News for the Smith College Community // December 4, 1997

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Ada Architect Has New Plans Eleanor Rothman, founding director of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program, will leave her current position next year to assume a new post as director of Ada Comstock Initiatives for the Future.   Almost 1,700 women, ranging in age from their 20s to their mid-70s, have enrolled at Smith as members of the Ada Comstock Program in the 23 years that Rothman has been its director; during that time, 1,230 Adas have graduated.   In her new position, Rothman will work closely with President Ruth Simmons to enhance funding and address long-standing housing and other Ada needs. "Under Ellie Rothman's leadership, the Ada Comstock Scholars Program has reached the national prominence it enjoys today; we are fortunate that she is willing to lead our effort to enhance its future," Simmons says.   For her part, Rothman is "excited to have this opportunity and eager to assume the challenge." Some of her time will be spent addressing long- and short-term goals identified by a task force that reviewed the Ada Comstock program last year, says Simmons.   "I hope to play an active role in increasing the funds available to resolve some of the most pressing issues -- financial aid, adequate student housing and affordable student childcare -- that the program has faced throughout its history," Rothman explains.   One of her goals is to raise the level of financial support for the program from and increase the outreach to Ada Comstock alumnae, and she will seek additional funding sources from foundations and corporations. Rothman says she would also like to identify people who have no Smith connections but who recognize the program as an important option for older women whose education has been interrupted and who wish to return to school.   Smith will launch a national search, starting next spring, to find Rothman's successor.   Good News for Smith: Media Officer Named Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Everything newsworthy at Smith will soon be reported to the press by a new staff member. Laurie Fenlason, executive director of college relations at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, has accepted the postition of director of media relations.   In her present post, Fenlason, who will assume her duties at Smith in early January, oversees media relations, presidential communications, admissions and development publications, the alumni magazine and sports information.   Previously she was based in Washington, D.C., where she conducted national media outreach for the University of Michigan. Fenlason has held similar media relations positions at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College.   At Smith, Fenlason's responsibilities will include raising the college's visibility and promoting its mission and programs through strong working relationships with members of the regional and national press. "Laurie's extensive experience in media relations and strategic planning in the area of communications will be of great benefit to Smith in developing messages to describe the new initiatives and directions the college will take as it moves into the next century," says B. Ann Wright, chief public affairs and college relations officer.   Fenlason will replace Ann Shanahan, who has served as interim director of media relations since July 1996. Shanahan will remain in the Office of College Relations as director of administration and special events. (Rumor has it that she will also soon be taking a more active role in AcaMedia. Stay tuned.)   UW Goes All the Way Although the Smith United Way Campaign is not yet over, an ambitious $100,000 goal has already been reached, making history in the process. According to a front-page story in last week's Daily Hampshire Gazette, this is the first time in the 75-year history of the Hampshire County United Way that a single workplace has donated this much to the local chapter. The Gazette also pointed out that University of Massachusetts employees have raised more than $200,000, but that less than half of this total remains in the county.   "I'm proud to be a member of such a generous community," proclaimed Roger Kaufman, professor of economics and this year's Smith campaign co-chair, when announcing the news. "We're thrilled! We're over the top! We're heady with excitement," effused Kaufman's co-chair Carrie Hemenway, who noted also that "this generosity will make a big difference to local recipients of United Way-funded services."   