Smith eDigest
The Smith eDigest is sent to all campus e-mail accounts on Tuesday and Thursday each week during the academic year, and on Tuesday during the summer, providing important notices, college news, links to articles of general interest to the community, deadline notifications, and other college information. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. the day before publication date. Information on submitting items is available at: https://www.smith.edu/news-stories/edigest-form/.
01/14/2025 Digest
Faculty/Staff Notices
Celebrating Smith’s 150th
Today, we kick off a celebration of 150 years of Smith College. In September of 1875, Smith College opened its doors to 14 students and six faculty members. Ever since, we’ve been pushing the world forward in profound ways. Learn more about Smith's history, see the interactive timeline, and learn about upcoming events at https://www.smith.edu/150
eDigest on Once-Weekly Schedule Through Interterm
During Interterm, eDigest is on a once-weekly publication schedule. We will resume our twice-weekly, Tuesday/Thursday, schedule on January 28.
Smith 150 Special Logo
Smith College is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025. College Relations encourages campus offices to use a special Smith150 logo during the 2025 calendar year on anything where you would normally add the general college wordmark or seal. This could include things like event posters, email headings, special publications, slide decks, and more. To access the drive of various logo formats or for questions, please email publications@smith.edu. General questions about Smith’s 150th anniversary can be sent to smith150@smith.edu. A website with stories, a historical timeline, a calendar of events, and more can be found at http://smith.edu/150.
Round Two of the Staff Spotlight Award Nominations Is Open
Through March 22, 7 p.m.
Round Two of the Staff Spotlight Award nominations is now open and will run through Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 7 PM. The criteria for a nomination include those individuals who have contributed significantly to the working environment at Smith College, including exceptional customer service, solving a problem resulting in a positive impact for others, promoting inclusivity and collaboration. Nominations must highlight accomplishments that occurred between April 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025. For more information: http://smith.edu/about-smith/hr/staff-recognition
Spring 2025 Faculty Technology Workshops
January 14-24, 2025
Get ready for Spring 2025! Learning, Research & Technology is offering a series of faculty workshops from January 14-24, and sessions will be offered both in-person and online. Workshop topics include setting up your course in Moodle, accessibility & universal design, AI tools and policies, classroom technology orientation drop-in sessions, one-on-one pedagogical consultations, and more. To sign up, visit the following link: https://go.oncehub.com/facultyworkshops
Request Spatial Analysis Lab Support for Spring Courses and Research
Have a question or idea regarding maps or spatial data? Contact the Spatial Analysis Lab (SAL) for support and collaboration on spring courses and research. The SAL manages two computer classrooms/labs and is available for data collection and analysis, co-developing lessons, mapmaking, place-based storytelling, and more. Please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/ZXpMg2rX5dstvj2g8) to start a conversation. We will review and respond to requests on a rolling basis. Email sal@smith.edu with any questions.
2024 W-2s Now Available
Current Smith Employees are automatically opted in to receive an electronic W-2 in Workday. If you elected to receive a paper W-2, it will be mailed to your home mailing address. International employees on a college-sponsored visa (including international students) that received a W-2 should wait to file any taxes until you receive further communication from the International Students and Scholars Office in February 2024. They will provide further information on potential tax filing requirements. If you have any questions about your W-2, please contact payroll@smith.edu.
Sign Up or Drop In: Easy Restorative Yoga for Staff & Faculty Facilitated by Arden Sundari Pierce
January 29-March 5, 12:15-1:05 p.m., Campus Center 203
In partnership with Human Resources, Certified Yoga Therapist and Smith Yoga Educator Arden Sundari Pierce will lead Restorative Yoga for faculty and staff on Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:05 pm. This program will be held from January 29 to March 5 in Campus Center Room 203. Arden will lead participants in easy stretch and strength exercises that help reduce stress and fatigue and increase focus and calm. No clothing change is needed and most exercises will be practiced using a chair and can be modified. Email Yoga@rcn.com to sign up, or just drop in!
