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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Letters to the Community


Letters to Students


Letters to Staff


Letters to Faculty


Letters to Alumnae

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly diagnosed respiratory illness. The college has been closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of State and the actions of governments worldwide to shape the college's response to the spread of the disease.

Important Updates

A Message for Students and Families

President McCartney provided an update on academic planning for the fall.

Information for New Students

The FAQ has been updated with information for new students, including information related to deadlines and financial aid.

COVID-19 Scenario Planning Update

President McCartney provided an update regarding planning efforts in response to COVID-19.

Updated Benefits Information for Employees

Human Resources has added a new resource with information regarding COVID-19 and employee benefits.

Questions? Read the FAQ or contact covid19info@smith.edu.



Quick Facts



Smith’s Response

  • Created Incident Response Team
    President McCartney activated the COVID-19 incident response team (CIRT), a senior leadership group that is guiding the college’s continued response to the new coronavirus disease.
  • Discontinued All Smith-Funded Travel
    Canceled all Smith-funded international travel until May 1.
  • Established New Restrictions for Study Abroad Programs
    Canceled study-abroad programs in any country with a CDC alert-level 3 status and stopped approving applications for fall 2020 study-abroad programs in countries on that list until further notice.
  • Worked With Local Community to Provide Support
    In partnership with Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Smith is donating currently vacant on-campus housing to support the hospital's needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The college is also donating supplies to the City of Northampton—including 250 cots and 80 meals a day—to expand sheltering capacity for the local homeless population.
  • Announced Alternate Modes of Instruction
    Discontinued on-campus classes and moved to alternate modes of course instruction as announced on March 10, 2020. Extended Spring Recess to allow time for the faculty to work with ITS on ways to transition to remote courses.
  • Announced Event Restrictions
    All on-campus events have been postponed, canceled or moved online.
  • Implemented Remote Work Scenarios for Faculty and Staff
    Moved to an environment in which only limited, critical operations will continue on campus. All other operations will be done remotely.
  • Announced Virtual Commencement
    Announced the first virtual commencement in the history of Smith College, to take place on May 17, 2020.
  • Announced Virtual Reunions
    Announced the first virtual Reunions, to take place from May 22-24, 2020.

Contact COVID-19 Information

Email: covid19info@smith.edu

Please contact us for any questions not answered in the FAQ.