Calendar

Politics and Pastries
2026-04-10 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Director of Student Activities Brandon Cash.

Ibsen and Kierkegaard: Norwegian Beginnings of the Hong Kierkegaard Library
2026-04-09 11:30 - 12:30 | Upper Level Hong Kierkegaard Library
Sophia González ’26 presents her research on the origins of the Kierkegaard Library in the (surprising?) source of plays by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Come hear González’ findings and view her carefully curated display in the Kierkegaard Library – which will remain on view for the remainder of the semester. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event is co-hosted by the Kierkegaard Library and the Norwegian Department as part of the initiative “25 for 2025.”

Last day to add a second-half of semester course
2026-04-08

Lecture: Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat
2026-04-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
The Institute for Freedom and Community welcomes Kurt Weyland, Professor of Government and Mike Hogg Professor in the Liberal Arts at the University of Texas – Austin, to St. Olaf to present “Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat.” Weyland will evaluate the strength of populist movements globally, arguing that democracies are more resilient than many commentators fear.

Spring Break
2026-03-28 - 2026-04-06

Cake with CILA: Celebrating Tenure and Promotion
2026-03-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Rolvaag Memorial Library
Come celebrate our colleagues’ tenure and promotion with cake and conversation.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Location: CILA Offices, Rolvaag Memorial Library 300
No RSVP required!
Mark your calendar

First day of class for second half of semester courses
2026-03-23, 2025-10-22

Politics and Pastries
2026-03-20 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Professor of Physics Brian Borovsky ’94.

Last day of class for first half of semester courses
2026-03-20, 2025-10-17

Kierkegaard and Coffee: A Reading Group
2026-03-19 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-19 11:30 - 12:30 | Steensland Hall
This spring, the Kierkegaard Library welcomes St. Olaf faculty, staff, and community members to read Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling in a casual group setting. We meet in Steensland Hall on February 19, March 19, and April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments are provided.

Rice County Master Gardener Horticulture Education Day 2026
2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Buntrock Commons Crossroads Atrium
The Rice County Master Gardener extension will host their annual Horticulture Day in Crossroads on March 14. Local horticulture enthusiasts and artisans will be tabling throughout the day.

Envisioning a Bright Future for Rural Education in Minnesota - Opening Keynote
2026-03-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Tomson 280
Anthony Pipa, Senior Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings, will discuss prevailing rural narratives and myths at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine conference. Highlighting assets of rural communities and educational institutions, Pipa will provide context for changes to policies that affect rural areas. Nathan Grawe, Professor of Economics at Carleton College, will present research on changing demographics in the United States and their relation to higher education. Following opening presentations, the speakers will have a moderated discussion with Eric Jolly, former president of the Science Museum of Minnesota and recently retired from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. The session will end with audience questions.

Politics and Pastries
2026-03-13 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tarshia Stanley.

Art and Science Consultation Information Session
2026-03-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Black and Gold Ballrooms, Buntrock
President Susan Rundell Singer invites St. Olaf faculty and staff to an interactive session centered on recent insights from prospective student research and next steps for our strategic plan.
During the 2024-25 academic year, the Art & Science Group tested strategies with prospective undergraduate students to guide St. Olaf in its efforts to more fully fulfill its aspirations of excellence. The goal was to support the prioritization and implementation of St. Olaf’s strategic plan to help the college continue strengthening enrollment. St. Olaf faculty and staff are invited to this session to learn about the research results, hear how it is being used, and discuss next steps with colleagues.
PRESENTERS:

Introduction: Associate Vice President for Enrollment Chris George ’94
Research Learning: Nanci Tessier and Eric Collum from the Art & Science Group
Implications, Opportunities and Next Steps: Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Katie Warren ’95 and Chief of Staff Kathryn Lohre ’99 will lead the group in activities and discussion to uncover opportunities based on the research learning. They will also highlight next steps for strategic plan implementation.

Politics and Pastries
2026-03-06 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Marie M. Meyer Distinguished Professor of History Steve Hahn.

Naming and Framing with Nick Longo
2026-03-04 11:45 - 12:45 | RNS 356 A&B
The Svoboda Center for Civic Engagement is pleased to host the inaugural director of the Rutgers Democracy Lab and professor in the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, Nick Longo for a Naming and Framing Issues Workshop. The workshop is on Wednesday March 4 in Regents 356AB from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. All are welcome to come to this conversation about how we can engage in civic engagement in our communities. Lunch will be provided.
Sign up here for this lunch workshop!