Register Now: Everyday Tools for Having Challenging Conversations Across Differences Part 2
Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., Virtual Event
Tools for Having Challenging Conversations Across Differences Part 2. New year means new tools! This will continue our September discussion about how we can communicate with care for ourselves and others when we disagree. Note: This session will only be offered on Zoom. Register here: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/i0hMsA6/g/7sC1QgP32s
Register Now: Time (Hacking) for Faculty Wellness
Thursday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m., Conway Center, 103 Neilson
Interoception—your internal sense of your body—is shaped by the social environments where you live, work, and connect. This awareness profoundly impacts your thoughts, emotions, and actions. What if you could develop a sense of having enough time: how might your feelings and choices shift? Explore “time hacking” in this workshop, where first you’ll learn key factors within your control that shape your experience of time. Facilitated by Benita Jackson, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Wellness Fellow. Part of the Spring 2025 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/8HLCKkZegAKd947Q8)
Toward Equity: Re-Thinking Mentoring--How to Build Communities of Inclusion, Support, and Accountability
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1 p.m., Virtual Event
This virtual workshop facilitated by Elizabeth Parks (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and NCFDD) proposes an alternative framework for mentoring that focuses on needs assessment and shifts the idea of mentoring from a relationship between two faculty members towards building a broad network of support, community and accountability. The session concludes with a presentation of best practices in mentoring pre-tenure, under-represented and mid-career faculty. Part of the Spring 2025 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/8HLCKkZegAKd947Q8)
Student Notices
Celebrating Smith’s 150th
Today, we kick off a celebration of 150 years of Smith College. In September of 1875, Smith College opened its doors to 14 students and six faculty members. Ever since, we’ve been pushing the world forward in profound ways. Learn more about Smith's history, see the interactive timeline, and learn about upcoming events at https://www.smith.edu/150
Mail Services Hours and Package Pick-up Update
Starting Monday, Jan. 6, please pick up all packages at the Mail Services pick-up window. The package lockers are being replaced and should be operational by January 18.
Announcing Smith Spring Showcases 2025
Throughout the spring semester, students share their perspectives and present their research work, community engagement, and artistic and creative endeavors: Smith in the World, Amplify Competition, Joypalooza, Smith Arts Day, and Celebrating Collaborations. As part of an initiative to collaborate and work together to plan these events, we are launching a new umbrella, the Smith Spring Showcases, to help the community to navigate the different events and encourage students, faculty and staff participation. We hope you will engage with these events as participants, audience members, and as faculty/staff mentors. Learn more: https://bit.ly/smith-spring-showcases
Apply Now! Reunion Student Program 2025!
Current Smith students play a crucial role in the success of commencement and reunions, making these events fun and an essential source of connection. The Office of Alumnae Relations hires 165-200 students annually for around 6,000 job shifts in May, including leadership and programming roles. Students working for RSP can depart campus after 5 pm on Sunday, May 25th. Meals and housing provided. This application is intended for students able to work BOTH weeks of reunion: May 15th - May 18th and May 22rd - 25th. Follow this link to learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/7VCkSFpFoDKbGKEa9
Smith Writes Submissions
Are you a first year student who took a WI course in the fall? Are you proud of the work you did? Submit your best writing from that course to Smith Writes! Deadline: January 17 (extended for eDigest submissions). For more information, and to see this year's issue, go to https://sophia.smith.edu/smithwrites/ Contact Sara Eddy at seddy@smith.edu with any questions. Submissions should be sent to smithwrites@smith.edu.
eDigest on Once-Weekly Schedule Through Interterm
Through Interterm, eDigest is on a once-weekly publication schedule. We will resume the twice-weekly, Tuesday/Thursday, schedule on January 28.
2024 W-2s Now Available
Current Smith Employees are automatically opted in to receive an electronic W-2 in Workday. If you elected to receive a paper W-2, it will be mailed to your home mailing address. International employees on a college-sponsored visa (including international students) that received a W-2 should wait to file any taxes until you receive further communication from the International Students and Scholars Office in February 2024. They will provide further information on potential tax filing requirements. If you have any questions about your W-2, please contact payroll@smith.edu.
Smith in the World Conference: Education, Non-Profit, Social Impact Panel
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 4:30 p.m., Virtual Event
The Smith in the World conference is held annually to celebrate students’ off-campus experiential learning, including internships, community service and research. In a series of panels, students reflect on how their experiences have impacted and enriched their academic and professional paths. Education Non-Profit, Social Impact panel: Hear from students who will share their experiences in: Advocacy for communities affected by natural disasters in Brazil; Advocacy for farmworkers in South Carolina; Educating women in Afghanistan under a Taliban regime; Education research for students in juvenile detention. For more information, and to register for Zoom link, please visit: http://www.smith.edu/news-events/events/smith-in-the-world
Amplify Public Speaking Competition - Registration Deadline 1/15!
