We are so excited to welcome you to our campus community this summer. Please explore this page for information to help you prepare and succeed in SLAI.
As always, feel free to contact our office with any questions!
Before the Institute:
Payment, Policies, and Paperwork
Tuition Payment
You can submit tuition payments two ways:
1 . Pay Tuition Online
Complete the online payment form to pay tuition online via credit card. We cannot accept credit card payments over the phone.
2 . Pay Tuition via Check
You can send a check to our office for tuition payment. Please include the following information with your payment:
- Student’s name
- Student’s application ID (found at top of application dashboard)
Mail your check to:
Carleton Summer Liberal Arts Institute
1 North College St.
Northfield, MN 55057
SLAI Policies and Code of Conduct
All students attending SLAI and their guardians must sign the 2025 Policies and Code of Conduct through the DocNetwork portal.
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2025 SLAI Policies and Code of Conduct (290.9KB PDF Document)
Academic Credit and Attendance Policies
Attendance Policy
The Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI) is a residential program that requires full-time, daily residence at Carleton College for the duration of the program, including weekends. Only in cases of emergency and with the express approval of the Assistant Director of SLAI will a student be permitted to take time away from the program.
Additionally, students must understand that they cannot be enrolled in another academic program while attending SLAI. This credit-earning experience requires full-time participation by the student, and there will not be time available during the program to commit to academic endeavors outside of SLAI. Any anticipated participation in another class or program during SLAI must be approved by Margi Youmans, Director of the Summer Liberal Arts Institute.
If you have questions regarding the attendance expectations, please call 507-222-4038 or email summer@carleton.edu.
Academic Credit
Summer Carls can earn Carleton course credits for successfully meeting faculty expectations and completing course requirements. Visit each program’s page for amount of credit awarded.
In addition to receiving written feedback about course performance from faculty, students will receive one of the following three possible grade designations: satisfactory (S), credit (Cr), or no credit (NC). Formal academic transcripts are available upon request for Summer Carl alumni and will reflect the name of the course and grade earned.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy applies to all students that have applied or been accepted to our Institute and its programs.
Accessibility Accommodations
Accessibility Accommodations for Students
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Carleton College is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Accessibility Resources office is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
If you have or think you may have a disability (including, but not limited to, mental health, attentional, learning, autism spectrum disorders, chronic health, traumatic brain injury and concussions, sensory, physical, or speech), you are encouraged to document it in our forms through DocNetwork.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Margi Youmans: myoumans@carleton.edu
Travel to Campus and What to Bring
AIRPLANE: Traveling to and from campus by air
Students traveling by airplane should plan to:
- Arrive on Saturday, July 12th – plane landing at MSP before 2:00 pm
- Depart on Friday, Aug 1st – plane departing MSP after 3:30 pm
Airport Shuttle
For those who are flying, we have booked a shuttle bus to transport students from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Carleton College on the Saturday afternoon your program begins, and to the airport from Carleton College on the Friday afternoon your program ends. Students will have the option to opt into this shuttle bus after they are admitted.
In order to ride the arrival airport shuttle, students must book flights that arrive at MSP before 2:00 pm on July 12th. Shuttles will run at both 12:00 pm and 2:45 pm to bring students to campus.
At the airport, there will be a SLAI staff member stationed at a booth in the baggage claim area where you will gather before boarding the shuttle bus. This staff member will have a phone on hand that you are encouraged to call if you need help finding the booth or encounter any problems on the day you are scheduled to travel. If your flight is delayed, please notify our staff so that we can schedule an alternative shuttle for your arrival.
An email will be sent in mid-June to confirm your flight details. Specific instructions for how to find our staff and your airport shuttle bus will be provided via email in early July.
Note for Parents/Family Flying in with Students:
SLAI’s airport shuttle to campus is designated for students only. For both security and space reasons, we cannot accommodate parents or family on the shuttle bus. If you are planning to fly with your student, you will need to coordinate your own transportation to and from campus. There are multiple airport transportation options in Northfield that can be booked in advance. Uber and Lyft are not reliable in the Northfield area, so we recommend booking your transportation with a local shuttle service.
Booking Your Arrival Flight
All students flying into MSP must arrive at the airport by 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 12th. When booking your flight, please ensure that your flight is set to land prior to 2:00 pm, as the final arrival airport shuttle will depart shortly after. Please Note: Students must arrive on campus by 4:00 pm at the latest on Saturday, July 12, to get checked in. If you book a flight that arrives on July 12th after 2:00 pm, you will need to arrange your own transportation to campus from the airport and may miss out on important orientation information.
