Reunion FAQ
Categories
Reunion Basics
What is Reunion Weekend?
How much does Reunion Weekend cost?
How do I register?
Why is there a registration fee for Reunion Weekend?
I have some particular needs related to accessibility. What should I do?
I have made it to campus, what do I do first?
Housing
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?
May I room with my friends?
I’m staying at a local hotel. Will there be shuttles running from the hotels to campus?
I’m thinking about staying in my RV. Where would I park it?
Activities
What is there to do during Reunion Weekend?
Are there going to be family friendly activities?
I keep hearing about this "alumni assembly"--what's that?
I also keep hearing about Alumni Awards…what are they?
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 Amenities
I know my way to campus but where do I go once I'm there?
Where do I park?
I just remembered Grinnell doesn't have a commercial airport, so how do I get to Grinnell from the airport (or train station)?
I wonder if I could carpool with some friends, or friends-to-be, 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?
Where can I eat on Thursday night?
Will I have to pay for my children's meals?
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?
May I sell my art at Reunion?
I didn’t receive any information about Reunion this year… why didn’t I get any emails or mailings from the College?
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 evening after Memorial Day.
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?
Registration is à la carte, which allows each person to customize their reunion experience and manage their budget. You can find information on the basic registration fee as well as other options you may choose here.
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How do I register?
Reunion registration opens on February 1 and remains open through Reunion.
Please be aware that after May 15, late fees for registration, meal, and shuttle reservations will apply, and that housing, shuttle and childcare reservations, and some meals may be sold out.
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Why is there a registration fee for Reunion Weekend?
Grinnell College strives to make Reunion affordable and accessible for all participants. The registration fee includes the Saturday evening All-Reunion Dinner, a digital download of your class photo, a plethora of Reunion events, and partially subsidizes golf cart, tent, and other equipment rentals, sound systems and entertainment, and supports the wonderful Reunion Student Staff - all the things that make Reunion weekend a special and fun experience. This registration fee, along with other fees you may pay to attend Reunion Weekend, does not cover the overall cost to the College for the weekend.
More information on Reunion fees is available here. 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 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. To learn more about the most commonly-visited spaces at Reunion, please reference the visitor accessibility website. In addition, the interactive campus accessibility map displays nearest accessible parking, entrances, ramps, restrooms, and other services.
We are happy to make every effort to meet your needs. Individuals who have special needs or requests are encouraged to contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or 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:
- 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. Please come see us at the registration desk the next morning to pick up your registration materials.
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Housing
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, though some rooms may not be available until noon (your check-in assistant will advise you). 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 elevators. Class dorm accommodations often sell out, so guests should register early if they wish to stay here. Planned class/cluster dorms for Reunion 2025, subject to change depending on registration numbers, are:
- 70th Reunion, Class of 1955: Grinnell House
- 60th Reunion, Classes of 1965 and 1966: Rose Hall
- 50th Reunion, Class of 1975: Rathje Hall
- 40th Reunion, Classes of 1984 and 1985: Norris and Cowles Halls
- 35th Reunion, Classes of 1989, 1990, and 1991: Smith, Langan, Rawson, and Gates Halls
- 25th Reunion, Class of 2000: Younker Hall
- 15th Reunion, Classes of 2009, 2010, and 2011: Read, Haines, and James Halls
- 10th Reunion, Class of 2015: Main Hall
- GRAEYs: Dibble and Clark Halls
- 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.”
- Accessible Housing. 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.
- Family Housing. Each Reunion we set aside dorm housing specifically for families with young children. For more information about the Family Dorm, refer to the FAQ titled "What is the family dorm?"
- No preference. If guests select this, they will be placed where there is availability. This is usually in or near their class dorm or their nearest class if there is availability.
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?
All college dorms are now equipped with central air or an in-room air-conditioning unit. Accommodations include an extra-long twin bed, two bath towels, two washcloths, two sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Most dorm rooms do not have coat hooks, nor are they stocked with clothes hangers. We do have limited availability of hangers available at the Reunion Help Desk in the JRC lobby. All rooms are single, unless guests specifically request a roommate when they register.
There are very few private bathrooms in the dorms. Bathrooms are not stocked with toiletries or towels. Each dorm room will be supplied with a bar of soap and towels, so be sure to bring them with you when you go to the bathroom. We also have limited availability of various toiletries, including shampoo/conditioner and toothbrushes/toothpaste, at the Reunion Help Desk.
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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.
Children who do not need a bed or bedding may stay for free in their family's room (i.e. those who will sleep in a portable crib or in a sleeping bag on the floor). This is an option for any dorm, not only the family dorm.
