Class Deans

Fall campus scene of colorful tree and Paradise pond

Our mission at the class deans office is to help you make the most of your time at Smith. The class dean is responsible for your overall academic program. You are encouraged to see your dean privately throughout the year regarding any issue, whether academic or personal. Your class dean is available to assist with course registration and procedures, academic options and general advice on such matters as study abroad, summer school and leaves of absence. We work closely with the registrar’s office to ensure that you are meeting your degree requirements.

Announcements

Appointments

If you would like to schedule an appointment with your dean, please call the office at 413-585-4915.

The Academic Board

Due to Thanksgiving Break there will not be a meeting of the Academic Board the week of November 20–24, 2023. Complete petitions received by noon (EST) on Friday, November 17, 2023, will be reviewed the week of November 27–December 1, 2023.

The Academic Board meets during the academic year only. A student may petition the Academic Board to consider an exception to an academic regulation.  Petitions are decided by a Board vote, as a result, submissions are not guaranteed approval.

Petitions received by noon (EST) on Friday will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Academic Board. If Monday is a holiday, petitions are due at noon (EST) on Thursday.

Petitions received after the deadline will be reviewed the following week. Incomplete petitions will not be reviewed. 

Submitting a petition does not guarantee that your request will be approved. Please note: the Academic Board does not meet during fall break or winter break. 

To petition the board please use the Academic Board Petition Form. 

Meet the Deans

The class deans are committed to working closely with you and collaborating with families, faculty and staff to proactively foster a positive academic experience that is unique to you. We encourage you to make an appointment or drop in during walk-in hours to discuss questions or concerns, brainstorm about options, or get guidance on your academic and future planning.

Tom Riddell

Class Deans Office

Interim Dean of the Junior Class & Professor Emeritus of Economics

Tom Riddell

Adela Penagos

Class Deans Office

Dean of the Senior Class; Associate Dean of the College for Advising and Mentoring

Adela Penagos headshot

Need specific details about an aspect of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program? Visit their website and learn about the program’s history, requirements, and more.

Staff

Carie Congleton

Assistant Office Manager and Assistant to the Dean of the First-Year Class

413-585-4910
cconglet@smith.edu

Jose Ferreras

Funding Coordinator and Assistant to the Dean of the Sophomore, Junior and Ada Comstock Classes

413-585-4930
jferreras@smith.edu

Christina Kuralt

Office Manager and Assistant to the Dean of the Senior Class

413-585-4920
ckuralt@smith.edu

Funding

There are a number of funding sources for Smith undergraduates to help cover costs associated with special programs or needs, unanticipated events or emergencies. 

The Dean of the College also provides a listing of available funds for Smith undergraduates.

The Nancy Kershaw Tomlinson Memorial Fund helps students cover expenses incurred in carrying out approved honors projects.

If you are a senior or an alumna and anticipate entering your first year of graduate studies, you are eligible to apply for an Alumnae Scholarship. Awards are competitive and require a recommendation from your department. Students who receive awards are expected to pursue full-time graduate study. There are three different grants:

Clara Willoughby Davidson Memorial 
One scholarship awarded for the first year of graduate study in a course of advanced study in the field of Biblical literature or philosophy of religion. This scholarship may be divided.

Jean Fine Spahr 
Fellowship designed for graduates of Smith College for the first year of graduate study at an approved university in the United States or abroad. Two Spahr grants are awarded each year; there is no departmental restriction.

Edna Hunkemeier 
One scholarship awarded to a promising student entering her first year of graduate study in the field of music.

Apply for an Alumnae Scholarship

Transfer Credit

Planning on taking a summer or interterm course? Please see the registrar’s website for information on transfer credit.

Contact Class Deans

College Hall 101
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063

Phone: 413-585-4915 Email: classdeans@smith.edu

Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

See each class dean's page for details on their walk-in hours.