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The News Office is the primary connection between the media and Smith College. We respond to questions from reporters and editors, pitch stories about Smith to the media, prepare Smith sources for interviews and maintain a digest of the latest news coverage about the college.

A professor pointing to a chalkboard.

Looking for an Expert?

If you’re a member of the media looking to interview an expert from Smith on a range of topics, let us know! Carolyn McDaniel, Director of Media Relations, can help connect you with the right faculty member.

Email Carolyn Peruse the Faculty Directory

Tools for the Media

Media Access Policy

Smith College is committed to the free and open exchange of ideas in a safe and respectful educational environment. We recognize that part of the educational process involves engaging with the greater community. While Smith is a private, residential college on private property, it welcomes the public, and the media, to much of its campus grounds and many of its events. The college’s starting position is one of media access; we manage media access in order to protect the learning environment and to honor the rights of privacy reasonably expected by our community in the context of a residential campus.

Events open to the media include those announced as open to the public and most events happening outdoors. Some speakers or performers might restrict or preclude recording, photography or media coverage; in those instances, the college will attempt to notify media in advance.

Media wishing to cover events or report on other stories at Smith need to contact the Office of College Relations for authorization and are generally required to be accompanied by college staff. Decisions regarding media access are the purview of the administration, as delegated to the Office of College Relations. College Relations may, in its discretion, limit or preclude outside news media access to campus grounds with or without prior notice, including, but not limited to, in situations involving emergencies or failure to comply with college policies.

Student media are afforded the same editorial freedoms and privileges and held to the same expectations as the general media.

The college cannot guarantee complete privacy or anonymity at public events. Members of the Smith community who do not wish to be filmed, photographed or recorded at public events should let College Relations know in advance. Staff will do their best to honor such requests by working with the authorized media covering the events.

Contact Carolyn McDaniel, Director, Media Relations, 413-585-2191, for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you are working on deadline and we will answer your questions, or connect you to someone who can, in time for you to file the story.

For more information, contact us. We can offer story ideas and provide the information you need.

How can I find a source for my news story?

Contact the News Office. We will help you identify and connect with the right person—faculty, staff, or student.

How can I obtain an image of Smith to run with a story?

The college has numerous stock images of faculty, staff, students and the campus available for use with news stories about Smith. Check out our photo gallery or contact the News Office to request an image of a specific individual.

Do I need permission to film on campus?

Yes. Smith provides access to film crews and photographers on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, download Smith's contract (PDF) for film and photography and contact the News Office to discuss your project.

Does Smith have an ISDN line for radio interviews?

Smith maintains an ISDN line to allow for a clear connection during telephone interviews involving members of the Smith community. Contact Smith ITS.

What’s the best way to find out what’s happening on campus?

Make Smith Today your home page. The site is updated daily with new press releases, feature stories and announcements. It is a one-stop source for the latest news.

Contact the News Office

30 Belmont Ave
Northampton, MA 01063

Phone: 413-585-2190 Email: collegerelations@smith.edu

Carolyn McDaniel
Director, Media Relations
Phone: 413-585-2191