Registration for Summer Session opens
2026-03-02

Politics and Pastries
2026-02-27 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Department Chair and Professor of Economics Allison Leudtke.

Last day to drop or make S/U change in a first half of semester course
2026-02-25

Perspectives on Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
2026-02-23 15:30 - 17:00 | Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
This panel will feature perspectives from three different experts responding to immigration enforcement in Minnesota in different ways, including an organization (MN Voice) providing Constitutional Observer training, an organization providing relief to affected families in Rice County, and a policing expert who teaches police ethics and tactics at the Minneapolis and St. Paul police academies. All members of the St. Olaf community are welcome.

Politics and Pastries
2026-02-20 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Vice President for Community and Belonging, Eduardo Pazos.

Perspectives on Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
2026-02-19 15:45 - 17:00 | Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
College and community officials will give their perspective on immigrant enforcement in Minnesota in a moderated panel style format, and will field questions from audience members. All members of the community are welcome.

Last day to add a semester-length course
2026-02-18

Politics and Pastries
2026-02-13 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by General Counsel and Vice President for Human Resources Carl Lehmann.

Last day to add a first half of semester course
2026-02-13

Politics and Pastries
2026-02-06 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Pastors Matt Marohl and Paul Graham.

Classes begin
2026-02-05, 2026-01-05

January term grades due
2026-02-04

January term Break
2026-01-31 - 2026-02-04

January term Exams/Last day of classes
2026-01-30

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Observation (no classes)
2026-01-19

Last day to drop or make S/U change
2026-01-16

Last day to add
2026-01-09

Fall Semester grades due
2026-01-02

Holiday Break
2025-12-17 - 2026-01-04

Final Exam Week
2025-12-15 - 2025-12-16, 2025-12-11 - 2025-12-13

Reading Day
2025-12-10

Last day of classes
2025-12-09, 2025-05-13

Politics and Pastries
2025-12-05 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s conversation will be led by Community Connections.

Taylor Center Cultural Learning Communities
2025-12-01 18:00 - 19:00 | BC 111 – Taylor Center Lounge
INFORMATION SESSION
(How to Organize a Pod/Develop a Project Proposal)
When: Monday, December 1, 2025 @ 6-7pm|Where: TC (BC111)

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-26 - 2025-11-30

Politics and Pastries
2025-11-21 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week’s discussion will be led by SGA Global Impact.

Mellby Lecture: The Music of Physics
2025-11-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Buntrock Commons Viking Theater
The annual Mellby Lecturer Award honors a St. Olaf faculty member who demonstrates “excellence in professional activity,” “Intellectual rigor in both scholarship and teaching, and a creative concern for interrelationships and communication across disciplines.”
This year’s awardee is Professor Brian Borovsky, who will present on “The Music of Physics.”

Politics and Pastries
2025-11-14 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join the Pre-Law Society in discussion this week.

Last day to drop or make S/U change in a second half of semester course
2025-11-11

Politics and Pastries
2025-11-07 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join Sexual Assault Resource Network (SARN) in discussion this week.

Registration for Spring by Graduation Year
2025-11-04 - 2025-11-07

Last day to drop or make S/U change in a semester-length course
2025-11-04

Registration for J-Term
2025-11-03

Politics and Pastries
2025-10-31 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join the Halloween Social — Talking about Politics doesn’t have to be Scary!

Last day to add a second half of semester course
2025-10-30

Quiet Week for Advising
2025-10-27 - 2025-10-31, 2025-04-14 - 2025-04-18

Politics and Pastries
2025-10-24 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns, and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week, join the DFL Club in conversation.

Post-Board Town Hall
2025-10-23 11:30 - 12:30 | Tomson 280
St. Olaf faculty and staff are welcome to join the Post-Board Town Hall, an opportunity to review developments discussed at the most recent Board Meeting. The Post-Board Town Hall will be held in Tomson Hall 280 on October 23 from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Fall Break (no classes)
2025-10-18 - 2025-10-21

Admissions: Fall Visit Days
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-17 | Buntrock Commons, 1521 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN, United States
Students interested in attending St. Olaf are encouraged to attend St. Olaf’s Fall Visit Days, October 16-17, 2025. Fall Visit Days will consist of tours and programming that will help showcase the St. Olaf experience.

Politics and Pastries
2025-10-10 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
This week, join the Civil Discourse Association in conversation.

