Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that our office gets. If you have a question you'd like to see answered, please send us an
email.
1. Where do I get my ID?
For a student ID, go to the Safety and Security Office, located at the east end of Drew Hall. There they will take your picture and give you an ID. If your ID is lost you can purchase a new one. Replacement IDs cost $10. To get a replacement ID, first go to the cashier in the Student Administrative Services Office (located in East Hall, formerly Law and Graduate Schools building) and pay the fee. Be sure to get a receipt and bring it with you to the Office of Safety and Security. They will do the rest!
2. Where can I park?
While there are many places to park on-campus, all students, faculty, and staff must register their vehicles to do so. You may register here.
You must also purchase a parking permit to park in campus lots between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the week. Permit parking is not enforced in the evening, on the weekend, or in the summer.
Parking Permits may be purchased through the Office of Safety and Security for $130, but you must enter the lottery to receive one.
For the Fall, transfer students will enter the General Commuter Student Lottery. The lottery is held on the first Friday of Fall Semester. This year's General Commuter Lottery was held on August 29, 2008. To enter, register your vehicle online and check the box that says "Apply for Permit/Enter Lottery." Even if your vehicle is registered from a previous year, you must re-register before the date of lottery to be entered. If you fail to register in time, you cannot receive a permit. You can register for the Transfer Student Lottery through the same above link you used to register your vehicles.
New transfer students entering in the Spring Semester may register for a special Transfer Student Lottery. The Transfer Student Lottery is held each year on the first Friday of the Spring Semester. This upcoming one will be held on Friday, February 6, 2009. To enter, you must register your vehicle after January 1, 2009, but before the date of the lottery. Only transfer students may enter.
For more information on University Parking Policies, go to our Parking Policies page.
3. How do I get a Metro Transit pass?
You can get an application for a discounted Metro Transit bus pass at the Student Center Front Desk. It is $150 per semester for an unlimited ride pass. You must have show your Hamline ID to get the discounted price.
4. How does the Meal Plan work?
There are 3 ways to purchase food/meals on campus; declining balance (works like a debit card), weekly meal plans, and block meal plans. All meal plans can be purchased at the Sorin Dining Hall.
For more information, locations, and hours of operation please go to the Dining Services Page.
5. Where can I get food off-campus?
There are a variety of restaurants within walking distance of Hamline. Right along Snelling Avenue there are restaurants like Black Sea, Gingko Coffeehouse, Mirror of Korea, and Snelling Cafe. Going south on Snelling will take you to University Avenue where you can find even more choices. If you go north you'll run into Lexington Avenue, which also has a fair selection of places to eat such as Dino's Gyros, Jimmy John's, Chin's Kitchen, and Pizza Hut.
6. What is ACTC and how does it work?
ACTC stands for the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities. The ACTC combines the community atmosphere of a small liberal arts college with the diversity opportunities available at a large university. Students enrolled at one institution are able to take courses at ACTC member institutions. Students are limited to one ACTC course per semester. ACTC includes:
* Augsburg College
* College of St. Catherine
* Hamline University
* Macalaster College
* University of St. Thomas
For more information about the ACTC program or how to register for an ACTC course, click here.
7. Are there student employment opportunities?
Students seeking work study positions must complete the work study application and return it to Human Resources. The application will not secure you a position, but it will allow Human Resources to assist you in your search for a job. The starting rate for new workers is $7.20, but different jobs pay different rates, the final decision is up to the individual supervisor.
The following link can be used to search for student employment and internships: click here.
8. Where do I find information on scholarships?
Hamline University is the largest single source of scholarship and grant assistance for our undergraduate students. Generally, scholarships and grants come from Hamline University alumni, friends, and the University Financial Aid Fund. Scholarships and grants are awarded on the basis of financial need, unless scholarship criteria are met. All Hamline sponsored, federal, and state gift aid may not exceed Hamline University tuition.
Only full-time students can be considered for Hamline sponsored financial aid. Students are normally allowed grant assistance for a total of eight cumulative terms, including all previous post-secondary work. Hamline merit based aid may be used to fill demonstrated financial need.
Outside Scholarships
FastWeb
Minority, Ethnic, and International Student Scholarships
United Methodist Scholarships and Loans
*All outside scholarships, grants, and resources you receive must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.
9. How do I declare a major/minor?
To declare and major or minor, fill out the following form: click here
The directions are on the form and easy to follow. However, if you have questions, you can ask the front desk personnel at the Student Administrative Office or the department chair.
10. How do I switch my advisor?
To switch advisors, you must fill out the same form as you did to declare a major/minor, which can be found here.
