Smith eDigest
The Smith eDigest is sent to all campus e-mail accounts on Tuesday and Thursday each week during the academic year, and on Tuesday during the summer, providing important notices, college news, links to articles of general interest to the community, deadline notifications, and other college information. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. the day before publication date. Information on submitting items is available at: https://www.smith.edu/news-stories/edigest-form/.
Faculty/Staff Notices
Measles Massachusetts Department of Public Health Advisory
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued an advisory about measles due to an increase in cases in several states. Employees are encouraged to make sure they are up to date with measles vaccines, especially before travelling. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Employees should speak to their medical provider if they have any questions. The advisory can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/measles-advisory-march-11-2025-0/download
Updated: Traffic Flow Around Campus
Eversource Energy is replacing lines on West Street. One-way traffic flow is in place through April 2. Expect congestion near the intersection of West and Elm Streets and avoid it if possible. Work will then shift to Bedford Terrace, causing minor lane shifts but no closures. The project will move away from campus after that, with a brief return in mid-May for final work that may cause delays.
Your Input Needed: Privacy Workshops Offered by the Libraries
Would you be interested in attending privacy workshops? Let the Libraries know your interest in topics such as: How to stay safe as a student activist; securing your financial data; staying safe from government surveillance; avoiding stalkers/online harassment; how to stay safe while dating online; and more. Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/DcdhaPeFMa9vDRaEA
Save the Date: Smith Staff Annual Social Hour
Tuesday, April 15, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Alumnae House
All Smith Staff are invited to enjoy a Social Hour hosted by the Staff Council on Tuesday, April 15 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at the Alumnae House. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Learn more about the Staff Council and how you can get involved, foster campus-wide relationships, and make new ones. We hope to see you there!
Register Now: Toward Equity--Time for Joy in the Midst of It All
Wednesday, April 23, 12:15 p.m., Conway Center, Neilson 103
Join Benita Jackson, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Wellness Fellow, in conversation with Dr. Kamilah Majied, clinical educator, researcher, and mental health therapist, for faculty to consider and apply strategies and ways to enliven our experiences with “non-contingent joy” in the midst of it all. Co-sponsored by the Office for Equity and Inclusion and the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. All faculty are welcome. Part of the Spring 2025 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/8HLCKkZegAKd947Q8)
Trans Rights: A Historical and Legal Perspective
Wednesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
The legal landscape for trans rights is shifting rapidly in new, alarming, and unprecedented ways. This panel is an opportunity to learn more about current and historical context from experts in their fields. Bring your questions! Sponsored by: Community Care Coordination Team, Resource Center for Sexuality and Gender, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Dean of the College, Lewis Global Studies Center
Liberal Arts Lunch Series
Thursday, April 3, 12:10 p.m., Neilson Library 102
Liberal Arts Lunch series welcomes Esther Burson, Assistant Professor of Psychology, to present "Critical Consciousness: An Antidote to Oppression?" Lunch offered to the first 40 attendees, start time is approximately 12:10, ending by 1:10.
JostenLive! Hosts Magic Mic Night (An Open Mic Salon)
Friday, April 4, 5 p.m., Josten Library, Mendenhall
Invite your besties and your professors! Signups start at 4:30 pm on a first come, first serve basis. What’s your talent? It can be music, poetry, standup comedy, or more. Share what you want to share. Smithie talent showcase meets purple carpet, great acoustics (and mics), and a Steinway piano. Magic Mic Night is a student-led open mic organization that hosts events for Smithies to showcase their art. JostenLive! Is a patron-driven performance series: free and open to all. Contact: josinfo@smith.edu
Sherrerd Center Teaching Circles
Friday, April 4, Campus Center Carroll Room
Teaching circles provide opportunities to discuss topics which address teaching in contemporary times in small groups. The April 4th and April 18th teaching circles include Digital Pedagogy and Scholarship; Formative and summative assessment of analytical inductive and deductive processes; Human Rights Initiative, Languages Across the Curriculum; Reflective Practices; the TFF Circle (formerly NTT Faculty) and Ungrading, Grading and the In-between. Please visit the Sherrerd website for links to RSVP (if you haven’t already been invited through google calendar): http://smith.edu/about-smith/sherrerd-center/circles and then accept your calendar invitation so accurate counts for seating and lunch can be determined.
