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This page is the online information headquarters for Commencement. Most commonly requested information is available on this page. If you have additional questions, please call the Conference Operations and Events at (641) 269-3235 or via e-mail to commencement@grinnell.edu.
We will try to have Commencement outside at all costs (even if light rain—bring rain gear) and no tickets are needed for an outdoor ceremony. If we are forced to go inside due to intolerable weather, each senior will receive a specified number of guest tickets for indoor Commencement (graduates do not need tickets). Because of the limited seating capacity of Darby Gym (our indoor location) and the need to adhere to safety regulations for indoor assemblies, a limit of four tickets per senior for indoor Commencement will be strictly enforced. We do provide a live, closed-circuit viewing at the Harris Center Cinema for those without tickets. Arriving early for an indoor Commencement is advised; for outdoor Commencement this is not necessary.
Seniors may pick up their senior packets, with tickets, outside Rosenfield Center Room 206 between 8:30 and 4:30 the Friday before commencement.
All-Campus Picnic
The Commencement Picnic follows Commencement. Each senior is asked to check with his or her family and indicate the number of people, including themselves, who will be attending.
The Grinnell College Bookstore will sell cap and gown, check with the BookStore for a date. A cap and gown comes as a set for $25. A variety of sizes are available based upon height, no pre-orders are necessary.
Grinnell College does not require students to purchase Caps and Gowns from the College Bookstore, though it is recommended. Grinnell College follows the standards accepted by the American Council on Education.
The Grinnell Textbook Lending Library (GTLL, formerly GESD) collects gently used gowns after commencement for future graduates to use at no cost. Students may be able to reserve a "recycled" gown by e-mailing [textbooks].
Reserved gowns may be picked up from the GTLL office in Read Pit at a time to be determined. The earlier in the week they drop by, the better their chances of getting a gown in the right size. Several mortarboards are also available, but students will need to purchase tassels from the bookstore. Any further questions or requests for additional check out times can be directed to GTLL's e-mail account.
Borrowed gowns and new donations should be returned following the commencement ceremony.
Graduating seniors will be allowed to stay in their dormitory rooms until 12 p.m. the Tuesday following Commencement. Siblings attending Grinnell College may submit a written request to stay in the dorms through Commencement, requests must be made to Conference Operations and Events. Housing and dining options are available at many local accommodations and area restaurants.
Stay the night for charity
A limited number of overnight accommodations are being provided by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Grinnell for Commencement weekend. These will be good, clean, and homey accommodations with simple breakfast fare.
The church is asking for a free-will donation, suggested at $70-80 per night, with proceeds to go to the our Sudanese Ministry. (Des Moines currently has the world's largest Sudanese community outside the Sudan.)
Contact Tom Moore at 641-236-3006 or mooret@grinnell.edu for reservations.
Parking is available on side streets and lots located around the perimeter of campus. Anyone having trouble walking should be dropped off at Herrick Chapel on Park Street for both Commencement and Baccalaureate. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed by Safety and Security or the City of Grinnell depending on the location of the vehicle.
Complimentary shuttles will be available on Commencement Day from the I-80 hotel cluster (Comfort Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Country Inn, EconoLodge) to Central Campus. Shuttles will regularly run from early morning to mid-afternoon to accommodate breakfast plans and the post-Commencement all-campus picnic.
Grinnell College is committed to supporting guests with disabilities during Commencement Weekend. Please inform Conference Operations and Events if you have a disability that requires accommodation for participation in an event.
Accessibility Maps
For information about handicap accessible parking, ramps, and routes through campus, see:
- Commencement fair weather site
- Commencement rain site
Herrick Chapel: Baccalaureate, Phi Beta Kappa induction.
- A handicapped-accessible restroom is located at the northeast entrance to the chapel.
- Wheelchair seating is available at the front of the Chapel.
Central Campus Lawn, South Campus: Commencement, post-Commencement picnic.
- ASL interpretation will be available. Contact Conference Operations and Events for assigned seating with a clear view.
- Handicapped restrooms are available in Herrick Chapel, and the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.
- Seating for wheelchairs on the lawn may be made anywhere. Wheelchair users requiring a hard surface or any other accessibility needs, please contact Conference Operations and Events with your request at (641)269-3235.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
- ASL interpretation will be available at the Exercises of Commencement. With advance notice ASL interpretation may be available for other Commencement Weekend activities.
Large Print Programs
Large print programs for any Commencement Weekend activity are available with two weeks advanced notice to Conference Operations and Events (641)269-3235.
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