Smith eDigest
07/16/2024 Digest
Smith College Workplace Campaign 2024
Thank you for contributing to the United Way through Smith’s workplace giving campaign! This helps fund new and persistent community needs for children, youth and families. If you haven't yet pledged, you still have one week left to do so - the campaign ends January 10. To contribute through payroll, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/oOMgSGvsj0K-pQrDlXbA4w2. To contribute by credit card, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/NuYW8B88L02yG75f_kzihw2. Or, you may send a check to United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region (UWFH), P.O. Box 123, Northampton, MA 01061, Memo: Smith College campaign. To volunteer please contact Jenny Coeur jenny@uw-fh.org. Thank you!
Register Now: Hiking and Writing with Friends--Community Building at MacLeish Field Station , Thursday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., MacLeish Field Station
Do you want to spend time on your writing and have a change of scenery? Come find inspiration in a place of natural beauty! We will write in the company of others at the MacLeish Field Station, in the hills of West Whately on August 15. Magdalena Zapedowska, Writing Studies Specialist at the Jacobson Center, will be available to offer 20-minute drop-in consultations on topics related to writing productivity. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Feel welcome to join anytime. Part of the Summer 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/xjA7AJnij8kgarhP6)
Register Now: Wellness Webinar on Getting Unstuck -- The Science of Moving Forward , Wednesday, July 17, 1-1:30 p.m., Virtual
We live in a fast paced world and, at times, we each face uncertainty. If times of uncertainty cause you to feel stuck or powerless, attend this complementary webinar hosted by Smith's newest benefit partner, Learn to Live, to learn strategies to help you thrive despite the unknown. During the July 17th webinar from 1-1:30pm EST, you will learn practical ways to restore your wellbeing through specific actions and an intentional approach to difficult thoughts and emotions. Register for the webinar via this link and access code SmithL2L: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jwdgP1BNSsGebzDuNd3NHQ#/registration
Volunteer With the Food Rescue Network This Summer
Last summer, the Food Rescue Network collected and donated over 1,500 pounds of prepared dining hall food. This food goes to Manna Community Kitchen, who serves and delivers meals for free to the community. Fill out this general interest form if you'd like to get involved this summer: https://forms.gle/uJW1swKiivmoAGh78. We will reach out with information on training and onboarding. Email foodrescue@smith.edu if you have any questions.
Volunteer With SmithCycle , Scales House, Basement
SmithCycle is seeking student and staff volunteers for the SmithCycle Thrift located in Scales Basement. Volunteers are needed for three-hour slots starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The primary responsibility will include organizing items. Volunteers will also be able to take home various goodies and items. Interested individuals should sign up using this calendar link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UUZvVlVNNmxYM0hPfGRlZmF1bHR8MWQwMmU5MDkzNGNiNThjMmNhODFmODhkMjQwMmY2MzA
ODS Name Change to Accessibility Resource Center , College Hall 104
The Smith College Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), formerly The Office of Disability Services (ODS), has changed its name based on feedback collected in strategic planning focus groups with students, faculty, and staff across the college. The center maintains a strong focus on Disability Justice, while also acknowledging that some people with access needs do not identify as disabled. This change has become increasingly important as the office has grown rapidly across time (from serving 9% of students in 2008 to 39% in 2023).
ODS Name Change to Accessibility Resource Center , College Hall 104
The Smith College Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), formerly The Office of Disability Services (ODS), has changed its name based on feedback collected in strategic planning focus groups with students, faculty, and staff across the college. The center maintains a strong focus on Disability Justice, while also acknowledging that some people with access needs do not identify as disabled. This change has become increasingly important as the office has grown rapidly across time (from serving 9% of students in 2008 to 39% in 2023).
Save the Dates: Sidewalk Sales @ SCMA , July 25 - July 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Museum of Art
In-Store Only! Join us for Northampton Sidewalk Sales 2024 and enjoy 40-60% off original prices. Shop Hours are 11am–4pm.
Parking Office Limited Services Available , July 15-24
The Parking Office will be open, but will provide limited services, Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 24. Email and voicemail will be checked periodically throughout this time. Please visit https://www.smith.edu/purchase-parking-decal to purchase your decal, pay outstanding fines, and appeal citations.
Register Now: Webinar--Navigating the Highly Selective College Admissions Process , Tuesday, July 30, 1 p.m., Virtual Event
Wondering about college for your kids? In this webinar, Smith’s admissions expert, VP for Enrollment Joanna May, will share strategies and tips to help your student stand out in the competitive world of college admissions. A must for parents of teens heading to college. This webinar is open to all faculty and staff. Register today: https://events.blackthorn.io/i0hMsA6/5a3tS61bPlG
Save the Date: A Sweet Summer Tuesday for All Students, Faculty and Staff on Campus , Tuesday, July 23, 8:30 a.m., Campus Center Main Level Table
You’re invited! Who says Tuesday doughnuts are just for the school year? Not us! If you’re on campus this summer, we’d love to see you at a special community event on Tuesday, July 23, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Come snack on some sweet treats and coffee, of course, while you catch up with folks you might not have seen in a while. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options available.
