, that will be noted in your registration confirmation, but you will not receive your room assignment or roommates until you arrive on campus. 

Housing waitlist

When campus housing for a reunion year is full, the registration will offer a housing waitlist option rather than the option to reserve a bed with that reunion year on campus. It may be possible you will still get campus housing if you are on the waitlist, but you should make alternate plans for accommodations. We will have cancellations occurring around June 2, and we will backfill open campus housing spaces from the waitlist. We will contact people on the waitlist as soon as we know we can offer a space on campus.

Class housing assignments

Assignments are based on class size, seniority, and other considerations. Housing assignments are made as reservations are received, and later registrants may not be housed near their class.

These are the tentative assignments for Reunion 2025:

  • 75th Reunion: Alumni Guest House
  • 70th Reunion: Fairfield Inn
  • 65th Reunion: Davis
  • 60th Reunion: Davis
  • 55th Reunion: Nourse
  • 50th Reunion: Watson
  • 45th Reunion: Lilac Hill
  • 40th Reunion: Cassat
  • 35th Reunion: Townhouses
  • 30th Reunion: James
  • 25th Reunion: Burton/Severance
  • 20th Reunion: Evans
  • 15th Reunion: Musser
  • 10th Reunion: Goodhue
  •  5th Reunion: Goodhue

Off-Campus Housing

Hotels

Campus housing has filled to capacity the past several years and we expect that to be the case this year. If you would like to make a hotel reservation, there are several options in Northfield and the surrounding area. Please check our Northfield Area Lodging page for links to area hotels.

PLEASE NOTE: Each hotel has its own reservation and cancellation policies and it is up to the individual to adhere to those guidelines. Carleton does not hold or manage the reservations. Other options include Airbnb, VRBO, or a local bed and breakfast.

The following hotels may have available rooms during Reunion weekend. Rooms will fill quickly and there are no room guarantees until an individual reserves with the hotel directly.

Camping

For those who may be interested in a more outdoorsy experience during Reunion, there are several local camping options near Northfield. While visitors to the Carleton Arboretum are always welcome, because of the lack of sanitary facilities and access to shelter in the case of severe weather, the Arboretum and campus grounds are not open for camping. This includes tents, RV’s, and other types of campers. See information about local camping options. 

Wireless Access

Wireless access to the Carleton network is available throughout campus. To log on, select the “CarletonGuests” wireless network. You will be prompted to press the orange “Log In” button, which will connect you to Carleton’s Guest wireless network. This will need to be done separately for each device. Call the ITS Helpdesk 507-222-5999 if you need assistance.

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed in campus buildings. Please see the campus handbook for more information. Several local boarding facilities are available with Sunday pickup options. Please follow these links for more information on boarding facilities.

Children and Teens

Share Carleton with your family!

Camp Carleton — Children’s Program

Camp Carleton provides interesting and fun activities for children who are from 6 to 11 years old at the time of Reunion. We are not able to accept children who are not at least 6 years old for this program. The program is very popular and registration is required. We are unable to offer same-day registration. There will be time on campus in our morning sessions to explore the Arb, enjoy picnics, play yard games, and engage in art activities under the supervision of our Camp Carleton director and student staff.

We are also offering field trip opportunities to visit River Bend Nature Center on this year.

Friday afternoon at River Bend Nature Center:

  • Survival Skills:  Learn about the survival rule of threes, then try your hand at building shelters and fires.
  • Pond Dipping: Discover the wild world of pond life! We’ll be using nets, buckets, and a dichotomous key to identify macro-invertebrates that dwell below the surface of the water. 

Teen Programming

Teen Camp provides a chance for your teens to explore campus and other fun activities for teens who are from 12 to 17 years old at the time of Reunion. We are unable to offer same-day registration. There will be time on campus to explore the Arb, play yard games, and walk downtown to a local sandwich shop, all under the supervision of our Teen Camp director and student staff.

We are also offering an opportunity to visit the River Bend Nature Center this year.

Saturday morning at River Bend Nature Center:

  • Survival Skills:  Learn about the survival rule of threes, then try your hand at building shelters and fires.
  • Compass Course: You’ll be taught how to use a compass and then practice on River Bend Nature Center’s compass courses that wind through our maple-basswood forest.

Teens are encouraged to check out supplies from the Rec Center to enjoy on their own or with friends, visit the Libe, and take a campus tour as well throughout the weekend. Teens may also attend classes at the Rec Center if supervised by an adult.

