Sept. 25–27, 2026
Mark your calendars for We Are Family Weekend 2026! We look forward to meeting you on Friday, Sept. 25, thru Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026!
Schedule of Events
7 a.m.–6 p.m. We are Family Weekend Welcome and Information Table, Rosenfield Center, First Floor Lobby
8 a.m.–3:50 p.m. Class Visits, Various locations
Families are invited to attend a select list of classes. Passes are required. You may pick up passes from the We Are Family Weekend Welcome and Information table. Space is limited and visitors must arrive early to class to avoid class disruption.
10–11 a.m. Campus Tour, Admissions and Student Financial Services
1:30–2:30 p.m. 91´óÉñ Parents and Families Leadership Council (DAR Presentation), HSSC, Room S1325
Learn about the 91´óÉñ Parents and Families Leadership Council, its purpose, member responsibilities and opportunities. Hear from current parent members. Consider joining this distinctive partnership with 91´óÉñ.
2 p.m. Jumaah Prayer, Center for Religion, Spirituality and Social Justice (CRSSJ), 913 Eighth Ave.
Join the Muslim Student Association for Jumaah Prayer. Email Deacon Grayson with questions.
2:30–4 p.m. Division of Student Affairs Reception for parents/guests, Rosenfield Center Courtyard
Join J.C. Lopez, vice president for student affairs, Ben Newhouse, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, and Maure Smith-Benanti, assistant vice president of student affairs as well as members of the Division of Student Affairs team for light refreshments. This is an informal social gathering for families to get to know some of the professionals who assist with your students’ day-to-day activities outside of the formal classroom.
Rain Location: Rosenfield Center, Room 101 and Lobby
3:30–5 p.m. Open Houses
An opportunity for families, guests and students to meet each other and the staff of the cultural centers and departments around campus.
Conney M. Kimbo Black Cultural Center: 1003 Tenth Ave.
Disability Cultural Center: Steiner Hall, first floor, Room 205
Stonewall Resource Center: Younker Hall, lower level
Latinx Cultural Center: 1026 Park Street
Careers, Life, and Service, John Chrystal Center, 1103 Park Street
4:15 p.m., Open Football Practice, Rosenbloom Field
Reconnect with fellow alumni at Rosenbloom Field while the team has walkthroughs in preparation for Saturday's match.
4–5 p.m. Middle of Everywhere, Global Living Room, HSSC, Room N1170
The Matchmaker God in Taiwan: Candice Lu ’26 will explore the folklore of the Taiwanese love god, "the elder under the moon", while teaching how to craft prayers for an ideal partner and how modern pop culture has added new touches to the rituals of love. Join us — all are welcome!
5:30 p.m. Shabbat Services, Rosenfield Center, Room 209.
Join Rabbi Sarah Brammer-Shlay and Chaverim for Shabbat Services followed by Shabbat Table with a home cooked dinner at 6:30 p.m. Email Deacon Grayson with questions.
7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble Concert, Bucksbaum Sebring-Lewis Hall, Room 104
8:30–10:30 p.m. Grant O. Observatory Open House
If the sky is clear, the featured objects will be the moon and Saturn after about 9:30 p.m. If the sky is cloudy, the presentation will involve a tour and computer demonstrations. Access to the telescope involves several sets of steps but visitors with mobility restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice by emailing Family Weekend.
8 a.m.–1 p.m. We are Family Weekend Welcome and Information Table, Rosenfield Center, first floor lobby
9–9:45 a.m. President’s Welcome, Herrick Chapel
President Anne F. Harris will provide welcoming remarks.
9:30 Athletic Facilities Tour, Bear Recreation and Athletic Center Lobby
Join ´¡²Ô»å²â&²Ô²ú²õ±è;±á²¹³¾¾±±ô³Ù´Ç²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;’85 for a walking tour of the College’s athletic facilities.
10–11:30 a.m. Science and Social Studies and Humanities Student Research Poster Sessions, Noyce Science Center, first floor elbow
Engage with students as they present their research and summer internships in a scholarly poster session format.
10–11 a.m. Parents and Families Leadership Council Fall Meeting (Invitation Only), HSSC, Room A1231
11 a.m. Men’s Soccer vs Ripon College, Springer Field
11 a.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Central College, Bear Recreation and Athletic Center, Darby Gym
11:15–noon Parents and Families Leadership Council and Reception (Invitation Only), President Harris’ home, 1600 Park Street
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. We are Family Weekend Lunch, Rosenfield Center Courtyard and Younker Grove
Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs in partnership with Development and Alumni Relations.
Registered families and guests of students will receive a complimentary meal. Meal tickets are required for this event must be picked up from the Family Weekend Welcome and Information Table in the Rosenfield Center lobby and presented at the event. Student need their P-Card.
Rain Location: Marketplace Dining and Rosenfield Center, Room 101
1 p.m. Football 91´óÉñ vs Beloit College, Rosenbloom Field
1:30 p.m. Women's Soccer 91´óÉñ vs Ripon College, Springer Field
2 p.m. 91´óÉñ Symphony Orchestra Concert, Bucksbaum, Sebring-Lewis Hall, Room 104
3 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs Alverno College, Bear Recreation and Athletic Center, Darby Gym
4–5 p.m. Campus Tour, Rosenfield Center, first floor lobby
7:30 p.m. 91´óÉñ Singers Concert, Bucksbaum, Sebring-Lewis Hall, Room 104
8:30–10:30 p.m. Grant O. Observatory Open House
If the sky is clear, the featured objects will be the moon and Saturn after about 9:30 p.m. If the sky is cloudy, the presentation will involve a tour and computer demonstrations. Access to the telescope involves several sets of steps but visitors with mobility restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice by emailing Family Weekend.
We encourage you to engage in self-care and spend time with your students, family, and friends. Enjoy the day and safe travel!
9–10:30 a.m. 91´óÉñ Alumni Families Brunch Reception (Invitation Only), HSSC, Room A1231
10:30–11:30 a.m. Family Weekend Chapel and Lunch, Herrick Chapel
Join us for a special ecumenical chapel service during Family Weekend. This gathering will feature student musicians and a message from Rev. Cassandra Lawrence, associate chaplain. We will walk together to the dining hall for a community lunch after the service. There will be a sign-in sheet at the cheery checker for family and anyone on a limited meal plan.
Plan Your Visit
Coming in person? You may find the following information useful.
Disability Accommodations
91´óÉñ welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please email Disability Resources by Sept. 15; accessible parking and facilities are indicated on the campus map.
Around Town
Downtown 91´óÉñ is close to campus, relatively flat, and conducive to walking.
- Restaurants
- Hotels and lodging
- of arts, outdoor activities, and more
Travel
91´óÉñ’s location in central Iowa makes it an easy drive from any major metropolis in the Midwest. Visitor parking is available on and around campus.
