GrinCommons is Grinnell College's online alumni hub, designed to help Grinnellians reconnect, build relationships, and stay engaged with the College and one another.
Whether you're looking for a classmate, exploring alumni communities, or sharing an update, these FAQs will help you get started.
How do I sign up for GrinCommons?
Getting started is easy!
- Visit commons.grinnell.edu and select Login/Sign Up in the upper-right corner.
- Choose to register using Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, or your email address.
- If registering by email, enter your email address and the six-digit verification code sent to your inbox.
- Complete your registration form, including your profile information and the "Willing to Help" questions, which let you indicate how you're interested in supporting fellow Grinnellians.
- Submit your registration. If approval is required, you'll receive an email once your account has been approved.
- If you register using the email address we have on file, your profile will be approved immediately. If you use a different email address, our team will need to review and verify your information. Please allow 1–2 business days for verification and approval.
Already registered? Simply select Login to access your account.
Can I access GrinCommons without registering?
Alumni records have already been added to GrinCommons, so you may receive email digests and announcements even if you haven't registered.
However, you'll need to complete your registration and sign in to access community content, view profiles, or participate in conversations.
Is GrinCommons mobile-friendly?
Yes! GrinCommons was designed with mobile users in mind. You can browse the alumni directory, connect with classmates, and participate in GrinSpaces from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
How do I find what I'm looking for on GrinCommons?
Visit commons.grinnell.edu to explore Grinnell College's online alumni hub.
From the homepage, you can search the alumni directory, explore the alumni map, discover GrinSpaces communities, and connect with fellow Grinnellians.
Alumni Directory and Profiles
How do I find and connect with other Grinnell alumni?
Explore the Alumni Directory to reconnect with classmates, discover alumni in your area, or find graduates who share your professional interests.
You can search by name, location, class year, and other available profile information. Depending on an individual's privacy settings, you may also be able to view their profile and send a message directly through GrinCommons.
Who is included in the Alumni Directory?
The Alumni Directory includes alumni who have not opted out of directory participation or requested not to be contacted. Existing directory privacy preferences have been carried over to GrinCommons.
Deceased alumni are also included in the main directory rather than in a separate directory.
Who can access the Alumni Directory and Alumni Map?
Only individuals who are in our Alumni Community, current Grinnell Seniors, along with select Faculty and Staff members of Grinnell College. Any attempts to create an account by individuals outside our community will be rejected.
How do I use the alumni map?
The alumni map allows you to explore where members of the Grinnell community are located.
Individuals appear on the map when they are included in the directory and have an address on file. Faculty, staff, and students may also appear, which is why you'll notice a concentration of people around Grinnell, Iowa.
Can I search by a previous or maiden name?
Yes! If an alum's previous name is included in their record, you can use it to find them in the Alumni Directory.
Can I sort the Alumni Directory by last name?
Yes. The directory sorts by first name by default, but you can change the sorting order using the Sort button next to "Display name."
How do I update my alumni profile?
Keeping your profile current helps fellow alumni find and connect with you!
Once you're signed in, navigate to your profile to review and update your contact information, professional details, and other information. Here are all the things you can add or update.
Each field of the profile is private and editable by default unless noted below. Edited fields are shared with the College.
Section: Name Block
- Photo* - Shared once added.
- Name*
- Nickname
- Previous Last Name*
- Location - City, State, Country (This can be set to be just State or Country)*
- Social Media/Websites
- Profile Visability
*Shared with the GrinCommons community by default. Location is a seperate field from the address fields below and is used to populate the Alumni Map tool.
Section: Introduction
Section: Contact Information
- Mobile Phone
- Home Phone
- Office Phone
- Preferred Email
- Home Address
- Office Address
GrinCommons features a messaging feature which keeps the sender's and recipient's email masked during the conversation. Learn more below.
Section: Grinnell College Education
- Class Year*
- Starting Year*
- Major(s)*
- Minors(s)*
- Student Activities* - This includes Athletics and other on-campus activities in a single dropdown.
*Shared with the GrinCommons Community.
Please note: the Grinnell College education section is unable to be edited except for student activities. If a portion of your Grinnell education record is incorrect, please contact us at alumni@grinnell.edu or 866-850-1846.
Section: Additional College or University
- College/University
- Starting Year
- Graduation Year
- Major(s)
- Minors(s)
Section: Employment
- Job Title
- Employer
- Starting Month
- Starting Year
- Current Employer or End Month/Year
- Industry
Additional Fields
- Personal Pronouns
- Grinnell Alumni Affinity Groups
- Web Links
- Accomplishments
What should I do if I can't find someone?