Family-friendly spots in Northfield

A list of family-friendly events can be found on the Reunion Schedule. In addition, there are many activities around Northfield to do with children and families.

  • Central Park, 421 4th St E. This park is adjacent to the Weitz Center of Creativity and across the street from Parish House. A large playground, swings, and lots of green space make this park a family favorite.
  • Northfield Public Library, 801 Washington St. The public library, located near Carleton, has been extensively remodeled and includes an expanded children’s area. The library offers many children’s programs and events; see the library calendar for times and program information.
  • Northfield Pool, 801 7th St E. The community pool features a separate toddler pool, zero-depth entry, a 50-meter section, a diving board, a 1/2-court basketball court, a climbing wall, a concession stand, and plenty of decks and grass space for everyone to enjoy.

Bringing prospective Carls?

If you have a high school student who is interested in Carleton, you may wish to review the Admissions visit page. General campus tours will be offered to all alumni on Friday, June 20 at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. These begin at Scoville Hall and prospective students are welcome to join. The Carleton Admissions Office will be open on Friday of Reunion weekend from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. You can also add your child to the mailing list to receive Admissions publications.

Meals

Reunion weekend meals are prepared by Bon Appétit, Carleton’s catering service, and feature locally sourced organic ingredients. Costs reflect actual charges from Bon Appétit.

Meal numbers are confirmed on June 2. We strongly recommend you register in advance to ensure you will be able to eat with your class. We cannot guarantee that special dietary requests will be available or that there will be space available if you register onsite during Reunion weekend.

Vegetarian meals are always available. Special dietary needs (gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated if you notify the Alumni Relations office in advance via your registration.

Alcohol on campus

Under Minnesota state law, people younger than 21 may not purchase or be served alcoholic beverages. The College requests that all alumni conform to the letter and spirit of the law.

Carleton’s food service, Bon Appétit, holds the liquor license for service on campus.  Access to alcohol provided during Reunion weekend (at dinners and at large event venues) will be regulated as follows:

  • No outside alcohol is allowed at a Reunion event where Bon Appétit is serving.  
  • Alcohol needs to remain within the venue in which it is being served.
  • Bon Appétit will serve alcohol at meals and other all-Reunion and class-specific events. 

For safety reasons, glass containers are prohibited on the Hill of Three Oaks and all athletic fields. Please help keep our athletic fields safe for students.

Local Restaurants

If you are interested in a meal off campus, please take a look at a list of local restaurants.

Travel and Shuttles

Reunion airport transport service: available Thursday, Friday, and Sunday only

Chartered motorcoach shuttle service is available for $70 round trip per person ($35 one way per person) from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Pre-registration is required and shuttles from the airport to campus are only available on Thursday and Friday and return shuttles from campus to the airport are only available on Sunday. To add a shuttle registration after you’ve registered for Reunion, email Alumni Relations or call 800-729-2586 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Central time). If no one has registered in advance for a particular shuttle time, a shuttle will not be provided. Remember to allow one hour for travel time between Carleton and the airport. Children’s car seats are not available.

NORTHFIELD LINES AND ALL MOTOR COACHES PICK UP IN THE SILVER PARKING RAMP

From baggage claim at TERMINAL 1, go down to Level T to access the Tram to the Silver Parking Ramp.  Take the tram to the next stop (there is only one) and go up a level to the Silver Parking Ramp.

Please note: You will need to go outside to look for your bus. There will be a Carleton sign in the window of the bus. 

Please Note: Several airlines use the smaller Terminal 2. Check the MSP Terminal Information page for a list of airlines using each of the MSP Terminals. The shuttle bus does not stop at Terminal 2. You can travel between MSP’s terminals via the free Light Rail Transit (LRT) service. Trains run between terminals around the clock, seven days a week, approximately every 10 minutes.

Schedule

Thursday, June 19

Arrival shuttles are scheduled on Thursday of Reunion weekend, departing the airport at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. If no one has registered in advance for a particular shuttle time, a shuttle will not be provided. Please note that children’s car seats are not available. Remember to allow one hour for travel time between the MSP airport and Carleton.

Friday, June 20

Arrival shuttles are scheduled on Friday of Reunion weekend, departing the airport at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. If no one has registered in advance for a particular shuttle time, a shuttle will not be provided. Please note that children’s car seats are not available. Remember to allow one hour for travel time between the MSP airport and Carleton.