Despite the good news, by late November contributions had been received from 500 donors-six shy of last year's figure at this time. As the campaign winds down, Hemenway urges those who have not yet given to do so soon. "Any amount, even $1, will make a difference and is appreciated," she stresses. Of course, larger gifts are sure to be appreciated, too. The Gazette also reported that 29 Smith-affiliated donors have given more than $1,000 apiece to this year's UW effort. An additional 28 donors gave over $500 each, joining the Smith campaign's new "Leadership Circle." First-time Leadership Circle contributors will receive a print donated by Elliot Offner. "While these large donations have made an enormous difference in our campaign, we also value the smaller donations," Hemenway points out.   Final United Way tallies will be published in AcaMedia in January. Although it's not too late to give, the last UW prize lottery drawing was held November 21. The prizes and their lucky winners are:   Lunch at the Smith College Club: Elizabeth Harries; Flavored coffee and pastry break for four at Davis Center: Judith Wanczyk; two tickets to the Academy of Music: Eileen Corbeil; Del Raye Bar and Grill $50 gift certificate: Justina Gregory; Grécourt Bookshop $25 gift certificate: Debi McMullen; Green Street Cafe dinner for two: Cam Kelly; Autumn Inn night for two: Susan McDonald; Lulu's Hair Salon $20 gift pack: Connie Dragon; Anton Corliss Cleaners $25 gift certificate: Chris Forgey; Davis Center $5 gift certificate: Carey Bloomfield; Packard's $25 gift certificate: Pam Bensen; Robert Schumann by John Van Buskirk, fortepiano: Lorna Blake; Eric Reeves wood turning: David Osepowicz.   Bad Seeds Start New Roots by Kate Drake '99 There is a student group that is quickly growing on the Smith campus. Thanks to the dedication of plant lovers, Bad Seeds, which was inactive last year, has been regerminated.   The Bad Seeds define themselves as "disorganized plant-loving rock stars." Undoubtedly, the women of the group are lovers of plants, rocks and stars, but they are hardly disorganized. Already this year they have gone apple-picking and night hiking and held many meetings, formulating plans for next semester, which include a plant sale, maple-tree tapping and starting a garden library on campus.   During the past few meetings, they have been working on reviving their newsletter, The Seedling (which is fittingly published by "The Thorny Press"). In previous years, the publication was sent only to members via campus mail, but now, once a semester, copies of it will be placed on all dining room tables in campus houses. "The reason that we decided to make the newsletter accessible to all students is because we want everyone to enjoy plants as much as we do," says Bad Seeds co-head Sara Cohen '00. "We also thought the newsletter would be something entertaining and educational for people to read, and at the same time we hope to attract some new members."   Bad Seeds is composed not only of biology majors, but also of other students who have a love for greenery. Member Juliana Viveralli '01 used to work in a greenhouse, and Italian major and co-head of Bad Seeds Sallie Holt '00 says her reason for being in the group is that she "just likes plants."   If you are interested in going green and growing with Bad Seeds, call Sara Cohen at extension 6861 or Sallie Holt at extension 7447.   Suddenly Sisters: Program Pairs Smithies of Now and Then The Big Sister/Little Sister Program is a new initiative of the Student Alumnae Association of Smith College (SAASC) that will pair current students as "Little Sisters" with alumnae "Big Sisters," providing an opportunity for correspondence and interaction between Smithies past and present.   Only 10 percent of current students have a close relative who attended Smith and who thus understands the triumphs and trials of Smith life. Of the 40,000 alumnae, only a tiny percentage have a close family member who is now at Smith. Last summer, Christine Beshar '53 and a team of Smith interns developed the idea for the program. Senior Megan Gardner took part in the initial planning and, as Big Sister/Little Sister chair, is working with other students in SAASC to implement the program for the spring semester.   Each Big Sister will be asked to write a letter or e-mail message to her Little Sister about her experiences at Smith and send two care-packages per year at exam time in December and May. In addition, the Big Sister might offer her Little Sister a place to stay should she visit her town for an internship or job interview. A Little Sister will be expected to send an initial letter telling her Big Sister about herself and to write thank-you notes for care packages. The commitment will be for the spring semester but may be extended if mutually agreeable.   The Big Sister/Little Sister planning committee has already sent e-mail messages to a pilot group of alumnae to test the response, and it has been overwhelmingly positive. Some alumnae have already volunteered to take part.   