Booking Your Return Flight
In order to accommodate our program schedule and airport shuttle, return flights should be booked to depart from MSP after 3:30 pm on Friday, Aug 1st
The final symposium will end at 11:45 am, and the first airport shuttle will leave at 12:00 pm from Carleton’s campus. We request that departure flights depart after 3:30 pm to allow sufficient time for students riding our airport shuttle to check luggage, get through security, and find their gates. All students must vacate campus by 2:00 pm on Friday, Aug 1 (see exception for international students). Please check the dates and times of your travel itinerary very carefully.
NO ACCOMMODATIONS ON CAMPUS OR TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE OUTSIDE OF THE DESIGNATED ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE TIMES.
CAR: Traveling to and from campus by car
Students should plan to:
- Arrive on Saturday, July 12th, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm
- Depart on Friday, Aug 1st, between 12:00 and 2:00 pm
Arrival
Arrival Location
Students will check in upon arrival at Skinner Memorial Chapel, located at 405 First Street East, Northfield MN 55057.
Directions to Campus Check In Point
From Interstate 35, take exit 69 onto Highway 19 going east. At the first stop light (Highway 3), turn left. At the next stop light (Second Street), turn right. Follow second street to College Street, turn left onto College Street. Check-in will be inside the Chapel. There will be signs around campus and off the major roads to help you find your way. You may park on the street or in any parking spots designated for visitors or guests.
Student Vehicles
Students are not permitted to drive motor vehicles while SLAI is in session. Participants bringing motor vehicles will be directed to appropriate long-term parking. Vehicle keys must be turned over to a SLAI staff member and will be secured for the duration of the program.
Timing your arrival
Check in will take place from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 12th. If you are driving to campus, please plan to arrive during this time frame.
Departure
Students should depart campus at the end of the program on Friday, Aug 1st, between 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The Final Symposium ends by 11:45 am, and students must vacate the residence halls by 2:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend the symposium prior to campus departure.
NO ACCOMMODATIONS ON CAMPUS OR TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE OUTSIDE OF THE DESIGNATED ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE TIMES.
International Student Travel Information
Airport Shuttle
For those who are flying, we have booked a shuttle bus to transport students from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Carleton College on the Saturday afternoon your program begins, and to the airport from Carleton College when your program ends. You will have the option to opt into this shuttle bus after you are admitted.
At the airport, there will be a SLAI staff member stationed at a booth in the baggage claim area where you will gather before boarding the shuttle bus. This staff member will have all travel itineraries and a phone on hand. If you need help finding the booth or encounter any problems on the day you are scheduled to travel, you are encouraged to call this phone number or email our office. If your flight is delayed, please notify our staff so that we can schedule an alternative shuttle for your arrival.
An email will be sent in mid-June to confirm your flight details. Specific instructions for how to find our staff and your airport shuttle bus will be provided via email in early July.
Note for Parents/Family Flying in with Students
SLAI’s airport shuttle to campus is designated for students only. For both security and space reasons, we cannot accommodate parents or family on the shuttle bus. If you are planning to fly with your student, you will need to coordinate your own transportation to and from campus. There are multiple airport transportation options in Northfield that can be booked in advance. Uber and Lyft are not reliable in the Northfield area, so we recommend booking your transportation with a local shuttle service.
Departure
Booking Your Departure Flight
International Students may stay an extra night on campus after the program ends, meaning you can book your departure flight on either of the following days:
- Friday, Aug 1st, after 3:30 pm, OR
- Saturday, Aug 2nd, after 9:30 am
The comprehensive International Fee covers not only visa processing, but also room and board for this extra night.
If you choose to depart on Friday, Aug 1st, please ensure that your flight departs MSP after 3:30 pm.
Visa Status
Upon entering the United States, all international students will need to go through customs at the airport and present both the entry visa and the accompanying documents to the U.S. Immigration official. These are the same documents you needed to present to obtain your visa:
Please carry these documents in your carry-on luggage and not your checked bags.
