Smith eDigest
The Smith eDigest is sent to all campus e-mail accounts on Tuesday and Thursday each week during the academic year, and on Tuesday during the summer, providing important notices, college news, links to articles of general interest to the community, deadline notifications, and other college information. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. the day before publication date. Information on submitting items is available at: https://www.smith.edu/news-stories/edigest-form/.
04/30/2024 Digest
Geothermal Energy Project
Campus Decarbonization: The Geothermal Energy Project
Thursday, May 2, 3:30 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
How will the continuing work on the Geothermal Energy Project affect campus operations this summer? What's happening with restoring the Davis Lawn? Learn about these topics and a little bit more about the project's background and goals. Tasty snacks provided!
Faculty/Staff Notices
Celebrating Collaborations Survey
This year, Celebrating Collaborations was hosted on a Friday afternoon in five different locations with more posters than formal presentations, and even included a scavenger hunt! Please take the time to provide us with some feedback. We are curious to know about opportunities and challenges. We would appreciate thoughts, triumphs and suggestions for us to bring forward as we are already thinking of the next iteration of Collaborations at Smith College! You can find the survey here. https://forms.gle/kTUhgfdg4guuFvKD8
Seeking Nominations for Staff Council
Deadline: May 7
Interested in getting more involved with the campus community? Eager to meet colleagues in other departments? Have ideas for fun activities? Staff Council is accepting nominations for new members for elections to be held in May. To nominate yourself or a co-worker, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCZ6XU3y82um_f6mhK5y-iChgytCcZk9nq4aWItqzYEwdy1w/viewform. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, May 7. To learn more about Staff Council, visit: https://www.smith.edu/discover-smith/governance/staff-council. Send questions to: staffcouncil@smith.edu.
Participants Needed for a Research Study on Balance and Fatigue
The Movement Science Laboratory at Smith College is recruiting participants for a study that examines how loss of sensation, attention and fatigue impact balance. We are recruiting people, with or without Multiple Sclerosis (MS), aged 18-60 years who will participate in a 2-hour testing session on campus. You will be asked to: complete questionnaires; have the sensation of your feet tested; and perform standing balance and walking tests while we record your joint movements and brain activity using non-invasive sensors placed on your scalp. Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. If you are interested, please contact: smith.moves.lab@gmail.com
Student Academic-Year Jobs End Friday, May 10; Summer Employment Starts Saturday, May 11
Reminder: Student Academic Year jobs end on May 10. The Student Employment office will end all additional academic-year student jobs as of May 10. If a student is to continue working during the Summer, they MUST be hired into a new Summer job as of May 11. The manager will need to hire them with a Summer start date as of May 11. If you need assistance please email studemp@smith.edu
Accepting Clothes/Textbook Donations!, Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
Have any gently used clothing or leftover textbooks that you can't find a use for anymore? Donate them to the International Students and Scholars Office here at Smith! We will be taking them up until the end of the semester, so please drop off your goodies in the big box at the entrance of Wright Hall. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at interstu@smith.edu.
Deadline Extended to May 6: Human Rights Initiative Curricular Enhancement Grants
The Human Rights Initiative invites faculty and teaching staff to apply for curricular enhancement grants. Grants are available to support curricular/co-curricular activity that advances knowledge about human rights. This could include new courses, modifying or enhancing existing courses, or other initiatives. We welcome proposals from all disciplines. Grants can support course development stipends, course materials, guest speakers, and more. Recipients will be invited to share their experiences with these grants with faculty, staff and students. Deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024. Please contact Carrie Cuthbert (ccuthbert@smith.edu) for application information or to discuss your ideas.
Join the Fall 2024 Digital Pedagogy Fellowship
Proposals Due Friday, May 31
Submit your proposal for the Fall 2024 Digital Pedagogy Fellowship by May 31, 2024. The fellowship provides a practice-based professional learning experience for faculty who are seeking to incorporate technology into their teaching, implement best practices of Universal Design for Learning, and create digital scholarship with their students. The program includes a two-day summer institute program, monthly meetings during the fall 2024 semester, and a showcase for the Smith community in early 2024. Participants are awarded a $500 research grant at the completion of the program in Spring 2025. Learn more: https://sites.smith.edu/digital-pedagogy-fellowship/
Empowering Your Career Journey With AI: Executive Education Community Keynote
Tuesday, April 30, 1 p.m., Virtual Event
Learn how AI can help you identify the critical skills and competencies in your field, and immediately apply these insights to communicating your strengths as you navigate yearly reviews, identify your next opportunity, and move into leadership roles. Led by Melissa Paciulli, the presentation includes tangible examples and demonstrations to leverage this technology to shape your career journey. Register at https://events.blackthorn.io/en/i0hMsA6/g/jn7WQ8Fean/empowering-your-career-journey-with-ai-4a3tS67WKv/overview
Community Celebration for Smith Basketball
Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m., Chapin Lawn
Join the entire Smith community in celebration of the basketball team's NCAA Division III National Runner-Up finish on Thursday, May 2. The event will take place on Chapin Lawn beginning at 5:30pm. (Rain location ITT) Food will be provided and T-shirts for the first 500 people will be available. Attendees will get to hear from Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton, head coach Lynn Hersey and members of the team.
