Grinnell College

Last edited Monday, 11 Jun 2012

Basic Information

School Profile Picture:

Public/Private:

Public

City:

Grinnell

State:

Degrees Offered:

Undergraduate

Administrative and Legal Protections

Non-Discrimination Policy:

Grinnell College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, or activities. No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, veteran status, religion, creed, or disability.

The application of the College's nondiscrimination policy will often involve conflicting interests. This may especially be the case when it is applied to questions of freedom of speech and freedom of association. Because of these inherent difficulties, the application of the nondiscrimination policy may not be simple or straightforward. Since the primary business of the College is liberal education, and because liberal education cannot take place without the free, open, and civil exchange of ideas, the application of the nondiscrimination policy should always be made with consideration of how best to preserve that free, open, and civil exchange of ideas.

Local Laws:

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Campus Life

Campus Pride Rating:

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Campus Climate:

In the summary of the 2010 Grinnel College Climate Assessment Project it is noted that: "The majority of respondents indicated that they are “comfortable” or “very comfortable” with the climate for diversity at Grinnell College, in their college/unit, and in their departments. Respondents from underrepresented groups were less likely to feel comfortable than majority respondents. Additionally, the analyses revealed that the various employee groups at times felt differently about the degree to which the institution and their colleagues support their employment and wellbeing. While some respondents experienced conduct that has interfered with their ability to work or learn on campus (30%, n = 214 of respondents), twice as many people (60%, n = 436 of respondents) witnessed conduct on campus that they felt created an offensive, hostile, exclusionary, or intimidating working or learning environment. This phenomenon may be a function of one’s comfort level, which is to say that respondents may have felt more comfortable reporting having observed this conduct, rather than having experienced the conduct themselves. Or, it could be a function of more than one person having witnessed the same incidence of harassment." View the whole report here: http://www.grinnell.edu/files/downloads/Grinnell_Campus%20Climate_March%20Final%20Draft.pdf *See pages 7, 12, 35, 37, 75-77, 111-end

Housing Policy:

General Housing Policies:

Room Assignments
Students choose their room according to their class standing (as determined by the Registrar) and are randomly assigned a room draw number.

1. Continuing students draw into their room each spring for the following academic year. Random numbers are assigned each spring according to class standing (i.e., seniors, third-year students, and second-year students). In order to participate, a student’s account may not be delinquent, and a $200 advance tuition deposit must be paid to the Office of the Treasurer. Deposits may not be paid at room draw. Updated residence life/housing procedures are available on the Residence Life website beginning in February. These procedures are established by the Residence Life Committee. Students who cannot be present at room draw need to notify Student Affairs staff members and make arrangements for their room to be drawn by a Student Affairs staff member or another student.

2. First-year student rooms are reserved in each residence hall before the campus room draw occurs, and are assigned during the summer months. Individual requests are honored when possible.

3. A student contracts space in College housing, not a specific room. The Department of Residence Life and Orientation reserves the right to assign or reassign students. If during any term, circumstances result in a student being left in a less-than-fully-occupied room, the students are encouraged to find a roommate. If a roommate is not found within an adequate amount of time, the Department of Residence Life and Orientation may: a.) move the student to another room, or b.) move someone into the open space.

Room Changes
Room changes are the last option in resolving conflict regarding student’s living situation, barring any exceptional circumstances such as health reasons.

1. Prior to consideration of a room change, the students are required to work through conflict resolution using their Residence Life Coordinator. Students requesting a room change must discuss issues with their current roommate(s).

2. The Residence Life Coordinator notifies the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life and Orientation of her/his/hir support or lack of support for a room change.

3. The Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life and Orientation and/or Dean of Students makes the final decision regarding a room change.

4. Room changes are not to be made during the first two weeks of each semester unless exceptional circumstances exist. The Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence and Orientation and/or Dean of Students must authorize room changes.

For more information please visit: http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/shb/reslifeproc/residency...

Gender-Neutral Housing Options:

Grinnell College provides gender neutral housing to students for whom traditional, same sex room assignments are not ideal. This may include students who opt to participate in a community where the gender binary is not perpetuated. The College is proud that over 10% of the residence hall rooms are assigned as gender neutral. This option is offered in all areas of campus (and in traditional residence hall rooms, houses, and apartments).

Admitted students (incoming first-years) who prefer a gender neutral living environment should reference this in their Housing Form, which will be filled out on Pioneer Web once you are admitted to the College. If you do, you will be paired with a roommate based on your personal attributes and characteristics, and not specifically by gender.