- Valid passport that is valid at least 6 months into the future from when you will return to the U.S
- Valid unexpired F-1 or J-1 entry visa affixed in the passport
- Complete Form I-20 or DS-2019, signed by the authorized Carleton official within the last 12 months
- Evidence of financial support
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
- Proof of enrollment in SLAI program
Photocopies
Prior to leaving home, international students should make photocopies of their important documents, leaving a set at home and taking a set with them when they travel. Please carry these documents on your person, not in your checked bags.
Other Helpful Tips
- Book tickets that are changeable!
- CBP officers can ask to look at your phone. Make sure that you have sensitive information stored in protected areas of your phone, i.e. bank details, passwords, etc. Consider removing Social Media apps from your main screen.
- Make sure that you carry our contact information and your parent’s information with you in case you have a flight delay or need to talk to someone from the college.
- When arriving in the U.S., you may be taken into secondary inspection. This is normal. They may need to ask for additional information to have you enter as a student. Be sure to comply with the officer’s requests for information. Failure to do so could lead to inadmission to the U.S.
Visit the Visa Requirements tab on our website for more information.
Additional Arrival Day Information
Check-in runs from 2 – 4 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025
Arrival Day is on Saturday, July 12, 2025. All students must arrive on campus this day before 4:00 pm.
Check-in will be open at Carleton’s Chapel starting at 2:00 pm, and ending at 4:00 pm. After checking in, parents/families are welcome to accompany their student to their residence hall to help them unpack.
At 5:15 pm, all students must report to their residential floor lounge, at which time, parents/families will be asked to depart campus. Students will then proceed to dinner and orientation events. More detailed information about the orientation events will be available at check-in.
What to Bring
In general, dress for SLAI is casual summer wear. Shorts and t-shirts will be fine for the classroom. Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. July and August tend to be quite warm (highs in the 80s and 90s), and evenings can cool down quickly. We recommend you bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and jeans or long pants for evening activities. You will be walking to class and to meals, so you may also want to bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella.
The Rec Center is open and available for you to use while you are here. You will also have access to practice rooms should you wish to bring a musical instrument. Our staff has a reputation for creativity when planning water activities on hot afternoons, so we also recommend bringing a swimsuit and sunscreen to take full advantage of the water games. Finally, there will be a talent show during the course of your program; please bring anything you would need to showcase your talent.
The following is not an exhaustive list of what you will need for SLAI, and you should use your best judgment about what you will need to bring. We highly recommend labeling your personal belongings.
Packing Tip: You pack it, you carry it!
Make sure you are able to carry and lift your suitcases/belongings. Unless necessary due to a medical accommodation, we do not have additional staff assistance for students to carry their luggage upon arrival or departure to or from the airport or campus. There are washers and dryers in residence halls for students to do laundry throughout their stay!
Remember to Bring:
- Photo identification card
- Any chargers for your electronics, including laptops, phones, tablets, etc.
- Notebook/Paper
- Writing utensils
- At least one dressier outfit for the program banquet
- Recreation equipment and/or musical instrument
- Talent show props
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket and/or sweatshirt
- Comfortable shoes
- Umbrella/Rain Coat
- Bath towel
- Toiletries
STEM Program students, make sure to bring:
- Hiking/closed-toed shoes that are sturdy and can get dirty
- Hat for sun & water bottle
- Shirts that cover your shoulders (t-shirt works) and torso, long pants, and closed-toed shoes
Things you might like to have (not required):
- Blanket, sheet set, or pillow from home
- We supply a basic set for each student, but if you have any personal comforts, it is suggested you bring them.
- Re-usable water bottle (please label!)
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Shoes that can get wet for water activities
- Insect repellent/bug spray (strongly encouraged)
- Alarm clock
- Personal recreation equipment
- A little extra spending money
- Your meals are all included with tuition; however, you may have the opportunity to go downtown for ice cream in the evening, the Carleton bookstore will be open, and you will be leaving campus for at least one field trip.
During the Institute:
Living on Campus
Roommates & Dorms
Students live in Carleton college residential dorms, just like Carleton students do during the academic year. During SLAI, students are separated onto residential floors by gender. The majority of our student population live in a men’s dorm and a women’s dorm. We will have a dedicated floor that offers non-binary students a safe and inclusive environment with gender neutral bathrooms.
Residential life can be one of the most rewarding and challenging elements of the pre-college program experience. Students are expected to create active, and positive communities on their residential floor, led by a Carleton student. Students may be housed in a variety of room configurations including suites, doubles, and singles. Staff use the student profiles to carefully make roommate pairings.
