2020–21 Schedule: Academic Year Appointments
A Culture of Care >> Read Smith’s plans for the fall 2021 semester.
Benefits
Benefits are an important investment for Smith College. We’re proud of these offerings and know that, together with the continued dedication and support of our outstanding faculty and staff, they form the basis of what makes Smith College a great place to work.
For complete information on a particular benefit plan offered at Smith, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 413-585-2270.
Benefited Leaves
Family-Related Leaves
Childbearing and other family-related issues can present significant challenges to employees. Balancing work and other college commitments while coping with a new baby or a family emergency can be stressful. Smith works hard to achieve an environment that is supportive of family needs by offering family leave, paternal leave, adoption leave and flexible work schedules.
See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Wherever possible Smith strives to be flexible to help employees achieve a balance between work and home responsibilities. Managers will carefully consider requests for arrangements such as flextime, job sharing and part-time employment.
See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.
Holidays
Smith observes a number of holidays throughout the year. Whenever possible, department heads are encouraged to grant time off for the observance of religious and other holidays that are not official college holidays. This time off may be taken as personal time, vacation or short-term absence without pay.
See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.
Holiday Schedule
2020–21
2021–22
Personal Time
Paid personal time is available for use in the case of family illness or emergencies, or to meet other personal obligations that arise. You may also use your personal time to observe a religious or other holiday that is not an official college holiday or in the event of inclement weather when the college is not officially closed.
Other Requested Personal Time
Additional personal time off is granted by Smith for bereavement leave, jury duty leave, military reserve training and active military duty leave.
See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.
Vacation Overview
Vacations are important for rest and relaxation and Smith encourages you to use your full vacation allotment each year. Vacation entitlement varies depending on whether you work an academic or full-year position.
See the Employee Handbook for specific terms, eligibility and conditions.
Vacation Accrual
Administrative support staff in regular positions accrue vacation weekly, depending on years of service. Administrative staff in academic-year positions are entitled to approximately 10 recess days per year to be taken during official school recess periods. In regular positions, employees accrue vacation at 1.67 days per month up to 20 days per year.
Deduction Tier Structure
Who you enroll in each plan will determine your deduction tier for health, dental and vision coverages:
- Employee
- Employee plus Spouse
- Employee plus Child(ren)
- Family—Employee, Spouse, plus Child(ren)
Please note the deduction differences between tiers and what defines them. If you see any inconsistencies between your tier and your listed dependent(s), please contact HR.
HR Benefits Orientation
Watch a video to review Smith College’s employee benefits, explore the options for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, understand the benefits onboarding task in Workday, and learn how to navigate the information on this HR benefits webpage. A Smith login is required to watch the video.
WATCH THE BENEFITS OVERVIEW VIDEO
Resources
Benefits@Blue for Smith College Employees
Job aids for completing benefit-related tasks, including new employee benefits onboarding, changing benefits for qualifying events and changing your voluntary retirement contributions can be found on the Workday Help site.
Non-Benefits Eligible Employees
For those employees who are not benefits-eligible, you’ll find health insurance options through the Commonwealth Health Connector by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or by visiting mahealthconnector.org.
Your Health Plan Options
HMO Plan
The HMO plan covers in-network services only. There is no annual deductible.
Referrals from your PCP are required for services such as hospital services and surgery as well as office visits to specialists.
To find a PCP/provider, please visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield website.
You can find more information about this plan in the Schedule of Benefits.
Plan Documents
FIND A DOCTOR
Use the zip code of your provider(s), then enter the code MTN to continue.
Value HMO Plan
The Value HMO plan covers in-network services only. There is an annual deductible of $500 per person and $1,000 per double/family on diagnostic services (tests) and procedures.
Hospital services and surgery, outpatient co-pay, inpatient co-pay, physical/occupational therapy, and mental health/substance abuse inpatient care are subject to the deductible, but are covered in full after the deductible is met.