The rest of the alumnae community will learn about the program from the Smith Alumnae Quarterly. The winter issue, due out this week, includes a full page of program details along with an answer card that asks alums about their occupations, interests, majors, houses and activities at Smith.   The information from the answer cards will be entered into a database and made available to students in the spring. Each prospective Little Sister will be able to browse the database or create limited searches to find a Big Sister whose interests match her own. SAASC members will be allowed first pick of a Big Sister.   To inaugurate the program, a coffee house, sponsored in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of the College, will be held February 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Seelye Hall, second floor. First-year students will be able to choose a Big Sister from the database while sampling assorted pastries and gourmet coffees. Kate Barnes '01, a member of the Big Sister/Little Sister committee, explains that the coffee-house event will be open only to first-years and will include a cappella groups, poetry readings, a special appearance by Smith's singing professor Randy Bartlett and a string quartet, along with other entertainment. A few first-years may even meet their Big Sisters right away, because some area alumnae will attend the gathering.   After this event, the database will be open to the campus at large. If you are interested in the program contact the Big Sister/Little Sister Committee at saasc@smith.edu, and keep an eye out for more information in the spring. Back to top of page All Systems Go: Winners Access Prizes Students, faculty and staff won myriad prizes -- ranging from the pricey (an entire computer system) to the priceless (Smith College mouse pads) -- which were offered by the Smith Computer Store as an incentive to attend last month's Computer Expo.   Senior Nicole Le Blanc took the grand prize -- an Apple PowerMac 4400 computer system. Other big-ticket items -- an HP DeskJet 670 printer and an Iomega Zip Drive -- went to Jessica Densmore '00 and Kasia Blicharz '00, respectively.   Student software winners were Mara Phillips Shulman '00J (Norton Uninstaller) and Victoria Stawiarski AC (Adobe Acrobat). Staff members Jennifer O'Loughlin and Kathleen Benoit both won Microsoft Excel software, and fortunate faculty members aptly included Nathanael Fortune (MetaCreations Soap), Joshua Miller (Adobe PageMill) and Beth Powell (Microsoft Excel). The coveted mouse pads went to students Julia Cassaniti and Katherine Buffington; staff members Harley Unger, Ann Playe, Heather White, Leslie Jaffe, Chris Hannon, Peter Hill and Darren Birchall; and faculty member Caroline Houser. Intern-al Combustion by Kate Drake '99 Editor's Note: News office intern Kate Drake has written numerous stories about student internships. In each case, it seemed, the featured intern glowed with enthusiasm about her experience. In the belief that not all internships are fabulous, life-changing endeavors and with the aim of giving support to those whose internships were less than satisfying, Drake set out to find a student with an unhappy internship tale to tell.   While interning at WNET, Channel 13, the PBS headquarters in New York City, Molly Dobkin '98 learned about office communications and what one should know before accepting an internship. Dobkin worked in "Great Performances," where she wrote and filed memos and proposals, raised funds and did research for programs. To most people this may seem exciting, and Dobkin too had been excited by the prospect of the job. Little did she know that she wasn't the only one looking forward to a summer at WNET. With the anticipation of a lot of work, the station had hired three other interns for one department.   According to Dobkin, the intern who showed up first got the bulk of the work, leaving the others with little to do. She says that having too many interns put a damper on the entire experience. "I really think it is important to have responsibility," she observes. "If you don't, you feel things starting to drift."   In addition to the lack of work, assignments were not clearly communicated. Dobkin's boss gave them without deadlines and rarely checked on the interns' progress. Being new to the world of television production, Dobkin was looking for more mentorship. Her boss, on the other hand, wanted more initiation of projects and follow-up from the interns.   This was very different from Dobkin's previous summer internship at a small talent agency where she had constant communication with her boss, with whom she worked side by side.   