Academic Calendar

Fall 2021

Friday, September 3
Central check-in for new students

Friday, September 3–Wednesday, September 8: Orientation
The week before the start of classes, new students gather to learn about the college and get to know each other.

Tuesday, September 7–Wednesday, September 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Key pick-up (Clark Hall) and move-in for returning students

Wednesday, September 8
Opening convocation, 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 9
Classes begin at 8 a.m.

Wednesday, September 15
Last day to add a course online

Wednesday, September 22
Last day to drop a course online; last day to add a Five College course

Wednesday, September 29
Last day to add a Smith course

To be announced by the president: Mountain Day
Mountain Day is a surprise break from classes. The president chooses a beautiful fall day and announces the holiday by ringing the college bells. Classes scheduled before 7 p.m. are canceled.

Saturday, October 9–Tuesday, October 12
Autumn recess

TBA: Sherrerd Teaching Prize Ceremony
The Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching is given annually to Smith faculty members selected for their distinguished teaching records and demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence.

TBA: Family Weekend
Students and their families are invited to attend concerts, lectures and panel discussions as well as athletic and social events.

Thursday, November 4: Cromwell Day (tentative)
Cromwell Day provides dedicated time and space for reflection and education about diversity, racism and inclusion. Afternoon and evening classes are canceled.

Monday, November 8–Friday, November 19 (tentative)
Advising and course registration for the spring 2022 semester

Wednesday, November 24–Sunday, November 28
Thanksgiving recess (houses close at 10 a.m. on November 24 and open at 1 p.m. on November 28)

Thursday, December 16
Last day of classes

Friday, December 17–Sunday, December 19
Pre-examination study period

Monday, December 20–Wednesday, December 22
Final examinations (note compressed exam period; self-scheduled exams extend into evening)

Wednesday, December 23, 2021–Sunday, January 2, 2022
Winter recess (houses close at 10 a.m. on December 23 and open at 1 p.m. on January 2)

Thursday, January 6
Fall 2021 grades due

Interterm 2022

Monday, January 3–Friday, January 21
During January interterm, the college is open, but residence is not required. Interterm provides time for students to investigate a special area of interest; to participate in courses, activities and conferences at Smith and other area colleges; to do work in libraries, museums, laboratories, etc.; to participate in internships; to work on research projects; or to enjoy the facilities of the campus at a more leisurely pace. No classes are held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 17.

Houses open for returning students at 1 p.m. on January 2. Students returning from study abroad/away, readmitted students and transfers for the spring semester may move in Monday, January 17; keys may be picked up at Clark Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring 2022

Thursday, January 20–Sunday, January 23
Orientation for entering students

Monday, January 24
Classes begin at 8 a.m.

Friday, January 28
Last day to add a course online

Friday, February 4
Last day to drop a course online; last day to add a Five College course

Friday, February 11
Last day to add a Smith course

Thursday, February 17: Rally Day
Rally Day is highlighted by an all-college convocation at which distinguished alumnae are awarded the Smith College Medal, with a reception to follow. Afternoon classes are canceled.

Saturday, March 12–Sunday, March 20 (tentative)
Spring recess (houses close at 10 a.m. on March 12 and open at 1 p.m. on March 20)

Monday, April 4–Friday, April 15
Advising and course registration for the fall 2022 semester

TBA: Celebrating Collaborations
Celebrating Collaborations is Smith’s annual showcase of student research and performance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of students and faculty.

Friday, April 29
Last day of classes

Saturday, April 30–Monday, May 2
Pre-examination study period

Tuesday, May 3–Friday, May 6
Final examinations

Saturday, May 8
Houses close at 10 a.m. for all students except graduates, Commencement workers and those with Five College finals after May 8

Monday, May 9
Senior and graduate student grades due

Sunday, May 15: Commencement
Commencement Weekend is Smith’s final chance to honor its graduating seniors and to observe such traditions as Ivy Day and Illumination Night. The weekend culminates on Sunday when families, friends and seniors gather for the awarding of diplomas.

Monday, May 16
All houses close at noon

Monday, May 16
Non-senior grades due

Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 22 (tentative) 
Second Reunion Weekend