Referrals from your PCP are required for services such as hospital services and surgery as well as office visits to specialists.
To find a PCP/provider, please visit the BCBS website.
You can find more information about this plan in the Schedule of Benefits.
NOTICE: Each of our plans cover out-of-network medical emergencies. If you are hospitalized, you, or someone on your behalf (family, attending physician, etc.), must call your PCP within 48 hours. If covered under the Value HMO and HMO plans, any follow-up care must be done in-network in order to receive coverage.
Plan Documents
FIND A DOCTOR
Use the zip code of your provider(s), then enter the code MTN to continue.
Point of Service (POS) Plan
The POS plan offers both in-network and out-of-network services. You do not need a referral from your PCP in order to receive out-of-network services. Anything out-of-network typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs.
There is no in-network annual deductible. However, the out-of-network annual deductible is $400 per person and $800 per double/family. After the deductible is met, you pay 20% for out-of-network services.
You can find more information about this plan in the Schedule of Benefits.
NOTICE: Some co-pays have changed for 2021. Please review the plan documents for more information.
Plan Documents
FIND A DOCTOR
Use the zip code of your provider(s), then enter the code MTP to continue.
High Deducticle Health Plan with Health Savings Account
The HDHP with HSA offers both in-network and out-of-network services. Out-of-network services have a higher out-of-pocket cost than in-network.
The annual deductible is $1,500 per person and $3,000 per double/family for in-network care. For out-of-network, the deductible is $3,000 and $6,000 respectively. Prior approval is required for certain out-of-network benefits.
After the deductible is met, the plan will begin to pay toward your claims, and you will pay coinsurance (a percentage) on certain services.
The annual out-of-pocket maximum is $3,000 per person and $6,000 per double/family for in-network care. For out-of-network, the out-of-pocket maximum is $6,000 and $12,000, respectively. Once the out-of-pocket maximum has been reached, no additional member cost sharing will be applied for the remainder of the calendar year.
NOTICE: If you have family coverage, the out-of-pocket maximum may be met by any combination of covered family members. The individual out-of-pocket maximum does not apply.
Plan Documents
HealthEquity - Health Savings Account
Smith College contributes $500 per person or $1,000 per double/family to a Health Savings Account (HSA) in your name. You can also make voluntary pre-tax contributions to the account. Unlike the FSA, any funds in the HSA will roll over into the next year.
HealthEquity will continue to be our HSA provider. If your HSA debit card has not expired, then you can continue using it as is with no interruption in service. For all new members or members with expired cards, you will receive a new one in the mail reflecting our change to BCBS.
NOTICE: Anyone enrolled in a HSA cannot enroll in a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA). This includes being claimed as a dependent on your spouse's FSA. However, you can elect the Dependent Care FSA.
Additional Information
The maximum contribution for 2021 is $3,600 per individual and $7,200 per double/family. For age 50+, you can contribute an additional $1,000. The maximum includes the Smith contribution to your HSA.
FIND A DOCTOR
Use the zip code of your provider(s), then enter the code XXP to continue.
OptumRx offers a variety of pharmacy and prescription services. As a new provider for Smith College, you may notice difference between OptumRx and our last provider. If you have any questions not addressed on this page, please log onto OptumRx.com or call at 1-888-374-8127.
Prescription Deductible
Smith College’s health plan includes an annual prescription deductible. This deductible only applies to Tier 2 and Tier 3 prescriptions, preferred brand name and non-preferred brand name respectively.
Generic prescriptions are only subject to the copay and are a less expensive alternative to brand name drugs.
The prescription deductible is $100 per person and $200 per double/family. If the deductible applies to you, you would pay $100 and the copay for your prescription for the first month. Once the deductible is met, you will pay the copay for the following months until the end of the year.
Online Account
Once you receive your Harvard Pilgrim member card, please create an account at OptumRx.com to see the plan’s deductible and copays reflected, or download the OptumRx app. There, you can set up mail order prescriptions and compare generic and brand name drugs.
