News & Policy Updates
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law
Retirement Plan Improvements
Several changes will be made to the Smith College Defined Contribution Retirement Plan effective October 1, 2019. The changes include the replacement of five fund options that no longer meet the criteria set by the Retirement Plan Investment Committee, as well as changes to the plan's fee structure which will reduce participants' costs on average. Details are included in the attached letter, which all participants will also be receiving at home. You are not required to do anything; the changes will happen automatically on October 1.
OptumRx Prescription Benefits Provider
As of January 1, 2019, OptumRx became our prescription benefit provider.
Networking@Smith
Staff Council made a request to Human Resources to develop a program for staff interested in exploring promotional opportunities, new career paths or obtaining professional advice from experienced leaders and administrators across the college. Although HR already provides career coaching to staff, and encourages staff to network with others at the college, this program formalizes the process.
Childcare Resources
The towns surrounding the Smith College campus provide access to a number of daycare centers and nursery schools for pre-school children. Since child care needs vary greatly depending on the ages of children and your specific circumstances, you need to research these opportunities fully. The following internet links and contact information will help identify local resources that you may want to consider. Obviously, the information presented for individual providers is subject to change.
Eldercare
Hires, Departures, Transfers
The Office of Human Resources produces a monthly arrivals and departures list for the Smith community. Each month's list will be announced via eDigest.
After-Hours Care Options
Harvard Pilgrim members have several options for seeking care when their primary care doctor is not available. Find out when to consider each option, how the cost of each type of care compares, and where these services are available locally.
College-Age-Dependent Benefit
Smith has modified the college-age-dependent tuition grant program.