Dear Parents and Families,

Greetings from the Middle of Everywhere! 

As we approach the end of the semester with its final exams and projects, I imagine that you and your students are looking forward to some time for rest and rejuvenation over the winter break. It seems like this time passes with great speed, and on Grinnell’s campus it is filled with activity.

Students came out to the city of Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday celebration on Nov. 17, some in a horse-drawn wagon shuttling between campus and downtown, to see the lights and sample the offerings of downtown merchants. Grinnell’s Student Government Association (SGA) has been collaborating with the team in the Division of Student Affairs and individual student organizations to create and promote student-run events and community-building efforts. Explore the updated Grinnell events calendar for a full listing and follow Grinnell College on Instagram – every Monday that classes are in session the events feature highlights opportunities for the upcoming week. Please encourage your student to mark their calendar for Dec. 6, when the College’s traditional Arctic Lights celebration, sponsored by Development and Alumni Relations, provides a great study break with cocoa, treats, and student performances!

Another of SGA’s priorities this year is fostering academic wellbeing in collaboration with Academic Advising and other campus partners. Thanks to the work of many on campus, the refreshed Student Resources landing page provides one stop where your student can easily access a broad range of support services. We invite you to explore this page and remind your student that there are people on campus who care about their success and want to help.

We continue to focus on support and community within the enduring impact of the Israel-Hamas war, while developing educational opportunities. We are mindful that within this era of social media, young people receive less grace from others as they explore issues and arrive at their own points of view. It is my hope that we can extend grace – as a Grinnell community – as well as education and guidance and continue to support those who are hurting during this global crisis.

There are moments that offer our community a chance to come together to rejoice and be replenished in collaboration and creation, such as the Grinnell Singers’ premiere performance of composer Joel Thompson’s “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” on Nov. 12. It was an inspiring opportunity for students to learn from the composer and to be the first ever to perform a piece of new music. These are the moments of inspiration, hope, and comfort that will hold us in good stead. I wish you similar moments and thank you for your presence in the Grinnell community.

Warmly,

Anne F. Harris

President

Meet President Harris

Grinnell College will host "Connecting Grinnellians for the Common Good: an evening with President Anne F. Harris" in select cities. These events include a casual evening of appetizers, beverages, and conversations about the vision for Grinnell’s future. Families of Grinnellians are welcome! Learn more about dates and cities by visiting the Grinnell College Alumni website.

Rodger Clawson Relishes Keeping Up with His Grandson's Grinnell Endeavors

Rodger Clawson has held a lot of titles in his life from teacher to computer guy to cyclist. But the title of which he’s particularly proud is that of grandfather.

Clawson has four grandchildren and has unique bonds with each of them, including his only grandson, Ian Clawson ’26.

As Ian entered high school, his grandfather, who had lived an hour-and-a-half away, made the decision to move to within a mile of their home in Salem, Oregon. “This allowed me to show up to just about every event,” Clawson says. “Throughout Ian’s high school career, I took pictures of his activities to share on Facebook.”

A self-described lifelong learner, Clawson knows the importance of education, so when Ian decided to attend Grinnell College, his grandfather was thrilled, even if that choice meant he would be moving far away. Read more about how Rodger and Ian stay connected.

Support Our Students

Did you know that Grinnell College awarded more than $70 million in financial aid for the 2023-24 academic year? Help ensure that a Grinnell education is available to all students. Gifts of all sizes support Grinnell’s commitment to its students and to the change-makers and solution-seekers they are and will become. Learn more.

As you plan your end of year philanthropy, you can make a 2023 tax-deductible gift benefiting Grinnell students in the way that works best for you:

• Give right now using our smartphone-friendly online giving site. To be tax-deductible for 2023, your online transaction must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on Dec. 31, 2023.
• Call 866-850-1846 toll-free weekdays through Dec. 21 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST), Dec. 26–29 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. CST).
• Mail a check to Grinnell College’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 733 Broad St., Grinnell, IA 50112, dated and postmarked by Dec. 31, 2023.
• Contribute appreciated securities to Grinnell and support the College while gaining valuable tax advantages. To make a gift by transferring stock or other appreciated securities, please refer to our Stock Transfer Instructions. Stock transfers need to be completed by Dec. 15, 2023, for 2023 tax purposes.