Experiencing both types of environments has given Dobkin an edge on understanding office interactions. "I'm glad I went through this miscommunication though, because it will help me when I get a job later on," she reflects. "It definitely helps me now with the job I have as the theatre administrator's intern." In her current position, Dobkin says, she communicates well with her boss in a well-paced work environment.   So before you set out to accept an internship for the summer, heed the words of an experienced intern: " The most important thing is to communicate with your boss and find out what the requirements are so you can do the best job, because it's really hard if you don't know what's going on."   As an art history major, Dobkin plans to work in set design and is considering graduate school in theatre set design. Back to top of page Calendar Key Sources of further information, if any, are shown in parentheses at the end of event descriptions. An asterisk following a listing indicates that the event is open to the public. Admission charges, if any, are listed when known. Sources of further information, if any, are shown in parentheses at the end of event descriptions. An asterisk following a listing indicates that the event is open to the public. Admission charges, if any, are listed when known.   Monday, December 8 Meeting: Campus Climate Working Group. 12:15 p.m., Neilson Browsing Room   Language lunch tables. French Italian 12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room   CDO workshop: "How to Find a January Internship." 12:20 p.m., CDO   Meeting: Baha'i Club, for anyone interested in planning activities concerning race unity and the equality of men and women. Refreshments provided. (Kari, ext. 6389) 4 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Meeting: Amnesty International. (Vicki, ext. 6613) 4-5 p.m., Seelye 102   Meeting and training session: Smith Debate Society. All welcome. 4-6 p.m., Seelye 110   CDO deadline: Résumés and cover letters due for Cowen & Co. 4:30 p.m., CDO   Film: Lamerica (Italy, 1995). Directed by Gianni Amelio. Shot in Albania, where communism has fallen and anarchy reigns, Lamerica traces an odyssey and a moral awakening to an ideal of freedom once inspired by America but now only a dream in the minds of the oppressed. Screening introduced by Anna Botta and Giancarlo Lombardi of Smith's Italian department. 7 p.m., Stoddard auditorium*   Meeting: Class of 2001 representatives. 7 p.m., Seelye 301   Organizational meeting: SSFFS participants in the April 1998 Five College Sci-Fi Conference. 7:30 p.m., Seelye 208   Performance: Cooking in the Dark with Debbie. A one-act play by S. Falon Woll. 8 p.m., Theatre 14, Mendenhall CPA* Tuesday, December 9 CDO extended hours. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., 7-9 p.m., CDO   Sigma Xi Luncheon Talk: "Peru: From the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Floating Island of the Uros." Doreen Weinberger, associate professor of physics. Open to faculty, emeriti and staff. Noon, College Club lower level   Episcopal-Lutheran Fellowship meets in the parish house parlor for worship, lunch and friendship. All welcome. Noon, St. John's Church, Elm Street*   Hebrew language lunch table. Pizza provided. Noon, Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Language lunch tables. Deutscher Tisch Korean 12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room   Résumé critique. Have a peer adviser look over your résumé. 4-6 and 7-9 p.m., CDO   Religious activity: Bible study with Hallie Cowan. All welcome. (Chapel, ext. 2750; halliecow@aol.com; Mei, ext. 6269) 4:30 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Workshop: "How Much Should I Save?" Ann Ayala-Namcey, TIAA-CREF. A workshop for staff and faculty. (Ext. 2275) 5 p.m., Neilson Browsing Room   Meeting: Grécourt Review. To include discussion of submissions. New members welcome. (Heidi, ext. 4797) 5-6 p.m., Seelye 204   Swimming vs. Westfield State 7 p.m., Dalton Pool, Ainsworth gym*   Film screening and discussion: Japanese animation. Sponsored by SSFFS. 7 p.m., Bass 210*   SGA Senate meeting, including a student open forum at 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m., Seelye 201   Crash course: Beginning Hebrew. (Hillel, ext. 2754) 7 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Model session. One of a free weekly series. Sponsored by the Art Resource Committee. 7-10 p.m., Hillyer 18   CDO workshop: "How to Write an Effective Résumé." 7:15 p.m., CDO   Concert: Informal recital by student performers. Free. 7:30 p.m., Sage Recital Hall*   MassPIRG film series on social issues and community activism. 7:30 p.m., Seelye 211   CDO workshop: "How to Find a January Internship." 8:15 p.m., CDO   Performance: Cooking in the Dark with Debbie. A one-act play by S. Falon Woll. 8 p.m., Theatre 14, Mendenhall CPA*   Film: My Best Friend's Wedding. Sponsored by Rec Council. 