Five Things to Look for During Family Weekend at Smith

For any Smith family member who’s ever wanted to see the campus through the eyes of their student—this weekend’s for you.

Family Weekend, a college tradition since 1951, will be held October 24-26 in locations throughout campus. The three-day glimpse of life at Smith includes open classes, library browsing, afternoon teas, sports matches and theatrical performances—among other offerings.

Originally called Father’s Weekend, the event became Parents Weekend in 1974 and Family Weekend in 1992, as programming evolved to meet the realities of family life.

President McCartney will host a Welcome and Reception for families at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Campus Center Carroll Room.

The weekend also provides an array of signature Smith experiences, including guided tours of the Smith College Museum of Art and the Botanic Garden, and special events such as a “Bipartisan Tea” hosted by the college Republican and Democratic clubs.

Some 400 Smith families have already signed up to participate in Family Weekend, says Marge Litchford, assistant dean of students.

This year, families can sign up online via a new Facebook page launched by Student Affairs. Registrations will also be accepted at the hospitality suite in the Campus Center at the start of the weekend.

The Smith College Parents and Families page on Facebook will have the latest updates on the weekend schedule, as well as posts from parents and responses to their questions about campus life.

Litchford says the page will continue to serve families after the weekend’s visits.

“We hope parents will see it as a helpful place to post questions or write private messages and get an answer,” Litchford says. “We want to help parents stay in the know.”

Where is the best place to get started on Family Weekend?

Litchford recommends the hospitality suite in Campus Center 103/104. There, visitors can check in and ask questions about the schedule, purchase tickets to specific events and order a care package for the end of the semester for their particular Smithie(s).

As for choosing from among the many opportunities and events on campus, here are the top five things to look for during Family Weekend:

1. CLASSES

More than 40 classes spanning a variety of academic subjects will be open to visitors during the weekend. Families can choose one of their student’s favorites—or experience one of their own. A complete list is available online and at registration. Families can also attend workshops and panel discussions on topics such as wellness, social justice, career development and “What on Earth is Going on with My First Year Student?”

2. PERFORMANCES

Improv comedy, chamber music and Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew are all on the weekend bill. Be on the lookout for other special presentations, including live band karaoke, South Asian dance and live-action chess, courtesy of the college’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. The annual Montage event Saturday, Oct. 25, at John M. Greene Hall, is a chance to hear the Smith College Glee Club, Chorus, Wind and Jazz Ensembles, Handbell Choir and a cappella groups in an extravaganza of “street-related” songs.

3. ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

A 16-team Volleyball Hall of Fame Invitational is just one of many sports matches families can attend during the weekend. Soccer and field hockey games are also on the schedule. Visitors can be more than spectators. Check out the nature walks, “Bike Kitchen” open house, and Family Fun Run in honor of the weekend.

4. CULTURAL AND CULINARY TREATS

In addition to fare in the Campus Center Café and residence dining halls, visitors can sample kosher food, soul food and South Asian dishes at special meals scheduled throughout the weekend. Cultural celebrations, ranging from an Asian Tea House to a 25^th-year Eid event hosted by the Muslim Students Association, offer a window on the diversity of campus life.

5. SMITH FAVORITES

The Lyman Plant House, the Neilson Library exhibitions, and galleries at the Smith College Museum of Art will be open to visitors. Don’t miss the annual Fall Fest on Chapin Lawn, a waste-free event hosted by Smith environmental organizations that features pumpkin painting, Pedal People bike rides and a campus-wide free box.

The Asian Tea House, hosted by the Asian Students' Association and the Korean American Students of Smith, is a perennial favorite at Family Weekend. The weekend, which aims to give a glimpse of life at Smith, will be held Oct. 24-26.