Campus Use Plan

A roadmap for the physical campus to grow and change with purpose

The Campus Use Plan (CUP) is a bold and flexible framework guiding the evolution of Smith’s physical campus over the next 30 years. Grounded in the ambitions of Compass 2035, the CUP brings together rigorous data analysis and broad community engagement to align our campus environment with our academic priorities, distinctive culture, and long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

The plan advances a more connected campus—physically, socially, and technologically—where spaces are intentionally designed to foster discovery, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging.

At its core, the CUP prioritizes transformative reinvestment in our existing buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure, ensuring they continue to support the evolving needs of teaching, learning, research, and communal life.

The completion of the CUP marks not an end, but a beginning: the start of a comprehensive, values-driven effort to steward and strengthen Smith’s campus and community for generations to come.

Discovery

Spaces that spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration—connecting disciplines and inspiring exploration across the liberal arts.

Leadership

Flexible, student-centered spaces that empower agency, collaboration, and empathy—cultivating leaders who shape community and inspire change.

Belonging

Inclusive, welcoming environments that strengthen connection, well-being, and community across dining, living, learning and recreation.

Community Engagement

Guided by robust engagement with students, faculty, staff, and alums, the Campus Use Plan reflects a collective commitment to strengthening daily connection through the improvement of teaching, learning, and research spaces, and the creation of vibrant social spaces, expanded wellness opportunities, and improved dining access.

25

listening sessions

14

campus tours

20

deep-dive sessions

4

community pop-ups

3

campus forums

6

Steering Committee meetings

3

Board of Trustees plenaries

  1. “I would love to see more social spaces.”

  2. “Many classrooms are outdated and not well-suited for large class sizes.”

  3. “I’d like to see the gym, athletic fields, and performing arts center feel more welcoming.”

  4. “Smith traditions are the most important part of the school.”

Vision: A Connected Campus

  • The CUP envisions a campus that is more connected—physically, socially, and technologically.
  • The strategy weaves together the distinct zones of the campus, extending the central core and softening boundaries to foster connection across neighborhoods.
  • A continuous, accessible campus loop around Paradise Pond and Mill River strengthens connections between academic, residential, wellness, and recreational areas, reinforcing the river as a shared commons and organizing framework for movement, reflection, and community life.
  • Green Street—once a dividing line—becomes a central corridor of discovery and creativity, linking people and ideas across disciplines and experiences.
  • New programs across campus scales invite exploration, spark collaboration, and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines the Smith experience.

From distinct zones...

A rendering of Smith's campus showing distinct regions marked by color. Gray arrows show existing common paths through campus.

...to a connected campus

A rendering of Smith's campus that shows blending and cohesion between the various areas of campus. A loop around the entirety of Paradise Pond is highlighted as a main feature.
Download the Campus Use Plan (PDF)

Campus Use Plan Structure

What we did
What we envisioned
How the vision was organized
What we learned
Introduction
Planning Foundations
Vision
Neighborhoods
Frameworks
Recommendations

CUP Events

Upcoming

Connect with Smith: Virtual Conversations

Friday, March 13 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

For alums only. Join Elena Palladino, secretary of Smith’s board of trustees and AVP for strategic initiatives, and Erinn McGurn ’94, AVP for sustainable capital programs, as they explore the college’s strategic and campus use planning with President Sarah Willie-LeBreton. Questions can be submitted when you register for the webinar.

Campus Use Plan Presentation & Panel Discussion

Tuesday, April 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Weinstein Auditorium

Join us for a presentation on Smith’s Campus Use Plan (CUP)—a framework guiding how the campus will evolve to support teaching, learning, and community life in the years ahead. Following the presentation, a panel discussion will explore key ideas from the plan and what comes next as Smith begins implementation. And of course, CUPcakes will be served.

Reunion Programming

Dates and locations forthcoming

Past

Thursday, October 16, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m.
Neilson Browsing Room

The campus community was invited to learn more about the CUP and see the developing campus design concepts. Two presentations by Sasaki and engagement activities.

May 17 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Weinstein Auditorium

May 24 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Graham Auditorium

Erinn McGurn, AVP of Sustainable Capital Programs, shared with alums the early findings of the Campus Use Plan process and discussed how CUP will guide the use of buildings and open spaces to better support Smith’s mission and strategic planning goals. The campus community was also invited.

May 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Main Level

The Sasaki project team was on campus to share what they’ve learned from their campus engagement and seek further input. 

February 4-6, 2025
Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center

Interactive sessions during First Tuesday and presentation boards inviting community members to learn more about the CUP process, with Post-It notes for individuals to leave thoughts on how the Smith campus can best serve our community’s needs.

February 27–March 16, 2025

A digital interactive tool to gather your experience and perceptions of the campus environment.

February–March 2025

Targeted listening sessions with members of the community in 39 separate discussions and tours.

Letters to the Community

Leadership & Contributors

Smith College is grateful to Sasaki Associates, Inc. for their partnership in facilitating the campus use planning process. Their guidance supported the steering committee’s work in synthesizing extensive data and community input to shape the framework for the CUP.

President’s Team Members
  • David DeSwert, Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration
  • Alexandra Keller, Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life
Board of Trustees
  • Lile R. Gibbons ‘64, Trustee
  • Catherine P. Koshland ‘72, Trustee
Staff
  • Betsy Carpenter ’93, Associate Vice President for Development
  • Deanna Dixon ’88, Dean of Admission
  • Erinn McGurn ‘94, Associate Vice President for Sustainable Capital Programs
  • John Singler, AVP, Enterprise Applications & Data Services
Faculty
  • Reid Bertone-Johnson, Lecturer in Landscape Studies
  • Denise McKahn, Associate Provost
  • Fraser Stables, Associate Dean for Integrative Learning; Professor of Art
Student
  • Salma Baksh ’28

  • Allison Page, Campus Planning Project Manager
  • Graydon Kaplan, Finance Administrative Assistant
  • AC Manning ’25, Campus Planning Intern
  • Katelyn Pham ’26, Campus Planning Intern

We extend a special thanks to our colleagues across the college for their partnership and considerable and invaluable input. This work was made possible by the contributions of Alumnae Relations, Athletics, the Botanic Garden, CEEDS, Class Deans, Communications & Marketing, Dining Services, Campus Services, Operation & Maintenance, the Registrar, and Student Affairs. We also express our gratitude to the Building Committee, Campus Planning Committee, Classroom Committee, Committee on Mission and Priorities, Faculty and Staff Councils, House Presidents’ Association, and the Student Government Association.