Orientation Programs

Orientation is an important start to your experience as a new student at Smith. It introduces you to the campus community and resources, providing a solid framework on which to build your overall success. The week before the start of classes, all new first-year, transfer, visiting/exchange students and Ada Comstock Scholars gather to learn about the college and get to know each other. All new students are expected to participate fully in the entire Orientation program.
Spring Orientation 2024
Spring orientation is from January 22–January 24, 2024
Students arriving for the spring 2024 semester will arrive on January 22 between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for check-in at the Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center. Entering students will receive their arrival and orientation schedule via email in late December (on or about December 20).
What to Expect
We strive to make Orientation fun and relaxing. During Orientation and the first several weeks of the semester, you can choose from academic, social, recreational and informational events. You will meet other students, faculty, staff, administrators and your faculty adviser. To help you become a respectful and responsible member of the college, Orientation also includes discussions about living in a diverse community.
Smith Reads
All new students are asked to participate in Smith Reads. During Orientation, you will join in discussion groups with your new peers.
If you had to create a synonym for the word Smithie, what would it be?
It would be sophisticated because Smithies carry a lot of knowledge and they use it to help guide others who come after them.
When you were a child, what was your biggest dream?
My biggest dream was to be successful, I wanted to be able to live a life where I have no regrets.
Would you rather be able to run at 100 miles per hour or fly at 10 miles per hour?
I would like to run at 100 miles per hour because I want to reach places quicker and the adrenaline rush is fun to experience.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
In May, I went to Atlanta and went go-karting for the first time.
What would you do if you have all the money in the world?
I would buy a house for my parents and myself, even a car. Then I would save half of the money and the rest I would like to donate to Black families.
Smithie Snapshots is a new profile series highlighting members of the Smith community, located all over the world.
Contact Student Affairs
Clark Hall 101
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-4940 Email: studentaffairs@smith.edu