Fall 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 1 - 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 1, 9 a.m. - noon
Central check-in for new students

Thursday, September 1 - Wednesday, September 7: Orientation
The week before the start of classes, new students gather to learn about the college and get to know each other.

Tuesday, September 6, 1 - 4 p.m. and Wednesday, September 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Key pick-up for returning students

Wednesday, September 7
Opening convocation, 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 8
Classes begin at 8 a.m.

To be announced by the president: Mountain Day
Mountain Day is a surprise break from classes. The president chooses a beautiful fall day and announces the holiday by ringing the college bells. Classes scheduled before 7 p.m. are canceled.

Saturday, October 8 - Tuesday, October 11
Autumn recess

Thursday, October 13: Sherrerd Teaching Prize Ceremony
The Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching is given annually to Smith faculty members selected for their distinguished teaching records and demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence.

Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23: Family Weekend
First-year students, sophomores, juniors, Ada Comstock Scholars and their families are invited to attend concerts, lectures and panel discussions as well as athletic and social events.

Monday, November 7 - Friday, November 18
Advising and course registration for the second semester

Thursday, November 10: Otelia Cromwell Day
Otelia Cromwell Day is an annual slate of workshops, lectures, films and entertainment held to honor Smith's first African-American graduate. Afternoon and evening classes are canceled.

Wednesday, November 23 - Sunday, November 27
Thanksgiving recess (houses close at 10 a.m. on November 23 and open at 1 p.m. on November 27)

Thursday, December 15
Last day of classes

Friday, December 16 - Sunday, December 18
Pre-examination study period

Monday, December 19 - Thursday, December 22
Midyear examinations

Friday, December 23, 2011 - Sunday, January 1, 2012
Winter recess (houses and Friedman apartments close at 10 a.m. on December 23 and open at 1 p.m. on January 2)

Interterm 2012

Monday, January 2 - Tuesday, January 24, 2012
During January Interterm, the college is open, but residence is not required. For two to three weeks, Interterm provides time for students to investigate a special area of interest; to participate in courses, activities and conferences at Smith and other area colleges; to do work in libraries, museums, laboratories, etc.; to participate in internships; to work on research projects individually, in small groups or with faculty; or to enjoy the facilities of the campus at a more leisurely pace. Interterm classes begin Tuesday, January 3. No classes are held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 16.

Spring 2012

Monday, January 23 - Wednesday, January 25
Orientation for entering students

Thursday, January 26
Classes begin at 8 a.m.

Thursday, February 23: Rally Day
Rally Day is highlighted by an all-college convocation at which distinguished alumnae are awarded the Smith College Medal, with a reception to follow. All classes are canceled.

Saturday, March 17 - Sunday, March 25
Spring recess (houses close at 10 a.m. on March 17 and open at 1 p.m. on March 25)

Monday, April 9 - Friday, April 20
Advising and course registration for the fall semester

Saturday, April 21: Celebrating Collaborations
Celebrating Collaborations is Smith’s annual showcase of student research and performance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of students and faculty.

Thursday, May 3
Last day of classes

Friday, May 4 - Monday, May 7
Pre-examination study period

Tuesday, May 8 - Friday, May 11
Final examinations

Saturday, May 12
Houses close for all students except graduates, commencement workers and those with Five College finals after May 12.

Sunday, May 20: Commencement
Commencement Weekend is Smith's final chance to honor its graduating seniors and to observe such traditions as Ivy Day and Illumination Night. The weekend culminates on Sunday when parents, friends and seniors gather for the awarding of diplomas.

Monday, May 21
All houses close at noon.