From President Anne F. Harris | |
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Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the 2024-25 academic year! We're looking forward to seeing many of you on We are Family Weekend Sept. 20-22, or any time you choose to visit. Whether just to see your student, watch a special performance, or see your student-athlete compete, you're always welcome! As a parent, I know that it is helpful to check in, see how our students are doing, meet some of their new friends, and connect.
The following weekend, Sept. 28, many of us will come together to dedicate Renfrow Hall with a series of events honoring the life and legacy of Grinnell's oldest living and first Black woman alumna Edith Renfrow Smith '37. I urge you to visit the web site and learn more about this remarkable Grinnellian. While we are disappointed with the construction delays, Renfrow Hall students are gathering and engaging with the broader community. Recently, they gathered to meet with their downtown neighbors and getting to know the community beyond campus.
When you plan a visit, check out the Grinnell College campus calendar. From clubs and athletics, to performances, lectures, and exhibits, there's always something to do on campus.
Warmly,
Anne
Anne F. Harris
President
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The Role of Student Affairs
Dear Families,
I'm JC Lopez, Vice President of Student Affairs, and I don't always pose for photos with a stuffed squirrel! In fact, I was invited to take part in this opportunity for students to take a fun selfie on the first day of classes.
This activity is one of many that the Division of Student Affairs b sponsors to help student find belonging and connection, succeed, and stay safe and well at Grinnell.
If you are on campus for We are Family Weekend, please don't hesitate to introduce yourself to us. We will be wearing our Grinnell gear and nametags and will be easy to spot.
We'd love to meet you in person, but our team is a resource for your student at all times. Please encourage them to engage with us -- we are here to help!
JC Lopez
Vice President of Student Affairs
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Kopelmans Address Frequently Asked Questions
Robin Cook Kopelman ’95 and Todd Kopelman ’96 recently helped move their son, Julian Kopelman ’28, into his residence hall at Grinnell College.
It’s a routine they have become quite familiar with during their own time in Grinnell and their oldest son’s time on campus. Quinn Kopelman ’23 is now in law school at the University of Pennsylvania.
To help families get better acquainted with Grinnell, Robin and Todd answered five questions that are commonly asked by families of new students. Read the interview with the Kopelmans.
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Support Our Students
Parents and families play an integral role in supporting and enhancing the Grinnell College student experience.
We invite you to learn more about how giving sustains a distinctive Grinnell education and how your gift enhances and protects the College's commitment to prepare promising students with the critical and creative thinking skills to engage in active citizenship and pursue meaningful work.
Make a gift today..
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Highlights from the Center for Careers, Life, and Service | |
From Grinnell to...Everywhere!
Highlights from the Class of 2023 Outcomes Survey
In collaboration with Institutional Research, the Center for Careers, Life, and Service surveys each class about six months after graduation to find out what they’re up to. The answer is an astonishing variety of exciting and impactful first destinations! This includes opportunities in the workforce, post-graduate service and fellowships, as well as graduate and professional school programs. The Class of 2023 Post-Graduate Outcomes Report is now available online and is a fun and unique way for current students to discover new interests and be inspired by fellow Grinnellians.
Students and families can learn more about the CLS at career.grinnell.edu and follow our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop on upcoming events, reminders of deadlines, student experience highlights, and more.
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How Students Connect with CLS in the First Year & Beyond
At Grinnell, preparing for the future is part of the student experience. CLS is here to empower students and alumni to live, learn, and work with meaning and purpose. Every incoming first-year and transfer student is assigned an adviser from the Exploratory Career Community. This is the adviser they will work with to explore their interests, values, and strengths; identify relevant experiential learning opportunities; and learn about and ultimately make a transition to one (or more) of the CLS’s pre-professional career communities. These include Arts, Media & Communications; Business & Finance; Education Professions +; Government Law & Policy; Health Professions; Science, Engineering & Sustainability; and Technology & Data. The Career Community Team provides industry-focused advising and specialized programming to support students as they explore and pursue specific postgraduate goals and ambitions.
Students can schedule advising meetings with CLS via Handshake.
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Welcoming Global Grinnellians
Twenty percent of the Grinnell student body comes from 60+ countries around the world, and this year’s IPOP mentors helped welcome 104 new international students to campus!
Advising and compliance for student visa holders begins several months before they arrive; spans throughout their enrollment at the College; and continues for up to three years after graduation for those who pursue post completion practical benefits to work in the U.S. The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) staff are fluent in student visa regulations and they offer support for the unique challenges and opportunities related to visa status; cultural transitions; and distance from home. Staff facilitate a variety of outreach programs, lead information sessions and individual advising appointments, and curate robust advising materials to help our students navigate this unique journey. Please email OISA with related questions!
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Focus on Second Years
The second year of college brings new challenges. Grinnell meets that with new opportunities just for second-year students. Level Up '27 offers targeted programming to students in their second year spanning a range of topics of high interest. In the second year, students must declare a major by early March; they also often seek a deeper affinity with specific areas of study. Grinnell's academic departments offer Welcome Sessions throughout October for students to connect directly with faculty and learn how to declare that major. During second year students also consider off-campus study options for their third year, researching and planning how this will fit with their goals and overall graduation plan. The Office of Off-Campus Study offers information sessions to get ideas flowing. The CLS amps up opportunities for second-year students interested in connecting with alumni or searching for summer internships or research opportunity through intentional programming.
To take advantage, second-year students can watch for periodic email messages from Academic Advising about these and other opportunities. Students can also access SharePoint (login required) for dates and locations.