9 p.m., Wright auditorium Wednesday, December 10 Holiday bazaar. Don't have time for holiday shopping? Stop in at the Gamut for a spectacular array of items: discounted J. Crew and L.L. Bean clothing, polar fleece hats, vintage clothing, fine silver and gold jewelry, books for all ages, handcrafted woodwork, home decorations, aromatic toiletries and more. Gamut, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.   Information table. In honor of International Human Rights Day, Amnesty International will have petitions and information about violations of fundamental rights worldwide. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., student mail center   Religious activity: Hillel at Noon. Discussion and veggie luncheon. This week: Jewish meditation. Noon, Dawes House Kosher Kitchen   Religious activity: Discussion and reflection for Catholic Adas. Lunch served. All welcome. Noon­1 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Language lunch tables. Chinese Spanish and Portuguese 12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room   Open house at the Office of International Students and International Study. Please stop by for refreshments, door prizes and snacks, and to wish us well in our new offices. Hosts: Hrayr Tamzarian and Cathy Hutchison. Everyone invited. 2-5 p.m., Clark Hall third floor   Student open hour in President Simmons' office. 4:15-5:15 p.m., College Hall 20   CDO deadline: Résumés and cover letters due for Bain & Co., Price Waterhouse, and Tempest Consultants Inc. 4:30 p.m., CDO   Religious activity: Christmas Party. Sponsored by the Newman Association and the Ecumenical Christian Church. Join us for festivities and relaxation before exams. All welcome. 6 p.m., Bodman lounge, Chapel   Religious activity: Buddhist service and discussion. 6:15 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   General meeting: Association of Low-Income Students. Bring any concerns or complaints you have about financial aid policy. 7 p.m., Seelye 101   MassPIRG weekly meeting. All welcome. 7:30 p.m., Seelye 107   Theater. Fall One-Acts: Ionesco's The Lesson, directed by Anna Labykina MHC, and Susan Cinoman's Fitting Rooms, directed by Betsey Ayer '98. Tickets and information: extension 2787. 8 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall CPA*   Thursday, December 11 Last day of classes   CDO extended hours. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., CDO   Holiday bazaar. (See Wednesday, 9 a.m.) Gamut, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.   Lecture: "Guest Appearances." Peter Rose, Sophia Smith Professor of Sociology and Anthropology. One of the Liberal Arts Luncheon Series. Open to faculty, emeriti and staff. Noon, College Club lower level   Language lunch tables. Japanese Russian 12:15 p.m., Duckett House Special Dining Room   CDO workshop: "Job Search for Seniors." 1 p.m., CDO   Résumé critique. Have a peer adviser look over your résumé. 2:30-4 p.m., CDO   Institutional diversity open hour for students, with Carmen Santana-Melgoza, director of institutional diversity. Schedule meetings for other times by calling extension 2141. 4-5 p.m., College Hall 31   Special event: CFLAC Annual Winter Festival. All students, faculty and staff welcome. Come enjoy delicious international food, multicultural live music by Four Score, and interactive multimedia programs. 4-6 p.m., Wright common room   Slide lecture: "A China Expedition." Kim Tripp, director of Smith's Botanic Garden. Reception will follow. 4:30 p.m., Neilson Browsing Room*   Meeting and training session: Smith Debate Society. All welcome. 5-6 p.m., Seelye 110   Religious activity: Beit Midrash. Study of Jewish texts and ideas with Rabbi Edward Feld. Pizza served. Smith students welcome. 6 p.m., Amherst College, Appleton 106   CDO workshop: "Using the Internet to Find Internships and Jobs." 6:30 p.m., Seelye B03   Religious activity: Christmas Party. Sponsored by the Newman Association and the Ecumenical Christian Church. Join us for festivities and relaxation before exams. All welcome. 7 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel   Theater: Fall One-Acts. (See Wednesday, 8 p.m.) 8 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall CPA*   Concert: Smith College Student Orchestra conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, with professors Kenneth Fearn and John Van Buskirk on piano. Works by Rossini, Mozart and Haydn. Free. 8 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall*   Concert: The Smithereens, in a before-finals concert with special guest group the Yale Bakers' Dozen. 8:30 p.m., Davis Center   Film: My Best Friend's Wedding. Sponsored by Rec Council. 9 p.m., Wright auditorium Friday, December 12 Preexamination study period begins   Religious service: Shabbat Eve Service. 5:30 p.m., Dawes Kosher Kitchen   Community event: Shabbat Eve Dinner. 