Register Now: Write-on-Sites
Friday, May 3, 1 p.m., Lilly Hall 308
Have writing to get done but finding it hard to get started? Find that your writing is easier when done with good colleagues? Earmark your calendar, grab your laptop, and come to this write-on-site opportunity! These sessions, which are being held on May 3 (Lilly Hall 3rd floor conference room) and May 22 (Ford Hall 346 Meeting Room), will support you in making progress, increasing productivity, and building a community of scholars writing together. Refreshments will be provided. Feel welcome to join anytime. Part of the May 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/6kEwsuAN7KoduNec9).
Register Now for Post-Tenure Pathfinders: How and Why to Chart Your Own Path After Winning Tenure
Wednesday, May 8, 1 p.m., Virtual Event
The Post-Tenure Pathfinders workshop creates a space for tenured faculty to pause and consider what they want now that the long-term goal of getting tenure has been met. This two-hour workshop, facilitated by Dr. Rosemarie A. Roberts, Professor at the University of Connecticut and NCFDD, is designed to disrupt and restructure our unconscious ideas about what is possible for faculty post-tenure. In partnership with the Five College’s Building Academic Leaders in the Humanities Program, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Part of the May 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/6kEwsuAN7KoduNec9).
Register Now for 'Going Public: Creating, Implementing and Curating Public Writing Assignments'
Thursday, May 9, 1:30 p.m., Neilson Library 102
How important is it for students to write effectively for both academic and public audiences? Have you asked your students to write for the general public or made the work of your students publicly available for others to read? Join us for a workshop where colleagues talk about their public writing assignments, assignment curation, and teaching experiences. In partnership with the Committee on Writing and Public Discourse, the Jacobson Center for Writing, Teaching and Learning, and the Learning, Research and Technology Team. Part of the May 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/6kEwsuAN7KoduNec9).
Student Notices
Accepting Clothes/Textbook Donations!, Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
Have any gently used clothing or leftover textbooks that you can't find a use for anymore? Donate them to the International Students and Scholars Office here at Smith! We will be taking them up until the end of the semester, so please drop off your goodies in the big box at the entrance of Wright Hall. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at interstu@smith.edu.
Italian Studies Michele Cantarella Memorial 'Dante Prize'
Michele Cantarella Memorial “Dante Prize,” established in 1988 by family, colleagues, friends and former students, this prize is awarded to a senior for the best essay on any aspect of The Divine Comedy or Boccaccio’s Decameron. Entries must be submitted by email by Thursday, May 2nd, at noon, to the Department’s Administrative Assistant: Kathleen Gauger, kgauger@smith.edu. To ensure the integrity of the blind review of all submissions, write your name on a separate title page. Once received, your entry will be assigned a number and your name removed before being forwarded to the reviewing panel.
Praxis Funding and Internship Credit
Deadline for Summer 2024: June 7
Praxis Internship Funding provides funding for qualifying unpaid summer internships. Internship Credit (IDP 117) provides .25 credit for qualifying summer internships. See Praxis site (https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/lazarus-center/praxis) or Internship Credit site (https://www.smith.edu/your-campus/offices-services/lazarus-center-career-development/praxis-funding-internship-credit/internship-credit) for details, requirements and application link. Deadline to submit a complete application for Summer 2024: Friday June 7, 2024. Complete applications consist of your application and all supporting forms. Questions? praxis@smith.edu
Congratulations to the Kahn Institute Student Fellows
The Kahn Liberal Arts Institute is delighted to announce our student fellows for “Vegetal Forms: Knowing Place and Time Through Plants,” Fall 2024, and “Possible Futures: AI & Human Experience,” Spring 2025. Learn more about the fellows and their research: https://www.smith.edu/news-events/news/kahn-student-fellows-2024-25
Celebrating Collaborations Survey
This year, Celebrating Collaborations was hosted on a Friday afternoon in five different locations with more posters than formal presentations, and even included a scavenger hunt! Please take the time to provide us with some feedback. We are curious to know about opportunities and challenges. We would appreciate thoughts, triumphs and suggestions for us to bring forward as we are already thinking of the next iteration of Collaborations at Smith College! You can find the survey here, https://forms.gle/kTUhgfdg4guuFvKD8
Academic Regalia for Graduating Seniors , Bookstore, 8 Green St.