Looking to develop your public speaking skills? Deliver a 5-minute TED-style talk on an issue that matters to you at the Amplify Competition on February 8! Registration closes TOMORROW, January 15, so sign up now. Competition participants are highly encouraged to gain support through a two-day intensive public speaking workshop (January 24-25) with professional presentation coach, Susan Daniels. Get your voice out there and compete for one of three $500 prizes! Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCnrrVZWAKVQXVBFLzTwHtcMQhU4T5Sxos430me7Ki-5b4lg/viewform For more information on Amplify: https://www.smith.edu/academics/integrative-learning/wurtele-center-leadership/amplify-program/amplify-competition#public-speaking-0
College Year in Athens Summer 2025 Info Session
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m., Virtual
Join the virtual information session for College Year in Athens summer programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsceutrzotHd2V_9oluwomwMxgOgCwKc-p#/registration
Smith in the World Conference: Government, International Affairs, Law, Policy Panel
Friday, Jan. 17, 4:30 p.m., Virtual Event
The Smith in the World conference is held annually to celebrate students’ off-campus experiential learning, including internships, community service and research. In a series of panels, students reflect on how their experiences have impacted and enriched their academic and professional paths. Government, International Affairs, Law, Policy panel: Hear from students who will share their experiences with the Democratic National Committee; International Law and advocacy for Pakistani prisoners; the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA); a Climate-focused NGO in Geneva. For more information, and to register for Zoom link, please visit: http://www.smith.edu/news-events/events/smith-in-the-world
Smith in the World Conference: Arts, Media & Communications Panel
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4:30 p.m., Virtual Event
The Smith in the World conference is held annually to celebrate students’ off-campus experiential learning, including internships, community service and research. In a series of panels, students reflect on how their experiences have impacted and enriched their academic and professional paths. Arts, Media & Communications panel: Hear from students who will share their experiences in documentary filmmaking, language immersion in Italy, studio art in NYC and independent publishing in feminist poetry. For more information, and to register for Zoom link, please visit: http://www.smith.edu/news-events/events/smith-in-the-world
College Year in Athens General Info Session
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4 p.m., Virtual
Join the virtual information session for College Year in Athens programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoce-vrjsiHNYO2-01Mtv29fWFaQb5jk5b#/registration
Smith in the World Conference: Health Professions panel
Thursday, Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m., Virtual Event
The Smith in the World conference is held annually to celebrate students’ off-campus experiential learning, including internships, community service and research. In a series of panels, students reflect on how their experiences have impacted and enriched their academic and professional paths. Health Professions panel: Students will share their experiences in: Public Health research on pregnant/postpartum persons living with HIV and Harm Reduction in Baltimore MD; Research in Clinical Affective Neuroscience and Development Lab at Yale; Pediatric Anesthesia at Boston Children's Hospital; Immunology Research on Systemic Sclerosis at Dartmouth For more information, and to register for Zoom link, please visit: http://www.smith.edu/news-events/events/smith-in-the-world
It's not too late to get your flu shot at the Schacht Center!
Thursday, Jan. 30, 9:10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Schacht Center for Health, Schacht
Influenza case rates are at a high level. It's not too late to get your flu shot at the Schacht Center! The Schacht Center for Health and Wellness is hosting flu clinics on Thursday, January 30 and Wednesday, February 5 from 9:10-1. Sign up here: https://www.timecenter.com/smithcollegehealth/ If these times don't work for you, you can schedule an appointment through the portal or call 413-585-2800. Questions? Email healthservices@smith.edu.
Hillyer Art Library Carrel Lottery
Monday, Feb. 3
Need a dedicated study spot in the library? Hillyer Art Library is holding its annual study carrel lottery! Enter with a buddy for the chance to share your own study carrel, which you can decorate, personalize, and use to store books and other items for the entire semester. Lottery prioritization will go: 1) thesis students 2) non-thesis seniors 3) all other students. Enter by February 3rd at https://bit.ly/carrelsignup. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Learn more at https://bit.ly/carrelpolicy.