Lecture: Civic Engagement as a Liberal Art
2025-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Tomson 280
Richard Guarasci, president emeritus of Wagner College, and Grant Cornwell, president emeritus of Rollins College, will explore in conversation how higher education in general and colleges in specific are anchor institutions in American democracy. Civic engagement is both an educational imperative and an ethical imperative, where colleges need to be engaged with the communities that sustain them and that they, in turn, sustain. The St. Olaf community at large is invited to attend, and stay for a reception to follow.

Lecture: Building Rural Minnesota’s Future and the Role of STEM Education
2025-10-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Tomson 280
Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to a talk with Eric Jolly where he will discuss how STEM shows up in rural areas broadly, and how it has been a force for Minnesota’s rural communities in particular—bringing in both data and stories. He will then provide a high-level overview of the 2025 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas.

Politics and Pastries
2025-10-03 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join Trek and Tea this week for discussion.

St. Olaf Flu Clinic
2025-10-02 07:30 - 14:30, 2025-10-01 07:30 - 14:30 | Lion’s Pause – Mane Stage
St. Olaf College, in partnership with Cub Pharmacy and the St. Olaf Nursing Department, will support the St. Olaf Community in getting the annual flu shot by hosting an on-campus vaccination clinic in the Pause. The flu vaccine that is designed to protect against this season’s influenza mutation will be offered.

Reserve your appointment time here.

Politics and Pastries
2025-09-26 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join the Olaf Messenger team this week.

Last day to drop (with instructor permission) or make S/U change in a first half of semester course
2025-09-24

Faculty Meeting
2025-09-18 11:30 - 12:30 | Ballrooms in Buntrock Commons
A special Faculty Meeting will be held on September 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The topic of this meeting is: Faculty Governance. Please fill out and submit your RSVP for a lunch and to confirm your attendance no later than the Monday before the meeting. Contact the Provost’s administrative assistant at gonzal36@stolaf.edu with any issues or questions.

Last day to add a semester-length course (with instructor permission)
2025-09-17

Politics and Pastries
2025-09-12 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Politics and Pastries provides opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
Join SGA President Fiona Mundy and Vice President Karen Henriquez Fajardo in discussion this week.

Last day to add a first half of semester course (with instructor permission)
2025-09-12

Opening Convocation
2025-09-04 11:10 - 11:40 | Boe Memorial Chapel
Join St. Olaf College as we usher in the new academic year with Opening Convocation. The event will include a welcome from Student Government Association President Fiona Mundy ’26, an address from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tarshia Stanley, a formal procession by the members of the St. Olaf faculty robed in academic regalia, and music from the St. Olaf Band.

Fall Semester classes begin
2025-09-04

Orientation for new students
2025-08-30 - 2025-09-03

New students arrive
2025-08-30

Academic Year Kickoff for Faculty and Staff
2025-08-28 08:15 - 10:30 | Tomson Hall 280
Faculty and staff are welcome to kick off the academic year with remarks from President Susan Rundell Singer, a fireside chat with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tarshia Stanley, and shared dialogue and breakout groups with colleagues.

Summer Session 2 grades due
2025-08-27

New international students arrive
2025-08-26

Last day of class for Summer Session 2
2025-08-20

Last day to drop (with instructor permission) or make S/U change in a Summer Session 2 course
2025-07-28

Summer Session 1 grades due
2025-07-18

Last day to add a Summer Session 2 course (with instructor permission)
2025-07-17

Last day to add or drop a Summer Session 2 course online in SIS (without instructor permission)
2025-07-15

Summer Session 2 begins
2025-07-14

Last day of class for Summer Session 1 courses
2025-07-11

Welcoming Tarshia Stanley
2025-07-08 09:30 - 10:30 | Tomson 107 (Atrium)
Faculty and staff are invited to gather and welcome new Provost, Tarshia Stanley to the Hill! The welcome will be held in the Tomson Atrium. Coffee and pastries will be provided.

July 4th Holiday (no classes)
2025-07-04

Fall Registration for New Students
2025-06-24

Juneteenth (no classes)
2025-06-19

Last day to drop (with instructor permission) or make S/U change in a Summer Session 1 course
2025-06-16

Last day to add a Summer Session 1 course (with instructor permission)
2025-06-05

Last day to add or drop a Summer Session 1 course online in SIS (without instructor permission)
2025-06-03

Summer Session 1 Begins
2025-06-02

2025 Commencement Ceremony
2025-05-24 13:00 - 15:00 | St Olaf College
Commencement will be held on Mellby lawn May 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming families and friends to the Hill to celebrate the Class of 2025!
Check out the Schedule of Events for more information on the many exciting ways to celebrate your graduate. Some events do require a ticket purchase, while many events are free and open to all.