NOTICE: If you view a drug cost list without logging in, it will show you the regular market price of the medication without your insurance coverage.
HOME DELIVERY
Prescriptions through OptumRx can be picked up at your pharmacy or delivered through mail order. To receive your prescription through mail order, please visit OptumRx.com or talk to your doctor.
HASSLE-FREE FILL
You have the option to set up a recurring, automatic refill for any eligible home delivery medication. Using the OptumRx website, you can adjust the refill date or cancel a refill at any time.
SPECIALTY PHARMACY
Optum Specialty Pharmacy is the specialty pharmacy for OptumRx, and is included as a benefit. Optum Specialty Pharmacy provides specialty medications and some clinical support for complex conditions, including cancer, arthritis, etc.
To contact Optum Specialty Pharmacy, call 1-855-427-4682 or visit Optum Specialty Pharmacy.
Contact OptumRx
Customer Service and Home Delivery: 1-888-374-8127
TTY: 711
Website Issues & Password Resets: 1-800-788-4863
Delta Dental
Delta Dental of Massachusetts is Smith College's current dental insurance provider.
High Plan
The “High Plan” has a maximum benefit of $2,000 per family member per calendar year, includes 50 percent coverage for orthodontics (up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500) and 50 percent coverage for major restorative work.
Value Plan
The “Value Plan” includes a $50 per individual/$100 per family deductible, which is waived for diagnostic and preventative categories. The calendar year maximum is $1,000 per person. New dentures, bridges, implants and crowns are NOT covered. See coverage summaries for details.
Contact Information
Delta Dental Customer Service Center: 800-872-0500
Online Portal: www.deltamass.com
Additional Information
EyeMed will continue being our vision insurance provider for 2021. No changes have been made to the current plan.
Visit in-network providers for an annual exam (with dilation as necessary) at no cost, as well as allowances and discounts on eyewear. Download the EyeMed app to track claims, find a provider and save your vision prescription.
EyeMed Virtual Benefit Fair
Participate in the EyeMed Virtual Benefit Fair! This resource is specifically designed for Smith College employees, outlining our plan details, discounts, and an online provider directory.
The password to access the virtual fair is KP51EHJB.
Contact Information
Customer Service: 1-866-804-0982
Online Portal: EyeMed Member Login
Additional Information
Smith College will continue offering the healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to employees for 2021 through Benefit Strategies.
The money you elect to set aside is taken from your paycheck before taxes in equal increments throughout the calendar year. IRS regulations state that any unused funds remaining in the accounts at year-end must be forfeited, and the changes or terminations of contributions during the plan year can only be made under specific conditions.
Healthcare FSA
This account allows you to set aside up to $2,750 per year on a pretax basis to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental or vision care costs.
Dependent Care FSA
To help with the high cost of day care, this account allows you to set aside up to $5,000—or $2,500 if you are married and filing separately—of your pretax earnings to pay for qualified dependent care expenses.
Contact Information
Benefit Strategies Customer Service Center: 888-401-FLEX (3539)
Online Portal: Benefits Strategies Login
Additional Information
At times in our lives, we all have personal concerns that are too difficult to deal with ourselves.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit provided by Smith College to help employees work through life's challenges. The program, offered through the New Directions EAP, is a confidential and voluntary counseling referral service provided free of charge to employees and members of their family household.
Support for Your Total Well-Being
Eligibility
Benefited employees, their family, and household members are each eligible for services.
Services
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
New Directions EAP offers twelve sessions, per issue, per contract year (July 1 to June 30).* The EAP can help with a variety of issues including: anxiety, grief, communication problems, drinking or drug use, domestic violence, marital/family concerns, mood swings, depression, parenting, stress (at work or home, or financial), work issues, suicidal thoughts and more.
LEGAL CONSULTATION & REFERRALS
Call to be connected to a free, 30-minute consultation with an advice attorney for most legal matters. Should your matter be more complex, you will be referred to an attorney at a 25% discount.