6:30 p.m., Dawes Kosher Kitchen Saturday, December 13 Preexamination study period   GRE general testing 8 a.m., Seelye third floor   GRE subject testing 2 p.m., Seelye third floor Sunday, December 14 Preexamination study period   Religious activity: Quaker (Friends) discussion group. Meeting for worship begins at 11 a.m. Child care available. 9:30 a.m., Bass 210*   Religious service: Ecumenical Christian church service of lessons and carols, with special music by members of the Smith Glee Club and Chapel Handbell Choir. All welcome. 10:30 a.m., Chapel*   Religious service: Roman Catholic Mass with Michael Sequeira and Elizabeth Carr. Light dinner follows. 4:30 p.m., Chapel*   Religious service: Ecumenical Advent Procession, beginning at the Chapel, proceeding to St. John's, St. Mary's and Edwards churches and ending at First Churches. Sponsored by Northampton/Florence Clergy Association and the Chapel. All welcome. 7 p.m., Chapel*   Concert: "Gershwin Festival: Words, Images and Music." Romanian pianist and Gershwin scholar Dan Mizrahy, assisted by Karen Smith Emerson, soprano. Sponsored by the Ernst Wallfisch Scholarship Memorial Fund. Free. 4 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall* Monday, December 15 Preexamination study period ends   CDO deadline: Résumés and cover letters due for Analysis Group Inc., Hambrecht & Quist Inc., and Bantam, Doubleday, Dell. 4:30 p.m., CDO Tuesday, December 16 Midyear examinations   Sigma Xi Luncheon Talk: "Another State: Research, Stargazing and Life in Wyoming." Dick White, professor of astronomy. Open to faculty, emeriti and staff. Noon, College Club lower level Wednesday, December 17 Midyear examinations   Meeting of the faculty. Tea at 3:45 p.m. 4:10 p.m., Alumnae House conference room   CDO deadline: Résumés and cover letters due for PaineWebber. (A recruiter will be on campus January 29.) 4:30 p.m., CDO Thursday, December 18 Midyear examinations Friday, December 19 Midyear examinations Saturday, December 20­Saturday, January 3 Winter recess. Houses and Friedman apartments close at 10 a.m. December 20.   There are no scheduled events through January 3. Sunday, January 4 Winter recess ends. Houses and Friedman apartments open at 1 p.m.   Religious activity: Quaker (Friends) discussion group. Meeting for worship begins at 11 a.m. Child care available. 9:30 a.m., Bass 210*   Authors' reading: Mary Connor Ralph and Barbara Rouillard. Part of the Gallery of Readers Series. 4 p.m., Wright common room* Ongoing Events Art exhibitions: "Cigoli's Dream of Jacob and Drawing in Late 16th-Century Florence," through December 14. ¶ "Kinships: Alice Neel Looks at the Family," through January 11. ¶ "Family Images," a companion exhibition to "Kinships," through January 4. Hours for all exhibitions: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. (Ext. 2770) Museum of Art*   Photography exhibition: "Edward Weston," through December 14. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (Ext. 2770) Museum of Art Print Room*   Book exhibition: "Colorful Tales: Artists' Books from the Purgatory Pie Press of New York," through December 15. Vibrant and unusual examples of contemporary book art. Sponsored by the Mortimer Rare Book Room. Neilson Library front hall*   Exhibition: "'Amazonian Activity': The Life and Work of Noel Phyllis Birkby (1932-94)," through January 31. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Ext. 2970) Sophia Smith Collection reading room*   Back to top of page Getting Your Word Out in AcaMedia AcaMedia is the official vehicle for making announcements within the Smith College community. We urge all of our readers to let us know of any Smith-related stories in need of telling, any members of the Smith community in need of recognition or any college events or notices in need of publicity. All copy submitted to AcaMedia is subject to editing for clarity, concision, content and style.   Where to Send Copy -- Submit copy or ideas for news stories to Sally Rubenstone at Garrison Hall (srstone@javanet.com or srubenstone@colrel.smith.edu). -- Submit calendar items to Mary Stanton at Garrison Hall (mstanton@colrel.smith.edu, or fax to extension 2174). -- Submit notices to John Sippel at Garrison Hall (jsippel@colrel.smith.edu, or fax to extension 2178). Text for notices should not exceed 125 words. If its intended audience is not obvious, please indicate whether your notice applies to the entire Smith community, to faculty and staff only, or to students only.   