Our positioning is how we want to be thought of across all of the audiences we seek to engage. It doesn’t articulate what we are or how we express it explicitly, or in total, but defines some of the most compelling, differentiating, and authentic messages that we want people to remember when they walk away. This direction should align with what we want others to think of Grinnell and should fit within the College’s strategic vision.
By setting a compelling, differentiating, and authentic positioning for the College, we can build awareness and tell stories that will capture the attention of our audiences in a powerful way.
What We Do
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Academics
Through our academics we empower intellectually engaged students through individually advised learning to equip Grinnellians to navigate the world’s complexities and effectively contribute to the common good.
We do this by:
A globally informed, inquiry-led curriculum guided by dedicated faculty advisors. -
Commitment
Through our commitment we empower intellectually engaged students through individually advised learning to equip Grinnellians to navigate the world’s complexities and effectively contribute to the common good.
We do this by:
Exploring issues of purpose, responsibility, and justice on campus and beyond. -
Community
Through our community we empower intellectually engaged students through individually advised learning to equip Grinnellians to navigate the world’s complexities and effectively contribute to the common good.
We do this by:
Continually striving to inspire coalition building. -
How It's Experienced
With intellectually engaged students empowered through individually advised learning, our positioning is authentic and ownable — not contrived, fabricated, or forced. To ensure this, we can gather real examples of our positioning in action, demonstrating the strength and validity of this direction.
Grinnell College Empowers Intellectually Engaged Students Through Individually Advised Learning
Grinnell College can authentically own and support the core of this positioning, demonstrated by:
- Self-governance and respect for student voices
- Resources and a healthy endowment to allow for open exploration
- Smart investment in and integration of the Center for Careers, Life, and Service
- Individually advised curriculum, with the ability to choose an academic path
- Global perspective through the Institute of Global Engagement
- Internships, research and Capstone projects for advanced experience
- Faculty who are deeply committed to student mentorship and relationships
The Promise We Make
The core of our brand story articulates our commitment to what we deliver to every Grinnellian. For those who craft communications on the College’s behalf, the messaging map is an incredibly valuable tool. For others, the Grinnell Promise represents what we do, who we do it for, and why we do it — in a simple phrase that’s easier to remember and share with others.
| Who | We empower intellectually engaged students … |
|---|---|
| What | through individually advised learning … |
| Why | to equip Grinnellians to navigate the world’s complexities and effectively contribute to the common good. |
Together, these ideas make up the Grinnell Promise.