Please note: This is NOT the most current catalog.

Student Services

ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER

Student Support Services

The St. Olaf College Student Support Services (SSS) program is a college retention program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Olaf College, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and the North Star STEM Alliance. The SSS program is one of three TRIO programs originally funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965, whose objective is to help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to complete their college education. SSS provides the following services: academic advising/referral; cultural events and leadership activities; financial aid advising; graduate school preparation; incentive program for academic achievement; research, internship and scholarship application assistance; supplemental instruction (SI); and a graphing calculator lending program.

To be eligible for services, a participant must be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year degree), meet federal income guidelines, and/or have a documented disability. The SSS program provides services to approximately 160 eligible St. Olaf students annually. In order to apply for the program, students should contact Student Support Services, 507-786-8018.

Counseling Center

Personal and psychological counseling is available through the Student Counseling Center in the form of individual and group counseling sessions.

Services are available to all students on a confidential, no-fee basis.

The center assists students with a variety of concerns that typically involve issues related to relationships, identity, self-esteem, family, depression, victimization, anxiety/panic attacks, academics, grief and loss, socialization/isolation, food/body image, or chemical use/abuse. However, any personal concern is appropriate to bring to the Counseling Center.

A variety of counseling groups are offered throughout the academic year. These groups focus on topics such as: family issues; food and body image concerns; coping with grief and loss; victimization issues; enhancing relationships; men’s issues; women’s issues; and personal growth.

Nutrition counseling is available, on a limited basis, to students who have concerns related to their eating/body image. For these services, students must be referred to the dietician by the Counseling Center staff.

Medication consultations are also available, on a limited basis, to students who wish to be evaluated for possible medication treatment and/or for ongoing medication management. For these services, students must be referred to the psychiatrist by the Counseling Center staff.

Personal counseling is also available from the college pastors, the dean of students, and associate deans.

The Center for Experiential Learning

The CEL is comprised of four umbrella programs offering a host of opportunities to gain experience while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Within each program are initiatives that promote the CEL’s mission to “create and facilitate experiential learning that complements the St. Olaf curriculum.” In addition, the CEL is a resource center for students, providing information and assistance to help determine vocational goals and devise well-informed post-graduation plans. For in-depth information about these programs, visit http://www.stolaf.edu/services/cel/

Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach (MACO)

The Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach Office provides services and assists with issues and concerns of African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American students. The office also provides academic advising and financial, personal, career, and social counseling when needed. Planning for cultural programming is deliberately integrated with the entire campus in an effort to raise the level of awareness and increase appreciation of cultural, social, and ethnic differences. The office also provides support and guidance for the multicultural alumni network and student organizations. For more information about programs and services, call 507-786-3060 or see www.stolaf.edu/community/maco. Office is located in Buntrock Commons Room 111.

International Student Services

St. Olaf welcomes international students from around the world and Americans educated abroad. Upon their arrival, new international students are met at the airport and brought to the St. Olaf campus. Before the beginning of classes, new international students receive a special orientation to provide assistance with registration, U.S. immigration regulations, housing, banking, and U.S. tax concerns.

International students live in residence halls with American students. Specially trained international student counselors are available to assist students throughout the year. They also plan social activities for international students, their roommates, and other St. Olaf students.

Local families enjoy being “friendship families” to international students. International students should speak with the International Student Advisor about winter break housing options.

The international student advisor is available to students for personal, social, academic, financial, and immigration counseling.

Health Services

Health Services staff includes a Certified Nurse Practitioner and professonal support staff, in collaboration with a physician medical director.

Students are seen on a walk-in basis (no appointments) Monday-Friday, 9-11:30 am and 1-4 pm. Fees may apply for medication, immunizations, lab tests and supplies. Students are referred to area clinics and the Northfield Hospital as deemed necessary and St. Olaf Health Center staff will assist with care coordination if requested. Students are responsible for payment of services provided outside of the Health Center.

A medical history and immunization records are required of all students prior to entering St. Olaf.

HEALTH INSURANCE

All St. Olaf students must provide evidence of health insurance. Hospital and medical insurance with 12-month coverage is available to students at an additional cost. Information and application forms are sent to parents during the summer. Contact the Treasurer's office for information.

Property Insurance

The college does not carry insurance on the personal property of students, faculty members, or other employees and is not responsible for the loss or damage of such property.

Veterans administration

St. Olaf College is approved by the Veterans Administration for the education of veterans and is responsible for certifying and transmitting necessary information to the Veterans Administration. Contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3014 for more information.

OTHER CAMPUS SERVICES

St. Olaf Bookstore

Located on the main floor of Buntrock Commons, the St. Olaf Bookstore sells textbooks, general reading and reference books, office and school supplies, stationery, St. Olaf clothing and accessories, Scandinavian gifts, insignia items, health and beauty aids, newspapers, magazines, computer hardware and software, and recorded music.

Services include special ordering, cap and gown rental, class ring orders, check cashing, gift cards, and photofinishing. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted at the St. Olaf Bookstore. Online ordering is available at: www.collegebookstore.org. Toll-free phone orders are also taken at: 888-232-6523.

The St. Olaf Bookstore is owned and operated by St. Olaf College and is a member of both the National Association of College Stores and the American Booksellers Association.

College Post Office

Students and faculty are assigned mailboxes in Buntrock Commons and are held responsible for all official notices deposited in their boxes. Stamps, aerograms, Express Mail, certified mail, insured mail, and package mailing services are available. The mailing of insured and special delivery items must be handled by the Northfield Post Office.