Reunion FAQ
Categories
Reunion Basics
What is Reunion Weekend?
How much does Reunion Weekend cost?
How do I register?
Where do I park?
Where will I stay?
What will my accommodations be if I choose to stay in the dorms?
What is the family dorm?
Does the College have cribs or playpens I can rent or borrow?
Can I room with my friends?
I’m staying at a local hotel. Will there be shuttles running from the hotels to campus?
I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
Why is there a registration fee for Reunion Weekend?
I have made it to campus, what do I do first?
Activities
What is there to do during Reunion Weekend?
Are there going to be family friendly activities?
Will there be alcohol?
I keep hearing about this "alumni assembly"--what's that?
I also keep hearing about Alumni Awards…what are those?
I have a question about class-specific programming, who should I ask?
Who will be there?
Are non-reunion classes invited?
Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Will former coaches and professors be there?
How can I find out if someone from my class is going to be there?
May I bring my Golden Retriever?
Travel and Accommodations
I know my way to campus but where do I go once I'm there?
So I just remembered Grinnell doesn't have an international airport, how do I get to Grinnell from the airport (or train station)?
I wonder if I could carpool with some friends to Grinnell. Is that possible?
What kind of computer and telephone access is available?
May I use the pool, gym, and other athletics facilities?
Meals
Do I have to purchase meals when I register? Can’t I just wait and purchase them when I get there?
Are there any meals served on Thursday for those who arrive for Reunion?
Will I have to pay for my children's meals?
I didn’t see the Honor G Lunch on the schedule! Was this a mistake?
I have a special dietary need. Will the College be able to accommodate me?
My aunt/brother/grandma/friend would like to join me for a meal at Reunion. Can I buy them a lunch ticket without having to register them?
Other Fantastic Questions
What if the weather is bad?
I didn't pre-register. Can I still attend?
Oh, darn it! I need to cancel my reservation. I'm sorry, but what do I do?
I'd rather not stay for the whole weekend. Is that okay?
Will the Grinnell College Bookstore be open?
I thought my reunion was supposed to happen this year, but now I don’t see it listed as one of the classes returning. What happened?
Will there be Alumni College in 2023?
I didn’t receive any information about Reunion this year… why didn’t I get any emails or mailings from the College?
Covid Related Questions
Will proof of vaccines be required?
What kinds of Covid-related precautions will be required during Reunion? Will I need to wear a mask?
What if I get Covid and cannot attend? Or what if the College cancels Reunion because of Covid? Can I get a refund?
What will happen if Reunion 2023 is cancelled after I register?
Will most events be offered outside because of Covid?
Well, I have read this entire list of questions and my question is still not answered. What do I do now?
Reunion Basics
What is Reunion Weekend?
Reunion is the largest Grinnell alumni event held each year. Alumni return to the College to rekindle connections with classmates, enjoy lively conversations, engaging events, and explore the current campus and community.
Grinnell College Alumni Reunion begins on the Thursday afternoon after Memorial Day every year.
Classes and clusters are invited on a rotating basis, with the goal that no class will go more than six years or less than four years before their next reunion. Find out when your next reunion will be by visiting the Reunion Calendar.
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How much does Reunion Weekend cost?
Before registering, it is sometimes helpful to review the Reunion fees. Registration is a la carte, which allows each person to customize their reunion experience and manage their budget.
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How do I register?
Reunion registration opens on February 1, 2023 and will remain open through the first Friday in May. Although registrations are still taken through the second Friday in May, these are considered late registrations and are charged a $50 per person late registration fee.
After the second Friday in May, registrations are no longer accepted. Those who wish to attend, but missed the deadline, may register on-site during Reunion weekend. Please be aware that housing and some meals may be sold out. Late fees for registration and meals will apply.
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Where do I park?
Parking is available in several lots throughout campus. During the summer, visitors are free to use the visitor or the student parking areas. Faculty/Staff lots are not available Monday-through Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m. If you park in Faculty/Staff parking during business hours, you may be ticketed. These lots are open to visitors on the weekend and after 5 p.m. during the week.
Our interactive campus map may help you get your bearings. If you would like, you may download a PDF version of the campus map, with the parking areas listed.
Golf cart service is available throughout the weekend to all Reunion attendees. Once on campus, simply call the Transportation Desk (641-269-4403) to request a ride. Golf cart service is available whenever the registration desk is open.
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Where will I stay?
Relive your student experience by staying on campus, in the residence halls, during Reunion. Reunion weekend housing is provided for a cost. Guests are welcome to arrive after 8 a.m. on Thursday. Check out is at 1:30pm on Sunday.
