To this end, the college is committed to providing an environment which promotes their physical, mental, and emotional well-being by encouraging career growth and skill development on and off campus, health and wellness programs, support for lifestyle choices, and flexible working hours. Social Responsibility our strong tradition of social responsibility and action Members of the campus community are socially and politically aware. They value and actively promote community-building, justice and social responsibility. People at Grinnell College collaborate in positive ways with the local community and with the world beyond the campus. Self-governance encourages students to become responsible, respectful, socially conscious and accountable members of the campus, town, and global community.
Democratic representation governs many areas of college policy-making and planning.
More than ten percent of the students are from another country, and virtually every state is represented. More than half of Grinnell's students study across the nation and throughout the world with portable financial aid. During the academic year, campus events are offered free of charge to the campus and local community. Advanced communication technology allows the campus to interact and remain connected with the world. These include the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake and the ability to develop successful careers, satisfying personal lives, effective community service, and intellectually satisfying and physically active leisure.