Young Alumni Weekend FAQ
Categories
Young Alumni Weekend Basics
What is Young Alumni Weekend?
How can I stay up to date about Young Alumni Weekend?
What is the difference between Reunion and Young Alumni Weekend? Are these two separate events?
Why is Young Alumni Weekend happening in 2022?
Speaking of Reunion Weekend, I thought my Reunion was supposed to happen this year, but I don’t see listed as one of those returning in 2022. What happened?
Why does the class of 2020 get a special celebration?
How much does Young Alumni Weekend cost?
How do I register?
Where do I park?
Where will I stay?
Can I bring children?
Does the College have cribs or playpens I can rent or borrow?
Will childcare be provided?
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?
What does the Young Alumni Weekend registration fee cover?
I have made it to campus, what do I do first?
Activities
What is there to do during Young Alumni Weekend?
I see that Young Alumni Weekend is taking place on Juneteenth. Is the College planning on doing anything to celebrate this important day?
Will there be alcohol?
Who will be there?
I didn’t graduate between 2014-2021, can I still come to Young Alumni Weekend?
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?
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 are available?
May I use the pool, gym, and other athletic facilities?
Will the bathrooms in the dorms be gender inclusive?
Meals
Why do I have to pay for all my meals when I register? What if I don’t want to eat the meals the College provides?
I am a 2014-2019 or 2021 alum, can I join the class of 2020 on Thursday evening for dinner if I arrive early for Young Alumni Weekend?
Will I have to pay for my children's meals?
How much will it cost to register my children?
I have a special dietary need. Will the College be able to accommodate me?
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?
COVID-19 Related Questions
Will proof of vaccines be required?
What kinds of COVID-19-related precautions will be required during Young Alumni Weekend? Will I need to wear a mask?
What if I get COVID-19 and cannot attend? Or what if the College cancels Young Alumni Weekend because of COVID-19? Will I be refunded?
What will happen if Young Alumni Weekend is cancelled after I register?
Will most events be offered outside because of COVID-19?
Well, I have read this entire list of questions and my question is still not answered. What do I do now?
Young Alumni Weekend Basics
What is Young Alumni Weekend?
The College is excited to invite the classes of 2014-2021 back to campus for a homecoming gathering. Part Reunion, part post-COVID-19 get-together, the weekend will incorporate many of the traditional elements of Reunion, along with some new events, including a special celebration for the class of 2020.
The first-ever Grinnell College Young Alumni Weekend will begin on Thursday, June 16, 2022 for the Class of 2020 and on Friday, June 17, 2022 for the classes of 2014 -2019 and 2021. It will end on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
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How can I stay up to date about Young Alumni Weekend?
Many of our communications will be digital in an effort to save paper. Stay up to date by:
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What is the difference between Reunion and Young Alumni Weekend? Are these two separate events?
Reunion and Young Alumni Weekend are two separate events that will take place on two different weekends in June 2022.
Young Alumni Weekend is a one-time, affinity event for young alumni. It is a special gathering for recent graduates who have had many of their milestone alumni moments canceled or altered because of the pandemic. The College invites those who graduated in the classes of 2014-2021 back to campus on June 17-19, 2022. The class of 2020 is invited back one day early, June 16, 2022 for a special celebration.
Reunion is an annual alumni gathering that takes place every year the weekend after Memorial Day. If you graduated before 2014 and your class is not celebrating a Reunion this year, you are still welcome to come back for Reunion Weekend (June 2-5) as a GRÆY (Grinnell Reunion Every/Any Year), though you may not return to campus for Young Alumni Weekend (unless you are married to someone who graduated between 2014-2021). See more information about Reunion, including invited classes on the Reunion web page.
Why is Young Alumni Weekend happening in 2022?
COVID-19 caused Reunion 2020 to be canceled and Reunion 2021 to be transitioned to a virtual platform. When planning for Reunion 2022, the College was looking for a way to bring back the classes that were most impacted by these pandemic induced changes. However, with the help of alumni volunteers, we quickly realized that the numbers would be too large for a single event. This is why we are hosting Young Alumni Weekend, a separate event that will provide many of our younger alumni the opportunity to return to campus in 2022.
The College is excited to invite back the 5th Reunion cluster (14-15-16), the classes that have had unusual Commencements (2020 and 2021) and everyone who graduated in between, to celebrate, reengage with one another and reconnect with the College at Young Alumni Weekend.
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Speaking of Reunion Weekend, 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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Why does the class of 2020 get a special celebration?
The College asked the class of 2020 to leave campus in mid-March 2020, a few short months before their Commencement, due to COVID-19. In the midst of much stress and emotion, President Kington reassured the graduating seniors that the College would invite them back to campus for an in-person celebration when it was safe. The College now feels that it is safe to follow through with President Kington’s promise and we are thrilled to invite the class of 2020 back to campus to celebrate.
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How much does Young Alumni Weekend cost?
Registration for Young Alumni Weekend costs $210 for the classes of 2014-2019 and 2021 and their guests. This cost includes housing and all meals (beginning with dinner on Friday night and ending with a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning). It does not include shuttles to and from the airport.