Be sure the department chair and your new advisor sign the form before you submit it to Student Administrative Services.
11. Where can I register for the next semester’s classes?
All registration takes place online. Registration takes place based on your credit standing – the more credits you have, the earlier you get to register. However, you cannot register without first receiving your alternate pin from your advisor! The week prior to registration, there is an “Advising Week” that takes place in which advisors open up appointment times to meet with their advisees to answer questions and give out the alternate pins. Check with your advisor to see when you can sign up for advising week.
12. What is J-Term?
J-Term, also known as Winter Term, is a an opportunity to take one 4-credit (or 5-credit) course. Many students use this term for independent study or study abroad. J-Term tuition is included in the costs of full time fall and spring tuition, the only extra cost to you are books, supplies and traveling fees if applicable. You cannot enroll in J-Term if you credit load exceeds 20 credits for either fall or spring semester.
13. How do I find out who my advisor is?
Log on to Piperline and:
* Select Student Services
* Select Student Records
* View Student Information
(or) Contact Academic Advising through email or at (651)523-2912.
(or) Contact Monita Mohammadian Gray through email or at (651)523-2835.
14. Who do I talk to if I have questions about my credits transferring to Hamline?
For questions and concerns regarding transfer credits, please contact the Transfer Articulation Coordinator, Kevin Ely.
15. How do I get health insurance?
Hamline University offers health insurance to all students in which the cost is included in your tuition costs. However, if you have proof of your own health insurance, you can opt out of the health insurance and have that amount deducted from your tuition costs.
Students have an opportunity each semester to opt-out of Hamline health insurance. To do so, you need to sign into Piperline and:
* select Student Records
* select Waive Fees
* Fill out the necessary information to waive insurance and click "Submit" at the bottom.
16. Where do I find the Commuter Center?
The Commuter Center is located in the basement of the Bush Library. There is a TV with seating, a kitchen area with a sink, microwave and refrigerator, along with places to hang out or study.
17. Where do I find the campus post office?
The campus post office is in the basement of the Student Center. You can send and receive mail at this location like you would a public post office. They sell stamps, offer faxing services, and can send packages via UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, or Airborne. You may also pick up packages here.
18. Where do I find computer help?
The Hamline Helpdesk is located in the basement of the Bush Library. You can contact them by phone at (651)523-2220 or email at itshelp@hamline.edu
19. How do I check my tuition balance?
To check the balance of your Hamline financial account, log on to Piperline and:
* Select Student Services
* Select Student Records
* Select Account Detail, or
* Select Account Summary by Term
20. How do I know if I have a student loan disbursement check?
Student Accounts sends an email to students' Hamline email address notifying them that there will be a refund check coming to them. This email is sent out the day before the refund check will be ready for pick up. Generally, refunds are made available on Tuesdays and Fridays after 1:00 p.m. at the Cashier's Office, located on the first floor of East Hall (formerly Law and Graduate Schools building) in the Student Administrative Services Office.
21. How do I check my balance for printing/copying?
At the end of each term, the business office will send a bill to your billing address with the amount due for printing/copying and any long distance phone calls.
22. How do I get involved with student organizations?
There are several ways to find out about student organizations here at Hamline. Shortly after orientation, there is an Activities Fair where you can check out different clubs and organizations. Also, talk to your friends and classmates about what they are involved in. Watch your email for informative announcements. Or, you could check the following link to get more information click here.
23. Are there any intramural sports at Hamline?
Yes! You can find out more information on what intramural sports are currently offered here. You may also sign up to receive email updates on intramural sports and events there.
24. Where can I work out?
Hamline students can work out at the Walker Fieldhouse/Clarence Nelson Fitness Center. There is a front desk at the Walker Fieldhouse where students can also rent various sports/workout equipment and have questions regarding the center answered.
Fall Hours
Monday - Thursday: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
25. How do I get involved in theater or music?
Please see the Student Organization Information Sheet regarding these activities found here.
26. How do I become part of the Hamline student newspaper?
The Oracle is Hamline's student newspaper, and located in Drew Science, Room 106. Stop by for more information. The Oracle also has a website that you can check out here.
27. What is the history of Hamline?
In 1854, Methodist pioneers founded Hamline University in Red Wing, Minnesota as the first institution of higher education in the state. Hamline selected Saint Paul as its new home in 1880.
Today, Hamline continues its tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. Ranked first in quality and value among comprehensive universities in Minnesota by U.S. News and World Report magazine, Hamline's mission is to create a diverse and collaborative community of learners dedicated to the development of students' knowledge, values, and skills for successful lives of leadership, scholarship, and service.