Several rooms in the family dorm have private bathrooms, but we cannot guarantee availability.
We are happy to make every effort to find suitable campus accommodations for your family. If you have special requests, please email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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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.
Children who do not need a bed or bedding may stay for free in their family's room (i.e. those who will sleep in a portable crib or in a sleeping bag on the floor).
The pack and plays are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu to ask about availability.
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May I room with my friends?
Yes, alums 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 free 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, and information is included in the on-line schedule and the schedule booklet.
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I’m thinking about staying in my RV. Where would I park it?
The Poweshiek County Fairgrounds have water and electric hook-up, and as with the area hotels, shuttle service to campus is provided.
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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 and open houses, featuring the new and renovated buildings on campus
- Alumni 5K run/walk, BRAG (Bike Ride Around Grinnell), and yoga
- Alumni Assembly, featuring Alumni Awards
- Musical performances including alum bands and the faculty/staff Too Many String Band
- Faculty and alumni panels, lectures, and workshops
- Receptions and dinners with classmates, faculty, and staff
- Evening entertainment such as observatory tours, Drag Show, and the Harris Dance Party
A preliminary schedule can be found on the main Reunion web page. This schedule will be updated as events are confirmed.
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Are there going to be family friendly activities?
Bringing the whole family to Reunion? There are always many activities throughout Reunion weekend in which children can participate. Guests will also have access to the swimming pool on campus, the gym, and the game room in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), where pool and ping pong tables are available. Don't miss Reunion Block Party on Friday evening, where there will be inflatables, art projects, face painters, yard games, and lots of other activities for all ages, as well as All-Reunion Mac Chill Time Saturday afternoon!
Activity bags for children ages 3 and up are available at the information desk in the JRC, free while supplies last.
Childcare for ages 6 months to 4 years is available by reservation when you register for Reunion, and drop-in childcare for ages 5 to 12 years is available on campus, with pre-registration welcome but not required. More information on Reunion childcare here.
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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 in Herrick Chapel.
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I also keep hearing about Alumni Awards…what are they?
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?
Reunion Planning Committees consist of dedicated classmates who have volunteered their time and effort to enhance the Reunion festivities. Discover who has been contributing to the planning by visiting the Reunion Committee Volunteers page! When viewing the online Reunion schedule, use the "Filter by Class" feature to find activities of special interest to your class.
If you are interested in helping to plan your class’s upcoming Reunion or to learn more about the process, we invite you to explore the Reunion Planning Resources.
For any other questions, please reach out to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 or by email 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. It's an actual thing, even: GRA/EY, Grinnell Reunion Any/Every Year. You may request lodging near or with a particular class or cluster, near other GRA/EYs, or anywhere on campus. You 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.
Childcare for ages 6 months to 4 years is available by reservation when you register for Reunion, and drop-in childcare for ages 5 to 12 years is available on campus, with pre-registration welcome but not required. More information on Reunion childcare here.
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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.
Locally retired and current faculty members are invited All-Reunion Mac Chill Time on Saturday afternoon and to the All-Reunion Dinner on Saturday evening. Class/cluster flags create visible meeting spots.
Many former and current coaches attend the Pioneer Athletics Reception, where you can spend some time with your favorite coaches, current student athletes, and hear updates on Grinnell athletics.
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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 may opt out when you register.
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May I bring my Golden Retriever?
Service animals are welcome at Reunion, at all campus events and locations. For safety reasons, please do not bring pets or other non-service animals to Reunion.
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Travel and Amenities
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. Please visit us at the registration desk the next morning to pick up your registration materials.
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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 whenever the registration desk is open.
Once on campus, simply call the Transportation Desk (641-269-4403) to request a ride.
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I just remembered Grinnell doesn't have a commercial airport, so 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.
May 15 is the last day to guarantee a shuttle seat. Reservations may still be made if space is available, with a $10 late charge. To inquire about space, please contact reuniontranpso@grinnell.edu.
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 rent a car and have room for other passengers, consider posting on the Grinnell College Reunion 2025 Rideshare page to share the cost of a rental and give other guests an option for getting to campus (and make a new Grinnell friend!).
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I wonder if I could carpool with some friends, or friends-to-be, to Grinnell. Is that possible?
Yes! We encourage you to connect with other Grinnellians to carpool to Grinnell. Visit the Grinnell College Reunion 2025 Rideshare page to post your travel plans and connect with others in your city or area who are traveling to Reunion.
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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. No username or password is needed.
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. Open times vary and are determined in the late spring. They will be posted in the Reunion weekend schedule.
