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/.
04/18/2024 Digest
Safety Reminders and Resources
Spring Lighting Walk
Thursday, April 18, 8:15 p.m., Clark Hall
Join the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, Facilities, and various partners from across the college for our biannual nighttime walk to review safety and security as it is related to lighting on campus. Our spring semester walk will be held on: 4/18 at 8:15pm, leaving from Clark Hall.
Geothermal Energy Project
Geothermal Energy Project Update
Tuesday, April 16
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be impacted in the Quadrangle from Emerson House across the street to 20-22 Paradise Road, as well as in the Central District near Neilson Library and McCartney Hall. Please view the project website, http://smithgeoenergy.info, to view the graphic which outlines work areas.
Faculty/Staff Notices
Bring Your Pets to Pet-a-Pet Day
Monday, April 22, Noon, Schacht Center for Health and Wellness
Please consider bringing your pets to Pet-a Pet-Day! CRSL and Schacht host Pet-a-Pet day twice a semester and we rely on community members to bring pets to the event. Smithies typically really love this day, and every staff member who brings a pet makes a big difference! Dogs will be at the front of Schacht & petting zoo at the back. No need to sign up in advance. Email wellness@smith.edu with any questions.
SAVE THE DATE: Spring All-Staff Meeting (Drop-In Format)
Thursday, April 25, 1-3:30 p.m., Scott Gym
In the 2023 employee engagement survey, staff asked for a more interactive All Staff Meeting, and Smith College has delivered! Please join Human Resources between 1 and 3:30 p.m. on April 25th at Scott Gym to learn about some collaborative projects happening across campus. Enjoy a sweet treat as you mingle, connect with colleagues, and visit tables with information on Career Framework, Emergency Management, and many other topics. The event will be drop-in style and in place of the traditional Spring All-Staff Meeting.
Sherrerd Teaching Mentors Are Available
Sherrerd teaching mentors for inclusive and equitable pedagogies Liz Pryor (HST) and Kate Queeney (CHM) are available for a conversation about anything related to your teaching or the teaching-learning process, including challenges in the classroom, assessment, grading, or making sense of student feedback. To schedule a meeting, visit https://forms.gle/5iLwk1QASF4LWFHT9. Take the opportunity to talk with a colleague and have a conversation that may be philosophical or operational or anything in between by reaching out to the Sherrerd mentors.
Parking Citation Reminder
There will be an upgrade to the decal sales site launching in early May. Pending parking citations must be paid using the current website permitsales.net/smith before it is taken offline. Unpaid citations will be carried over to the new system and will result in the inability for a driver to purchase a new decal until their balances are paid in full. Any balances that are carried over will require the driver to pay in person during normal business hours at the Campus Safety Parking Office, located at 126 West St. Please email parkingdecals@smith.edu with any questions.
2024 Employee Engagement Survey
On April 1, Smith College launched an Employee Engagement Survey of all benefited employees, conducted by Culture Amp. We’ve extended the survey through Friday, April 19 for those of you who have not yet had time to take it. Please consider adding your thoughts and experience as an employee of Smith College to help us improve our work environment. The survey will close at the end of this week, so please take the time (approximately 10-15 minutes) to add your completely confidential response. Simply click on the unique and personalized link you received from Culture Amp to your Smith email.
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
Liberal Arts Lunch Series
Thursday, April 18, 12:10 p.m., Neilson Library 102
April 18, the Liberal Arts Lunch series welcomes Susannah Howe, Senior Lecturer of Engineering, to present "The Design Clinic Download Podcast: Alum Voices Validate and Inform Pedagogy." Lunch is provided for the first 40 attendees.
Celebrating Collaborations
Friday, April 19
"Celebrating Collaborations" showcases the scholarly work of Smith College students. Students present the results of their honor theses, special studies, concentration capstones, research work, or other creative work through poster sessions, panels, poster sessions, exhibits and performances. The 23rd annual event will be held on Friday afternoon, April 19, 2024. Details can be found at http://www.smith.edu/collaborations. Contact collabs@smith.edu with questions.
All Our Relations: Listening to Stories With the Land
Saturday, April 20
A special Earth Day walk on land historically stewarded by the Norwottuck (MacLeish) with guests Rich Holschuh and Tom Wessels. Rich is immersed in the stories layered within the landscape of Wantastegok (Brattleboro, VT). He chairs the VT Commission on Native American Affairs and is a public liaison/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Elnu Abenaki. Tom is a terrestrial ecologist and prof. emeritus at Antioch University. Tom conducts ecology and sustainability programs throughout the country, and is author of 6 books, including New England's Roadside Ecology: Explore 30 of the Region's Unique Natural Areas. Sign up for a spot: https://forms.gle/BAvrWXwad4HwU1iT6
Staff Council April Meeting
Tuesday, April 23, Noon, Dewey Common Room
Smith staff are invited to the April Staff Council general meeting! Participating in change is empowering and constructive and communication is what Staff Council is all about. Even if you are not an elected member, you can still be an important part of Staff Council, as your input makes the Staff Council stronger and more effective. To stay informed and connect with other staff, you may join the Slack workspace https://staff-at-smithcollege.slack.com, sign up for the Staff listserv https://www.smith.edu/discover-smith/governance/staff-council/news-events, and/or contact us anonymously https://www.smith.edu/discover-smith/governance/staff-council/contact-us.
Liberal Arts Lunch Series
Thursday, April 25, 12:10 p.m., Neilson Library 102
April 25, the Liberal Arts Lunch series welcomes Gary Felder, Professor of Physics, to present "The James Webb Space Telescope: Expanding Our Vision of the Universe." Lunch is provided for the first 40 attendees.
Sherrerd Center April Teaching Circles
Sherrerd Center April teaching circles are offered the last week of April. The NTT Faculty Teaching Circle will be held on Thursday, April 25th at lunch (RSVP at https://forms.gle/NaR4NAXy8qx5GiTQ8). Circles on Friday, April 26th include the Big Questions Circle (RSVP at https://forms.gle/M8Ekdryr1DEdsP7MA); Let’s Talk OERs! (RSVP at https://forms.gle/EyxvFM9CicSNXMzXA); Languages Across the Curriculum (RSVP at https://forms.gle/KGhzQoPse1SdPvQm9); and Ungrading (RSVP at https://forms.gle/SFTQSSWWamK7ZWT98). Please visit the Sherrerd website for more details and descriptions: smith.edu/about-smith/sherrerd-center/circles. Google calendar invitations will be sent with locations for each circle once RSVPs are received. Lunch is provided.
Smith Parents of Little Ones April Meeting
Thursday, April 25, 12:15 p.m., Jandon Center, Wright
The Smith Parents of Little Ones group meets monthly and all parents and caregivers of little ones (of any age!) are welcome to join. Please bring your lunch and come to celebrate and commiserate!
Smith Community Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, April 27, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Campus Center Main Level Table
Smith College will be hosting a Drug Takeback Day at the Campus Center (Main Level) on Saturday, April 27 from 10:15-11:30 am for students, faculty and staff. Unwanted or expired prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and liquid medications in sealed containers are welcomed. No vape batteries, IV solutions or chemotherapy drugs please. Participants are encouraged to remove identifying information from the containers, and disposal is 100% confidential. Medications collected will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Questions? Email healthservices@smith.edu.
Student Notices
Study Languages. Become Multilingual!
Are you still looking for classes to sign up for? Consider taking a language course! Smith College offers a variety of languages with a focus on relevant cultural, historical, and global issues: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. To learn more about the languages at Smith, visit this page: https://www.smith.edu/academics/languages-at-smith Studying languages will enhance your understanding of the world, give you a deeper insight into your culture, and enrich your engagement with your specific field of study, whether in STEM, social sciences, or humanities.
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.
Schacht Center Summer Refill Plans, Schacht Center for Health, Schacht
Students who receive care at the Schacht Center and are in need of summer medication refills are encouraged to call 413-585-2800. Appointments through the end of the semester are limited and will fill up quickly. Follow-up appointments with a provider generally are required in order to receive medication refills to last through the summer. The Schacht Center is closed this summer after May 17 at 4:30 p.m. Appointments after May 3 will be limited to urgent appointments for students who are on campus. Please call or secure message through the Patient Portal with questions.
April Version: OSE Programming Feedback Form
The Office of Student Engagement wants to reflect on our activity and programming offerings so that we can better serve our community, and we can't do that without student feedback. This month, we would like to hear about the specific kinds of events students want to see! Please fill out this Google Form. Link: https://forms.gle/rjhDF3L9EKaWLAeS7
Enroll in Arabic Classes
The Arabic Language Program in the Middle East Studies is offering two first year Arabic classes next semester; in addition to the second- and third-year Arabic classes. Students will be introduced to a variety of Middle Eastern traditions and cultures; they will learn formal and colloquial spoken Arabic too. Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language. The Middle East Studies Program offers grants and scholarships to study Arabic abroad in Jordan, Morocco, or Oman. The Arabic program at Smith involves students in activities like, Arabic music concert, projects with IT, Design Thinking, Smith Museum, and Botanical Garden.
Celebrating Collaborations
Friday, April 19
"Celebrating Collaborations" showcases the scholarly work of Smith College students. Students present the results of their honor theses, special studies, concentration capstones, research work, or other creative work through poster sessions, panels, poster sessions, exhibits and performances. The 23rd annual event will be held on Friday afternoon, April 19, 2024. Details can be found at http://www.smith.edu/collaborations. Contact collabs@smith.edu with questions.
Susan Rose Internship Grant: Deadline Extended
Friday, April 19
All sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled at Smith whose curriculum has included classroom courses in music are eligible—and encouraged—to apply for a Susan Rose Internship grant. The grant provides funding up to an approximate maximum of $5,000 for summer internships in music. Recent internships have included: Community music education (South Africa), Public radio and documentary internship (LA), Summer courses in music production (NYC), Study of Javanese Gamelan (Indonesia). Students who would like to apply for 2024 Susan Rose funding should email a one-page proposal and detailed budget to Anna Goudreau, agoudreau@smith.edu, by April 19. Full application details at http://www.smith.edu/music.
EKTA Silent Disco
Friday, April 19, 10 p.m., Scott Gym
EKTA is hosting its 3rd annual Silent Disco event. There will be music on three channels (English, South Asian, and international), snacks, and dancing! Tickets are on sale now, $5 for Smithies. To purchase tickets, please visit this link: http://smithcollegetickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1489. For more details and for FAQs, please visit the EKTA Instagram page.
All Our Relations: Listening to Stories With the Land
Saturday, April 20
A special Earth Day walk on land historically stewarded by the Norwottuck (MacLeish) with guests Rich Holschuh and Tom Wessels. Rich is immersed in the stories layered within the landscape of Wantastegok (Brattleboro, VT). He chairs the VT Commission on Native American Affairs and is a public liaison/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Elnu Abenaki. Tom is a terrestrial ecologist and prof. emeritus at Antioch University. Tom conducts ecology and sustainability programs throughout the country, and is author of 6 books, including New England's Roadside Ecology: Explore 30 of the Region's Unique Natural Areas. Sign up for a spot: https://forms.gle/BAvrWXwad4HwU1iT6
Ring-Making at DTI
April 22, 6:30 p.m., Capen Annex
Come to DTI's Ring-Making workshop! This recurring workshop will be held Monday, April 1, 8, and 22 at DTI. This workshop is beginner friendly and DTI will provide materials.
Pet-a-Pet Day
Monday, April 22, Noon, Schacht Center for Health, Schacht
Join us for Pet-a-Pet day! Staff members will be bringing pets for you to come and say hi to. Stop by to destress, enjoy snacks, and hang out with some fluffy friends. There will also be a petting zoo with goats, pigs, chickens, and more!
OPT Information Session
Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m., Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
This information session is an opportunity for international students who use an F-1 visa to attend Smith to learn about post-graduation work authorization available through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Students preparing to graduate who wish to apply for OPT will be required to attend an OPT session prior to applying.
Kite-Making Workshop
Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 p.m., Capen Annex
Springtime is here! What better way to spend it than with your own homemade kite? For kite lovers or kite-curious, makers and amateurs. All are welcome! Come to the Design Thinking Initiative to design and build your very own kite. Space is limited; RSVP on the Smith Social Network.
University of Durham Graduate School Info Session
Thursday, April 25, Noon, Lazarus Center, Drew
Are you interested in pursuing graduate study in the U.K.? If so, register in Handshake and please drop in to the Lazarus Center to meet with a program officer representing the University of Durham. The University of Durham was founded in 1832 and is the third oldest university in England. It offers 130 postgraduate programs and is ranked a top 10 university in the UK as well as a top 100 university in the world. Durham offers up to a 40% scholarship for student-athletes pursuing a postgraduate program. They also offer departmental postgraduate scholarships for students looking for additional funding.
Art After Hours: Student Art Sale
Thursday, April 25, 4 p.m., Museum of Art
Join us for a Spring semester Smith Student Art Sale at SCMA featuring items made by Smith students, including jewelry, artwork, ceramics, accessories and more. Dance to the music, enjoy the galleries with your friends, and support Smith’s talented student artisans!
Museums Concentration Senior Capstone Presentations
Friday, April 26, 2:30 p.m., Neilson 303
Please join us for Museums Concentration senior capstone presentations from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Special Collections Classroom, Neilson 303. Joint reception with Archives and Book Studies concentrations to follow from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the third floor of Neilson.
Book Studies Concentration Senior Capstone Presentations
Friday, April 26, 3:45 p.m., Neilson Library 102
Please join us for Book Studies Concentration senior capstone presentations from 3:45-5:00 p.m. in the Klingenstein Browsing Room (Neilson 102). Joint reception with Museums and Archives concentrations from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the third floor of Neilson.
Archives Concentration Senior Capstone Presentations
Friday, April 26, 3 p.m., Neilson Library 102
Please join us for Archives Concentration senior capstone presentations from 3:00-3:45 p.m. in the Klingenstein Browsing Room (Neilson 102.) Joint reception and exhibit opening with Museums and Book Studies concentrations from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the third floor of Neilson.
Smith Community Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, April 27, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Campus Center Main Level Table
Smith College will be hosting a Drug Take-Back Day at the Campus Center (Main Level) on Saturday, April 27 from 10:15-11:30 am for students, faculty and staff. Unwanted or expired prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and liquid medications in sealed containers are welcomed. No vape batteries, IV solutions or chemotherapy drugs please. Participants are encouraged to remove identifying information from the containers, and disposal is 100% confidential. Medications collected will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Questions? Email healthservices@smith.edu.
Lectures/Symposia
Plant Ecology and Climate Change in Acadia National Park: Conservation Lessons
Thursday, April 18, 4:15 p.m., McConnell 103
Caitlin McDonough MacKenzie, Assistant Professor at Bennington College, presents the second of a three-part botany talk series in honor of John Burk as part of the Spring 2024 Mary Elizabeth Dickason King M.D. Annual Lecture Series in the Life Sciences in Memory of Professor Howard Parshely. Full title: Plant Ecology and Climate Change in Acadia National Park: Conservation Lessons from Fossil Pollen, Historical Floras and Field Manipulations". Light snacks served at 4:15 p.m., talk to begin at 4:30. Free and open to the public. Please visit http://smith.edu/biology/events/php for the full schedule.
ASA & SEASA: Spring Symposium With Memoirist Putsata Reang
Sunday, April 21, 2-5 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
Putsata Reang is a Cambodian-American author and journalist who was born in Cambodia and raised in Oregon after her family fled from war-torned Cambodia. In her memoir Ma and Me, Putsata explores the weight of cultural and filial obligation, the struggle of reconciling family and queer identity, and the legacy of inherited traumas from war and genocide. Putsata will present a talk about her memoir following up with a Q&A session, themes include intergenerational trauma, queerness, Southeast Asian and Cambodian identity, war and genocide in Weinstein Auditorium, April 21, from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Five College Undergraduate Philosophy Conference
Sunday, April 21, Neilson Library 102
The Department of Philosophy invites you to the Second Annual Five College Undergraduate Philosophy Conference. Come listen to your peers from the Five Colleges present their ideas and engage in discussions! Each presenter will present for 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute discussion opportunity. Panel 1 "Worldly Thinking and Temporal Perspectives" with four student presentations is from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Panel 2 "Experience and Consciousness" with three student presentations is from 1:30 - 3 pm. And boxed lunches from Bombay Royale available in Dewey Common at 12:30 pm for the first 25 attendees!
Rescheduled: The Himalayan (m)Anthropocene
Monday, April 22, 6 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
Ritodhi Chakraborty’s research explores the promises and pitfalls of Ecological Masculinity in the Indian Himalayas. Working through more than a decade of engagement with rural communities in Uttarakhand state, using feminist and radical epistemic perspectives, he draws upon interviews, oral histories, visual ethnographies, social media data, surveys and participatory mapping to ask questions such as: Is Ecological Masculinity a sustainable and inclusive response to the (m)Anthropocene? Does it support or challenge historical (ongoing) mobilizations towards environmental and social justice in the region?
The History of Mental Health Treatment in the United States With Amy Ellis Nutt '77
Monday, April 22, 9:25 a.m., Ford 240
Amy Ellis Nutt ‘77, Smith Medalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, will visit campus to offer a public class on the history of mental health treatment in the United States. Nutt is a journalist and a New York Times bestselling author. She was the recipient of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for her reporting at The Star-Ledger on the 2009 wreck of the Lady Mary fishing vessel. Nutt is currently writing a book on the topic on the history of mental health treatment in the US and has a uniquely well-informed perspective to share. Reception to follow.
Book Talk With Russian Independent Journalist Elena Kostyuchenko
Monday, April 22, 4:30 p.m., Seelye 201
Elena Kostyuchenko is a Russian independent journalist and gay rights activist. For 17 years, she was a special correspondent of Novaya Gazeta, reporting on conflict, crime, human rights and social issues. Kostyuchenko will discuss her experience working as a journalist in Russia and Ukraine and read an excerpt from her recently-published book, "I Love Russia: Reporting From a Lost Country". A Q&A session follows the public talk. This event is rescheduled from April 8. Sponsored by the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies Program, Lewis Global Studies Center, Jacobson Center for Writing, Journalism Concentration, and Lecture Committee.
'What Museum Specimens Tell Us About the Living World'
Thursday, April 25, 4:15 p.m., McConnell 103
Mason Heberling, Associate Curator of Botany, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA will present the last of a three-part botany talk series in honor of John Burk as part of the Spring 2024 Mary Elizabeth Dickason King M.D. Annual Lecture Series in the Life Sciences in Memory of Professor Howard Parshley. Light snacks will be served at 4:15 p.m.; talk to begin at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Please visit http://www.smith.edu/biology/events/php for the full schedule.
Engineering Design Celebration
Friday, April 26, 1:20 p.m., Campus Center Carroll Room
The 21st annual Engineering Design Celebration will showcase applied design projects from the capstone Design Clinic (EGR 422) course. The Design Clinic sponsors for 2023-2024 include Boeing, Boston Scientific, Cummins, Fuss & O'Neill, Honda, Iridium, Salas O'Brien, USGS, and Werfen. Refreshments will be served during intermissions and the closing reception. The full event schedule is available online at https://www.science.smith.edu/designclinic/dc2324-designcelebration/
Performing Arts/Films/Fine Arts
Duct Tape Production's GREASE!
April 18-20, 8 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
Duct Tape Productions, Smith College's Musical Theatre Ensemble, is proud to present GREASE by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey. Stevie Ordway (’25) & Mia Gage (’25) direct a captivating ensemble of talented performers in this beloved 1950s rock ’n’ roll classic. Performances are open to all and will take place in John M. Greene Hall (JMG) at 8pm on April 18th, 19th, and 20th. Tickets are available at linktr.ee/ducttapeproductions. GREASE is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. http://www.concordtheatricals.com.
Handbells Spring Ring!
Sunday, April 21, 1 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
Join the Smith College Handbell Choir for their spring concert under the direction of Anita Anderson-Cooper. Free and open to the public.
Orchestra Spring Concert
Sunday, April 21, 3 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
The Smith College Orchestra features concerto competition winners Lauren Kappelmeier ‘25, flute; Jessica Klurfeld ‘26, clarinet; and Annabel Li ‘26, piano, performing works by Chaminade, Crusell, Rachmaninoff, and others.
Gamelan Concert
Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Earle Recital Hall, Sage
The Smith College Gamelan Ensemble will present a program of Central Javanese gamelan music with guest artists I.M. Harjito and Darsono Hadiraharjo. Free and open to the public.
EVERYBODY by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Directed by Kim Stauffer
April 24-27, 7:30 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio, Mendenhall
This modern riff on the 15th-century morality play Everyman follows EVERYBODY (chosen from amongst the cast by lottery at each performance) as they journey through life’s greatest mystery—the meaning of living. EVERYBODY was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Directed by Kim Stauffer. Tickets $5-10 at https://smitharts.ludus.com/. Free for Smith students.
Film Screening and Q&A: 'Inhabitants--Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World'
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
All are welcome at this screening of an essential film for everyone concerned about our environment. The film follows five Native American communities as they restore their traditional land management practices in the face of a changing climate. As the climate crisis escalates, these time-tested practices of North America's original inhabitants are becoming increasingly essential. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Ben-Alex Dupris, a featured speaker in the film and enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Co-sponsored by the American Studies department, the Environmental Science & Policy program, CEEDS, and OEI.
Opening Reception for 'Camp Quandary' Senior Studio Art Exhibition
Friday, April 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Jannotta Gallery, Hillyer
Hi Campers, you’re invited to come visit Camp Quandary! This senior studio art exhibition showcases seven artists exploring the themes of space, self-questioning, boundless realities and of course, laundry. The opening reception will be held in Jannotta Gallery on Friday April 26th from 5:30-7:30pm. There will be snacks and drinks and fun to be had! Please join us (Gretchen Hammell, Madeleine Kahoe, Yasmine Porath, Dan Dao, Celosía Willison, Sarah Fox, and Finn Walsh) for a good time at camp! This exhibition will span from April 25 until May 2.
'Carrying Capacity' An Exhibition by Gaye Chan
Through May 9, M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Oresman Gallery, Hillyer
This exhibition is a durational project Gaye Chan began in 2012 that stemmed from a chance encounter at a produce distribution company. As commodities move across the globe, baling straps are used once and discarded into the waste stream. Chan gave herself the task of figuring out how to reuse them. Eleven years and over a thousand weaved baskets later, she continues to extend the life of this ‘waste’ material. "Carrying Capacity" will be on display in the Oresman Gallery, March 28 - May 9, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm in Hillyer Hall, Brown Fine Arts Center.
Religious Life
Al Nur Spiritual Gatherings
Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m., Neilson Library 102
CRSL special guest, Sheikh Akif will focus on obligatory knowledge: the importance of seeking knowledge, applying it and practicing piety. "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth...Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light." - Al Nur 35
Jummah
Friday, April 19, 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.
Soup, Salad and Soul
Friday, April 19, 12:10 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel
Come get cozy and enjoy a hot, delicious vegetarian soup made by awesome student cooks while taking part in reflective, student-led discussions on spirituality and life! Students of all religious, spiritual, and non-religious/non-spiritual backgrounds are welcome. The Bodman Lounge is in the basement of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel and accessible via elevator from the rear of the building. For details on food and other general accessibility questions, email aostow@smith.edu or mcantwel@smith.edu.
Shabbat
Friday, April 19, 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.
Holy Rosary With the Catholic Club
Sunday, April 21, 2:30 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
All are welcome to pray the Holy Rosary with Smith's Newman Catholic Club.
Catholic Mass
Sunday, April 21, 3 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
Weekly Mass with Fr. Valentine Nworah and Smith's Newman Catholic Club. All are welcome! Contact catholicclub@smith.edu for information on student events and opportunities.
Weekly Meditation
Monday, April 22, 5 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
Students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are invited to come together in person for weekly mindful meditation led by EJ Seibert and Mary Beth Brooker. We will do a simple, relaxed, silent practice of sitting and walking meditation, based on Zen forms. Chairs and floor cushions are available. Meditation instructions will be offered each week. All levels welcome.
Mindful Mondays
Monday, April 22, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 102
If you are looking for a place to make connections and practice building self-awareness and acceptance with others, come check out our drop-in Mindful Mondays program, every Monday in-person in Campus Center Room 102, 12:15-1pm. With light meditation, embodiment practice, and discussion, we make a space that encourages healing and connection-building. Absolutely zero experience is necessary, all students are welcome, and lunch is provided. Email aostow@smith.edu with questions.
Meetings/Workshops
Smith Wellness' Queer Sex Trivia!
Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
Join Smith Wellness' Community Health Organizers for a night of queer sex trivia! In collaboration with Mount Holyoke's Public Health Educators, help compete against our sister school!
Other Events and Activities
Participate in an On-Campus Paid Research Study Opportunity
The Mind in Development Lab at Smith is looking for adults 18+ to participate in a pilot study to utilize hair braiding patterns to develop an inclusive practice for a variety of hair types for the use of a neuro-imaging technique called fNIRS. Participation involves 1 study session that will take between 2.5- 3 hours in Burton Hall 113. You will wear a cap for a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) scan of your brain (a safe, non-invasive way to look at brain activity) while photos and videos are taken of your hair during the braiding process. We are enrolling participants until May 2, and participation is voluntary.
Star Gazing
Thursday, April 18, 8:30 p.m., McConnell Hall Rooftop
The Astronomy Department will hold an open house Thursday, April 18, 8:30-9:30 p.m., on the roof of McConnell Hall. Come see the Moon, stars, and star clusters. All are welcome. For further information or to check on weather conditions, contact Meg Thacher (mthacher@smith.edu, 413-585-3935).
Cities of Hope: Adaptation to Climate Change in Massachusetts
Thursday, April 18, 4:15 p.m., CEEDS Wright Hall
Camille Washington-Ottombre, CEEDS Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Policy and Una Fonte '26 will share the results of work that they have conducted on the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, an innovative policy that facilitates adaptation to climate change throughout the state. Learn how cities will be confronted with climate change and how this policy applies principles of participatory planning and climate justice to enhance local resilience in Massachusetts and beyond. Refreshments provided.
Town Hall on Divestment
Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Seelye Lawn
Do you have questions or opinions about Smith potentially divesting from weapon manufacturers? Come to the town hall this Sunday (April 21st) from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Seelye Lawn. There will be a presentation on what divestment could look like along with facilitated small and large group discussions. The town hall will conclude with a vote to gauge the Smith community's feelings about divestment. Students, faculty, staff, 5-college, and Northampton community members welcome.
Jandon Center's End-of-the-Year Celebration
Thursday, April 25, 4-6 p.m., Paradise Room, Conference Center
Members of the Smith Community are cordially invited to Jandon's Annual End- of-the-Year Celebration! Come celebrate the Jandon Center and the work of our wonderful local organizations! During the event, you will have the opportunity to network with our amazing partners here at Smith and in the region. Refreshments will be provided.
Smith Community Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, April 27, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Campus Center Main Level Table
Smith College will be hosting a Drug Takeback Day at the Campus Center (Main Level) on Saturday, April 27 from 10:15-11:30 am for students, faculty and staff. Unwanted or expired prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and liquid medications in sealed containers are welcomed. No vape batteries, IV solutions or chemotherapy drugs please. Participants are encouraged to remove identifying information from the containers, and disposal is 100% confidential. Medications collected will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Questions? Email healthservices@smith.edu.