The status of the open curriculum. Is it achieving the goals we feel are most important for our students? How does the current curricular structure promote and inhibit student progress toward desirable educational outcomes? Is the advising system adequate, particularly in the first two years?

The place of research and independent projects in the curriculum. One of the surprising findings of our research on the current condition of the college is the relatively low satisfaction students reveal with the research opportunities available to them. What is responsible for this perception? How can we best change this? Should every student have a research or other individual project experience with a faculty member? Should capstone experiences be a required element for every student’s major program of study? Should we rethink departmental honors?

The co-curriculum. How might we connect the co-curriculum to education goals, using the strengths of Smith’s relatively small-scale residential experience? Is there an opportunity to build upon student interest in and curricular emphasis upon social issues through active inquiry-based learning?

International study. Much has been made in recent years of Smith’s existing goal to be a “world college.” We must do more to understand what that label means, both in terms of the study abroad opportunities that we make available to students, but also the opportunities at Smith to engage international issues through the curriculum, the study of language, visitors, and special programs. Smith holds a distinctive advantage over most of its peers in this area given the strength of our foreign language programs and study abroad programs. How can we capitalize on these strengths as we consider what it means to be an effective “world college?”

Science and engineering. Given Smith’s historic strength in the sciences, its recent investment in engineering, and women’s under-representation in science and technology, science and engineering should be a signature strength for Smith. How do we best secure, develop and promote it? What infrastructure is necessary for our sciences to thrive? Should we develop an emphasis on sustainability?

The arts and technology. Smith has historic depth and strength in the arts. Can we build upon it by creating and articulating a new connection between the arts and engineering and technology?

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