Undoubtedly, parents, coaches, and students will have innumerable questions regarding their summer experience. We've tried to anticipate every question from years of answering questions and adding to this list. If you still have questions, please feel free to email our staff.

Where are we staying?
What amenities are included at Wallace?

Where are the bathrooms?
Will I be able to do laundry?
Are there kitchen facilities?
What kind of computer access will we have?
What should I bring to wear?
What should I bring for my dorm room?
Is there anything I should bring for my event specifically?
What shouldn't I bring?
What should I expect from the daily schedule?
What kind of security can I expect in the Residence Hall?
What kind of supervision can I expect inside the Residence Hall?
What kind of supervision can I expect outside the Residence Hall?
Who else can I go to for help?

Is there a Linen Service?

Where will we eat?

What should I do about parking?

Where do I use my keys?

What is available at the Reception Desk?

How do I get mail?

How can I ensure my own safety while at the Center?

What about money? 

What should I do in an emergency?

Q: Where are we staying?

Originally constructed in 1907, Wallace Hall is the oldest residence hall on campus. Now a co-ed dorm, Wallace once housed only women. The building is known for its hardwood floors, marble staircases, the formal lounge, and old charm. Wallace’s top floor was renovated in 2002 to create a study lounge and approximately 40 beds. Wallace has singles, doubles, and triples. Single: 12’0” x 11’8”; Double: 11’1’ x 16’0” ; Triple 1: 15’2” x 11’0” ; Triple 2: 16’8” x 10’4” Wallace has traditional-style furniture with beds that can be debunked, desks, and a lounge chair in each room. All rooms in Wallace have sinks.

Q: What amenities are included at Wallace?

Linens and linen service are provided. Wallace is non-air conditioned. However, students will only be in their personal dorm room in the evenings. All classrooms are air conditioned. Residential students may consider bringing a personal fan in addition to an alarm clock for their room.

Q: Where are the bathrooms?

Each floor has two bathrooms, one for each sex. Floors will be segregated by gender. Adult staff will be housed on each student floor for safety and in case of emergency.

Q: Will I be able to do laundry?

Wallace shares laundry facilities with two other residence halls, 30 Mac and Bigelow Hall. There are approximately 6 washers and 6 dryers located in the basement below 30 Mac, located between Bigelow and Wallace.

Q: Are there kitchen facilities?

There is a full kitchen in the formal lounge, including a stove, microwave, and sink.

Q: What kind of computer access will we have?

The nearest computer lab is located in Dupre or Kagin Commons. All rooms in Wallace are Ethernet accessible. While CPS isn't liable for lost or damaged property, we highly suggest that every student bring a laptop computer for their personal use.

Q: What should I bring to wear?

Minnesota summers can be hot. While the Institute classrooms are air-conditioned, students should bring warm weather clothing. Dress is casual (shorts, T-shirts, sneakers are appropriate; shirts and shoes must be worn at all times). An umbrella and light weight raincoat are a must. A robe and shower shoes are needed.

Q: What should I bring for my dorm room?

Your room is a standard double or triple occupancy dorm room. It includes a bed, linens, closet, desk, and chair. Telephones are not provided in every room so students should expect to bring a telephone or use a public phone in the lobby. Cell phones are permitted but must remain off during instructional times. Obviously, students should bring towels, alarm clocks, and other personal items.

Q: Is there anything I should bring for my event specifically?
 

ALL STUDENTS: Wallace Hall and most of the Macalester campus is equipped with wireless Ethernet access for our convenience and each room has Ethernet ports. Students who have access to laptop computers or printers will find them to be a great help. While a computer lab has been dedicated for our institute use, having your own will be a great benefit— especially for debaters and extempers who wish to do extensive research and orators who will be doing extensive rewriting.

Extemp Students: Extempers should expect to bring everything they normally use to prepare speeches and take lecture notes including pens, paper, books, and files if possible. While research will be done at the institute, most will be in digitized media. Extempers should strongly consider bringing a laptop for researching and to transfer files from the USB drive.

Oratory and Congress Students: OO and Congress students should be prepared to take lecture notes and to write speeches including paper, pens, books, and files/articles.

Interp Students: Interpers should come to the institute with a cutting they have previously used to demonstrate their skill level. Students should be prepared to take lecture notes and practice their cuttings including pens, paper, and any particular pieces the student would like to prepare at the institute.

Q: What shouldn't I bring?

Items NOT needed: Sheets, bedding, pillow case, blanket and pillow are provided but you may bring your own twin bedding if you choose.

Prohibited Items: Water guns, sling shots, fireworks, rollerblades, contraband and other potentially disruptive or dangerous devices are forbidden at Institute. If in doubt, don't.

Q: What should I expect from the daily schedule?

Evaluated and critiqued by numerous educators and coaches, our curriculum has been specifically designed to provide students with the most information and hands-on application as possible throughout the institute. This institute was created with the most serious students in mind, those that are willing to work hard to get the competitive edge on their opponents. Our schedule permits students to commute to campus for lectures and lab. We place a significant responsibility on each student to produce research for themselves and for their lab. Through our years of experience, we have designed a complimentary program for students beginning their forensic career and those who are more advanced. The beginning curriculum is reserved for students who have never competed before or who have one season of competitive experience. The advanced curriculum is designed to assist students in perfecting their presentation, research, and knowledge base to become locally, regionally, and nationally competitive. We offer a diversity of approaches to forensics as opposed to creating a uniform style. Our model gives all students the tools to succeed while their coaches can provide them with specific stylistic direction. Come prepared to work harder than you ever thought you could, learn more than you expected, but still have fun while you're here!