Returning students who prefer gender neutral housing can contact Andrea Conner or Laura Gogg in Residence Life & Orientation before Room Draw in Spring semester to discuss their needs. Alternately, gender neutral options will be available in the regular Room Draw process, without having to go through any steps to attain these spaces.

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/reslife/housingproc/genderneutral

Special Interest Housing:

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Facilities:

Privacy in Regard to Bathrooms

Each resident also has the right to bathroom use at any time without being intruded upon by someone whose gender is different than his/her/hir own. Bathrooms on gender-neutral floor(s) are considered gender-neutral. One bathroom vote per floor is taken within the first two weeks of classes each semester. Residence Life and Orientation staff distributes ballots to the floor through the Residence Life Coordinator. Student Advisers administer the voting and return the votes to the Residence Life Coordinator for counting. Student Advisers post the outcome of each floor vote. Three options are recognized for floor bathroom facilities: gender-neutral, single-sex, and bathrooms that can be designated by each entering occupant. The entering occupant designated options include the following designations: male (don’t care who enters), male only, female (don’t care who enters), female only, gender-neutral, and empty. The most restrictive vote (i.e., single-sex, entering occupant designated options) determines the use of bathroom facilities on any given floor.

Sports:

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Courses and Programs of Study:

Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary field in which women, men, gender, and sexuality are examined by looking at various cultures and historical periods, and by employing diverse methods of inquiry. Students in the major will gain theoretical and methodological tools grounded in feminist and queer scholarship. Majors will study the history and development of feminist and queer thought, as well as the evolution of the field of women’s studies, with a strong emphasis on intersectional analyses (i.e., the ways in which race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and nationality interact). Students will become familiar with how theorists and researchers in gender, women’s and sexuality studies critically engage theoretical paradigms, such as liberalism, post-structuralism, psychoanalysis, and post-colonialism. Majors will be introduced to research methods that unearth invisible or silenced knowledge and that revisit and revise previous readings of cultural products and practices. They will study methods of feminist and queer research in the social sciences and humanities, including oral history, case studies, archival research, visual and literary criticism, survey/ content analysis, and field work. Majors will learn to ask the basic questions underlying the production of new knowledge, including: Who does research? Does it matter who the researcher is? How does the social location (race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality) of the researcher shape the production of knowledge? What is the relationship between feminist and queer research and social change? For more information please visit: http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/gwss

Fraternities and Sororities:

NONE.

Safety and Security:

The Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Incidents Protocol (HCBMI Protocol), which you will find below, was created in response to the 2008 anti-queer hate crimes, after an openly lesbian-identified student had her door defaced with homophobic slurs and thirty-four members of the queer community received hate mail. Some of those who were targeted met with members of the administration to plan the creation of a HCBMI Protocol. In consultation with the Division of Student Affairs, (then) Student Government Association President Neo Morake '09 researched policies at peer institutions, and found especially helpful the Protocol in effect at Macalaster College.

In the summer of 2009, a draft of the HCBMI Protocol was submitted to the Office of Diversity and Achievement. That Fall, Vice President of Diversity and Achievement Elena Bernal asked for community comment. Further, students held two public forums in October to contextualize the history of hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents at Grinnell and to gather feedback for the development of the policy. In Spring 2010, Prof. Karla Erickson asked Elena Bernal for permission to form an ad hoc committee that would continue working on the draft Protocol. A committee of three staff, three faculty, four students, and a faculty chair was formed. This group worked intensively for two months to complete the Protocol and to compose the two related documents posted here, "Glossary, Indicators, and Resources" and "Aspirations and Institutional Memory". We expect that these latter two documents will continue to be works-in-progress, and that the Protocol itself will be revised bi-annually as new ideas become ready for incorporation. Finally, in September 2010, the Protocol was reviewed by and refined by many constituencies, including the Executive Council, the Student Government Association, the Multicultural Leadership Council, as well as staff members in the Division of Student Affairs, Student Health and Counseling services, Campus Security, and Diversity and Achievement.

The Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Incidents Protocol is now in effect. In addition, the two related documents offer useful resources and constructive recommendations for the College as we continue to develop a culture of diversity based on mutual respect and civility.

The Protocol honors the individuals who were targeted in the 2008 incidents, who envisioned this Protocol to improve our future responses.

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/diversityandinclusion/hatecrimes

Healthcare

Campus Health Services:

Grinnell College’s Student Health and Counseling Services (SHACS):

"We seek to support students’ academic, personal, and social growth and success by providing you with medical services and time-limited mental health services of the highest quality and ethical practice. As we offer you the immediate care you need, we also provide information and opportunities to support you in developing lifelong self-care, wellness, and prevention skills. SHACS provides a wide range of services to students, including treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, time-limited counseling, and assessment and referral services. We also provide consulting and outreach services to the entire campus community. SHACS is located in the lower level of the Forum. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may reach us by phone at x3230 (641/269-3230 off campus)".