The College is excited to host the 2020 Special Celebration for all 2020 alums and provide complimentary housing, drinks, and meals throughout Young Alumni Weekend. This includes dinner on Thursday night and a special celebratory breakfast on Friday, in addition to all the items listed above.
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How do I register?
Young Alumni Weekend registration opens on April 1 and will remain open through May 31 at 5 p.m. CT.
We will not accept registrations after 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 31. Those who wish to attend, but missed the deadline, may register on-site during Young Alumni Weekend for an additional $100 per registrant. (This means that 2014-2019 and 2021 alums will pay $310/person and 2020 alums will pay $100/person).
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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 Young Alumni Weekend 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 in the residence halls on campus during Young Alumni Weekend.
Accommodations include extra-long twin beds and minimal furnishings. There are no private bathrooms. All rooms are single unless guests specifically request a roommate when they register.
The cost of Young Alumni Weekend housing is included in the flat rate registration fee ($210 for 2014-2019 and 2021, free of change for 2020 and children)
Members of the classes 2014-2019 and 2021 and their guests are welcome to arrive after 8 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022. Members of the class of 2020 and their guests are welcome to arrive after Noon on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Check out is at 1:30pm on Sunday, June 19, 2022 for everyone.
Generally, all accommodations include two bath towels, two washcloths, two sheets, a pillow, and a blanket.
Guests who wish to stay on campus have several options for location:
- Cluster Dorm. The College will try to house members of the same class-year cluster in neighboring dorms whenever possible. Specific dorms are set aside for this purposed based on estimated attendance. You will receive your housing assignment when you arrive on campus.
- ’14 -’15-’16 alums will be housed in Younker, Smith and Langan
- ’17-’18-’19 alums will be housed in Gates, Rawson and Clark
- ’20-’21 alums will be housed in Loose and Read
- No preference. If guests select this, they will be placed where there is availability. This is usually as close as possible to their cluster dorm block.
The College asks to be notified of any special needs or accommodations on the registration form. We do the best we can to accommodate all requests. College staff will be in contact with all guests who have special requests or needs.
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Can I bring children?
We won’t be offering any family programming or childcare, but you are welcome to bring children.
If you would prefer to be housed in a quieter dorm room, please make this request as an accommodation on your registration form.
If you have any questions or additional special requests, please contact the Young Alumni Weekend Coordinator Sophie Neems at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We are happy to make every effort to find suitable campus accommodations for your family and may have suggestions that would be perfect for your situation.
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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 that are happy to lend theirs to Young Alumni Weekend guests.
Email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu to ask about availability. They are reserved on a first come/first serve basis.
Another alternative is to request a mattress on the floor in your room for your little one. You can easily slide an extra mattress under the bed and out of the way during the day. Just request this as a special housing request on the registration form or contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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Will childcare be provided?
The College will not provide childcare during Young Alumni Weekend.
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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?
No, we will not offer shuttles between campus and hotels in town during Young Alumni Weekend.
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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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What does my Young Alumni Weekend registration fee cover?
Grinnell College strives to make Young Alumni Weekend affordable and accessible for all participants. The registration fee is a charge assessed to all attendees that partially subsidizes general costs such as meals, golf cart rentals, student worker wages, refreshments, entertainment, and equipment rental. This registration fee does not cover the overall cost to the College for the weekend.
If you have further questions about the Young Alumni Weekend registration fee, please contact Young Alumni Weekend Coordinator Sophie Neems 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 Young Alumni Weekend materials. The hours for the registration desk are as follows:
- Thursday: Noon-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. 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.
Activities
What is there to do during Young Alumni Weekend?
Young Alumni Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all — it's up to you.
Check out the preliminary schedule (coming soon) for more info! Please note this schedule is updated as events are refined and confirmed.
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I see that Young Alumni Weekend is taking place on Juneteenth. Is the College planning on doing anything to celebrate this important day?
Yes! We are working with a group of volunteers from the classes of 2014-2021, as well as campus partners to put together a Juneteenth event. Check the schedule (coming soon) for details as plans are confirmed.
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Will there be alcohol?
Several events will have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. Please check the schedule (coming soon) for specifics on each event.
The College also offers several AA/Al-Anon and recovery meeting times throughout the weekend.
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Who will be there?
I didn’t graduate between 2014-2021, can I still come to Young Alumni Weekend?
No. While all alumni are invited to attend Reunion (June 2-5, 2022), only alumni from the classes of 2014-2021 are invited back to campus for Young Alumni Weekend. Spouses and domestic partners of 2014-2021 grads (even those who graduated before 2014) are the exception.
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Are spouses/partners/significant others/kids invited?
Yes, most activities and programs are open to anyone who is on campus for the weekend.
Please note, if you are a member of the class of 2020, your spouse/partner will be required to pay the $210 registration fee.
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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.
Many former and current coaches attend the Pioneer Athletics Reception at the Grinnell College Golf Course on Friday afternoon. Register for this special event to get 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?