Commencement Brunch
2025-05-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Buntrock Commons Stav Hall
St. Olaf students, family, and friends are welcome to attend Commencement Brunch. Tickets may be purchased through the online registration process. There is no charge for graduating seniors or current students with an active meal plan.

Illumination Social
2025-05-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Buntrock Commons, 1521 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN, United States
The Illumination Social will be held throughout Buntrock Commons for graduating seniors and their guests. This dinner reception showcases some of St. Olaf’s most requested menu items. Come when you can, leave when you must. Attire for this event is casual and St. Olaf branded apparel is welcomed.

Final Exams
2025-05-19 - 2025-05-20, 2025-05-15 - 2025-05-17

GradFest 2025
2025-05-14 09:00 - 13:00 | BC Crossroads
GradFest 2025 will be held Wednesday, May 14 from 9AM to 1PM in Buntrock Crossroads.
GradFest brings together all of the people and departments who are and will be integral resources as you transition from your time as a St. Olaf student to a St. Olaf alumnus. Bring your questions, your feedback, and your appetite (there will be snacks!). Meet with College Events, The Bookstore, Piper Center, Alumni and Parent Relations, Student Financial Aid Services, The Registrar’s Office, Office of Student Activities, and Information Technology (IT), to cover all your bases for Commencement and your transition to alumnus!

Reading day (no classes)
2025-05-14

Politics and Pastries
2025-05-09 09:30 - 10:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday. The Institute will host Politics and Pastries to provide opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events.
Courtney Humm joins the conversation this week.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Honors Day Poster Session
2025-05-02 16:00 - 17:15 | Regents Hall
Students who have conducted research in Math and Science disciplines on campus or elsewhere are invited to present a poster at the Honors Day Poster Session on Friday, May 2, from 4:00–5:15 PM in the third and fourth-floor atriums of Regents Hall Science. With approximately 75 presenters, this event highlights the diverse and exciting research happening in the Natural Sciences and MSCS (Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science).
This is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their work, engage and share with the community. All all welcome to attend.

Politics and Pastries
2025-05-02 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday. The Institute will host Politics and Pastries to provide opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events.
Bridget Draxler joins the conversation this week.

Student Poster Session
2025-04-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Tomson Hall 3rd Floor East Lantern
The St. Olaf community is invited to attend a multi-discipline Student Poster Session in the Tomson East Lantern on Friday, April 25 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Politics and Pastries
2025-04-25 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday. The Institute will host Politics and Pastries to provide opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events.
Steve Hahn joins the conversation this week.

Faculty and Staff Headshots Session II
2025-04-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Tomson Hall 3rd Floor East Lantern
The Marketing and Communications department invites all faculty and staff to a free headshot session on Thursday, April 24, at the third floor of Tomson Hall in the East Lantern from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. Bring your phone to check in, and your smile!

Registration for Fall (by class-year)
2025-04-22 - 2025-04-24

Math Across the Cannon Lecture: From Mosquitoes to ChatGPT - the Birth and Strange Life of the Random Walk
2025-04-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Tomson 280
St. Olaf and Northfield Community are welcome to join the St. Olaf Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science and Carleton’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics as we hear Jordan Ellenberg present on current approaches to AI in relation to the idea of the random walk, a major topic in applied math. This lecture, Math Across the Cannon Lecture: From Mosquitoes to ChatGPT – the Birth and Strange Life of the Random Walk, will be in Tomson 280 at 7 p.m., there will be a reception with light food and refreshments to follow.
Jordan Ellenberg, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Author of Shape (2021) and How Not To Be Wrong (2014), attended college at Harvard and returned there to receive his Ph.D in math, while receiving a masters degree in fictional writing from John Hopkins in between.

Politics and Pastries
2025-04-18 08:30 - 09:30
Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to gather at the Institute for Freedom and Community every Friday. The Institute will host Politics and Pastries to provide opportunities to discuss politics, campaigns and current events.
Anthony Bateza joins the conversation this week.

Last day to drop or make S/U change for a second-half-semester course (with instructor permission)
2025-04-18