Sunday, June 22

Departure shuttles are scheduled for Sunday of Reunion weekend, leaving campus at 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 12:00 pm/noon. If no one has registered in advance for a particular shuttle time, a shuttle will not be provided. Remember to allow one hour for travel time between Carleton and the MSP airport.

Commercial Transport Services

Missed your shuttle?

If you miss your shuttle, the airport shuttle coordinators will assign you to the next one if space is available. If you miss the last shuttle of the day, your options include taking a taxi or an Uber/Lyft, renting a car, or making your own arrangements. Because of fixed costs, we cannot issue refunds for unused shuttle reservations.

Parking

Parking permits are not needed during Reunion. Parking on campus is limited and certain areas have been posted as handicapped, no-parking, or reserved areas to allow for pick-up and delivery of people, equipment, and food. There are also areas blocked off to allow for events. Please do not move signs or park in these designated areas. Cars parked in no-parking areas may be towed at the owner’s expense. Please observe the signs.

While visitors to the Carleton Arboretum are always welcome, because of the lack of sanitary facilities and access to shelter in the case of severe weather, the Arboretum and campus grounds are not open for camping. This includes tents, RV’s, and other types of campers. There are several camping options near Northfield, see information about local camping options. 

Parking overnight on city streets is acceptable, but pay attention to signage on the streets. Many streets allow 24-hour parking on one side of the street, and only 2-hour parking on the other side.

Golf cart shuttles

Shuttles will circulate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm around campus to pick up riders. If you need immediate assistance, please call the shuttle line at 507-649-4157. 

What to Bring

If you forget anything, you can probably find what you need in the College Bookstore or just down the road at one of Northfield’s fine retail stores. But here are a few reminders of what to bring for your return to campus.

  • Water bottle (there will be water stations around campus), camera, scrapbooks, Carleton memorabilia, music, and anything else that will make the weekend special. We recommend you put your name on anything important, in case it’s accidentally left behind.
  • If you’re staying on campus, you may wish to bring a small reading lamp, hangers, alarm clock, small fan, and extra blanket or pillow if needed, and a shower caddy or something in which to carry your toiletries to the bathrooms down the hall.
  • June weather is unpredictable. We strongly recommend bringing a light jacket, umbrella, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Check the latest weather forecast when packing.
  • Carleton’s athletic facilities and fields are open throughout Reunion weekend but the pools in Cowling and the West Gym will not be available for swimming. Bring your racket/softball glove/Frisbee, etc., and check your final schedule on arrival for open times. Please note that glass is prohibited on Carleton’s athletic fields; we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our fields safe for students.

In Case of Emergency

Dial 911 to reach Northfield Police, fire, or ambulance from a campus phone. The Northfield Police non-emergency number is 507-645-4475.

Dial 507-222-4444 (x4444) for Campus Security. 

Call the Northfield Hospital at 507-646-1000 for non-emergency medical assistance. 

Carleton College has a comprehensive sexual harassment and assault policy. The college requests that all alumni conform to the letter and spirit of these policies. If you feel that you have been the victim of harassment or assault, please notify Campus Security immediately.

You can subscribe to security alerts to be notified of any emergencies or severe weather by texting CCSUBSCRIBE to 888777. At the end of your time on campus, you can opt-out by texting STOP to 888777.

Parking around campus during Reunion weekend

Parking permits are not needed during Reunion. Parking on campus is limited and certain areas have been posted as handicapped, no-parking, or reserved areas to allow for pick-up and delivery of people, equipment, and food. There are also areas blocked off to allow for events. Please do not move signs or park in these designated areas. Cars parked in no-parking areas may be towed at the owner’s expense. Please observe the signs.

While visitors to the Carleton Arboretum are always welcome, because of the lack of sanitary facilities and access to shelter in the case of severe weather, the Arboretum and campus grounds are not open for camping. This includes tents, RV’s, and other types of campers. There are several camping options near Northfield, see information about local camping options. 

Parking overnight on city streets is acceptable, but pay attention to signage on the streets. Many streets allow 24-hour parking on one side of the street, and only 2-hour parking on the other side.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy:  Refunds will be issued if we receive notice of cancellation or changes before 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Monday, June 2. Due to fixed costs incurred, no refunds will be made after that time.