Guests who wish to stay on campus have several options for location:
- Class Dorm. Grinnell College tries to keep members of a Reunion class or cluster together in the same dorm whenever possible. Specific dorms are set aside for this purpose based on estimated attendance. 50th Reunion and Golden classes will always be assigned to East Campus residence halls, which are newer dorms that have air conditioning and elevators. Class dorm accommodations often sell out, so guests should register early if they wish to stay here.
- Family Housing. Portions of Cowles Hall and Norris Hall will be available for Family Housing. These are areas set aside specifically for families with young children. The atmosphere of Family Housing is more conducive to small children, where naptimes and quiet evenings may be necessary. Norris, and parts of Cowles, are air conditioned, and Norris has an elevator. For more information about the Family Dorm, refer to the FAQ titled "What is the family dorm?"
- GRAEY Dorm. The GRAEYs are a self-named group of alumni who return to Reunion every year or as often as possible. GRAEY stands for “Grinnell Reunion Any Year” or “Grinnell Reunion Every Year.” A south campus dorm is set aside for those who indicate they would like to stay in the GRAEY dorm.
- No preference. If guests select this, they will be placed where there is availability. This is usually near their class dorm or their nearest class if there is availability.
Guests will have the opportunity to list any special needs or accommodation requests on the registration form. We do our best to accommodate all requests. College staff will be in contact with all guests who have special requests or needs.
Information about each of the residence halls can be found on the Residence Halls web page.
If you prefer to stay off-campus, a list of area accommodations is available.
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What will my accommodations be if I choose to stay in the dorms?
Accommodations include an extra-long twin bed, two bath towels, two washcloths, two sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. There are no private bathrooms in the dorms. All rooms are single, unless guests specifically request a roommate when they register.
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What is the family dorm?
The family dorm is space set aside specifically for families with young children. The atmosphere in this dorm is more conducive to small children, where naptimes and quiet evenings may be necessary.
If you need accommodations for your family, please select "Family Dorm" on your registration form. Please note that these rooms are extremely limited. If you desire a family dorm, please register early. We also ask that you be considerate of the small number of these special rooms available and only request the family dorm if you are traveling with children.
Some rooms in the family dorm are air conditioned, but we cannot gauntee that they will all be air conditioned. Several have private bathrooms.
If you have special requests, please email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We are happy to make every effort to find suitable campus accommodations for your family.
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Does the College have cribs or playpens I can rent or borrow?
We have a very limited number of pack and plays available that you may borrow. We also have several staff members who are happy to lend theirs to Reunion guests.
Email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu to ask about availability. They are reserved on a first come/first serve basis.
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Can I room with my friends?
Yes, alumni may request to be paired with a roommate for the weekend. Be sure that you both request each other as a roommate when you register!
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I’m staying at a local hotel. Will there be shuttles running from the hotels to campus?
Yes, we will be offering shuttles between Grinnell hotels and campus throughout the weekend. You will receive more information about the shuttles with your arrival information about a week before Reunion.
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I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
Grinnell College is committed to making its campus accessible to persons with disabilities. However, not all areas of campus are fully accessible. Please review the variety of campus accessibility resources we can provide. Individuals who have special needs or requests should contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or by emailing us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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Why is there a registration fee for Reunion Weekend?
The registration fee is a nominal charge assessed to all attendees. Grinnell College strives to make Reunion affordable and accessible for all participants. The registration fee partially subsidizes general costs like golf cart rentals, student worker wages, refreshments, entertainment, and equipment rental. This registration fee, along with other fees you may pay to attend Reunion Weekend, do not cover the overall cost to the College for the weekend.
If you have further questions about the reunion registration fee, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or by emailing us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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I have made it to campus, what do I do first?
When you arrive on campus, your first stop should be the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), 1115 8th Ave., to visit the registration desk and pick up your Reunion materials. The hours for the registration desk are as follows:
- Thursday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Late Arrivals: If you arrive after the registration desk has closed, please visit the Campus Safety Office, which is now located on the first floor of Mears Cottage (1213 6th Avenue). You will be let into your room, but you will need to come to the registration desk the next morning to pick up your registration materials.
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Activities
What is there to do during Reunion Weekend?
Reunion Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all — it's up to you. Among the weekend activities and programs are the following:
- Campus tours, featuring the new and renovated buildings on campus
- Alumni Assembly, featuring Alumni Awards
- Musical performances
- Faculty and alumni panels, lectures, and workshops
- Receptions and dinners with classmates, including an all-Reunion picnic
- Evening entertainment
- Alumni 5K run/walk
A preliminary schedule can be found on the main Reunion web page. This schedule will be updated as events are refined and confirmed.
