Welcome to St. Olaf College! We hope that you enjoy your stay with us. This page will contain answers to our most frequently asked questions about staying at St. Olaf. Please feel free to leave any comments on our short survey linked here.
Campus Communication
24 hours a day, the Public Safety and Emergency Assistance Office can be reached by dialing x3666 from any campus phone, or (507)786-3031.
When using a campus phone, any of the following extensions preceding an ‘x’ can be used. When dialing locally, dial a ‘9’ before. When dialing outside a local area code, dial both ‘9’ and ‘1’ before dialing the number with its area code.
Otherwise, the digits can be added to (507) 786 – XXXX when a campus phone is not being used.
Conference, Camp, and Events Office: x3031
Campus Switchboard: x2222
Northfield Police or Fire: 911 (9-911 on campus phones)
EcoTrans Shuttle Service: (507) 664 – 3859
First Choice Shuttle (Taxi): (507) 645 – 4447
Northfield Hospital: (507) 646 – 1000
Allina Medical Clinic: (507) 663 – 9000
Northfield Urgent Care: (507) 664 – 9999
Campus Summer Hours
Buntrock Commons
M-Th 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
F 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Weekend hours vary according to the conferences schedule.
Bookstore
Full Store
M-Th 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
F 8:00 am – 12 pm
Convenience Store
M-Th 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
F-Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Cage Café (2nd Floor of Buntrock Commons)
M-Th 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
F 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Stav Hall (3rd Floor of Buntrock Commons)
Breakfast: 7:15 am – 9:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Dinner 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Parking On Campus
Free parking is offered to all visitors and guests of the college. Feel free to park in any lot marked as “Visitor Only” or “Faculty, Staff, Visitor”. Please do not park in unmarked areas or in loading zones, among other indications.
Wireless Networks
Wireless access to the St. Olaf network is widely available across campus. It is available to students, faculty, staff and guests.
- Olaf guests should use the St. Olaf Guest wireless network.
If you are a guest of the college,
- Configure your computer or mobile device to use the Olaf Guest wireless network.
- Once connected, open a web browser.
- Click “I agree”. You will be connected to St. Olaf Guest wireless network.
- You may need to restart your device for the network to take effect.
Please visit www.stolaf.edu/it/wireless-networks/ for more information.
Residential Living
Linens
Each bed will be supplied with one blanket, one pillow, one pillowslip, one towel, two sheets and one washcloth. A towel exchange is available at the hall desk when it is staffed. Additional linens may be ordered for an additional charge.
Room Keys and Meal Cards
Your group leader will provide you a room key and meal card. Replacement costs for keys run at $75 and $5 for meal cards.
Campus Maps, Floor Plans, Residential Room Descriptions
Campus maps, Northfield maps and directions may be found online at www.stolaf.edu/visiting. Floor plans of residence halls are also online: www.stolaf.edu/stulife/reslife/halls. Each room has one, two or three single beds (all extra-long), linens provided. Guests will make up their own bed unless you select an upgrade for a per-bed fee. Items that guests might want to consider bringing include: alarm clock, hangers, reading light and/or electric fan if you are in a non air-conditioned hall. All halls have shared bathrooms opening onto a hallway. All showers are private. Some rooms are equipped with a sink. CCE Office has a limited supply of lamps, fans, hangars, and clocks to check out (refundable deposit of $10 needed for check out).
Travel and Transportation
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport is a 45-minute drive from St. Olaf College. Eco Trans, a Northfield transportation company, provides an airport shuttle service – advance reservations are requested; call 507-664-3859 or 888-492-7433. There are also two local taxi services that transport to the airport, please call us for contact information.
Recreation Facilities
Recreational facilities will be available for guest use during regular open hours. Fitness and weight rooms are open to guests age 18 and older. The climbing wall is not available for guest use. Facility hours will be posted in residence halls. Adults must sign a waiver prior to using the facility; an adult supervisor must accompany minors. To sign a waiver, adults must come to the CCE Office, Buntrock Commons 146, during summer business hours.
Recreation Equipment
Basketballs, volleyballs, ping-pong paddles and balls and a small assortment of other recreational equipment are available for your use at no charge. Check items out
Snacks
Vending machines are available in each hall. If there is a problem with a machine, please call the CCE Office or inform the hall desk staff on duty. Refunds will be available at hall desks during the staffed hours.
Laundry
Laundry rooms are locked during the summer. The may be used under special circumstances, please contact the CCE Office (x3031).
Bio-Hazardous Materials
Approved waste receptacles are mounted in restrooms for these materials.
Lost And Found
We are not responsible for any items left on campus. Please check drawers, closets and under beds for personal possessions. All left items will be collected and brought to the CCE Office. We will keep items for one month and then they will be discarded or given to a local charity. Those who discover they have lost items should contact us directly at 507-786-3031 to make arrangements for a return.
Injuries and Accidents
The St. Olaf College Health Service is closed during the summer. Health care may be received at the Northfield Hospital, which has full emergency services.
Injury and Accident Reports
In order that we may maintain a safe environment and be aware of all potential problems on campus, please inform us of any injuries or accidents that happen to your participants during their stay here at St. Olaf. You may call us at 507-786-3031 or email events@stolaf.edu with the information.
Fire
There are no fire drills scheduled during the summer months. All alarms should be taken seriously and buildings must be vacated until the all clear has been given. False alarms are a serious offense and fines will be assessed if a false fire alarm is initiated. Follow all instructions for evacuation as posted in all buildings.
Storms
Minnesota weather can be extreme. We may experience severe thunderstorms, tornados or high winds. In the event of threatening weather, follow posted emergency procedures. Under no circumstances will people be allowed to remain outdoors on athletic fields if lightening is threatening. In the event of threatening weather, emergency sirens will sound and staff members will guide you to designated shelters.
Safety Codes and Regulations
Safety Codes are set for all campus facilities. Room capacities, placement, and use of equipment and/or furnishings may not violate these codes.
Elevators
Elevators should not be used in the event of a fire emergency. All classroom buildings are equipped with elevators; please check with CCE staff for elevator locations. We reserve the right to turn elevators off without warning in the event of misuse.
Residence Hall Security
Residence halls will be locked 24/7. Please keep your rooms within the hall locked at all times, as we are not responsible for loss or damage to your belongings.