Special Campus Memo: Potentially Compromised Applicant Admission System

On March 7, 2019, the College learned that an unauthorized person accessed the system that houses prospective student and applicant information. Upon learning of the situation, we promptly began an investigation, engaged cybersecurity professionals to assist us, took steps to prevent further unauthorized access to applicant records, and reported the incident to the FBI.

Since learning of this incident, we have come to understand that this cyberattack on Grinnell College information was the most recent of three reported attacks on admission-related information at U.S. colleges.

We have no evidence at this time that this incident has included personal financial information provided by students or parents on financial aid applications. Financial information is maintained in a separate system than the one where some admission data may have been compromised, and at this time there is no evidence that system was accessed by an unauthorized user. If the College becomes aware that any students' record may have been compromised, those individuals will be contacted directly with more information.

For your information, a call center is being established for individuals who may have been affected by this incident. The call center's dedicated and confidential toll-free response line will be available at 888-526-1229, starting at Noon (CT) on Monday, March 11. This response line will be staffed with professionals familiar with this incident. The regular hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time.

Safeguarding the privacy and security of all information is a top priority for us. We are taking significant measures to protect information and prevent recurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are working with experts on campus as well as leading cybersecurity professionals to ensure that students are protected and fully informed. If the situation warrants, we will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Grinnell respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data and keeping it secure; you can learn more about the Grinnell College Privacy Policy on our website. Updates will be available on our website.