The Office of the Provost/Dean of the Faculty, located in College Hall 206, is the central office for academic affairs at Smith College. Our staff works closely with faculty members, faculty committees and academic support staff.

On-Line Course Catalogue

The redesigned On-Line Course Catalog Web Application goes live September 10th at 12:00 p.m. The On-Line Course Catalog has been redesigned to include new search capabilities, look and feel of the web pages, and a different technology back-end to make the system more flexible. To display the On-Line Course Catalog go to http://www.smith.edu/academics.php and click Course Catalog. Please note that the data in the course catalog application is accurate as to when entered in the actual database.

Merit Calculations

A memorandum from Susan Bourque and Charles Staelin providing information on merit calculations can be found on the General Information Page.

Botanic Garden Curricular Enhancement Program

Please see http://www.smith.edu/deanoffaculty/moneybk/moneybk13a.html for new information on course development funds through the Botanic Garden Curricular Enhancement Program.

Online applicant management system

This spring, the Office of Human Resources and the Office of the Provost/Dean of Faculty will implement an online applicant management system called PeopleAdmin.

PeopleAdmin allows both internal and external applicants to apply online for open positions at Smith College. Using this system, hiring managers are able to request authorization to fill a position, screen applicants, electronically share applications with the search committee, and communicate with applicants via email. It also offers several advantages over manual processes, including automated requests and approvals, shorter time frames for filling positions, improved accessibility to pertinent hiring information, increased cost efficiencies, and added reporting capabilities.

Additional information regarding PeopleAdmin and these demonstrations will be available through e-digest notices, on the HR website under "What’s News in HR," and in printed materials.

PeopleAdmin will be implemented in April, 2007. At that time all hiring for staff positions (regular, limited-term, grant-funded and casual) will go through this system. The system may also be used for faculty and course support searches. Academic department chairs, directors, and academic assistants are encouraged to look at this online applicant management system and consider using it during 2007-08 for the next round of hiring. The Offices of Human Resources and the Provost/Dean of Faculty will be working closely with hiring managers and academic departments to provide the necessary training prior to this implementation date.

Museum-Based Course Program
Please see the Curriculum section for new information on the Museum of Art Museum-Based Course Program.

Considering Retirement
As faculty members consider retirement a number of questions come to mind, including access to campus resources, support for scholarship and development, health care and insurance, retirement plan benefits, and social security. In response to requests for information about these important issues, we are pleased to let you know that a document addressing these topics is now available at Benefits Summary. In addition to providing this information, the Provost/Dean of the Faculty welcomes the opportunity to meet with faculty members when they are ready to consider retirement and to assist in working out a plan. A number of faculty members have found these meetings to be informative and helpful as they prepare to work with their financial advisors and develop a plan for retirement.