New Student Orientation

Mission Statement

The Mission of New Student Orientation (NSO), aligned with the institution mission, is to holistically address the developmental needs of new students and families in transition to the Grinnell College community. NSO is designed to offer a comprehensive student experience that introduces safety and security, academic and student life success, belonging and connection to resources to facilitate the success of new students. NSO aims to develop skilled and confident current students as Student Involvement Ambassadors and Coordinators to guide the new students through NSO and into their first year of college.

Program Objectives

• New Student Orientation will provide programming to be compliant with federal and state law for all new students entering college.
• New Student Orientation will provide programming and resources to support students’ successful transition to Grinnell College.
• New Student Orientation will provide students opportunities to connect with the Grinnell College community and for students to begin to form healthy relationships with other new students.

Learning Objectives

• Safety and security (federal and state law compliance): New students will be able to safely live on campus by making a connection with Campus Safety, completing Title IX compliance requirements, and understand the risks of alcohol and drug use.
• Academic success (supporting successful transition): New students will make connections with their advisors (faculty, academic, and CLS), receive the necessary tools for academic success, and successfully register for classes.
• Student life success (supporting successful transition): The ability to navigate campus, both physically and digitally. Students will identify resources available at Grinnell to address common challenges faced by new students during their transition to college.
• Belonging and connection (creating opportunities for connection to Grinnell College and new friendships): More authentic and lasting connections with Grinnell and with each other in spaces and experiences that facilitate intellectual, experiential, and social communities.

Contact Information

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Phone: 641-269-4901
Email: ITservices@grinnell.edu

Admission Office

Phone: 641-269-3600
Email: admission@grinnell.edu

Residence Life

Phone: 641-269-3700
Email: reslife@grinnell.edu

Student Health and Wellness (SHAW)

Phone: 641-269-3230
Email: shaw@grinnell.edu (Important: This email is NOT monitored constantly and email is not a secure way to send health information.)

Financial Aid

Phone: 641-269-3250

​M.J. Gibney
(She, Her)
Assistant Director of Student Involvement