FirstWeek FAQ
Is First Week required?
Attending First Week is not a requirement for admission to a degree program or graduation. However, previous First Week participants will tell you that attending First Week is the best way to begin your time at Luther Seminary. You’ll get a head-start on knowing faculty, staff, and other students. There will be plenty of time to take care of the mundane parts of campus life such as your parking permit and student photo ID card. You’ll get brief introductions to special services like the Writing Center and Parish Nurse. For those interested, you’ll have in-depth time with library staff, help with computers or learning how on-line classes work. (And, the best part of First Week – the faculty and staff LOVE to have extra time to get to know you before the rush of regular classes and fall routine.)
I don’t live on-campus or within a reasonable driving distance. Where can I stay during First Week?
Luther Seminary has guest rooms that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The rooms, which vary from single to quadruple occupancy, are located in Stub Hall, a former dormitory located on campus. All rooms have single beds only and most will share bath facilities. To make a reservation for a Stub Hall guest room please call: 651-523-1619 or e-mail: stubhr@luthersem.edu with your name, billing address, phone number and dates of stay desired.
Luther’s web site includes a list of hotels and motels within a short driving distance of the campus. http://www.luthersem.edu/campus/hotels_housing.asp
I need to sign-up but I can’t connect to the registration form.
First be sure you have your correct Luther Seminary user name and password. These should be the same as you use for MyLutherNet. If you are still having trouble you can sign-up by contacting:
Judy Hedman, 651-641-3526, jhedman@luthersem.edu, 2481 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
The online schedule doesn’t give building or room location. Where do I go on Monday morning August 27? http://www.luthersem.edu/campus/building_maps.asp
First Week begins in Northwestern Hall. On Monday morning you will find a welcome table at which you’ll pick up a packet of material and your name tag. In the packet will be a schedule with building and room assignments.
Around the atrium in Northwestern Hall will be staff and other students to welcome you and answer your questions about daily routine tasks: free parking permits, photo ID card, and maps of campus and surrounding community. In addition to classrooms and a beautiful chapel, Northwestern Hall is the location of most of the administrative offices so staff will be right there to anwer your questions.
I’ve already started taking classes earlier in 2012 (J-term, spring, summer Greek, online). Can I still come to First Week?
Absolutely! In fact, we expect that you will.
Will there be a lot of physical activity on the "day off campus" on Wednesday? How accessible will the locations be?
For First Week, we plan our activities to accommodate foreseeable needs but are always glad when we have some advance notice of your needs. Most of buildings at Luther Seminary have been built or retrofitted to be accessible. But, to be honest, some of the accessibility options are not readily visible.
Our planning includes gathering information about accessibility at our off campus visit locations. We do our best to anticipate mobility needs but we can do better when you give us a little advance notice on the sign-in form.
How much does First Week cost?
It's free! The schedule for each day includes beverage and refreshment breaks. Lunches are provided every day (Monday-Thursday). There is always a vegetarian option available, please indicate your preference on the sign-up form.
Wednesday, during our immersion experience, each group leader will determine the lunch plan. You might eat in the cafeteria at a healthcare center or a neighborhood restaurant; visit a grocery store or co-op for ingredients for a picnic; or choose to have bag lunches prepared by dining services.
How can I be reached in an emergency?
Should someone need to reach you: The phone number at the information desk is 651-641-3456. The person answering the phone will have a copy of the First Week schedule and access to phone numbers of leaders.
Luther Seminary is generally in “good air” for cell phones. However, as a common courtesy, we will ask that you turn off your phones during Chapel and other times as requested by group leaders.
Do I register for classes during First Week? Who approves my class schedule?
Most of you will have completed your online class registration before First Week. Staff from the Office of the Registrar will be available during First Week to answer any questions about registration.
No one needs to approve your class schedule. However, staff from the Student Resource Center are available to advise you in course selection. Under specific situations, you will require permission from the professor.
Will I have time to meet with my advisor?
Students have the chance on Tuesday during lunch to meet with their faculty advisor. There is no “agenda” for this time except as decided by the faculty member. Watch for an email in early August to your Luther Seminary email account introducing your faculty advisor.
May I bring my spouse, fiancée, parent, children, best friend, etc, along to First Week?
First Week activities will take a lot of your attention. You and your peers will get the most of the hours spent at First Week if your family or friends are absent from the “core times” you spend with your small group. Everyone is welcome to attend worship services and the President’s lunch. There are many opportunities during the academic year for members of your family and friends to join the Luther community in worship, meals, service, fun and learning.
Wee Care Day Care, located at Luther Seminary, does not have drop in child care. If you are interested in Wee Care as an on-going day care option please check in advance as ther is an application procedure and limited space.
htp://www.luthersem.edu/services/weecare/
Any other insider hints for First Week?
- Dress is casual. Late summer weather can be unpredictable. Plan for warm weather but bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Allow plenty of time if you’re driving to campus as there will be extra traffic in the neighborhood that week.: The University of Minnesota is nearby, the Minnesota State Fair starts Aug 23 and ends Sep 3; and road construction is a mystery that unfolds with little advance notice.
- Buildings are smoke free.
- Luther Seminary campus is on Metro Transit Bus route 3 http://www.metrotransit.org/serviceInfo/route003.asp
- Park in any of the parking lots on campus. There is no cost and every lot has designated handicapped accessible parking spaces close to the building. If you park on the street do so ONLY on the side of the street on which a seminary campus building is located. The residential side of the streets are posted with "no parking without a permit" and you do not want to risk being ticketed or towed.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FIRST WEEK