FINANCIAL CONSULTATION & REFERRALS
Financial professionals are available to provide free telephonic consultation on most financial issues.
FAMILY & CAREGIVING RESOURCES & REFERRALS
Specialists can provide in-depth consultation, resources and referrals on concerns such as childcare, eldercare, pet care, special needs programs and more.
*If you think you may need more than twelve sessions with a counselor and you have Blue Cross, you may want to ask New Directions EAP if they can help you set up an appointment with a counselor who is also a Blue Cross provider. After you have used your twelve sessions through the EAP you can utilize your mental health benefit through Blue Cross and continue to see the same counselor. For more information about the Harvard Pilgrim Mental Health Benefit, call 888-333-4742 or contact Human Resources.
Contact
To utilize this benefit, call New Directions EAP, at 800-828-6025, identify yourself as a Smith College employee or dependent, and the staff will help you set up an appointment with a licensed counselor near your home or workplace.
You can call during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, or if the matter is more urgent, call anytime, 24 hours a day, even on weekends and holidays.
To log in as a Smith College user, the company code is Smith College.
Smith College will continue offering Basic Life Insurance, Basic AD&D Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance through Lincoln Financial Group. These benefits are provided by the college with no cost to employees.
The life insurance coverage is equal to your annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000. You have the option of purchasing additional coverage equal to one, two, three, four or five times your annual salary.
You have the option to opt into supplemental life insurance for yourself, a spouse, and/or a child(ren). Any increases to supplemental life insurance on yourself and/or a spouse require a completed Evidence of Insurability (EOI) form. This must be sent directly to Lincoln Financial Group.
Health Care Expense Subsidy
All employees enrolled in a Smith College health insurance plan covering two or more members are eligible to apply for the Health Care Expense Subsidy program. Potentially eligible employees will receive an email from HRBenefits@smith.edu stating that applications are open and the deadline for receiving the full amount of the subsidy. If eligible for the additional payroll amount, the funds will be distributed from April to December of the given calendar year.
Employees can submit an application through Workday. Applications typically open up mid-March of a given year.
Applications will remain open after the deadline, though the additional payroll amount will not account for retroactive payments.
Retirement
Smith College, like other nonprofit institutions, is subject to increased oversight of its retirement plan. The college is required to review and monitor the performance of funds available for retirement investments instead of simply offering a menu of choices. To comply with these regulations, the president formed a Retirement Plan Investment Committee.
The committee works with an investment or fiduciary advisory firm to establish Smith's internal governance procedures, and to select and monitor investment choices. The key objectives of the committee are to:
- Ensure that decisions about the retirement plan are in the best interests of the plan participants (employees)
- Select mutual fund investment offerings
- Monitor the retirement vendors and the funds offered using measures and benchmarks in various areas affecting plan assets, including investment performance, fees and expenses
Committee Members
David DeSwert
Vice President for Finance & Administration
Anne-Marie Szmyt
Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Lynn Cocco
Assistant Director, Compensation and Benefits
Bill Peterson
Associate Provost, Dean for Academic Development
Susan Sayre
Assistant Professor, Economics Department
Kate Gola
Director of Budgets and Financial Planning, Finance Office
Cailyn Reed
Endowment & Investment Account Manager, Finance Office
The decision to retire should be made after several years of careful thought and planning. Financial considerations are a major factor in this decision, and the retirement plan's options may help you to meet your goals.
The college's Retirement Plan provides a significant contribution to income replacement for employees upon retirement. The plan is fully funded by the college, and you are not required to make any matching contribution.
The college contributes 9 percent of your eligible earnings up to an integration level, and 13.3 percent of your earnings above the integration level, to your retirement account. The college's contributions to your retirement account are fully vested beginning with the first contribution.
The integration level is established each year. It is $66,810 for 2021.
Smith College Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
All employees are welcome to make voluntary contributions to the retirement plan. Contribution percentages may be changed at any time; participation is optional and there is no waiting period.