Deadlines Copy is due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, for issue 15 (which will include January 25-February 1 calendar listings) and by 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 21 for issue 16 (February 2-8 calendar listings). Late information cannot be accepted. Smith-Wide Faculty Roundtable On Thursday, January 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. a faculty roundtable, "Political and Economic Development in the 1990s: The World Bank's World Development Report," will be held in Dewey common room. It will allow students and faculty to evaluate the World Bank's 1997 treatise on the state's role in the economy and society. Faculty participants will include Robert Eskildsen of the history department, Rick Fantasia of the sociology department, Cynthia Taft-Morris of the economics department, and Karen Alter, Steve Goldstein, Scott D. Taylor and Donald L. Robinson of the government department. All participants should read the report (which is on reserve at Neilson Library) prior to the meeting.   Winter Recess Library Hours All of the Smith College libraries will be closed Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21, and from Wednesday, December 24, through Sunday, January 4. Winter recess schedules are otherwise as follows: · Neilson Library: Friday, December 19, 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. · Hillyer Art Library: Friday, December 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. · Werner Josten Library: Friday, December 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. · Young Science Library: Friday, December 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.   Athletic Facility Recess Hours Regular athletic facility hours are in effect through December 18, after which hours will be as follows: · Friday, December 19: building, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; pool, 6:30-9 a.m., noon-2 p.m.; weight room, 6:30-9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. · Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21: building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; pool, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; weight room, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. · Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23: building, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; pool, 6:30-9 a.m., noon-2 p.m.; weight room, 6:30-9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m-­5:30 p.m. The athletic facilities will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Sunday, January 4.   Safe Etching Workshop The Department of Art, the Harnish Visiting Artist Fund and Five Colleges Inc. are sponsoring a workshop on safe etching techniques for printmakers. The program, to be held in Hillyer 17, January 8-13, 1998, will be taught by Keith Howard, author of the forthcoming Howard's Intaglio System for Sustainable Printmaking. He will discuss, demonstrate and guide workshop participants through techniques in which standard etching materials are replaced with nontoxic substances without any loss in print quality. The workshop is planned for professional printmakers but will admit up to 15 Smith and Five College students, who may register in Hillyer 112 through January 2. The registration fee is $5 for matriculated students and $25 for others. All materials and equipment will be provided.   Five College Calendar Deadline Entries for the January Five College Calendar must be received in writing by December 11. Please send all entries to Mary Stanton in Garrison Hall (mstanton@colrel.smith.edu).   Computers and Missed Deadlines The Administrative Board offers the following guidelines for situations in which a student claims that a paper, take-home exam or other written assignment is late due to a technical problem with computer equipment. Such situations are among those for which faculty members may at their discretion grant extensions to students within a semester, and for which class deans may grant extensions beyond the exam period. Faculty members may also require outside confirmation of a technical problem (perhaps from a staff member at one of the computer centers) or, in cases of printer failure, ask the student to submit in lieu of a hard copy a diskette with the relevant file and all necessary information on the computer platform and software program used. The Administrative Board urges students to complete and back up their work as early as possible in order to be best prepared to deal with any technical problems that may occur.   Mid-December Scheduling All members of the Smith community should remember not to schedule events during the preexamination study period (Friday­Monday, December 12­15) or the formal examination period (Tuesday­Friday, December 16­19). Faculty & Staff Faculty Meeting The fourth regular faculty meeting for 1997­98 will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 4:10 p.m. in the Alumnae House. Faculty members with business for the meeting should notify Scott Bradbury in writing no later than Wednesday, December 10. Material to be included in the mailing with the agenda must be camera-ready and submitted to College Hall 27 by Monday, December 8. Students Associated Kyoto Program Ap