Academic regalia will be available for purchase at the Smith College Bookstore starting April 15, 2024. Please visit the bookstore at 8 Green Street on or after April 15 to purchase your regalia. You do not need to place an order online in advance. If you received regalia through the SGA lottery and need a tassel, they can be purchased in person at the Smith College Bookstore, also starting April 15. If you have any questions related to regalia please call the bookstore at 413-585-4140.
Student Parking Decal Sales Schedule for '24-'25 Academic Year
Online student decal sales for the '24-'25 academic year will open for 2025 seniors on July 24, 2024 at 8:30am EST. On July 31, 2024 at 8:30am EST sales will open for juniors to purchase any remaining decals. On August 7, 2024 at 8:30am EST if there are any decals left, sophomores will have the opportunity to purchase decals. Students will be ineligible to purchase a decal if they have unpaid citations. The Parking Office encourages students to settle any outstanding parking citations online as soon as possible.
CPT Information Session
Tuesday, April 30, 4:30 p.m., Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
This information session is for any international students looking to receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the ISSO. CPT is required to complete a paid internship or job in the US during Interterm and/or Summer break, or to complete a US-based Praxis. CPT is strongly recommended for any unpaid internship in the US. We will review the requirements of CPT, as well as how to apply.
Imaging Center To Host Finals Bingo
Tuesday, April 30, 10 a.m., 3rd Floor, Hillyer
Come to the third floor of Hillyer to play some bingo and de-stress from finals with a fun game with fun prizes. Win the different levels and check out the Imaging Center. The game will be available throughout finals week.
Global FLEX Arizona Information Session
Wednesday, May 1, 4 p.m., Virtual Event
Learn about American Indian tribes and their relationship to nature in Tucson, Arizona. The program will bring into focus the lives of American Indians and the environment at different scales by visiting communities and exploring the political, cultural, economic, and social activities from American Indian perspectives. Field trips will visit Indian tribes and other communities in the region while seminars will take place with academics at the School of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. This Global FLEX program will take place during Interterm 2025. Please email studyabroad@smith.edu to request the zoom link.
Emulate Magazine Release Party
Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Poetry Center, Wright
Gather for the release of the spring 2024 edition of Emulate Magazine. There will be an open mic and snacks. Come celebrate the creative work of Smith students and the Connecticut River Valley community!
Lectures/Symposia
Molecular and Life Sciences Presentations Spring 2024
April 29-May 3, McConnell 103, B15, and Sabin Reed 220
The Honors presentations will run from Monday 4/30 - Friday 5/3. Coffee, tea and light snacks will be served at 3:45 PM Monday-Thursday and at 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM on Friday; talks to begin at 4:10 pm Monday-Thursday in McConnell 103 and B15 and at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM on Friday in Sabin Reed 220.
Sustainable Solutions Senior Capstone Projects
Tuesday, April 30, 12:15 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
The Environmental Science and Policy Capstone class will be presenting on their semester long projects. This event is open to faculty, staff, and students. The event will take place in Wright Hall 005 and lunch will be provided.
Environmental Science & Policy Honors Presentations
Wednesday, May 1, 4:15 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
Seniors Kaila Frazer and M.A. Fischer present the results of their senior honors thesis projects. Kaila's project is titled "Marine Cold-Spells in the California Current System: Modeling changes in frequency and impacts on endangered species habitat." M.A.'s project is titled "Successful Application of Emerging FTIRS Technique to Quantify Biogenic Silica and Organic Carbon in Lake Sediments for Paleoclimate Reconstruction: A Case Study from Lacawac Lake, PA." Refreshments provided.
Spatial Analysis Lab Director Candidate Talk: 'Navigating "Struggle Hill": Mapping for Accessibility'
Friday, May 3, 12:15 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
The Spatial Analysis Lab is hiring for a new Director, and we'd like your feedback on the first of our two final candidates, Heather Rosenfeld! Lunch provided. We will ask for your feedback following the event.