Employees may also start, change, or stop their voluntary contribution election through their Workday account.
The IRS limits the amount of voluntary contributions individuals are allowed to contribute in any particular tax year. In 2020, it is $19,500 for those age 49 and younger, and $26,000 (including the $6,500 catch-up provision) for those turning age 50 this year or older.
SMITH COLLEGE STUDENTS EMPLOYED IN THE SUMMER
Smith College students who work at Smith in the summer are eligible to contribute a percentage of their summer earnings to the Smith College Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. If a student does not wish to contribute, they must waive the Voluntary Pre-Tax and Roth After-Tax elections in Workday.
PLAN INFORMATION AND TOOLS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Visit smithcollege.beready2retire.com for convenient access to a variety of information including an overview of the plan, frequently asked questions, and investment-related information. You may also schedule an appointment to meet with your local Voya Representative, Mary Ellen Gordon.
Within My Learning Center, there are planning tools and calculators, including My Retirement Overview®. This tool may help you identify any potential future shortfalls in your retirement savings and give you a better understanding of what's needed to meet your retirement income objectives. Are you ahead, or do you have some catching up to do? It’s an easy and quick way to check where you stand.
The Seminar Library provides online educational seminars covering a variety of financial education topics that you may view at your own pace whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.
REQUESTING A RETIREMENT PLAN TRANSACTION
To request rollovers out of the plan, withdrawals, or other transactions, simply contact the retirement services provider (Voya, TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, etc.) directly.
Smith College transaction approvals are now handled online; there is no need to bring your paperwork to the college for a signature.
Loans are limited and are only available through Voya. To apply for a loan, contact Voya directly.
About Voya
An overview of Voya, including the company's U.S. history and frequently asked questions can be found on its website, www.voya.com.
Account statements are uploaded to participants' online accounts on a quarterly basis. Voya will mail a paper copy upon request.
MOVING RETIREMENT ASSETS TO VOYA
You may exchange, or transfer, funds to Voya from American Century, Fidelity or TIAA-CREF for no fee; however, your prior retirement vendor may have fees or withdrawal restrictions on existing contracts. We encourage you to talk with a Voya representative to discuss your specific account to determine the best course of action for your situation.
For instructions and information about the exchange, or transfer, process, contact one of Voya's dedicated specialists:
CONTACT VOYA
866-865-2660
8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday–Thursday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday
Individual Consultations
To help with your retirement planning, Smith recommends that you meet with a financial advisor for an individual consultation. You may arrange for an individual appointment with Mary Ellen Gordon at no additional cost to you.
Mary Ellen's services are provided through the fees that all participants pay under the retirement plan.
To choose from available appointment times with Mary Ellen Gordon, go to smithcollege.beready2retire.com or call 877-645-5206. You may also send questions to Mary Ellen by email at maryellen.gordon@voyafa.com.
Individual Consultations
To help with your retirement planning, Smith recommends that you meet with a financial advisor for an individual consultation. You may arrange for an individual appointment with Mary Ellen Gordon at no additional cost to you.
Mary Ellen's services are provided through the fees that all participants pay under the retirement plan.
To choose from available appointment times with Mary Ellen Gordon, go to smithcollege.beready2retire.com or call 877-645-5206. You may also send questions to Mary Ellen by email at maryellen.gordon@voyafa.com.
RETIREMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS' WEBSITES
Contact information is provided below for Voya, the plan's current record keeper, and former retirement service providers. For detailed plan information, go to smithcollege.beready2retire.com.
- Voya: 1-800-584-6001 or smithcollege.beready2retire.com
- TIAA: 1-800-842-2776 or www.tiaa-cref.org
- Fidelity: 1-800-343-0860 or www.fidelity.com
- American Century: 1-800-345-3533 or www.americancentury.com
- Pax World: 1-800-372-7827 or www.paxworld.com
Getting Ready to Choose Your Retirement Date?