Throughout the weekend, there are several fitness or wellness options 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?
Food and resources are conserved when people purchase their meals ahead of time. This practice allows us to plan food quantities appropriately throughout the weekend.
Meals can be purchased à la carte, or at a discounted rate with the All-Meals package if ordered before May 15. Meals will also be available for purchase during Reunion. With the exception of the Reunion Block Party meal and additional block party tokens, any meals purchased after May 15 or on-site will incur an additional $5 charge per meal.
If you are thinking of waiting to purchase your meals, we advise you to purchase any special meals your class might be hosting in advance. For these meals, College staff need to be able to judge what space is needed, how many tables will need to be set up, and how much food to prepare in order to create the experience that our alumni have come to expect. Availability for these meals is limited.
The Spencer Grill, located in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, yogurt, and more. However, it is not designed to handle large crowds, so wait times may be long during busy periods. The Global Café, located in the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) atrium, is open on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon. It offers treats made from recipes created by international students, showcasing flavors from around the world.
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Where can I eat on Thursday night?
Meals 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 until 7pm Thursday evening (it is not open Friday or Saturday evenings). You can purchase light fare, including salads and sandwiches at the Grill. Finally, there is the option of having something delivered from a local restaurant. 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 ages 5-12 eat at a discounted rate.
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I have a special dietary need. Will the College be able to accommodate me?
We strive to accommodate a variety of special diets and are happy to offer vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free meal options. Additionally, we can accommodate most food allergies. To help us plan appropriately, please indicate any dietary needs on your registration form.
For those with nut allergies, please note that our kitchen handles nuts and serves peanut butter at every meal. While we take precautions to minimize cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that all meals will be completely nut-free.
We recognize that some dietary needs may be highly specialized and beyond the scope of our food service. In such cases, we are dedicated to making alternative arrangements, such as ensuring access to a dorm kitchen for individuals to prepare their own meals.
If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, please contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We are here to help!
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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, as a general guideline, guests who only join for a single meal do not need to register. This assumes they will spend just a couple of hours on campus and make limited use of the resources provided for registered alumni.
However, if your friend plans to stay for two meals or spend the entire afternoon and evening on campus, they should register as a guest and pay the registration fee. For the safety of all attendees, students, and staff, everyone attending Reunion must be a registered guest. Those who are not registered and not wearing a name badge may be asked to leave campus.
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Other Fantastic Questions
What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but with traditional Grinnellian spirit and ingenuity, our Reunion celebrations will continue rain or shine.
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I didn't pre-register. Can I still attend?
Yes, you can register online or in person at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) at any time, including during Reunion.
Please note that registrations after May 15 incur a late fee. Additionally, some events have limited capacities and may sell out quickly, so we cannot guarantee the availability of accommodations, childcare, airport or train shuttles, or dining services for those who do not register in advance.
For the safety of all attendees, students, and staff, everyone on campus for Reunion must be a registered guest. Those without a name badge or registration 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.
Full refunds are available for cancellations or changes made on or before May 15. After May 15, only the registration fee will be refunded. Unfortunately, due to fixed costs, refunds for meals, housing, or additional reserved events and services cannot be provided after this date.
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, Reunion events and meals are offered à la carte, so you can sign up for only the events and meals you plan to attend.
All registrants, regardless of the duration of their stay, will be required to pay the registration fee. Please also note that housing is charged at a flat fee, which covers linen rental, room setup, and cleanup, and cannot be prorated.
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Will the Grinnell College Bookstore be open?
Yes! The Grinnell College Bookstore has been renamed The Pioneer Bookshop and is now located in downtown Grinnell. It will be open during Reunion, with specific hours listed in the schedule and also available on the Pioneer Bookshop website.
While you're there, be sure to check out the Grinnell Authors Display, showcasing works by Grinnell alumni, faculty, and staff. If you'd like your original work to be included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2025.
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May I sell my art at Reunion?
While we don't have a platform for art sales at Reunion, the Grinnell Farmers Market does, and would welcome your participation! By filling out the application form and paying a small fee to the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, you may secure a stall at the Thursday afternoon and/or Saturday morning market. Applications are due April 25. More information and an application are available here.
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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 reasons you may not have received Reunion information from the College. First, we may not have your most current contact details. You can easily update your mailing address, email address, phone number, and more through our online update form.
Second, it's possible that you previously opted out of receiving mailings or communication from the College. If this is the case and your preferences have changed, please update your email preferences or contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We’ll be happy to add you back to our lists and ensure you receive future Reunion communications.
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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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