Register Now: Wellness Webinar on Time Management -- Capturing Our Time Thieves , Friday, Aug. 23, Noon, Virtual
Join Smith's Learn to Live Benefit's partner on Friday, August 23rd at noon ET for a live webinar designed to share practical tools for achieving goals when it feels like there is not enough time. Register for the webinar via this link and access code SmithL2L: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DiB4LnW0SACCBxIu0MV4Eg#/registration
Waste Bin Signage
To support Smith's efforts to divert waste from the landfill, students Dimitra Prassa '25 and Jade Wong '24 have designed updated signage to post on all campus waste receptacles. These signs have been approved by Facilities and have already been posted in key areas like the Campus Center. Feel free to print and post the signs linked here in your area. Also, remember that you can compost all cups, disposable takeaway containers and most utensils from campus events! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pj-aqBQoZ1yM0PACL_ICTM84-4re5Ocg?usp=drive_link
Save the Date: A Sweet Summer Tuesday for All Students, Faculty and Staff on Campus , Tuesday, July 23, Campus Center
You’re invited! Who says Tuesday doughnuts are just for the school year? Not us! If you’re on campus this summer, we’d love to see you at a special community event on Tuesday, July 23, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Come snack on some sweet treats and coffee, of course, while you catch up with folks you might not have seen in a while. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options available.
07/09/2024 Digest
TODAY: Join HR's Second Tuesday Summer Lawn Series , Begins Tuesday, July 9, 1:30-3 p.m., Garrison Hall, 42 West St.
Set aside time today to appreciate the summer weather, enjoy strawberry shortcake, and catch up on Smith news while relaxing with friends and colleagues at Garrison Hall, 42 West St. Beginning today through October, Human Resources will host a Summer Lawn Series on the second Tuesday of every month through October from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. We look forward to seeing you.
No eDigest Week of Limited Operations , Tuesday, July 23
Please note there will be no eDigest the week of limited operations.
Request Design Thinking Support for Fall Courses , by Friday, Aug. 2, 4 p.m.
The Design Thinking Initiative (DTI) is here to support fall courses across the curriculum by introducing students to Capen Annex, design methodologies, and/or hands-on making techniques. Visualizing thinking, making ideas tangible, exploring materials, tools, and technologies are critical forms of experiential learning that provide students with different ways of connecting with course concepts and each other. Submit your requests for fall course support via the forms on the DTI webpage by August 2 (http://smith.edu/academics/design-thinking/faculty-staff#engage) We will do our best to accommodate requests and get back to you by August 5. Email Emily Norton, DTI Director, for more information.
Reminder: Limited Operations Week - July 22nd
As a friendly reminder, this year's Limited Operations Week will be held the week of July 22nd. Although the campus will remain open, we encourage employees to use this opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved vacation time.
Second Friday , Friday, July 12, 4-8 p.m., Museum of Art
Join us for an evening of fun at the July 12 Second Friday! SCMA is free and open to all. From 4–7pm, join hands-on! art making for all ages and let your creativity take flight. Design wings inspired by Richard Watson’s painting, "Maxine", on view in the exhibition "A Beacon to the World: Art from the Sylvia Smith Lewis ’74 and Byron E. Lewis Sr. Collection".
President Sarah's Token of Appreciation
President Sarah’s Google poll for the employee appreciation gift has a response deadline by end of day on Friday, July 12. The first round of gifts will be distributed late August. A second Google poll will open shortly thereafter for employees who did not get a chance to respond and will receive their gift in late September. If you haven't already done so, please respond to the following link by Friday, July 12: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIAtS58upPw9-wg0kEyaXyllbay887NfVS2oakLS3c2TnYEg/viewform
Call for Smith Reads Facilitators
The Smith Reads Committee is looking for a few more faculty/instructional staff to serve as facilitators during new student orientation this year. A brief training session, discussion guides, and copies of the book will be provided. Please email Jenny Joyce, Dean of the First-Year Class at jjoyce@smith.edu if you're interested!
Geothermal Energy Project Update , Monday, July 8
Belmont Ave. will continue to be closed to through traffic at the intersection of Green Street and Belmont Ave. Green Street will be closed to through traffic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Continuation of the distribution of piping will start on Monday, July 8, with excavation extending toward Washburn House. Parking will be limited to the Green Street side of the lot for several weeks. A one-day domestic water shutdown in King-Scales has been requested for Wednesday, July 10, so that water main relocation work can continue in the basement of King. Mandelle Road will be closed through July.