FAQ's
Programs
- How are Smith’s Executive Education programs different?
- Are there distance-learning opportunities available for executives?
- Do I earn college credit for attending a Smith Executive Education program?
- Does Smith Executive Education offer custom programs?
- What is the frequency of executive education programs?
- Will there be pre-coursework or preparation for me to complete?
Admissions procedure
- How do I apply to a program?
- What are your admissions requirements?
- What is company sponsorship?
- What is the process for obtaining sponsorship from my company?
Program Details & Learning Model
- How are the courses taught?
- What is the usual class size?
- How much time can I expect to spend on coursework each day?
- Where do the programs take place?
Payments/Cancellations
- What is included in the program fee?
- When is payment due?
- What types of payment are accepted?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Is financial assistance available?
Accommodations
- How are the living accommodations set up?
- How far is the campus from the hotel?
- Do I make my own hotel reservations?
- Should I bring my laptop?
- Can I hook up to the Internet?
- What can I expect on the first day?
- What can I expect on the last day?
- Are meals provided?
- Are accommodations available for extended visits or for family members?
- Pets
Travel Information
Attire
Accessibility
Policies
Still have questions?
Contact us for more information:
Email: execed@smith.edu
Telephone: 1 (413) 585-2642 (outside the U.S. dial +1 (413) 585-2642)
Fax: 1 (413) 585-4395
Twitter: Follow us
Facebook: Find us on Facebook
LinkedIn: Join the Group
Programs
- How are Smith’s Executive Education programs different?
Smith has a strong history and record of developing women leaders. Our executive leadership programs are carefully crafted to respond to the needs of today’s global organizations. The curriculum is based on groundbreaking research, the latest case studies, and the most current information. Each program curriculum is designed to meet specific learning and development goals for women at various career stages and in varied fields. Our program for emerging managers in technology and engineering differs dramatically from our program for women running global companies. Similarly, our program for senior women in engineering differs from our program for women on career paths in biopharma.
- Are there distance-learning opportunities available for executives?
At this time we are not using a distance-learning or e-learning format for our programs. However, we offer interactive events to our alumnae such as teleforums, webinars, and alumnae reunions. We also offer coaching services and the opportunity to network with other women like yourself via our social media sites, including Linked In, Facebook, Twitter and our Blog.
- Do I earn college credit for attending a Smith Executive Education program?
Smith Executive Education offers only non-degree programs. Certificates are awarded to participants upon completion of the program.
- Does Smith Executive Education offer custom programs?
Yes. Smith develops customized learning experiences that create competitive advantage for leading global corporations. Visit our “Custom Program” page for more details.
- What is the frequency of executive education programs?
Each program in our suite of 7-10 programs is usually offered once a year.
- Will there be pre-coursework or preparation for me to complete?
Yes. Advance work is an essential part of the learning experience. Faculty members assign advance readings and assessments prior to the program.
- How do I apply to a program?
Most participants come to us through their corporate HR, talent management and diversity and inclusion offices. Participants are usually selected through an internal process within their organizations. If you are an individual working in an organization and want to attend a Smith program, we recommend that you talk to your manager and HR representatives for sponsorship. Or call us and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.
- What are your admissions requirements?
Admission is based on your knowledge, skills and experience level. We work closely with corporations and their corporate learning and development officers, talent management teams and women’s leadership initiatives to identify which program is right for you.
- What is company sponsorship?
Many companies send teams of women in order to build their leadership pipeline and take advantage of significant cost savings. Once a company sends us the names and contact information of the women selected to attend a Smith program, we’re in touch with them directly with detailed information about the program and on how to access our convenient online registration procedure.
- What is the process for obtaining sponsorship from my company?
If you’re an individual woman interested in attending a Smith Executive Education program but don’t have corporate sponsorship, give us a call! We’d be happy to work with you to develop support in your company – we may even know the right people to talk to. And if we don’t, we’re happy to speak to whomever you identify as the appropriate people to explore and develop support for your leadership journey.
Program Details Learning Model
- How are the courses taught?
Classes are taught by esteemed faculty members from top business schools and consultancies. Instructors use the case method, simulations and their own research to guide learning and discovery.
- What is the usual class size?
Most classes have between 40 and 60 executives. Seating is assigned in small groups; participants are mixed around daily to allow them to get to know everyone in the program.
- How much time can I expect to spend on coursework each day?
On average, you will spend about six hours each day in the classroom - attending three to four different classes - although schedules may vary. The rule of thumb is that each class or case study requires two hours' advance preparation time.