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Are there going to be family friendly activities?
Bringing the whole family to Reunion? Join in some fun activities including a family-friendly scavenger hunt, as well as Reunion Block Party on Friday afternoon. There will be inflatables, art projects, and lots of other activities for all ages.
There are always many activities in which children can participate. Guests will also have access to the swimming pool on campus (and in the community), the climbing wall, the gym, and the game room in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), where pool and ping pong tables are available.
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Will there be alcohol?
On Friday, complementary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at dinner and Friday Socials. Alumni and guests also often bring their own alcohol to enjoy.
On Saturday, complementary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at Harris Party as well as the 50th Reunion evening event.
The College also offers several AA/Al-Anon and recovery meeting times throughout the weekend. Check the schedule for details.
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I keep hearing about this "alumni assembly"--what's that?
During Reunion weekend, classes will gather for the Alumni Assembly. This ceremony recognizes outstanding alumni with the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards and includes remarks from President Anne F. Harris. All alumni, family members, and guests are encouraged to attend.
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I also keep hearing about Alumni Awards…what are those?
The Alumni Award recognizes individuals who embody Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. Recipients distinguished themselves by their service to their careers, their community and/or the College. Visit the Alumni Award page for more information about how to nominate your friends and be sure to attend the Alumni Assembly at Reunion to watch this year’s Alumni Award presentations.
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I have a question about class-specific programming, who should I ask?
Your class (or cluster) reunion is organized by a committee of your classmates. If you’re curious about the class-specific programming your peers have in mind, we encourage you to reach out to your class’s Class Agents and Class Fund Directors. Don’t know who serves in these positions? More info on your class web page. If you’re interested in helping plan your class’s Reunion, please reach out to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or by emailing us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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Who will be there?
Are non-reunion classes invited?
Yes! All Grinnell alumni are welcome to attend Reunion any year. They just need to register!
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Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Absolutely! We encourage returning alumni to bring their entire families. Most activities and programs are open to anyone who is on campus for the weekend.
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Will former coaches and professors be there?
Yes. Faculty, coaches, and staff are invited to attend various meals and functions during the weekend.
All locally retired and current faculty members are invited to the All-Reunion dinner on Saturday evening.
Many former and current coaches attend the Pioneer Athletics Reception on Friday afternoon. Register for this special event to spend some time with your favorite coaches and hear a brief update about Grinnell athletics today.
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How can I find out if someone from my class is going to be there?
You may see who has registered for Reunion on the "Who's Coming" webpage, which will be updated in real time. However, please note that it can take up to 48 hours following a registration for someone’s name to appear on the “Who’s Coming” list. If you would prefer that your name not appear on this list, you can opt out when you register.
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May I bring my Golden Retriever?
Service animals are welcome at Reunion. For safety reasons, please do not bring pets or other non-service animals to Reunion. It can be harmful for the animals, as well as the people who encounter them.
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Travel and Accommodations
I know my way to campus but where do I go once I'm there?
When you arrive on campus, your first stop should be the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), 1115 8th Ave., to visit the registration desk and pick up your Reunion materials. The hours for the registration desk are as follows:
- Thursday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Late Arrivals: If you arrive after the registration desk has closed, please visit the Campus Safety Office, which is now located on the first floor of Mears Cottage (1213 6th Avenue). You will be let into your room, but you will need to come to the registration desk the next morning to pick up your registration materials.
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So I just remembered Grinnell doesn't have an international airport, how do I get to Grinnell from the airport (or train station)?
Shuttle service is available for Reunion weekend attendees who are arriving or departing from the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids airports. Shuttle service is also available for the Ottumwa Amtrak station. Please call our office toll-free at (866) 850-1846 to make arrangements for an Amtrak shuttle. Visit our airport shuttle page for more information on airport shuttles.
Renting a car is also an option. Des Moines International Airport offers several options for renting vehicles, if you prefer to have your own vehicle while in Grinnell. If you do rent a car and you have room for other passengers, consider posting on the Reunion Facebook event page to share the cost of a rental and give other guests an option for getting to campus. Additionally, if you are looking for a ride, the Reunion Facebook event page may offer options.
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I wonder if I could carpool with some friends to Grinnell. Is that possible?
Yes! We encourage you to connect with other Grinnellians to carpool to Grinnell. Visit the Reunion Facebook event page to post your travel plans and connect with others in or city or area who might be traveling to Reunion and interested in sharing a ride.
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What kind of computer and telephone access is available?
The residence hall rooms are no longer equipped with telephones but most dorm floors have a common phone for on campus and local calls only.