Make a difference for a Grinnellian. Make a gift today.

Get to know the Center for Careers, Life, and Service

The Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) empowers students and alumni to live, learn, and work with meaning and purpose. Whether students are just starting the exploration process or honing in on a particular profession, the CLS’s seven distinct Career Communities provide students specialized advising and programming. Civic Education & Innovation offer advising for civic exploration and support for experiences such as volunteering, community-based learning courses, and local projects and workshops. Global Fellowships & Awards advises students and alumni through the pursuit of highly selective awards including the Watson, Truman, Fulbright, and other post-graduate awards and scholarships. Employer Engagement develops outreach and engagement activities to increase the volume, caliber, and diversity of internships, full-time employment, and other post-graduate opportunities for Grinnell students.

Learn more at career.grinnell.edu and follow CLS on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop on upcoming events, reminders of deadlines, student experience highlights, and more.

Academic Advising Helps Students Find Resources

The Academic Advising office engages with students through:

• Academic Coaching for individual consultations on nearly any concern
• Partners, a structured program for students who want more assistance in a given semester
• A class called ASC 101–Scholars’ Seminar for students who want to work on their learning development

Students can now schedule meetings 24/7 through Academic Advising's Bookings link.

Academic Advising has partnered with faculty and staff across Grinnell to refresh the Student Resources page. Direct your student to these opportunities when they talk about needing support or assistance. It will help them find the right person to talk to!

Quick links include:

• Academic Resources
• Living on Campus
• Social Connections
• Financial Services
• Health, Wellness and Safety
• Career Exploration and Preparation

News You Can Use

Reapplying for Need-Based Financial Aid for 2024–25

The deadline for domestic (U.S. citizen and eligible noncitizen) students who would like to apply for need-based financial aid for the 2024–25 academic year is April 1, 2024. Find detailed instructions on the website. 

International students who receive financial aid and domestic students who receive only merit scholarships, but not need-based financial aid, do not need to take any action to reapply for the 2024–25 academic year. Questions? Email the Office of Financial Aid.

Office of Student Accounts Important Dates

Nov. 21: Spring 2024 tuition was billed, and spring payment plans opened for enrollment. If you are planning to use a payment plan, please enroll as soon as possible.

Dec. 19: Payment due for spring 2024.

Jan. 31, 2024: The College will be mailing paper copies of the 1098-T, Tuition Statement, on or before this date. Questions regarding eligibility for education credits should be directed to a tax professional. Sign up to receive the form online by Jan. 1, 2024:

1.  Visit ECSI Electronic Consent Application. 

2.  Follow the step-by-step instructions on the web form.

3.  Check the box and click submit.

If Grinnell does not have your SSN or taxpayer ID number, please contact the Office of the Registrar with this information to ensure accurate reporting of your tuition statement. Please do not submit this information via email.

Residence Life Important Dates

Dec. 16, 2023 at 12 p.m. - Residence Halls close for winter break

Jan. 20, 2024 at 8 a.m. - Residence Halls open for spring semester

Campus Dining Updates

Important Dates

Fall semester meal plans end after dinner Dec. 16, 2023. 

Winter break meal plans are valid Dec. 17–Jan. 19 dinner.

Signup for spring meal plans now through Jan. 28, 2024 (plans are valid beginning Jan. 20, 2024. Your student can review these options on Sharepoint.

Expanded Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars may be added to any meal plan and can be added to your student's meal plan at any time during the semester. Dining Dollars venues for spring 2024 include:

• Spencer Grill
• Global Café
• Marketplace Dining Hall
• McNally's
• Jay's Deli
• Saints Rest
• Dari Barn (open later this spring)

Special Events

Dec. 11 - Dessert Extravaganza at the Marketplace Dining Hall offers more than 40 traditional treats.

Dec. 12 - Evening Study Break in the JRC Lobby

Comments or feedback? You can contact dining services online.

Upcoming Public Events

From Opera to Oratorio, cross-cultural learning to public speakers, you can find upcoming public events on the new Campus Calendar.