Campus Resources

Frequently Called Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can I call when I’m not sure who I should ask a certain question or where I voice a specific concern?

A: The Dean of Students Office often functions as a resource and referral agency for parents and students. If you don’t know to whom to direct you inquiry or opinion, if you are unsure who office or program might handle a particular matter, or if your issues are multifaceted and you’re not sure where to begin, the Dean of Students Office might be a helpful place to start. Phone 507-933-7526

Q: Where is the Dean of Students Office located?

A: The Dean of Students Office is located on the main level of the Jackson Campus Center, Room 201. Students and/or parents are welcome to schedule an appointment or drop in.

Q: Are counseling services available?

A: The Counseling Center, located in Johnson Student Union, is staffed with a variety of professionals providing different counseling services. Psychologists can assist with social, personal, emotional and psychological concerns or challenges. In the Academic Support Center, academic counselors are available for assistance with academic support (learning strategies, organization, and time management) and disability support. The Chaplains are available to students for spiritual care and personal counseling, for assistance with religious, moral and theological issues.

Q: What are the College’s policies on alcohol and other drugs?

A: College policy states in part that the College seeks to foster an atmosphere in which abstinence is accepted, respected and supported. The College also expects individuals and groups of legal age to make responsible choices with regard to substance use. Gustavus strives to provide education about alcohol and other drug use, to encourage responsible choices, and to intervene in situations where it has knowledge of individual misuse and abuse of chemicals. College regulations restrict the consumption of alcoholic beverages to designated areas and private rooms in the residence halls by residents who are of legal age. The use, sale, and possession of cannabis over 0.3% THC in the United States, despite laws in many states permitting it under various circumstances, is illegal under federal law and therefore on campus. Known chemical misuse and abuse and irresponsible behavior resulting from it will not be tolerated, and is subject to disciplinary action. Complete policies are available in the Gustie Guide Student Handbook.

Q: How does the College deal with students who have violated College policies?

A: Violations of College rules and regulations are normally addressed through the College Student Conduct System, special grievance officers, or other authorities charged with rule enforcement.

Q: When does the College contact parents about concerns for their student's behavior?

A: Although the College does not routinely contact parent when their student is found to have broken College rules, we may do so when the student has been found responsible for a serious violation and has thus jeopardized his or her status with the College. Because we believe that parents share a deep concern with us for the growth and development of our students, we send a copy of a letter sent to you son or daughter concerning the violation of the College policy when their status with the College is in jeopardy.

Q: Does the Book Mark have a website, and can students order textbooks there?

A: Yes. The Book Mark’s Web address is https://gustavus.edu/bookmark/, and in addition to the online catalog of clothing, books, and gifts, students can order their textbooks. For details see their Textbook 101 page..

Q: Is parking allowed on campus?

A: Due to space constraints, the number of on-campus parking permits issued is limited. Submission of a parking application does not guarantee issuance of a permit. Students may apply for campus parking permits on a first-come, first-served basis. For parking information and permit applications, contact the Department of Campus Safety 24 hours a day. Students are charged a yearly fee for student parking permits. Visitor parking is provided on campus and is identified accordingly. If visitor parking is full, please contact the Campus Safety office for assistance 507-933-8888. All visitors wishing to park on-campus overnight must register their vehicles with Campus Safety and receive a temporary permit.

Q: Is there an safety escort service?

A: An on-campus walking escort service is provided for members of the College community from dusk to dawn by the Department of Campus Safety. Mobile escorts for persons with physical disabilities are available 24 hours a day. All escorts may be requested by phoning 507-933-8888.

Q: Where can I find information about the academic calendar, graduation requirements, and classes?

A: The Registrar's Office manages all information related to classes and academic requirements.

Other Resources for Parents

Conversation Starters

An important conversation guide called "Parents, You're Not Done Yet" for discussions with your student about substance use at college, including suggested harm-reduction strategies.
A checklist of "conversation starters" related to several aspects of your student's life at college, including finances, time management, communication with parents, values, etc.

The Rhythm of Gustavus First-Year Students

The W-Curve developed by Zeller and Mosier (1993) explains a pattern of stages that occur when experiencing culture shock. It's normal to have ups and downs, especially the first year of college, as the W-Curve suggests.
Honeymoon Phase starts prior to even stepping foot on campus and encompasses the excitement and anticipation of a new journey
Culture Shock naturally occurs while dealing with all the new adjustments. Zeller and Mosier reveal this period as a time of great conflict and anxiety but it can lead to positive change.
Initial Adjustments once made helps student to gain confidence in ability to face other conflicts and challenges along the way.
Mental Isolation occurs where they may compare the new culture and their familiar culture back home. Homesickness begins to be felt, however there is a sense of being in limbo and not completely belonging in either place.
Acceptance, Integration, and Connectedness is where the university begins to feel like home and the students' home is more like a foreign place. They begin to integrate the positive experiences with the struggles and see the university with a more balanced and realistic view.

Helping your Gustavus first-year student

Especially the first birthdays, holidays, mid-terms, final exams are all times when it is nice to know that parents care and wish to send them best wishes with a care package.
Treat academic achievement and grades realistically. It is appropriate to help your student set their own long-term goals, but in the end these are choices that are up to the student to make.
Getting connected socially and getting involved can become more of a priority than academics.
The structure of academics and managing time can be a struggle for new students and the first exams bring about their anxiety
Speak with your student about drug and alcohol use.
Being financially responsible for themselves is a pressure for them and also for you if you're always paying for something every time you turn around. Decisions about whether they should or should not work, should have a credit card or not and other money matters should be discussed as a family prior to college.
You want to know that they are taking care of themselves and are eating nutritiously. Encourage them to make time for breakfast and to pack snacks in their backpack for in between classes.
Freshmen face a multitude of social challenges, which they must solve by finding productive activities with what seems like a lot of time on their hands.
Feel free to advise your student on certain majors but don't insist on your student needing to declare a major.

The Rhythm of Gustavus Sophomore Students

At the end of the sophomore year students should have narrowed in on major
Tend to feel removed from campus life and may fall into The Sophomore Slump - doubting lifestyle choices; dissatisfaction in relationships; uncertainty regarding the future; lacking motivation and increased apathy
Exploring and choosing a major/career is a dilemma, which can be influenced by parent approval/disapproval or personal interest
A rising need for students to take ownership of their education and career path
Depending on ability to develop emotional independence and autonomy, the student may allow parent approval/disapproval to effect decision to choose a particular major or career path.
Establishing involvement in organizations and activities to develop leadership skills and values
May allow peer group to define who they are as individuals

The Rhythm of Gustavus Junior Students

Taking courses for major; knowledge and skills set is further developed
Exploring and seeking out leadership in their activities
Many juniors studying away in another country
Attending on and off-campus job fairs especially for internship search
Preparing for the graduate school application process including the graduate admission tests
With their academic advisor or career counselor discuss future plan options of either graduate/professional school or employment immediately following graduation
Can gather field experience in area of interest through internship, volunteering, summer job, research with professor

The Rhythm of Gustavus Senior Students

A time of reflection on the past as a preparation point for the future
Bridging the gap between academic and extracurricular experiences
Making major coursework to career transition
Attending the Career fair
Determining school loan debt and other financial responsibilities for the future could be stressful
Seeking closure not just at graduation but it is a series of steps
Transitioning into life after Gustavus