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The New Student Orientation program facilitates the transition of the first-years into Grinnell College by preparing them for the educational opportunities Grinnell offers while assisting their integration into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the college. The five-day program is a collaborative effort by students, staff and faculty.

Students are welcomed into their residence halls by student and residential life staff beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 25th. The remainder of the day is spent acclimating to campus by meeting roommates, students, faculty, administrative staff and attending to academic and personal needs. (A complete New Student Orientation schedule will be sent in the mail.)

Parents and families are viewed as vital to the students' successful transition and retention in college. Since its inception, new student orientation has evolved from being largely a social event to an event which addresses both the social and academic components of a student's life. With this in mind Grinnell College has incorporated an academic focus where parents and families are given the opportunity to meet the Academic Advising, Career Development, Student Affairs, and Alumni/Development staffs. In addition, a professor offers a warm and entertaining story regarding the history of Grinnell College.

Since Grinnell is a small community, accommodations are limited and parents are strongly advised to make arrangements early. Parents and families are responsible for their own transportation and lodging arrangements.

800-241-5084 The Office of College and Alumni Relations invites all families to Family Weekend. This year the dates are Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30. Registration will be in the Joe Rosenfield Center. Registration hours are 8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m. Friday, and 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday. Meal tickets may be purchased at the dining halls. Reservations for overnight accommodations should be made early. See page 38 for motel listings. Families who arrive on campus Friday are invited to attend classes and meet faculty and staff. Ask your student to arrange an appointment if you would like an individual meeting. Saturday morning begins with a breakfast for families and a welcome by the College President. There are also several coffee hours for families with faculty and staff. During the day there will be athletic activities, with musical and film presentations in the evening. Burling Library, the College Book Store and Physical Education Complex will be open. The weekend concludes with a worship service on Sunday morning.

A full schedule of events will be sent to you by the Office of College and Alumni Relations in late summer/early fall. For more information you may also check the web at: http://www.grinnell.edu/alumni/family/.