You will have many questions as you start thinking about when you want to retire. Human Resources prepared the document below to assist you with your planning:
Preparing for Retirement - Information & Resources
Health Insurance for Early Retirees (ERO)
Employees who retire from Smith College between the ages of 62 and 65, and who have a minimum of 10 years of consecutive service in a regular position at Smith College immediately prior to retirement, may continue to participate in the college's group health plan until age 65, with the college paying half its normal benefit. To enroll for this program, please contact Maddy Cohen at 413-585-2287.
For other retiring employees, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are available beginning at age 65.
Medicare Supplemental Health Plan for Smith College Retirees
Smith College retirees and spouses may elect coverage for supplemental plans offered by MountainOne Insurance through the Benistar Employee Services Trust Program. The Benistar plans include two supplement plans that allow you to see any Medicare participating provider nationally.
Benistar Enrollment Materials 2021
Questions?
For questions regarding retirement benefits, contact Human Resources at 413-585-2287.
Smith’s commitment to academic achievement and lifelong learning is what we are all about. In support of this commitment, we make a significant investment in providing employees with rich opportunities for professional growth and development. Tuition assistance is available to eligible employees, their spouse, and their children.
SMITH COLLEGE EMPLOYEES
SPOUSES OF ELIGIBLE SMITH COLLEGE EMPLOYEES
COLLEGE-AGE CHILDREN
- grants for daughters attending Smith College
- grants for children attending other colleges and universities
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
- Tuition discount for Campus School of Smith College
INFANTS & PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
- Tuition assistance at Fort Hill Center for Early Childhood Education
Auto & Home Insurance Discounts
Local insurance agencies offering insurance discounts to Smith College employees:
We have continued to look for ways to support our employees during this very trying time. Our childcare grants and pandemic leave are a few of the programs we introduced. In an effort to provide additional resources and support, we are pleased to announce a new benefit for all Smith employees.
Effective February 15, 2021, we are launching the Care@Work benefit to support your efforts to find caregiver services during the pandemic. This benefit will provide you with a membership to Care.com, the largest online community for finding trusted providers for your specific needs. Care.com is a family care service that can help you find caregivers for your whole family, including your child, parents/grandparents and/or pet as well as your home. There is no limit to the number of times you can access the services.
Smith College will cover the monthly membership costs from February 15, 2021 to February 14, 2022.
Here is more information about the Care@Work benefit and ways you can take advantage of it:
Who is eligible for the Care@Work benefit?
- All employees of Smith College are eligible.
What does the Care.com Membership include?
- You get unlimited access to the world’s largest network of caregivers. There, you can explore detailed caregiver profiles in your area, post a job for caregivers to apply to, access the Care.com Safety Center and background check options, send real-time payments to caregivers, and even learn about household payroll and tax assistance.
Is there a cost to use the Care.com benefit?
- There is no cost to find care providers on the self-service site. Once you hire them, the cost of care should be discussed with your caregiver.
How do I sign up for the Care.com benefit?
- To activate your benefit, go to smithcollege.care.com and select “Let’s Get Started” or call 855-781-1303 or email careteam@care.com for assistance.
- You must enter your company email address to validate your employment. We will send a verification email to your work email address.
- Once enrolled, you can then access the benefit by downloading the Care.com app.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can use the Care.com benefit?
- There is no limit to the number of times you can use the self-service website.
What will occur if I have a current Care.com account outside of Smith College?
- Visit smithcollege.care.com
- Click "Let’s Get Started"
- When asked if you are new to Care.com? Click “No”
- The prompts will ask you to enter in your credentials for your current account and for your company email to validate you as an employee
- Need help? Dial our member care team at 855-781-1303 or email careteam@care.com
How do I learn more about the Care.com benefit?
You can learn more about the Care.com benefit by visiting our customized website: smithcollege.care.com
Who do I contact if I have questions about Care.com?