Counseling Services

Counseling services can support you as you learn, grow, and develop at Grinnell. College is a time of multiple transitions, opportunities, and challenges which can result in both good and bad stress. We offer time-limited individual, couples, and group therapy to help you sort out your feelings, explore options for coping, and seek other resources, if helpful, during your time at Grinnell. You do not have to be in emotional crisis to make use of our counseling services! In fact, we strongly encourage you to be proactive and start counseling before your concerns reach crisis proportions. Students often seek counseling for issues such as:
relationship concerns
low self-esteem
anxiety
sex
stress management
gender identity
trauma
concerns about a friend or relative
sexual orientation
loneliness
depression
family issues
insomnia
recovering from sexual assault
procrastination
concerns about body image and disordered eating
grief

These are only examples, however. If you are feeling bad or uncomfortable, or if something is bothering you, that is a good reason to talk with one of our counselors.

Ulifeline offers students mental health assessments, information about a variety of stressors and mental illneses geared towards college students, and resources for obtaining assistance.

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/health

Local Health Care Providers:

Poweshiek County Mental Health:
The center is a multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals working together to provide the help that our clients need. Our team includes a psychiatrist, physician assistant, psychiatric nurse, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, community support workers, and administrative assistants.

After hours non-emergency message line: (641) 236-5395
During office hours or in emergency: (641) 236-6137

For more information please see:
http://www.pcmentalhealth.org/

Health Insurance:

Health Insurance

All students are required to have health insurance while attending Grinnell. You may maintain coverage through your existing parental or personal policy, or you may choose to purchase the College’s student group insurance.

Students will not be charged and will not need health insurance for most services provided by Student Health and Counseling Services (SHACS). Modest fees are charged for immunizations, HIV testing, and Plan B (see our list of Fees). However, your health insurance may be necessary, or helpful, if you receive health or mental health services off campus.

It is a good idea to review your insurance policy so that you are familiar with what might or might not be covered while you are at Grinnell. Insurance policies vary widely in what they cover and what they exclude from coverage. It is important to note that some HMOs only provide coverage for expenses incurred within a defined region (e.g., Kaiser Permanente) and will not cover your expenses outside of that area.

The college does not benefit financially in any way when students purchase the student group insurance. Unless you have confirmed that your current insurance provides excellent coverage for health and mental health services you may receive in Grinnell, we strongly recommend that you purchase the student group insurance, which is widely accepted in the community. This recommendation is based on seeing some students postpone or forego needed treatment because their insurance will not cover services here. We don't want that to happen to you! Some students elect to carry the student group insurance as a supplement to their parental or personal policy.

Fees

While there is no fee for almost all services at SHACS, we do charge modest fees for immunizations, HIV testing, and Plan B.

HIV testing: $20.00
Influenze immunization: $15.00
Meningitis immunization: $130.00
MMR immunization: $52.00
Plan B: $20.00
TB skin test: $10.00
Tetanus: $20.00

Records and Identity Documents

Registrar's Office:

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Course Management System:

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Student ID Card:

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School Email:

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Employment Records:

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Online Profiles:

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On-Campus Resources

Student/Staff Groups:

The Stonewall Coalition (StoneCo)

StoneCo is an organization of for all students who identify under the 'queer' LGBT umbrella and our allies. Our goal is to promote activism and education through collaboration with other student groups and maintain a sense of community and safety on campus. StoneCo meets weekly in the SRC. Email: [STONECO@grinnell.edu].

Coming Out Group (COG)

COG is a group aimed to provide a confidential SAFE SPACE for individuals approaching and questioning issues of sexual orientation, gender, identity, etc. Our goal is to be a resource for discussion, information and support while emphasizing on confidentiality. COG meetings are need-based and held outside the SRC, in locations only disclosed to those who will participate in them. For those who are interested email [COG@grinnell.edu] for more information

Queer People Of Color (QPOC)

QPOC aims to address issues of racial, ethnic and economic inequity within the queer establishment. For more information about becoming involved, please e-mail: [QPOC@grinnell.edu].

LMNOP and ABC

Lesbian Movie Night and Organized Procrastination (LMNOP) and All Boys Cinema (ABC) are movie nights hosted weekly in the SRC. Info? Email: [SRCENTER@grinnell.edu]

Transgender Action Group (TAG)

TAG meets weekly in the SRC to discuss issues of transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and other non-binary gender presentations and identities. Meetings are open to all trans and cis-gender individuals interested in learning more about gender and gender issues. Email: [TAG@grinnell.edu]

Queer Rainbow Super Team (QRST)

Queer Rainbow Super Team plays games and has fun! Sometimes outside, sometimes inside it is an all around raucus good time! Email: [QRST@grinnell.edu]

Spectrum

Spectrum is a discussion group working to educate ourselves and others about issues that fall outside of the gay/straight binary, including identities, discrimination, and visibility. Email: [SPECTRUM@grinnell.edu]

Feminist Action Coalition (FAC)

The Feminist Action Coalition (FAC) is Grinnell's student-run feminist organization. We are devoted to advocating on behalf of Grinnell's female-identified women, fighting oppression in all its forms, and having awesome feminist fun. In addition to weekly discussions about feminist issues, FAC organizes a number of popular events on campus, including the clothing-optional photo shoot, masturbation and consent workshops, Love Your Body Week, and Take Back the Night Week. Please feel free to email [FAC@grinnell.edu] for more information or to join our mailing list.

OUTreach

OUTreach works to connect a queer community here at Grinnell with a larger queer community, through networking with high school GSAs, other college students, alums, Grinnell community members, and statewide, national and international networks. If you are interested in getting involved, or are interested in starting or developing a GSA at your high school, please contact [OUTREACH@grinnell.edu].

Multicultural Student Organizations
A number of student cultural organizations provide cultural enrichment on campus and allow students to celebrate diversity. These groups educate the campus and greater Grinnell community and provide cultural grounding for African American, Asian American, Latina/o American, Native American, and international students. While food bazaars and fairs are among the most popular events, these groups sponsor a variety of symposiums, lectures and guest speakers throughout the academic year. All members of the college community are encouraged to join the groups listed below and to participate in their sponsored activities.

African and Caribbean Students Union (ACSU)

The African and Caribbean Students Union (ACSU) of Grinnell College seeks to celebrate the rich diversity of the African Diaspora by engaging the Grinnell Campus through education, community, and dialogue. Together with other multicultural peer organizations, we serve as a home-away-from-home for international African, Caribbean, African-Americans, and all students with interests in the efforts and values of the ACSU.

The ACSU/CBS office is located in the Multicultural Suites on the 2nd floor of the Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC 209-J). General meetings are held on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Please visit our website for current information about ACSU and information about the 2012 Umoja Conference.

Asian and Asian American Association (AAA)

The purpose of the Asian and Asian American Assocation is to create a community that will nurture cultural pride amongst all members. Some of AAC's larger events include the Stepping Stones variety show and taking a group to attend the MAASU convention.

AAA's multicultural suite is located in JRC 209Q.

For more information, contact [aaa].

Concerned Black Students (CBS)

The purpose of CBSis to build a strong community within the membership as well as promote and inform the campus about African-American history, cultures, and issues. Some of CBS's main programming includes various events in celebration of Black Awareness Week and Black History Month.

Concerned Black Students meets on Thursdays from 9-10 p.m. in JRC 203. CBS's multicultural suite is located in JRC 209J.

For more information, contact [cbs].

Chalutzim

CHALUTZIM,the Jewish student organization, is a diverse community in which students celebrate and learn about Judaism. They hold religious services on campus and sponsor educational and cultural programming. The group participates in interfaith dialogue, multicultural activities and promotes diversity on campus. All of their activities are open to everyone on campus.

Weekly programs include: Torah Study (in English) each Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the Chalutzim Multicultural Suite, Rm 209 O & P
Kabbalat Shabbat Services each Friday at 5:00 p.m. in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, Rm 227
Shabbat Dinner each Friday at 6:15 p.m. in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, Rm. 209 B & C
Chalutzim Cabinet meetings are for students to plan programs, socialize, and create community every Wed. at noon in the Chalutzim Lounge (JRC 209 O & P).

All Jewish holidays and festivals are celebrated that occur during the academic year including Rosh HaShanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Fall Harvest Festival), Simchat Torah (Joy of Torah), Chanukkah (Festival of Lights), Tu B'Shevat (New of the Trees), and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). A campus-wide Passover Seder is held and kosher for Passover food is available in the dining hall. Prayer and spiritual exploration are led by the Rabbi and student leaders through a variety of musical, meditative, creative and traditional approaches. All are welcome, for more information contact [chalutzim].

