Grinnell College currently uses an open-source content management system (CMS) called Drupal. Any user with a campus username can be authorized and trained to use the College's CMS to update web pages.

Drupal assigns a default look to all College pages. However, it also supports custom templates. Contact us if you want your pages to have a different look/feel.

Updating Your Pages Using Drupal

To update campus pages using the College content management system, you'll need to:

  • Have a Grinnell College e-mail account (or request special permission to use a different account),
  • Have access to the internet using a supported browser,
  • Be authorized to update pages in the sections you'll be changing, and
  • Attend basic Drupal training (offered throughout the year).

Contact web services to get or change your authorization.

Drupal Training and Help

Drupal training is offered throughout the year, in a number of different formats and on different topics. In addition, online help is available, and power users and the web services team can answer your questions. See the website's help section for more information.

For Faculty

Faculty can use Drupal or other tools for their web pages. Please contact your Curricular Technology Specialist (CTS) for more information.

For Staff

We have a group of students trained to assist you in maintaining your pages. They can also help you convert or redesign your site.

Student wages to maintain, convert, or redesign your site must come from your office's or department's budget. Contact us to arrange training.

For Students

The web team is always looking for students to work with web maintenance and development. Contact us if you are interested.

Work in Progress

The College transitioned to Drupal from a homegrown content management system, BornFree, in early 2010.  The decision to use Drupal as the College's CMS was based on the input of a broad team of students, faculty, and staff  representating most sectors of the campus community.

The campus community continues to influence the growth of the website through:

  • Content creation and maintenance -- each area is responsible for maintianing their own content.
  • The web group and its subcommittees -- the web group and subcommittees help determine website priorities, standards, and look & feel.
  • Feedback -- anyone can request enhanced features or additional functionality using the feature request form, contacting the web group subcommittee members, talking to power users, or contact the webguys.

The web team is also currently going through an overhaul of the design and structure of the entire College website.