New Student Orientation Schedule

New Student Orientation 2025

Friday, Aug. 22, to Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 22 is largely a move-in day with a welcome ceremony and farewells in the late afternoon. Family and friends are invited to participate in events on Aug. 22.

Class of 2029

Times and locations are subject to change.  

Students will receive information on how to access the finalized schedule, their NSO group numbers, etc. upon completion of online pre-orientation.

New Student Orientation (NSO) is a time for new students to begin building relationships and networks that are essential to assisting in a sense of belonging in the Grinnell community (College and surrounding community). All sessions will provide information that will assist you in many ways during your experience at Grinnell College. All are strongly encouraged and expected to attend and engage in all sessions. A variety of fun events planned for you while you build lasting friendships. We look forwarding to hosting you during your first week at Grinnell College!

 

*Events and activities denoted with an asterisk (*) are open to family and family friends.

  • Students moving in with the help of alumni

    Friday, Aug. 22

    8 a.m.–12 p.m. *Check-in/Residence Hall Move-in, Harris Center, Concert Hall

    8 a.m.–1 p.m. Student Health and Wellness – Discuss Outstanding Health Requirements, Harris Center, Concert Hall

    8 a.m.–12 p.m. *New Student Orientation Info Desk, Harris Center, Atrium

    8 a.m.–3 p.m. *Family and Guest Lounge, Harris Center, Lounge

    9 –11 a.m. Varsity Practice, Various Locations

    9-11 a.m. *Dining Information Table, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), Marketplace

    9 a.m.–2 p.m. *Student Employment Paperwork, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), 209

    9 a.m.–2 p.m. *Technology Services Desk, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), First-Floor Lobby

    10 a.m.–12 p.m. *First-Generation & Low-Income Table, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), First-Floor Lobby

    11–11:30 a.m. *Dietary Tour of Dining Services, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), Marketplace Dining A tour of dining services facility specifically for students and guests with specific dietary needs and requests.

    11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. *Lunch, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), Marketplace Dining

    1:15 p.m. *Jumaa: Muslim Prayer, CRSSJ Muslim Prayer Room

    2–3 p.m. Energizer with NSO Group, Mac Field

    Rain Location: Harris Concert Hall

    3 p.m. Parents and Families Seated for Welcome Ceremony, Bear Athletic Center, Darby Gym

    3:30–4 p.m. *Welcome Ceremony, Bear Athletic Center, Darby Gym

    4–4:30 p.m. Class photo, Bear Athletic Center, Darby Gym

    4–4:45 p.m. *President’s Reception for Families and Guests, grass field between Bear & Natatorium

    Rain Location: Natatorium Lobby

    4:45–5:30 p.m. *Farewell Goodbyes, grass field between Bear & Natatorium

    Raining Location: Natatorium Lobby

    5:30–6:15 p.m. *Shabbat Service, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), 209 & Second-Floor Balcony

    6:15-7:15 p.m. *Shabbat Table Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), Room 209 & Second-Floor Balcony
    Please RSVP to Rabbi Sarah by Aug. 14 with the number of guests and dietary needs to ensure your meal for the event.

    5:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner with NSO Group, Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), Marketplace Dining

    7:30–8:15 p.m. First Floor Meeting, Residence Hall Lounges

    8:15 p.m. Illumination Ceremony, Mac Field

    Rain Location: Harris Center, Concert Hall

  • Night on Mac Field with students playing a glow in the dark game

    Saturday, Aug. 23

    Schedule will be posted at a later date. 

  • Skateboards in holder inside of building

    Sunday, Aug. 24

    Schedule will be posted at a later date. 

  • Students laughing and walking around outside carrying plates of food

    Monday, Aug. 25

    Schedule will be posted at a later date. 

  • Students in a color powder paint cloud

    Tuesday, Aug. 26

    Schedule will be posted at a later date. 

  • Students sitting on the floor in small groups talking and laughing

    Wednesday, Aug. 27

    Schedule will be posted at a later date. 

We use cookies to enable essential services and functionality on our site, enhance your user experience, provide better service through personalized content, collect data on how visitors interact with our site, and enable advertising services.

To accept the use of cookies and continue on to the site, click "I Agree." For more information about our use of cookies and how to opt out, please refer to our website privacy policy.