Parents & Families as
Partners
Here at St. Olaf College, we consider parents, family members, and other individuals who support Oles as partners in each student’s collegiate experience. New Student Orientation, while a process primarily developed for incoming students, is also designed to assist our new (and seasoned) Ole families in acclimating themselves to the larger St. Olaf community.
Move-In Day: Family Edition
Move-In Day isn’t just for students! We are excited to provide engagement opportunities for parents and families on Friday, September 4, 2026 for fall move-in. The day will culminate with a long-held tradition we call A St. Olaf Welcome and after this event, families will depart campus and incoming Oles will begin their New Student Orientation experience. Please take special note about departing campus:if you want a more personalized and intimate “final good-bye” moment with your Ole, please do that prior to the start of A St. Olaf Welcome since at the conclusion of that program, our new Oles will launch immediately into their orientation journey with their new fellow classmates!
For Spring Semester start, there is no formal programming for families.
Not sure what your student needs to be working on? We’ve got a checklist.
We recommend encouraging your student to continually keep an eye on their New Student Checklist to make sure they are ready to start their St. Olaf experience!
Class of 2030 Checklist will be available May 2026.
St. Olaf Campus Address: 1520 St. Olaf Ave. Northfield, MN 55057
VIA I-35 (FROM THE TWIN CITIES)
- Take I-35 to Hwy.19 (Exit 69, Northfield exit)
- Travel east on Hwy.19 for approximately 6 miles
- The main entrance to the college will be on your left
FROM HWY. 77 (CEDAR AVENUE/CR23)
- Follow Hwy. 77 south through Apple Valley
- Leaving Apple Valley, Hwy 77 turns into Co. Rd. 23
- Follow Co. Rd. 23 through several stop signs and turns into Northfield; the campus will be on your right
- As you enter the Northfield city limits, go right (south) on Lincoln Ave (football practice fields will be on your right)
- Turn right (west) on St. Olaf Avenue toward the St. Olaf campus
FROM US-52 (FROM NORTH OR SOUTH)
- Take US-52 to Hwy. 19 (in Cannon Falls)
- Travel west on Hwy. 19 into Northfield, which will include several stop signs and turns.
- Continue west on Hwy. 19 past the Malt-O-Meal plant, until you reach the western edge of Northfield
- The main entrance to the college will be on your right. Enter the campus here
You will be given a temporary parking permit on Move-In Day! Most families start their day at their student’s residence hall where staff will be available to direct you for short-term parking. We plan your parking spot at the Skoglund/Tostrud athletic and recreation facility as the final program of the day ends there and it makes getting to your car a breeze! Limited golf cart shuttles are provided to transport you back and forth from your car and the residence halls and only run from 8:00 am-12:00 pm.
Looking to stay the night in Northfield? We have a number of lodging options in town. Please note that they can fill up quickly during New Student Orientation. Nearby cities such as Lakeville, Farmington, Apple Valley, and Faribault may also have viable lodging options.
We understand there are a number of questions regarding returning to campus this fall. Please review the information on our Move-In website.