International Students Organization (ISO)

ISO encompasses all nationalities and welcomes all students as members. The organization promotes international understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among cultures on campus and in the Grinnell community. ISO encourages all students, faculty, staff, and members of the Grinnell community to broaden their horizons and increase their exposure to other cultures. ISO events include symposiums with speakers that strive to provide a forum for discussion of current global issues; a Food Bazaar where members cook traditional food from their countries to share with others; Cultural Evening which includes a talent and style show of traditional clothing; Cultural Lunch Series featuring topics such as Nepali lessons, Chinese calligraphy, or a country focus; theme study breaks, weekly ISO Table where members get together for dinner and social time; and break activities such as movies, trips, and dinners for members staying in Grinnell over breaks.
The ISO multicultural suite is located in JRC 209H. It can be reached at x3319.
For more information, contact [iso].

Queer People of Color (QPOC)

Originally created in 1997 , QPOC was reformed in 2006 to address and raise awareness about issues of race/ethnicity, sexuality, and their intersection. Some of QPOC's main events include the QPOC Drag Extravaganza, a fundraiser for free HIV testing on campus and HIV/AIDS charities, as well as organizing campus participation in the National Day of Silence.
For more information, contact [qpoc].

Student Organization of Latinas/os (SOL)

The purpose of SOL shall be to create a community that will nurture cultural pride, as well as awareness, amongst all its members. SOL resolves to create and support a cultural and social network that preserves and encourages cultural identity and autonomy; promotes awareness of political and social issues affecting Latino society; and serves as an education resource for the community.

Some of SOL's main progamming include participation in the Columbia Conference (SOA Vigil/Protest), fall/spring retreats, celebrating the Day of the Dead, and attending the Iowa Latino Conference.

The SOL multicultural suite is located in JRC 209L and can be reached at x4847.
For more information, contact [sol].

Resource Center:

Stonewall Resource Center
Email: srcenter@grinnell.edu
Younker Hall - Pit
Mailing Address: Stonewall Resource Center 1115 8th Ave. Grinnell, IA 50112

Philosophy and Mission

The Stonewall Resource Center (SRC) was originally established as the Human/Gay Resource Center in 1986. It is named in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when New York City police raided a Greenwich Village gay bar called the Stonewall Inn. The rebellion gave birth to the Gay and Lesbian Pride movement in the United States.

The Stonewall Resource Center exists as a confidential safe space to serve the campus' Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community and their Allies. Our primary focus is to provide resources and information about GLBTQ issues and to facilitate educational programming and activities on campus. The Stonewall Resource Center is also a meeting space for numerous student organizations and our library is open to all students, for both personal and academic needs.

Facilities

Located in Younker Pit, the SRC may be reserved for meetings, programming, and other needs. Contact the SRC by phone or email [SRCenter] to inquire about reservations. Our library of over 1,500 books, magazines and videos is open to all Grinnell College community members.

The Stonewall Resource Center is staffed by volunteer monitors during the following hours of operation:
Sunday - Thursday 5:00pm - 12:00pm
Friday 5:00 - 9:00pm
Saturday 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Staffing

The staff of the SRC are available to discuss questions, concerns, and anything else that may be on your mind and can be reached during our office hours, which are posted outside of the SRC, or via email (srcenter@grinnell.edu). When we are not in the office, monitors at the SRC are student volunteers who would love to chat with you. Stop by and say hello some time!

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/src

Academic Departments:

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Trainings and Workshops:

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Career/Employment Center:

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Our Mission
The mission of the Career Development Office is to provide a set of educational experiences, partnerships, and services that affords students an opportunity to design effective transitions from Grinnell College to careers and post-graduate study. We advance our mission by embracing the mission, vision and core values of Grinnell College.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Career Development Office accords equal opportunity to all placement registrants with regard to race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.Organizations visiting the Grinnell College campus are likewise expected to conform to equal opportunity regulations in their recruitment practices.

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/cdo/about-us

Religious and Spiritual Organizations:

Center for Religion, Spirituality and Social Justice

The Center is committed to fostering intercultural, interreligious dialogues and service on the Grinnell College campus and the wider community.

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Multicultural Leadership Council Advisor (MLC)

The student leadership cabinet members administer excellent campus-wide diversity discussions with faculty and peers to explore various commonalities and difference at the college. The intersectionality of identity, culture, community, expression, ability, gender and race are all vital parts of student success in this global college community.

For more information please visit:
http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/chaplain

Community Resources

Trans Advocacy and Support Organizations:

Transgender Action Group (TAG)

General LGBT Organizations:

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Miscellaneous

External Links:

Stonewall Resource Center Facebook

Other policies:

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