Academic Calendar

Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the registrar’s calendar for detailed dates and deadlines.

Friday, September 1   
Central check-in for entering first-year students, transfer students, and Ada Comstock scholars

President's Welcome Assembly

Friday, September 1–Wednesday, September 6: Orientation   
The week before the start of classes, new students gather to learn about the college and get to know each other.

Tuesday, September 5–Wednesday, September 6   
Key pick-up and move-in for returning students

Thursday, September 7    
Classes begin

Wednesday, September 13   
Last day to add a course online

Wednesday, September 20   
Last day to drop a course online; last day to add a Five College course

Wednesday, September 27   
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 7–Tuesday, October 10   
Autumn recess

Thursday, October 12: 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.

Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15: Family Weekend   
Students and their families are invited to attend concerts, lectures and panel discussions as well as athletic and social events.

Saturday, October 21:   
Inauguration of Sarah Willie-LeBreton   
On October 21, 2023, Sarah Willie-LeBreton will formally take office as Smith’s 12th president.

Thursday, November 2: Cromwell Day 
Cromwell Day provides dedicated time and space for reflection and education about diversity, racism and inclusion. All morning and afternoon classes are canceled.

Monday, November 6–Friday, November 17
Advising and course registration for the spring 2024 semester

Wednesday, November 22–Sunday, November 26   
Thanksgiving recess

Thursday, December 14   
Classes end

Friday, December 15–Sunday, December 17   
Pre-examination study period

Monday, December 18–Thursday, December 21   
Final examinations

Friday, December 22, 2023–Tuesday, January 2, 2024   
Winter recess

Friday, January 5   
Faculty: Fall 2023 grades due at noon

Interterm

Wednesday, January 3–Tuesday, January 23    
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 15.

Spring Semester

Monday, January 22–Wednesday, January 24: Orientation
Orientation for entering students. New entering students should report to the Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center on January 22 between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for Central Check-in (CCI).

Thursday, January 25    
Classes begin at 8 a.m.

Wednesday, January 31    
Last day to add a course online

Wednesday, February 7    
Last day to drop a course online; last day to add a Five College course

Wednesday, February 14    
Last day to add a Smith course

Thursday, February 22: 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 16–Sunday, March 24    
Spring recess

Monday, April 8–Friday, April 19    
Advising and course registration for the fall 2024 semester

Friday April 19: Celebrating Collaborations    
Celebrating Collaborations is Smith’s annual showcase of student research and performance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of students and faculty (afternoon classes canceled at discretion of the instructor).

Thursday, May 2    
Last day of classes

Friday, May 3–Monday, May 6     
Pre-examination study period

Tuesday, May 7–Friday, May 10    
Final examinations

Monday, May 13    
Faculty: Senior and graduate student grades due at noon

Sunday, May 19: 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 20    
Faculty: Non-senior grades due at noon

Thursday, May 23–Sunday, May 26 (tentative)     
Second Reunion Weekend