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.
Information found on this page:
Parking
Parking is available on side streets and lots located around the perimeter of campus. Anyone who has difficulty 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.
Accessibility
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, Honor G.
- 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: 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, the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, and the Robert N. Noyce Science Center.
- 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.
Commencement Tickets
Tickets are not required for indoor or outdoor ceremonies. If any member of your party has special seating needs, please indicate this on the reservation form, and we will provide you with special seating tickets. Arriving early for an indoor Commencement is advised; for outdoor Commencement this is not necessary.
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. You may register by calling the Conference Operations and Events Office at (641) 269-3235, or by email at http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/confops/commencement/srreservation.
Area Dining and Housing
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 $70-90 per night, to support its mission work. All proceeds from this weekend will go to Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA). For 40 years, MICA has "waged the war on poverty" in central Iowa through a wide variety of services for families, individuals, and children. For more information see the MICA website. Contact Tom Moore at 641-236-3006 or mooret@grinnell.edu for reservations.