If you have an emergency and need to use a phone, stop by the Help Desk at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) and someone will be happy to help you. If the Help Desk is not open, contact Campus Safety.
Burling Library will be open throughout Reunion weekend for computer use. If you choose to bring your personal computer to campus, you may access the College’s guest Wi-Fi service. The username and password will be printed in the Reunion weekend schedule.
Wi-Fi service is available throughout campus. Connectivity may be inconsistent in some dorm rooms.
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May I use the pool, gym, and other athletics facilities?
Grinnell's athletics facilities are available for returning alumni and their guests. Take a swim, play racquetball, or use the indoor track in the Charles Benson Bear '39 Recreation and Athletic Center. Free weights, exercise bicycles, treadmills, and rowing machines are available in the fitness center. Play a tennis match at the outdoor courts. Times vary and will be available in the Reunion weekend schedule when you arrive on campus.
Throughout the weekend, there are usually several fitness or wellness classes also offered. Again, check the schedule when you arrive.
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Meals
Do I have to purchase meals when I register? Can’t I just wait and purchase them when I get there?
Less food and resources are wasted when people purchase their meals ahead of time. This practice allows us to plan food quantities and preparation appropriately throughout the weekend.
If you are thinking of waiting to purchase your meals, we advise you to at least purchase dinners and any special meals your class might be hosting in advance. For these meals, College staff needs to be able to judge what space is needed, how many tables will need to be set up, and how much food will need to be prepared in order to create the experience that our alumni have come to expect. For these reasons, extra tickets for these meals are extremely limited.
We have larger numbers of tickets available for purchase on site for most breakfasts and lunches, which are “through the line” at the Marketplace in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center.
A limited number of tickets for all meals are available for purchase at Reunion. However, meal tickets purchased on site will cost an additional $5 per ticket.
There is also the option of ordering a sandwich or purchasing a premade salad, yogurt, or other breakfast or lunch item in the Spencer Grill, also located in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center. The Grill is not set up to accommodate large numbers of people, so the wait may be long.
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Are there any meals served on Thursday for those who arrive for Reunion?
Meals will begin with breakfast on Friday.
If you arrive on Thursday, we encourage you to take advantage of the offerings in the Grinnell community and take some time to enjoy the thriving downtown, including the Farmers Market on Thursday afternoon.
Shuttles to downtown Grinnell are offered every half hour from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. This is a great time to try one of our local restaurants for lunch or dinner. In addition, the Spencer Grill in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center is open in the afternoon. You can purchase light fare, including salads and sandwiches at the Grill. Finally, there is the option of having something delivered. Delivery information will be available at the Information Desk when you arrive on campus.
You can check out the variety of local restaurants ahead of time.
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Will I have to pay for my children's meals?
Children 4 years old and younger eat for free. Children 5-17 eat at a discounted rate.
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I didn’t see the Honor G Lunch on the schedule! Was this a mistake?
We no longer offer the Honor G Lunch at Reunion.
Based on several years of feedback from alumni, folks wanted more social time and less sit-down meal time, so we replaced the luncheon with a reception after the Golf Outing on Friday afternoon.
In 2018, we changed the name of this event to the Pioneer Athletics Reception to reflect the broad range of athletes that we welcome at this reception – including women athletes who were not in Honor G (prior to Title IX rules), and our many alumni who, as students, participated as team managers, worked in athletics, or who were active in intramurals, but may have not been a formal member of Honor G. Anyone who is interested in Grinnell athletics is encouraged to attend this reception.
We do ask that you pre-register for this event, although there is no additional cost to attend.
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I have a special dietary need. Will the College be able to accommodate me?
We do our best to accommodate special diets and we are happy to provide vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten free meals. We are also happy to accommodate most allergies. Please make sure you let us know on your registration form so that we can plan appropriately.
That being said, we realize some diets are so specialized that we may be unable to make proper arrangements within our food service. However, we will still try to help individuals attend Reunion by making other accommodations within reason. For instance, we can make sure people have access to a kitchen in a dorm where they can prepare their own food. If you have very specialized needs, please contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
If you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, please be aware that our kitchen does prepare nuts and we do offer peanut butter at every meal. Although we do our best to keep these ingredients separated from other ingredients, there is the possibility of cross-contamination.
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My aunt/brother/grandma/friend would like to join me for a meal at Reunion. Can I buy them a lunch ticket without having to register them?
Yes. The general rule of thumb is that any guest who only has one meal does not need to register. The assumption is that they will only be spending a couple hours on campus and will be using few of the resources available to other alumni who have paid the registration fee. If your friend would like to stay for two meals or is planning to spend the entire afternoon and evening hanging out on campus, then they should register as a guest and pay the registration fee.
