Commencement Ceremony for Monday, May 18 Moved Indoors

Dear Graduates, Faculty, Staff, and Guests,

In light of tomorrow’s forecast, Monday, May 18, we are moving the Commencement ceremony indoors to the north side of the Fieldhouse within the Bear Recreation and Athletic Center. The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for storms early in the morning, with scattered pop-up storms possible throughout the day, along with strong wind gusts.

While the location for the ceremony and picnic has changed, the spirit of celebration remains the same. We’re excited to gather in the Bear Recreation and Athletic Center Field House as we come together to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2026.

Doors to the Field House will open at 8:30 a.m., and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed at www.grinnell.edu/livestream. 

A few notes to make the ceremony enjoyable for everyone:

No pets are permitted inside the Athletics building, with the exception of service animals. Balloons are not permitted inside the building. We are a smoke-free campus. If you must smoke, please do so between the sidewalk and the curb.

Line-Up Information

• Graduates: Please enter through the east doors of the Athletics Center and proceed to Darby Gym. Graduates should arrive by 9:30 a.m.
• Faculty: Please enter through the Natatorium entrance and proceed to the lower level. Faculty should arrive by 9:30 a.m.
• Staff: Staff may proceed to the Athletic Fieldhouse beginning at 9:30 a.m., where reserved bleacher seating will be available. A staff member will be available on site to assist as needed.
• Guests and Families: Please enter through the main entrance.

Accessibility Information

Guests with mobility challenges should proceed through the main entrance and to the elevator and select the Basement level, then continue around the hallway to the fieldhouse. If you are being If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit the information tent located at the back of the fieldhouse.

Indoor Picnic

Following the Commencement ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to join an indoor picnic lunch. Food will be served in the Auxiliary Gym, and seating and water will be available in Darby Gym. 

Handicap Accessible Parking

A reserved handicap parking lot will be located in Lot L, north of Rathje Residence Hall.

If you have any questions about Commencement, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Event Coordination & Scheduling at 641-269-3179 or email ferrissj@grinnell.edu.

We look forward to celebrating together!