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations will regularly post and update a list of Young Alumni Weekend registrants on the main Young Alumni Weekend web page. This list will be updated each Friday beginning April 15.
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May I bring my Golden Retriever?
Service animals are welcome at Young Alumni Weekend. For safety reasons, please do not bring pets or other non-service animals to Young Alumni Weekend. 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 Young Alumni Weekend materials. The hours for the registration desk are as follows:
- Thursday: Noon - 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. 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 Young Alumni 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 Rideshare board 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 Rideshare board may offer options.
You must be logged into the alumni.grinnell.edu web pages to see the Rideshare board. If you have forgotten your password or have never registered, visit the log-in page and follow the steps to get access.
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I wonder if I could carpool with some friends to Grinnell. Is that possible?
Visit the Rideshare board to post your travel plans and connect with others in your city or area who might be traveling to Young Alumni Weekend and interested in sharing a ride.
You must be logged into the alumni.grinnell.edu web pages to see the Rideshare board. If you have forgotten your password or have never registered, visit the log-in page and follow the steps to get access.
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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 at (641) 269-4600.
Burling Library will be open throughout Young Alumni Weekend for computer use. Computers will also be available near the help desk, in the JRC, for printing of boarding passes and other travel documents. 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 Young Alumni 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 Young Alumni Weekend schedule when you arrive on campus.
There are usually several fitness or wellness classes offered throughout the weekend. Again, check the schedule when you arrive for the details.
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Will the bathrooms in the dorms be gender inclusive?
Yes! The bathrooms in the dorms will be gender inclusive. If you would prefer to be housed on a floor with gender-specific bathrooms, please make a note on your registration or email us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.
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Meals
Why do I have to pay for all my meals when I register? What if I don’t want to eat the meals the College provides?
Due to the nature of this event, we decided to include meals and lodging in a single registration fee. Folding the cost of all meals into a flat-rate registration fee allowed the registration fee to be lower for everyone, as opposed to if attendees were required to pay for a la cart meals in addition to registration. The College will not refund missed meals.
Check out the Spencer Grill if you’re looking for a snack between meals. However, remember that the Grill is not set up to accommodate a large number of people and the wait may be long.
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I am a 2014-2019 or 2021 alum, can I join the class of 2020 on Thursday evening for dinner if I arrive early for Young Alumni Weekend? What about brunch on Friday morning?
The special celebrations on Thursday evening and Friday brunch are for 2020 alumni only. This is an opportunity for them to celebrate in-person for the first time since being asked to leave campus on short notice shortly before their Commencement due to COVID-19.
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. This is a great time to try one of our local restaurants for lunch or dinner. If you have accessibility needs and require assistance traveling downtown, please come to the registration desk.
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.
You can check out the variety of local restaurants before you arrive.
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Will I have to pay for my children's meals?
No. All meals are included in the price of registration and registration for children is free.
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How much will it cost to register my children?
Registration is free for all children.
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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 and options. We are also happy to accommodate most allergies. Please make sure you let us know on your registration so that we can plan appropriately.
That being said, we realize some diets are so specialized we may be unable to make proper arrangements within our food service. However, we will still try to help individuals attend Young Alumni Weekend 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.
Please note: 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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Other Fantastic Questions
What if the weather is bad?
Some events may be moved inside, but with traditional Pioneer spirit, our Young Alumni Weekend 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). However you will be charged a late fee of an additional $100. This means that 2014-2019 and 2021 alums will pay $210 each and 2020 alums will pay $100 each.
For the safety of all guests, students, and staff, all Young Alumni Weekend 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?
Please call the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846, if you need to cancel your reservation.
Please note that we confirm reservations for meals, linens, etc. based on your reservations by June 1. Therefore, individuals will be refunded in full for cancellations made before 5 p.m. CT on May 31. Cancellations received after May 31 will not receive a refund.
Guests will receive a full refund if they need to cancel for COVID-19-related reasons or if the College cancels Young Alumni Weekend because of the pandemic.
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I'd rather not stay for the whole weekend. Is that okay?
All registrants, regardless of the length of their stay, will pay the $210 registration fee (except for 2020 alums and children, for whom registration is free). This fee includes housing and all meals. It is a flat fee and cannot be prorated. However, guests are welcome to arrive late and leave early if they prefer to do so.
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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 Young Alumni Weekend. The specific hours will be available in the Young Alumni Weekend schedule when you arrive on campus and can also be found on The Pioneer Bookshop web page.
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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 Young Alumni Weekend, 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 Young Alumni Weekend? 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 or masking requirements 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 Young Alumni Weekend.
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What if I get COVID-19 and cannot attend? Or what if the College cancels Young Alumni Weekend because of COVID-19? Will I be refunded?
Guests will receive a full refund if they need to cancel for COVID-19-related reasons, or if the College cancels Young Alumni Weekend because of the pandemic.
Please call the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (866) 850-1846 if you need to cancel your reservation due to COVID-19.
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What will happen if Young Alumni Weekend is cancelled after I register?
We truly hope this does not happen! But if it does, 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 will hold dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings 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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