This page will serve as the online information headquarters for Commencement. Most commonly requested information is available on this page. If you have additional questions, please call the Conference Operations and Events at (641)269-3235 or via e-mail to commencement@grinnell.edu.

It is important to remember that we will try to have Commencement outside at all costs (even if light rain--bring rain gear) and no tickets are needed for an outdoor ceremony. If we are forced to go inside due to intolerable weather, each senior will receive a specified number of guest tickets for indoor Commencement (seniors do not need tickets). Because of the limited seating capacity of Darby Gym (our indoor location) and the need to adhere to safety regulations for indoor assemblies, a limit of four tickets per senior for indoor Commencement will be strictly enforced. We do provide a live, closed-circuit viewing at the Harris Center Cinema for those without tickets. Arriving early for an indoor Commencement is advised; for outdoor Commencement this is not necessary. Seniors may pick up their tickets at the Rosenfield Center Information Desk with their senior packets. Distribution of senior packets will occur the week preceding Commencement.

Commencement Picnic

The Commencement picnic follows the Commencement ceremony. Each senior is asked to check with his or her family and indicate the number of people, including themselves, who will be attending.

The Grinnell College BookStore will sell caps and gowns, check with the BookStore for a date. A cap and gown may be purchased as a set, and a variety of sizes are available based upon height. No pre-orders are necessary.

Grinnell College does not require students to purchase Caps and Gowns from the College Book Store, though it is reccomended. Grinnell College follows the standards accepted by the American Council on Education. The standards are available in a FAQ document from the American Council on Education here.

Grinnellians for Economic and Social Diversity (GESD) collects gently used gowns after commencement for future graduates to use at no cost. Students may be able to reserve a "recycled" gown by e-mailing [gesd].

Reserved gowns may be picked up from the GESD library in Loose Pit at time to be determined. The earlier in the week they drop by, the better their chances of getting a gown in the right size. Several mortarboards are also available, but students will need to purchase tassels from the bookstore. Any further questions or requests for additional check out times can be directed to GESD's email account.

Borrowed gowns and new donations should be returned following the commencement ceremony.

Graduating seniors will be allowed to stay in their dormitory rooms until 12 p.m. the Tuesday following Commencement. Siblings attending Grinnell College may submit a written request to stay in the dorms through Commencement, requests must be made to Conference Operations and Events.

Other family members may find housing at one of the many local accommodations.

Please see links above and to the left for links to lists of dining and lodging.

Parking is available on sidestreets and lots located around the perimeter of campus. Anyone having trouble walking should be dropped off at Herrick Chapel on Park St. for both Commencement and Baccalaureate. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed by Safety and Security or the City of Grinnell depending on the location of the vehicle.

Complimentary shuttles will be available on Commencement Day from the I-80 hotel cluster (Comfort Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Country Inn, EconoLodge) to Central Campus. Shuttles will regularly run from early morning to mid-afternoon to accommodate breakfast plans and the Commencement picnic.

Grinnell College is committed to support guests with disabilities during Commencement Weeekend. Please inform Conference Operations and Events if you have a disability that requires accommodation for participation in an event.

For information about handicap accessible parking, ramps, and routes through campus, see:

• Commencement fair weather site: small (159 KB), large (1.3 MB), PDF (2.1 MB)
• Commencement rain site:small (95 KB), large (825 KB), PDF (1.4 MB)

• An accessible restroom is located at the north east entrance to the chapel.
  
• Wheelchair seating is available at the front of the Chapel.
  

• ASL interpretation will be available. Contact Conference Operations and Events for assigned seating with a clear view.
• Accessible restrooms are available in Herrick Chapel and the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.
  
• Seating for wheelchairs on the lawn may be made anywhere. Wheelchair users requiring a hard surface or any other accessibility needs please contact Conference Operations and Events with your request at (641)269-3235