Technology News
Add Name Pronunciation to Your Workday Profile
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center
All Smith community members can now add an audio recording and phonetic spelling of their name to their Workday profile. Correctly pronouncing one another’s names affirms identity and builds community; therefore, we encourage all Smith students, staff, and faculty to record and share their name pronunciations. ITS will be in the Campus Center from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 14 to answer questions. For more information, see the help article Add/Change/View Name Pronunciation: https://wd5.myworkday.com/smithcollege/email-universal/inst/25755$639/rel-task/2998$40834.htmld
Lectures/Symposia
Artist Lecture: 'Copper and Bone,' Artwork by Sandra Eula Lee
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 4:30 p.m., Graham Hall, Hillyer
Join Sandra Eula Lee as she discusses her latest exhibition "Copper and Bone," currently on display in the Oresman Gallery, Hillyer. This series of mixed-media sculptures pairs discarded electronic components with geological minerals - materials extracted to drive technological advancement - creating a dialogue between progress and its environmental toll. Lee, a Korean American artist and Assistant Professor and Head of Visual Arts at Montclair State University, has been featured internationally in solo and group exhibitions throughout the U.S., South Korea, and China. This event is free and open to the public.
Performing Arts/Films/Fine Arts
Auditions: Duct Tape Productions' 'James and the Giant Peach'
Jan. 29-30, 7-10 p.m., Campus Center 003
Auditions for our spring show, James and the Giant Peach, directed by Mia Gage ‘25 & assistant directed by Amanda Odom ‘25, will be held on Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th from 7-10 PM in Campus Center Room 003. Callbacks will be held on Saturday, February 1st and Sunday, February 2nd from 12:00-6:00. Performances will be on April 24th, 25th, 26th at 8 PM and April 27th at 2pm in JMG. Please direct questions to dtpproductionteam@smith.edu.
Opening Reception: 'Copper and Bone,' Artwork by Sandra Eula Lee
Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m., Oresman Gallery, Hillyer
Celebrate the opening of "Copper and Bone," the latest exhibition by Sandra Eula Lee. This series of mixed-media sculptures reflects intersections of natural and built environments. Discarded electronic components are paired with geological minerals - materials extracted to drive technological advancement - creating a dialogue between progress and its environmental toll. Lee, a Korean American artist and Assistant Professor and Head of Visual Arts at Montclair State University, has been featured internationally in solo and group exhibitions throughout the U.S., South Korea, and China. This event is free and open to the public.
Second Friday
February 14, 4-8 p.m., Museum of Art
Join us for an evening of art, making, and community at the February 14 Second Friday at the Smith College Museum of Art! SCMA is free and open to all. 4–7pm Hands-on! Art making for all ages, inspired by works on view. Use stamps and collage materials to create an artistic representation of a loved one or of yourself in the form of Valentine or mini-portrait to gift, inspired by fascinating faces on view on the second and third floor permanent collection galleries. 4–8pm Explore and enjoy four floors of art!
Other Events and Activities
January Bookstore Hours
January 7-17, Eight Green St.
The Smith Bookstore weekday hours through January 17 will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Introductory Bellringing Workshops During Interterm
January 13-17, 4:45-5:45 p.m., Mendenhall Bell Tower
The Smith College bellringers are offering special sessions January 13–17 for any faculty, staff or students who are curious about the Mendenhall Bell Tower or are interested in focused, beginner-friendly ringing practice. No commitment is necessary, although if you come frequently, you will be able to hold your own with the regular band of ringers in the spring! Sessions will be 4:45–5:45 p.m. (followed by regular practice on Monday and Thursday). For more info, visit http://smith.edu/bellringing or contact Micah Walter (mwalter@smith.edu).
Campus School Open House Grades 1-6
Thursday, Jan. 16, 8:30-10:30 a.m., 33 Prospect St.
The Campus School of Smith College will host an Open House for prospective families with students in first through sixth grade. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the school and observe its programs in action. Interested families are encouraged to RSVP by visiting: http://forms.gle/s8hcbuY5QeCrMcAc7
Explore Art at Campus School of Smith College
Friday, Jan. 17, 9-10 a.m., 33 Prospect St.
Explore Art at Campus School of Smith College! Join us for an engaging art experience January 17th 9:00-10:00 a.m. This complimentary event is open to the public and features hands-on instruction led by our esteemed art teacher, Jane Rothberg. Ideal for children ages 3 and up, along with their caregivers, this event offers a wonderful opportunity to nurture creativity and learn a new skill. Drop-ins are welcome, and RSVPs are encouraged. For more information, please email cschool@smith.edu or call (413) 585-3270
OPEN HOUSE: Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill
Sunday, Jan. 26, 10-11:30 a.m., 28 Lyman Road
Open House: Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill, Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 28 Lyman Road. Learn more about the infant, toddler and preschool programs offered by Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill. Families who are interested in the programs can tour the center, visit classrooms, and meet teachers and administrators. Currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year. Application deadline is February 14, 2025. Benefited Smith employees are eligible for a tuition grant. For more information visit http://www.smith.edu/forthill