Q: What kind of security can I expect in the Residence Hall?

Nightly room checks and morning assemblies with roll call are part of the daily routine. Residence hall floors are separated by gender. Students are not permitted to leave campus with anyone other than their legal guardian(s) unless notification is received 48 hours prior to absence. Low enrollment makes it possible for faculty and staff to know all of the students by name. Campus security makes regular rounds inside and outside the residence hall.

Q: What kind of supervision can I expect inside the Residence Hall?

Several adult staff members reside on a floor with students. A full time residence hall director is available 24/7 to assist students with medical emergencies and to ensure student safety at all times. All other residence hall counselors are institute staff. Room check is held in a specific manner at 11:00 p.m. each evening. Clear instruction, practice, and review of these procedures is provided to all students at the beginning of the Institute. Students are required to be back from the library or other sessions by 10:00 p.m. Lights are turned out at midnight. Campus security officers and residence services staff make hourly tours of each floor. All exterior entrances are locked at 10:00 p.m.

Q: What kind of supervision can I expect outside the Residence Hall?

Staff members assume an active role in protecting the health and safety of students. Roll call begins each morning's Opening Session where students receive schedules, class sections and other information. Students will receive orientation on safety (e.g., go in pairs, etc.)

Q: Who else can I go to for help?

Your first contact is the Director of Residential Life who is on-call 24/7 within the dorms. The dorm assistants are also available to assist you. Summer Assistants (SAs) are on duty each evening and are assigned to each group in the hall. They are trained to deal with a wide range of situations. If you need assistance, the Reception Desk staff will contact the SA or will provide the name and number of the SA-on-Duty. The University Police will handle medical emergencies.

Q: Is there a Linen Service?

When you arrive, your bed is made with a mattress pad, sheets, pillow, pillowcase and blanket. Linens will be changed once during the institute.

Q: Where will we eat?

Your Summer Programs Card will provide you access to the Campus Center Dining Facility. It is only valid for the meals to which you are entitled. You must present this card at each meal. If lost, you must notify the Center administration to obtain a new one. Meals not arranged by the Center (meals for commuters) are available on a cash only basis. Bon Appetit provides unlimited seconds, serving one entree at a time. No food, except bag meals and ice cream cones, may be removed from the Campus Center Dining Facility. Menus and serving hours are posted in public areas and at http://macalester.cafebonappetit.com/default.asp.

Copies are available at the Reception Desk.

Q: What should I do about parking?

Reserved parking is not available for commuter students. Students may find off-street parking or use any of the free lots on campus. Please be sure that you are permitted to park in the lot all day.

If you do not have reserved parking, it is your responsibility to find parking and pay for it, if necessary. Public parking may be available on a cash basis at the nearby lots. Be aware that parking can be expensive. Improperly parked vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed by the police; any fees/fines incurred are your responsibility. For more information on parking available on campus, visit Parking & Transportation services. Additional information will be provided at registration.

Q: Where do I use my keys?

Your keys open your mailbox, your room door, the door leading to locked residential areas and the front entrance doors. If you lose a key, please report it immediately to the Center administration. You will be charged for each replacement key. Additional charges may be required if locks need to be changed or replaced. Keys may not be duplicated.

Q: What is available at the Reception Desk?

The Reception Desk is staffed 24 hours daily, except during short periods at night for building rounds between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Desk provides information, mail and message service, stamps, ice, and recreational equipment checkout. You must leave an ID at the desk to check out recreational equipment.

Q: How do I get mail?

An individual mailbox for your room is in the lobby next to the Reception Desk. Mailboxes are assigned to those groups staying for two weeks or more. Messages for residents and guests may be left at the Reception Desk. When you give the address of your building to family and friends, please include your room number. Students should expect to telephone their parents the first night with emergency telephone numbers, student room numbers, and additional information.


Q: How can I ensure my own safety while at the Center?

Personal safety and property protection are high priorities. You must help by always locking your door. The Center and Macalester College are not responsible for the theft or loss of any money or personal belongings. We suggest you mark your belongings and keep a record of the serial numbers. Do not admit unknown persons to the building and do not leave purses and luggage unattended.

The building entrance doors are locked from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and the doors leading to residential areas are locked at all times. Your room key provides access. Do not prop open exterior building doors or the doors leading to the residential areas.

Q: What about money?

The bookstores accept Visa or MasterCard payments; the rest of the college may or may not accept any credit card payments or foreign currency. Cash and Travelers' Checks are accepted and personal checks are accepted for the amount due. There is a fee for returned checks. Students should be cautious of carrying large amounts of cash. Students should consider how much they should bring based on what they expect to spend on incidentals such as late night pizza, midday snacks/soda, etc.

Q: What should I do in an emergency?

Students will learn about the Center's emergency procedure during orientation. There is emergency egress (exit) information posted inside the door to your room. Please take time to read it. Emergencies are rare, but we urge you to be prepared. Your Summer Assistant has been trained in emergency procedures and will advise you as needed. The people at the Reception Desk have been trained to help you. Please feel free to ask for assistance.