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Other Fantastic Questions
What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but with traditional Pioneer spirit, our Reunion celebrations will continue rain or shine.
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I didn't pre-register. Can I still attend?
Yes, you may register on-campus at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC).
Late fees will be applied for on-campus registrations. Some events have limited capacities and sell out quickly, and we cannot guarantee the availability of rooms or dining services if you have not registered in advance.
For the safety of all guests, students, and staff, all Reunion attendees need to be registered guests on campus. If you are not wearing a name badge, and are not registered, you may be asked to leave campus.
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Oh, darn it! I need to cancel my reservation. I'm sorry, but what do I do?
If cancellation of an on-campus room or a Reunion reservation is necessary, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
Please note that we confirm reservations for meals, linens, etc. based on your reservations by the third Friday in May. Therefore, individuals will be refunded in full for cancellations made prior to the third Friday in May. Cancellations received after the third Friday of May will not receive a refund.
If the College cancels Reunion for any reason, guests will receive a full refund.
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I'd rather not stay for the whole weekend. Is that okay?
Yes. All Reunion events and meals can be done on an a la carte basis. You may sign up for only those events and meals that you are able to attend.
All registrants, regardless of the length of their stay, will pay the registration fee. Also, please note that housing is a flat fee and cannot be prorated.
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Will the Grinnell College Bookstore be open?
Yes! The Grinnell College Bookstore is now called The Pioneer Bookshop and is located in downtown Grinnell. It will be open during Reunion. The specific hours will be available in your schedule booklet when you arrive on campus and can also be found on the Pioneer Bookshop web page.
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I thought my reunion was supposed to happen this year, but now I don’t see it listed as one of the classes returning. What happened?
The pandemic has made some shifts in the original Reunion schedule necessary. If you are unsure of when your next reunion will be, refer to the updated Reunion Calendar, which provides the updated schedules through the next ten to twelve years.
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Will there be Alumni College in 2023?
Alumni College 2023 will be offered as a virtual experience throughout the academic year. With the adjustments made to the Reunion calendar, the anticipation of a larger than usual Reunion, and limited staff resources, the decision was made not to offer an in-person Alumni College experience in 2023.
Past lectures can be viewed on the Virtual Alumni College web page, where you can also learn about the courses that will be offered in spring 2023 and how to register.
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I didn’t receive any information about Reunion this year… why didn’t I get any emails or mailings from the College?
There are a few possible reasons why you may not receive Reunion information from the College. First, we may not have your most up-to-date contact information. You can update your mailing address, email address, phone number etc. through our online update form. Second, you may have told the College that you do not want to receive mailings from us or that you would not like be in contact with us at all. If this is the case for you and your feelings have changed, please let us know at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We will happily add you back to our lists and communicate with you about Reunion in the future.
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COVID-19 Related Questions
Will proof of vaccines be required?
An Iowa state law, House File 889, mandates that no Iowa business or government entity may require patrons to furnish proof of having received a vaccination for COVID-19. In keeping with this legislation, the College does not require proof of vaccination in order to attend Reunion though we strongly encourage all guests to consider a COVID-19 vaccination and booster before attending.
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What kinds of COVID-19 related precautions will be required during Reunion? Will I need to wear a mask?
The College will evaluate public health conditions in early May and will communicate with all guests regarding any COVID-19 precautions at that time. Keep an eye out for email communications from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations about arrival information and COVID-19 protocols before Reunion.
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What if I get COVID-19 and cannot attend? Or what if the College cancels Reunion? Can I get a refund?
If cancellation of an on-campus room or a Reunion reservation is necessary, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
Please note that we confirm reservations for meals, linens, etc. based on your reservations by the third Friday in May. Therefore, individuals will be refunded in full for cancellations made prior to the third Friday in May. Cancellations received after the third Friday of May will not receive a refund.
If the College cancels Reunion for any reason, guests will receive a full refund.
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What will happen if Reunion 2023 is cancelled after I register?
We truly hope this does not happen! But if the College cancels Reunion 2023, you will be refunded the full cost of all registrations minus any gifts included with your registration. If you paid by credit card, you would see a credit issued from Grinnell College within 30 days. If you paid by check, we would send a check to you.
We will not hold registrations for a future date.
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Will most events be offered outside because of COVID-19?
The College is planning for the two largest dinners on Friday and Saturday evening to be outside. Other events will take place inside but plans may be adjusted in May as the College evaluates public health conditions at that time.
More information about current protocols can be found on our Alumni Events and COVID-19 web page.
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Well, I have read this entire list of questions and my question is still not answered. What do I do now?
We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have. Contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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