Class Deans Faculty Appreciation Gathering
Monday, April 7, 3:30 p.m., Not Listed
The Class Deans Office would like to formally recognize all that faculty do on behalf of our students. The Deans are grateful for their faculty partnerships, and to that end, they are collaborating with the Provost's Office to host a faculty appreciation gathering in honor of Smith faculty. Please save Monday, April 7 from 3:30-5:30 in the Faculty Lounge in Bass Hall for drinks and appetizers to thank faculty for all the work they do in supporting students! Please feel free to stop by at any point during the event.
Wind Down and Relax with Restorative Yoga Classes
Wednesdays, April 9, 23 and 30, 12:15-1:05 p.m., Campus Center 203
Human Resources is excited to announce that restorative yoga classes will continue to be offered through the spring with yoga instructor Arden Sundari Pierce. Easy strength and stretch yoga exercises help reduce stress, fatigue, and creates flexibility. Most exercises will be practiced using a chair and can be modified. No clothing change is needed. To sign up, please email Yoga@rcn.com.
Racial Justice Action Planning Summit
Thursday, April 17, Skyline Room, Neilson Library
Join us for this year’s Racial Justice Action Planning Summit. The summit is an opportunity for departments and offices to share with the campus community the planning and implementation progress of their racial justice action planning. Unit posters will be displayed throughout the day, and there will be a lunch reception with a panel featuring units who will share about the development and implementation of their racial justice action plans. This event is open to all Smith College community members. [All-Day Poster Session is in the Skyline Room in the Neilson Library, and a Lunch Reception Featuring a Panel will also be in the Skyline Room in the Neilson Library, 12:15-1:30 p.m.]
Student Notices
Your Input Needed: Privacy Workshops Offered by the Libraries
Would you be interested in attending privacy workshops? Let the Libraries know your interest in topics such as: How to stay safe as a student activist; securing your financial data; staying safe from government surveillance; avoiding stalkers/online harassment; how to stay safe while dating online; and more. Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/DcdhaPeFMa9vDRaEA
Equestrian Team Leather Care Fundraiser, Virtual Event
Please reach out to the Equestrian Team, if you have any leather products that you want to get conditioned or polished! This event is happening all through April, and on a pay-as-you-wish basis! Feel free to contact the Equestrian Team to learn about specifics via their email equestrian@smith.edu!
Updated: Traffic Flow Around Campus
Eversource Energy is replacing lines on West Street. One-way traffic flow is in place through April 2. Expect congestion near the intersection of West and Elm Streets and avoid it if possible. Work will then shift to Bedford Terrace, causing minor lane shifts but no closures. The project will move away from campus after that, with a brief return in mid-May for final work that may cause delays.
Smith Students' Aid Society Application Deadline for Summer Opportunities
Deadline: April 15
Smith Students' Aid Society Application Deadline for Summer Opportunities The deadline for Summer SSAS applications is Tuesday, April 15. SSAS grants are available for not-for-credit and credit-bearing programs, as well as for travel opportunities. Students applying for credit-bearing programs should note that the SSAS can only fund courses that have been accepted for transfer credit by Smith College. If you are a student in financial need and your program fits the above description, you may fill out the application by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqWvPYq78MyDjgl51X09fUl_r19pjfo-Lw8sJK-H2wY w-ixg/viewform
Host a Future Smithie!