Try adjusting your search terms, checking the spelling, searching by a previous name, or using broader keywords.
Keep in mind that some alumni may have chosen to limit their directory visibility.
If you still can't find the person you're looking for, contact alumni@grinnell.edu, and we'll be happy to investigate.
How do I message another alum through the Alumni Directory?
Connecting with fellow Grinnellians is easy! You can send a message directly through the Alumni Directory without needing to know their email address.
When you send your initial message, GrinCommons protects both your email address and the recipient's by keeping them hidden. Your message is delivered to the recipient's email inbox, and if they respond, their reply will arrive directly in yours.
Please note: Once the recipient replies, email addresses will continue to be masked. You will need to share your email address directly for other correspondence.
GrinSpaces Communities
What are GrinSpaces, and how do I find them?
GrinSpaces are online communities within GrinCommons where alumni can connect around shared experiences and interests.
Communities include class years, regional networks, and affinity groups. They're a place to reconnect, exchange ideas, share updates, and stay involved with the Grinnell community.
How do I find and join a GrinSpace?
You're already subscribed to your class GrinSpace!
We also encourage you to explore and join other communities that interest you. Visit GrinCommons to browse available GrinSpaces and subscribe to additional communities, such as the Kansas City Regional Network.
Can I explore a GrinSpace without subscribing?
Yes! Some GrinSpaces allow you to browse conversations and community content without subscribing.
However, you'll need to subscribe to participate in discussions. Some protected communities, particularly class years and affinity groups, have restricted access.
What does the "A" next to someone's name mean?
The "A" indicates an associated class. This means the individual is connected to a class year other than the one in which they graduated.
Associated class memberships are typically assigned by College staff, but alumni may request an association with another class.
How do I participate in a GrinSpace conversation?
GrinSpaces are all about connection!
Once you've subscribed to a community, you can introduce yourself, ask questions, share updates, create posts, or respond to existing conversations.
All subscribers can post to a GrinSpace's discussion wall. Posts appear under the "General" topic unless a moderator has created additional discussion topics.
Only designated moderators can send posts as announcements to all community subscribers.
10. What kinds of things can I share in a GrinSpace?
We encourage alumni to share content that fosters meaningful connections, including:
- Introductions and personal or professional updates
- Upcoming alumni gatherings and community events
- Questions, recommendations, and local opportunities
- Professional networking and career insights
- Grinnell memories and shared experiences
Before posting, please review the GrinSpaces Community Use Policy.
Who manages GrinSpaces communities?
GrinSpaces are supported by Grinnell College staff and designated alumni volunteers.
- Class GrinSpaces: Moderated by Grinnell staff, class agents, and fun directors.
- Regional GrinSpaces: Moderated by Alumni Relations staff and regional coordinators.
- Affinity GrinSpaces: Moderated by designated volunteer leaders.
Moderators help encourage participation, facilitate conversations, and maintain welcoming communities.
Can I suggest a new GrinSpace?
We're not currently accepting requests to create new GrinSpaces, but we'd love to hear your ideas!
If you have a suggestion for a future community, contact alumni@grinnell.edu. We may expand community options in the future.
What is the GrinSpaces Community Use Policy?
GrinSpaces are intended to be welcoming, respectful, and engaging spaces for Grinnell alumni.
All participants are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally. Content involving discrimination, harassment, misinformation, political campaigning, spam, or solicitations for non-Grinnell causes is not permitted.
Violations may result in a written warning, temporary suspension, or removal from the platform.
Please review the full GrinSpaces Community Use Policy before participating.
What if I see something inappropriate in a GrinSpace?
If you encounter content that may violate the Community Use Policy, please contact your GrinSpace moderator or the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at alumni@grinnell.edu.
We appreciate your help in keeping GrinSpaces welcoming and respectful for everyone.
GrinCommons and the Alumni Website
How is GrinCommons different from the Grinnell College alumni website?
GrinCommons is designed for connection and community. It's where you can search the Alumni Directory, connect with fellow Grinnellians, and participate in GrinSpaces.
The Grinnell College alumni website will continue to provide College news, alumni information, and opportunities to give back.
The previous alumni directory on the College website will be replaced with a link to GrinCommons.
The College is also planning a new website, currently anticipated around June 2027.
Help and Support
Who can I contact if I need help navigating GrinCommons?
We're here to help!
If you're having trouble registering, accessing your account, finding information, or using a feature, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at alumni@grinnell.edu.
We look forward to helping you make the most of GrinCommons!