If you have questions about this benefit, please contact Care.com at 855-781-1303 or careteam@care.com.
Additional Information
Care@Work Membership Information
Distance Learning Supported by Care.com
Video Resources
Employee Discount Program
Smith partners with several vendors in the Northampton area to provide an Employee Discount Program. All discounts offered are individual by the respective vendors.
These discounts vary widely from vendor to vendor. Often the discount does not apply to all store items. Call ahead or ask whether the discount applies before making your purchase.
Transit Subsidy Program
Smith College recognizes that faculty and staff commuting to campus as the sole occupants of vehicles has an impact to the environment and imposes stress to availability of campus parking.
This policy:
- Has been developed to complement a series of transportation demand management policies including parking opt-out, free passage on five college buses during the academic year, parking pass fees, free ride home and availability of two ride-sharing services all designed to work in concert to reduce the number of commuter trips by individuals in vehicles.
- Creates a more equitable transit subsidy system where employees who live in areas not served by Five College bus routes (those routes that are subsidized through Five Colleges, Inc. – PVTA routes B38, B39, M40 and B43) are eligible for reduced fares on other routes.
- Supports compliance with Massachusetts Rideshare regulations (310 CMR 7.16) (a state-wide air quality regulation and is part of the Commonwealth's plan to reduce air pollution and to achieve and maintain health-based federal quality standards).
- Satisfies Smith's commitment to the "Provision of Public Transportation," one of the "tangible actions" included within the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. This action is defined as follows: Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors to your institution.
The subsidy is valid only for employees who do not live in the area served by the Five College bus routes (those routes that are subsidized through Five Colleges Inc. – PVTA routes B38, B39, M40 and B43) which already offer free passage during the academic year.
Maximum IRS reimbursement limit is $255 per month. Reimbursement is not subject to income taxes per IRS Publication 15-B.
To receive reimbursement for a monthly or weekly transit pass, employees must fill out and submit a Transit Pass Reimbursement Form and provide proof of purchase (receipt) to Human Resources.
PrivacyArmor by InfoArmor has changed to Allstate Identity Protection.
As a voluntary benefit, Smith College will continue offering identity theft protection. This will be available to all employees, regardless of benefits eligibility status, and is completely voluntary. You can opt in and out of the plan at any time during the year.
The Family plan will cover any individuals in your household even if they are not a dependent on your insurance. For example, if you have a parent physically living in your household and is financially dependent on you, they are eligible for identity theft protection through your Allstate Identity Protection Family plan.
The Emerson-Lewis Fund was established in 1921 by the Smith Class of 1901 in memory of two classmates. Income from the Fund, which is administered by a committee, is used to assist employees of the college community in times of emergency when a gift of money would come in useful. While the funds at its disposal are limited, the committee hopes that they will not only provide financial assistance, but will also convey the support of a caring community.
Written applications to the Fund may be made either by an individual or by the individual's supervisor. Applications should be addressed either to Susan Etheredge, Chair, Emerson-Lewis Committee, Morgan Hall 202 or to Elena Palladino, Board of Trustees Office, College Hall 207. They should explain the circumstances of the emergency, request a specific sum, and be accompanied by proof of expenditures.
Get Fit Smith
Get Fit Smith classes are open to the entire Smith community on a drop-in, first-come basis. With fun and relaxation in mind, workshops include yoga, Pilates, awesome abs, strength and conditioning training, personal training and aerobics.
Exercise & Sport Studies Courses
Employees are eligible for employee tuition assistance when they enroll in courses offered through the Exercise & Sport Studies Program. Courses include yoga, fencing, golf, swimming, diving, aqua-aerobics, tennis, badminton, kick boxing, kayaking, canoeing and more. To find course listings, go to the Smith College Course Catalog.
For information on the tuition benefit policy, see the Employee Handbook.
As a Smith College employee, you and your family may become members of the UMass Five College Federal Credit Union. The credit union offers many services and programs to assist members with college tuition costs: