COVID-19 Updates, Restrictions, Cancellations - More information
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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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
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: Academic Program and Finances
President McCartney announces planning efforts in response to COVID-19.
Commencement & Reunions 2020
Smith announced the first virtual commencement in the history of Smith College, to take place on May 17. The first virtual Reunions will take place from May 22-24.
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
- Campus Status: All Smith College buildings are closed to the public.
- Courses: Alternate modes of instruction will be offered for the curriculum beginning on March 30.
- Commencement: The first virtual Commencement in the history of Smith College will take place on May 17.
- Reunions: The first virtual Reunion will be held from May 22-24.
- Summer Programs: All summer programs have been cancelled.
- Spring Recess: Spring recess will be extended by one week through Sunday, March 29.
- Travel: No Smith-funded travel will be permitted until further notice.
- College Events: All in-person meetings or events not deemed critical for continued operations are canceled or moved to remote delivery methods.
Campus Closings
All college buildings—including academic buildings and residential houses—are now closed to the public.
| Location | Status | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Schacht Center | Closed for walk-in care; scheduled appointments only | Medical: Call 413-585-2250 between 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to schedule an urgent appointment, call 413-585-1260 for after-hours care. Counseling: Call 413-585-2840 |
| Campus Center | Smith ID Required for access | Open Tuesdays Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28) Services: Campus Center Café - Closed Mailroom - Student letters and packages can be picked up from lockers. Printing - limited printing for students available (via followme-bw or followme-color) in the Office of Student Engagement (CC 106). |
| Libraries | Closed | |
| Botanic Gardens | Closed | Includes outdoor gardens. |
| Museum | Closed | |
| Athletic Facilities | Closed | |
| Admission | Closed |
- 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.
Useful Resources
The CIRT is collecting useful online resources to guide the Smith community’s COVID-19 response. If you have a link that you would like added, please contact covid19info@smith.edu.