Personal Computers
In the past, students have found it helpful to have a laptop while on campus. It is not necessary to bring your own computer or printer; students will have access to computers and printers in the public labs on campus.
If you choose to bring your own computer, be sure your computer is in good working order. Carleton does not provide maintenance to privately owned computers. Technical support for your personal computer will be limited!
Computers should not be used past curfew hours, and professors may prohibit the use of technology in their classroom. Make sure you discuss technology use in the classroom with the faculty member before using your computer in class.
Laundry
Students will have access to laundry machines and detergent throughout the program, which is included in the program cost.
Linens
Students will be provided with a linen packet containing: sheets, pillow, pillowcase, and blanket. Towels and soap are also included, but both are rather small. We HIGHLY recommend that you bring your own bath towel and soap.
Mail including letters and packages that arrive on campus are processed by Mail Services and then distributed by SLAI staff. Internal sorting and distribution may take 1-2 days. Also, your delivery notification will most likely arrive from the shipping company before it is processed.
If you have been alerted that a delivery has been made and more than 3 business days have passed, please alert the SLAI staff for follow up.
Any mail for participants should be addressed:
(student’s Name)
SLAI and Program Name
Carleton College
1 North College Street
Northfield, MN 55057
OneCards
All Summer Carls will receive a OneCard that is specially programmed to their name and program. This card will allow them to have access to buildings and enter the dining hall. Students must upload an ID photo via the GET site. Students will receive login credentials to access GET and other Carleton platforms closer to the start of the program.
Students may load money onto their card in GET and may use that money at campus cafes and the campus bookstore. Please Note: any funds loaded on a OneCard are NON-REFUNDABLE at the end of the program.
Printing Guidelines
Printing for your program will be covered on your campus OneCard, which will be assigned to you when you arrive on campus. Printers are available in the library and labs on campus.
School Supplies
At check in, you will receive the materials you will need for class. We recommend you bring a notebook and writing utensils.
Boundaries
All students must abide by the boundaries set by the SLAI staff. Students are allowed to travel within the deemed with at least one other student from SLAI. If a SLAI student and their buddy would like to leave the campus, within the bounds, they need to notify a SLAI staff member. Additional transportation information can be found in the SLAI code of conduct.
Health & Disability Information
Student Health Services and Emergency Care
Students and parents/guardians will fill out a health form prior to arrival, where they may provide detailed health needs of the student.
Because students will be visiting campus during an extended break in the Carleton academic calendar, standard student health services are not available. However, in the instance severe illness or injury, staff will seek emergency services for your child at Northfield Hospital.
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Carleton College is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students.
If you have or think you may have a disability (including, but not limited to, mental health, attentional, learning, autism spectrum disorders, chronic health, traumatic brain injury and concussions, sensory, physical, or speech), you will be able to indicate this on your registration forms.
Community Concern Form
The Community Concern Form is a resource for Carleton students, staff, and faculty throughout the year, but may also serve as an important resource for pre-college students on campus during the summer. Whether it be something you experienced or observed, please report it. There is no concern that is too minor to report, and reporting through this form may be done anonymously.
By submitting a Community Concern, you are demonstrating that you care about the people in our Carleton Summer Community and you expect that they will treat each other with respect. Thank you for your care. We will likewise take care to respect your privacy and offer you the support and resources you deserve.
When should I submit a Community Concern?
Whenever you believe that concerning behavior is affecting you or other members of our community. There is no concern that is too minor — by communicating with our community about what kind of behavior we expect from each other, we strengthen our community standards.
When the college is informed of what is occurring on campus, we can:
- intervene if we perceive troubling patterns of behavior
- connect community members with support and resources
- identify what topics should be included in community education and prevention efforts
Submit a Carleton Community Concern Form
Symposium and Departure Day
The institute culminates in a celebration of student work. The symposium runs from 8:30 am to 11:30 am in various locations on campus. The broader community, including families, are encouraged to attend!
Near the end of the program an email invite will be sent with program specific location details and information.
Key Departure Details
The final day of the program moves quickly. Immediately following the final symposium, students return to their residence halls to collect their pre-packed belongings and complete a final check-out with SLAI staff. They will depart either with family or on the reserved shuttle.
Students departing with families are expected to be out of the residence halls and off campus by 2 pm on the final day of the program.
Stay up to date with SLAI
