Lunch for all new students and families
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
New students and families are invited to join us! Lunch will be served buffet style, so feel free to come at any point during this time. Check this link for locations.
President’s Welcome Assembly
12:45 p.m.
John M. Greene Hall
All entering students and their families are invited to President Sarah Willie-LeBreton’s community address.
Welcome Reception
1:30–2 p.m.
Chapin Lawn (Rain Location: Campus Center Carroll Room)
Following the President’s Assembly, light refreshments will be served until 2 p.m., when parents and students will head to their respective sessions.
Meet the Campus Life Staff
2–3 p.m.
John M. Greene Hall
Get to know all the ways Smith staff works to support your student throughout their time at Smith. This presentation will introduce you to academic and campus life staff, who will lead a lively discussion of what to expect in your student's first year at Smith and give an overview of the rest of the Family Orientation activities.
Family Orientation Sessions
3:15–5:30 p.m.
Choice Sessions—please choose one in each time block.
3:15–4:15 p.m
Campus Tour
Departing from the front doors of Seelye Hall, these walking tours will end at the Campus Center.
Welcome to the Smith College Libraries
Neilson Library Browsing Room, Room 102
Susan Fliss, Dean of Libraries; Jean Ferguson, Director of Learning, Research and Technology; Additional members of the SCL team
When your student asks for your help doing research or working on a course project, send them to us! Learn about the spaces, services and collections at the Smith College Libraries (SCL), including our recently renovated Neilson Library.
Engaging in Co-Curricular Life
Seelye Hall, Room 201
Tamra Bates, Director of Student Engagement
Join Tamra Bates from Student Engagement as they answer your questions about getting and staying engaged on campus and off. With events and games to attend, clubs and organizations to join, and a community to engage in, there is something for everyone here at Smith.
Living in Smith Houses
Seelye Hall, Room 206
Crys Arellano-Fryer, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Residential Education
Students and parents are invited to learn more about the Office of Residence Life, living in Smith College houses and community, and the residential education experience. The presentation will feature both professional staff and a panel of current students who will share their experience living on campus and with Residence Life at Smith. All are welcome!
Understanding Internship and Career Opportunities at Smith
Seelye Hall, Room 208
Faith McClellan, Dean of Career Development
Hear from the Dean of Career Development about a wide range of opportunities through which students can gain personalized career support at Smith, including funded internships, career exploration coaching, industry-specific advising cohorts, job treks, career fairs, alum networking, resume and interview preparation, and much more. Although your student may have an idea of what careers interest them, many do not, and that is okay! The Lazarus Center for Career Development is here to support students at any stage of their career exploration.
Campus Safety and Your Student
Seelye Hall, Room 211
Jimi Nealy, Chief of Campus Safety
Through an equitable and inclusive model of service and outreach, the Smith College Campus Safety Department helps ensure that every member of the Smith community can safely live and work on campus in an environment of mutual respect and support. Join Chief Nealy to learn more about Campus Safety programming and support.
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Campus Tour
Departing from the front doors of Seelye Hall, these walking tours will end at the Campus Center.
Smith’s Student Support Resources
Seelye Hall, Room 201
Becky Shaw, Associate Dean of Students; Kris Evans, Director of the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness
Join Becky Shaw from Student Affairs and Kris Evans from the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness to understand the college's support resources and how students can reach out for help if they are having a difficult time.
Student Financial Services 101—Student Financial Services
Seelye 208
Polly Gelfman, Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
Michael Ireland, Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Meet with the staff from Student Financial Services to discuss your student’s money management, campus employment, the billing process, and financial aid.
Accessibility and Accommodations Information Session
Seelye Hall 106
EJ Seibert, Director of Accessibility
EJ Seibert, director of the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), will explain to students and families how the ARC supports equal access and participation for students with disabilities and/or access needs in all programs and activities at Smith College. This session will cover disability services, accommodations, and documentation; academic requirements and support services; students’ rights and responsibilities. Students and families are welcome.
Dinner and Family Time
5:30 p.m.
Dinner on campus for residential board-paying students. Students wishing to dine with families should plan to eat downtown at one of our local restaurants.
Welcome Event with Athletics
5:45–6:30 p.m.
Ainsworth Gym
For first-year athletes and their families.