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The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Welcomes You!
Greetings from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! What a joy it has been to welcome your students to campus. We've had the tremendous opportunity to build intentional community with students through the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program. Students did some hard work- sharing vulnerably, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely listening to each other- through a fun (and intense!) week of togetherness. It was so special to see these connections amongst first years and returning student leaders continue through New Student Orientation and at the Multicultural Leadership Council Welcome Back Kickback. We were so happy to see students at the Cultural Center Open Houses and Welcome Back Celebrations.
We hope you'll stop by the cultural centers during our meet and greet sessions over We Are Family Weekend to chat with professional staff supporting the centers, learn about our identity-informed programming, and explore the spaces that become a home away from home for so many.
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News You Can Use
Reapplying for Need-Based Financial Aid for 2025-2026
Due to continued challenges with implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act and FUTURE Act, the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is delayed and should be available by Dec. 1, 2024. The FAFSA is expected to resume opening to the general public on October 1 in future years.
The deadline for domestic (U.S. citizen and eligible noncitizen) students who would like to apply for need-based financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year is April 1, 2025. Please encourage your student to check their Grinnell College email in for updates from the Office of Financial Aid in the coming months. Further instructions are posted on the Financial Aid website.
International students who receive financial aid and domestic students who receive only merit scholarships do not need to reapply for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Wellness and Prevention on Campus
Concerned about your student's wellness? Visit SHAW's Wellness and Prevention page to learn more and download resources about topics like stress, sleep, substance use, loneliness and more! SHAW provides resources to help you have important wellness conversations with your student, such as tips on how to talk to your student about cannabis, including information about Iowa law.
SHAW will hold a Flu Shot Clinic on Oct. 3-4 -- it's an easy and convenient way to avoid illness this winter! Encourage your student to register now for an appointment!
From counseling outreach to therapy dogs, you can find more SHAW events on the campus calendar!
Center for Religion, Spirituality and Social Justice Supports Many Faiths
- Students can join Rabbi Sarah Brammer-Shlay and Chaverim (Grinnell's Jewish student organization) for Shabbat Table each Friday, services at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:30 pm in JRC 209. Please view the full schedule and register for the Jewish high holidays (October 2-12).
- Students can join Imam Abdul Muhaymin Priester and the Muslim Student Association every Friday at 2:15 pm at the CRSSJ for Jumaah (Muslim prayer).
- The CRSSJ provides access to the Hindu Prayer Room, meditation space, Muslim Prayer Room, and more!
Campus Safety Updates
Several important safety improvements at Grinnell include:
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New Pathways and Lighting: On East Street between 9th and 8th Avenue (west side), and on Park Street between 8th and 10th Avenue (east side) and 8th and 9th Avenue (west side), new electric pathways and lights were installed, brightening key campus areas.
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Upgraded Lighting: Across campus, 62 “Acorn Style” bulbs were replaced with LED bulbs, improving visibility.
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Fire System Upgrade: Lazier Hall’s fire system was upgraded for enhanced safety.
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Improved Communication: New hand-held radios and base stations were installed to ensure inter-operability between Campus Safety, Grinnell Police and Fire Departments, and other community partners.
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New Vehicle: A Ford F-150 was deployed to assist with parking and traffic management.
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News from Dining Services
Dining Services Director Open Office Hours
Did you know that your student can meet with the Director of Dining Services, Jeanette Moser, to discuss any questions they may have about Dining Services? Open office hours are 4-5 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month starting on September 24th. Meet our director in the email lounge just outside of The Spencer Grill, in the Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC).
Meal Plan Replacements for Lunch at Global Cafe
Does your student need lunch in a hurry? Your student can use a meal swipe and try our lunch meal replacements at Global Café in the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) from 10:45am to 12:15pm, Monday through Friday.
Door Dash Food Delivery
Did you know that The Spencer Grill and Global Café are now on the Door Dash site for food delivery? Check out the Door Dash site to order.
Contactless Ordering is Easy
The Carter Hoffman food lockers are integrated into dining's GET mobile app. Faculty, staff and students can order menu items online from The Spencer Grill. Once an order is ready, they will then receive a notification that an order is ready for pickup in an assigned ambient food locker. All they must do is tap their p-card on the locker screen and your door opens with their order.
Concessions Available at College Events
Grinnell College Catering Services offers beverages, food, and snacks for purchase at sporting events in the Bear Recreation and Athletic Center. The concession stand is on the lower level of the center.
Award Winning Catering Options
From baked goods to birthday cakes, contact the Campus Catering team to learn about menu options and how to order!
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Visit the Pioneer Bookshop!
The Pioneer Bookshop staff look forward to meeting our families during Family Weekend 2024. While visiting us in the historic downtown Grinnell, you might not expect to find a wide selection of books for all ages, toys and games for the young, and a fun variety of gifts curated with you in mind. Of course, we also have the largest selection of Grinnell College apparel and swag around. We are open all day on Friday and Saturday so you can buy something new in school colors to wear to the games. Open Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm and Saturday 9 am - 5pm for Family Weekend.
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Upcoming Public Events
From concerts to convocations, games to gatherings, you can find upcoming public events on the Campus Events Calendar.
Planning ahead? Check out Writers@Grinnell for upcoming events with writers of all kinds.
The Grinnell College Museum of Art is free and open to the public - from Yoga in the Museum to Gallery Talks and opportunities to meet the artists on display, you can see all Museum of Art events on the Campus Events Calendar.
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