Spatial Analysis Lab Director Candidate Talk: 'Spatial Thinking for 21st-Century Challenges'
Monday, May 6, 12:15 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
The Spatial Analysis Lab is hiring for a new Director, and we'd like your feedback on the second of our two final candidates, Cory Campbell! Lunch provided. We will ask for your feedback following the event.
Performing Arts/Films/Fine Arts
Ada Limón Poetry Reading
Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
Ada Limón is the current Poet Laureate of The United States, and the author of six acclaimed books of poetry, most recently The Hurting Kind (Milkweed Editions, 2022), named as one of Time's 100 must-read books of 2022. Limón will be joined in conversation by Matt Donovan following the reading. Books will be sold at the event and a signing will follow. Free and open to all. Livestreams also available on Boutelle-Day Poetry Center Facebook and YouTube.
Wailing Banshees Concert
Tuesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
The Wailing Banshees kick off their 20th year! Join us for the celebration. As always jigs, reels, and the best craic on campus! Free and open to the public.
Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
The Smith College Department of Music presents the Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert. Under the direction of Chia-Yu Joy Lu, the Chinese Music Ensemble presents a variety of Chinese and Taiwanese music derived from traditional and contemporary musical works. Free and open to the public.
FMS Student Screenings
Wednesday, May 1, 5 p.m., Graham Hall, Hillyer
Film and Media Studies at Smith College presents video projects made by students in Film production courses taught by Anaiis Cisco.
Spring Studio Productions: The Art of Remembering by Adina L. Ruskin
May 1-2, 7:30 p.m., Acting Studio I, Mendenhall CPA
Directed by Aria Martinelli ‘24 and Phoebe Turner ‘25 Three women, each with a suitcase, unpack the memorabilia of their life experience, letting loose memories of people and places and events in evocative fragments reaching back over the century. Free tickets at http://smitharts.ludus.com.
Wind Ensemble Spring Concert with Guest Ensemble Valley Winds
Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
Under the direction of Meghan MacFadden, the Smith College Wind Ensemble presents a concert of traditional and contemporary wind band repertoire. Works by Kimberly Archer, Omar Thomas, Percy Grainger, and Arturo Márquez. This will be a joint concert with the award-winning Valley Winds, under the direction of Brian Messier.
Spring Grad Dance Event
Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., Scott Gym Dance Studio
First Year MFA candidates Caitlin Canty, Gabby Carmichael, Niki Farahani, and Yun Lee invite you to their culminating event of the Spring semester. $3 tickets at http://smitharts.ludu.com
Independent Student Film Showcase
Thursday, May 2, 4:30 p.m., Graham Hall, Hillyer
Don't Blink Media, Smith's one and only student organization for film production, presents its end-of-year Independent Student Film Showcase. Featuring original shorts made by Don't Blink Media, Film and Media Studies Special Studies students, and independent student filmmakers. Expect paranormal romance, fake blood, Historically Women's College sitcommery, queer cowboys and angsty diabetic representation.
Black Feminist Filmmaking Panel Discussion
Friday, May 3, 2:30 p.m., Neilson Library 102
This panel discussion, with five filmmakers and directors from the LA Rebellion and New Negress Film Society, will focus on the history, current state, and future of Black women's filmmaking. The independent film aesthetics of Black women are incredibly important in challenging the existing norms of the film industry, promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity, and enriching cultural conversations. This panel aims to create a space for Black women filmmakers to come together for creative and intellectual exchanges.
Film and Post-Screening Discussion: 'Power of the Black Collective'
Friday, May 3, 7 p.m., Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity St., Amherst
Power of the Black Collective is the culminating event of Smith College's 'Sisters in Praxis' symposium. This short film program showcases the works of five filmmakers and scholars from the LA Rebellion and the New Negress Film Society—-Black women makers operating on the margins of the mainstream film industry. Following the screening, All five directors will come together for a conversation moderated by Jennifer DeClue, associate professor of the study of women & gender. There is no charge for this event. For more info: https://amherstcinema.org/films-and-events/power-black-collective-short-film-program. Questions? email Jeanette Wintjen jwintjen@smith.edu
Caroline Pace Senior Recital
Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
Caroline Pace, mezzo soprano, will give her senior recital on Wednesday, May 8th, at 7pm in Sweeney Concert Hall. The program will include selections from operas ranging from the 17th to 19th centuries, and will focus on the performance of gender and masculinity in the operatic canon. Featuring Lemuel Gurtowsky, piano and Abigail Akers, mezzo-soprano.
Religious Life
Jummah
Friday, May 3, 12:30 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
The CRSL invites students to join us for Jummah at the Hampshire Mosque in Hadley. The group will meet in front of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel at 12:25 pm. The van will leave campus by 12:30 pm and return to campus no later than 2:30 pm. Remember to bring a prayer rug and complete your ablution beforehand. There are extra prayer rugs in the Blue Room, if you need one! Sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. To RSVP, email crsl@smith.edu.
Shabbat
Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m., Kosher K Kitchen, Jordan House
The Smith College Jewish Community invites you to the “K”, the Kosher Kitchen in Jordan House, for Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday nights at 5:30pm! Join together in song and prayer to welcome in Shabbat as a community. Services will often be followed by Kosher vegetarian meals. All are welcome! Please reach out to scjc@smith.edu with any questions.
Reading Week Hospitality
May 3-8, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel
CRSL will hold Reading Week Hospitality in Bodman Lounge at the end of classes from 10am to 9pm, offering coffee, tea, snacks and treats. We also encourage students to use the Chapel Sanctuary, Blue Room, Wright Hall Prayer Space, and Neilson Reflection Room for meditation, reflection and contemplation.
Meetings/Workshops
Smith Tap Ensemble Masterclass
Wednesday, May 1, 5 p.m., Berenson Leeds Studio
The Smith Tap Ensemble is hosting a masterclass taught by Professor Jess Gersony, a former professional tap dancer. Come on Wednesday, May 1 from 5 to 6pm to Berenson Leeds Studio in Mendenhall to learn a combination, as well as practice some improvisation. All are welcome no matter your skill level, but tap shoes are required.
Other Events and Activities
2024 Summer Empower Basketball Academy at Smith College
June 25-27 & July 30-Aug 1, Ainsworth Gym
Leadership through sports: The mission is to provide local GIRLS with a quality experience that will focus on teaching the fundamentals of basketball while being taught by a staff of invested college coaches & players. It's designed for players of all skill levels and promotes a high-energy environment of games, drills, and competition emphasizing confidence, teamwork, and fun with friends. The academies will be directed by Back to Back Division III National Coach of the Year & Smith College Head Basketball Coach, Lynn Hersey. Participants will receive daily instruction, drills, games, and leadership activities focused on Basketball Skill Development. To register, visit https://www.empowerbasketballatsmith.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1440416
Computer Science Demo Day
Tuesday, April 30, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center Carroll Room
CS Demo Day showcases projects from CSC110. Come join the excitement of early computer science education and see what students with no prior coding experience have been able to develop in one semester. We have everything from Wordle and Connections to Uno and Memory, as well as tons of Smith themed games. Stroll on by for a little bit before or after you grab lunch. We’ll have projects on display from 12:15-1:10pm. Email amgrubb@smith.edu if you have any questions. All of the Smith community is welcome to join!
Star Gazing
Thursday, May 2, 8:30 p.m., McConnell Hall Rooftop
The Astronomy Department will hold the final open house of the semester Thursday, May 2, 8:30-9:30 p.m., on the roof of McConnell Hall. Come see stars, star clusters, and galaxies. All are welcome - please dress very warmly. For further information or to check on weather conditions, contact Meg Thacher (mthacher@smith.edu, 413-585-3935). RAIN DATE: May 3.
Bird Walk
Friday, May 3, 6 a.m., Sabin-Reed Hall
All are invited! Get to know some of our fellow birders and newly arrived migratory species. Meet at Clark Corner (inside the entrance to Sabin-Reed Hall) for coffee and donuts then spend about an hour birding the Mill River Path. Binoculars available but bring them if you have them. No experience necessary, and we will also bird by ear. Questions to Denise Lello, dlello@smith.edu or to Iola Sylvan, esylvan@smith.edu.
Campus (Day) School of Smith College Summer All-School Reunion
Saturday, June 15
All Campus (Day) School alums, past parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and student teachers are invited to gather at Smith College Campus School Saturday, June 15, for an afternoon filled with friends and memories, old and new. Tour the school grounds, catch up with old friends in class meetings, enjoy an outdoor picnic, a friendly game of kickball, and end with a night out in downtown Northampton (location to be announced). To RSVP, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhZgLcDHkS1dAMJkjtDKxNlSAdF9H4YdhYnO8DHc8s6aBKfg/viewform