News & Policy Updates
Institutional Change Partners Program
The Institutional Change Partners Program is an opportunity for small teams of 2–4 staff and/or faculty to bring a project, animating question, challenge or change initiative to an immersive one-week Human-Centered Design deep-dive in June. Is there some project, question or idea you’ve had that you think would make an impact in how your unit collaborates or contributes to the college’s mission or strategic plan, but you haven’t known exactly how to tackle it, where to begin or how to galvanize a team around it?
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.
Coverage for Out-of-Area Dependents
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.
New Position Justification Process
As part of the effort to balance the FY18 operating budget and work toward long-term financial sustainability, a new FTE justification process has been enacted by the President's Cabinet. All position replacements or new hires now require a justification form to be completed prior to submitting the position to HireTouch. This new process is not applicable to casual, agency temporary or student workers.
College-Age-Dependent Benefit
Smith has modified the college-age-dependent tuition grant program.