- Where do the programs take place?
Unless noted, programs are held on the Smith College campus in Northampton, Massachusetts.
- What is included in the program fee?
The program fee includes tuition, single-occupancy hotel accommodations, most meals and all program materials. Incidentals, such as dry cleaning, entertainment, phone bills and the like, are not included in the program fee. Travel is not included.
- When is payment due?
Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date and before the start date of the program.
- What types of payment are accepted?
Payment can be made by company check, electronic bank wire transfer or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa). Participants who attend will be asked to provide detailed billing contact and payment information at the time of registration.
- What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be submitted in writing more than 30 days before the start date of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 14 to 30 days before the program are subject to a cancellation fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee. Companies are encouraged to find substitute participants within their organizations.
- Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is not available for our Executive Education programs. Sponsorship for program attendance comes primarily from corporations; therefore, tuition is generally covered by a participant’s company. However, some participants have received grants or other sources of funding.
- How are the living accommodations set up?
Executive Education participants stay in private rooms at the historic Hotel Northampton located in downtown Northampton and surrounded by numerous restaurants, galleries, boutiques and specialty shops. Individual bedrooms include a private bath and standard amenities as well as high-speed Internet access. Wireless Internet is also available at Smith’s Executive Education facilities.
- How far is the campus from the hotel?
The hotel is a pleasant 10-minute walk to campus. A van is provided from the hotel to the campus every day if you choose not to walk.
- Do I make my own hotel reservations?
Hotel reservations are handled in advance for you by our program coordinators.
- Should I bring my laptop?
Individual laptop use is discouraged in the classroom due to the highly interactive nature of the class. Desktop computers and related technology will be provided for specific classroom assignments. Hotel rooms and executive education facilities have both wired and wireless Internet access if you choose to bring your own laptop. Please remember to bring a voltage adapter if you are from outside the U.S.
- Can I hook up to the Internet?
Hotel rooms have high-speed Internet access. In addition, wireless Internet access is available throughout Smith’s Executive Education facilities. Desktop computers are also available at specific locations.
- What can I expect on the first day?
On the opening day of your program, registration takes place at the hotel or another facility on campus. Most programs will have an opening session and dinner function that same evening. If your travel plans necessitate a late arrival, please be sure to notify us so that alternative registration arrangements can be made for you.
- What can I expect on the last day?
Most programs adjourn early in the afternoon of the final day to allow participants sufficient time for travel. Transportation to Bradley International Airport is available by reservation from a number of services.
- Are meals provided?
During your time on campus, most meals are provided in Smith’s dining facilities; we try our best to accommodate special dietary needs so please feel free to ask.
- Are accommodations available for extended visits or for family members?
Accommodations for early arrivals, late departures or family members are at your own expense. Our program coordinators will be happy to assist in making reservations at the Hotel Northampton.
- Pets
The Hotel Northampton does not permit animals or pets in guest rooms, with the exception of service animals.
- What is the typical attire for an executive during a program?
Business casual attire is requested for classes and meals in our dining facilities during your program. Since dress codes and terminology vary widely amongst companies and countries the rule of thumb is to let comfort and professionalism guide you when you're dressing business casual. Keep in mind that classroom temperatures may vary so we recommend dressing in layers.
- What services are available for participants with disabilities?
Assistance is available for Executive Education participants with disabilities. If you have any special needs, please let us know in advance.
- Discrimination
In accordance with Smith College’s policy, we are committed to maintaining a diverse community in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation of differences.
Smith College does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, national/ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or with regard to the bases outlined in the Veterans Readjustment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Drugs and Alcohol
Smith College is committed to an environment free of drug and alcohol abuse. The college prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession and use of controlled substances. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, anabolic steroids and misused prescription or legal drugs or alcohol.
- Health Insurance
We recommend that you bring your health insurance card in case you need medical attention during your stay. If you are traveling from abroad, please check with your organization's health insurance carrier prior to your arrival to ensure that you have adequate coverage in the United States. Smith College is not responsible for medical fees incurred during a participant's stay in Northampton.
- Security
While the Smith College campus and the city of Northampton are generally considered safe, individuals are urged to take all possible steps to safeguard themselves and their property.
- Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any Smith College building at any time.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more information:
Email: execed@smith.edu
Telephone: 1 (413) 585-2642 (outside the U.S. dial +1 (413) 585-2642)
Fax: 1 (413) 585-4395
Twitter: Follow us
Facebook: Find us on Facebook
LinkedIn: Join the Group