April 18-19, 24-25
We are just a few weeks away from welcoming hundreds of admitted students to campus and we hope you will consider hosting one (or more!) of these future Smithies overnight as they experience Smith firsthand. Join us in supporting the class of 2029 as they find their way here to our community! Sign up here: https://apply.smith.edu/register/admithosting25
Important Commencement Information for Graduating Students
In preparation for Commencement on May 18, 2025, please review the important information found on the Commencement webpage at https://www.smith.edu/news-events/events/commencement, and take note of the upcoming deadlines listed on the Graduating Student To-Do List at https://www.smith.edu/grad-check-list. Forms found here include the translation and accommodation needs forms for Ivy Day and Commencement, as well as other important deadlines for Workday. Please take the time to look at these and complete any time-sensitive forms you may need to fill out. The deadline for forms is Friday, April 11. Questions about forms? Call the Events Management Office at (413) 585-2669 or email smithevents@smith.edu.
Alumnae Gym Open for Use
Alumnae Gym is once again open for use. For up-to-date information, visit the Libraries' hours page: https://libraries.smith.edu/about/visit/hours
Enroll in Arabic First Year Classes
Enroll in Arabic Classes with the Middle East Studies Program Join the Arabic Language Program, offering two first-year classes at 8:00 AM and 9:25 AM. The program also welcomes those with prior Arabic experience. Second- and third-year courses are available, providing opportunities to learn both formal and colloquial Arabic while exploring Middle Eastern traditions and cultures. Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language, and scholarships for studying abroad in Jordan, Morocco, or Oman are offered. Engage in activities like Arabic music concerts, IT and Design Thinking projects, and collaborations with the Smith Museum and Botanical Garden.
Smith College Academic Prize Competitions for 2025
At the end of the academic year, on Ivy Day, Smith students are awarded prizes by various departments. These are cash prizes, not scholarships, and amounts awarded vary. Most prizes are awarded for academic excellence. Though many of these prizes are for seniors, students in all classes are eligible to compete for some of them. Interested students submit an application or a piece of original work (academic paper, artwork, musical composition or translation). Please visit the Prize Competition web page where you can find details about deadlines, eligibility, and what to submit: https://www.smith.edu/your-campus/offices-services/dean-college/prize-competitions
Call for Artwork Submissions for Imaging Center TV Display, Hillyer 324
Do you have old artwork sitting in your closet or on your computer collecting dust? Want to showcase it? The Imaging Center is taking student work submissions to display through their monthly slideshow. The artwork could be digital, a short clip, animation, photography, painting, still-life, etc. Submit a photo/file with the artwork title (if it has one), your name, class year, and the class you made it in (if applicable). The Imaging Center will send out a notice once the slideshow launches. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceAmb2Qq_XWBeBjtMBXPfbIu09abtqEKd-qZ4b3c3GS2431w/viewform
Megan Hart Jones '88 Studio Art Prize
Deadline: Thursday, May 1
Established in 1987 by family and friends in memory of Megan Hart Jones '88, this prize is awarded annually to one undergraduate for outstanding work in any Studio Art or Architecture class. Each student may submit only one piece of artwork; multipart projects will not be accepted. Winners receive a substantial cash prize. Additional eligibility and entry information is available at: https://forms.gle/t73DXLPioCzpnduf7. Announced on Ivy Day, winners receive a substantial cash prize. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 1.
Free Books at the SGA Book Nook, Campus Center Basement
Come take books from the SGA Book Nook before 4/11! The Book Nook is donating the majority of its fiction/non-fiction section soon, and we wanted to give students the opportunity to browse before they're gone. Visit the SGA Resource Room in the Campus Center basement, and look for the shelves labeled "Miscellaneous Fiction/Non-Fiction." Happy reading!
Apply Now: Program in Middle East Studies - Support for Summer Language Study
Deadline: April 11
Smith's Program in Middle East Studies is pleased to be able to support students who plan to study a language of the Middle East (e.g., Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, Turkish, Berber) during the summer of 2025. The support is made possible by the Near East Studies Fund. Applications and all related materials are due on April 11, 2025. For more information on summer language study funding and a link to the application, see the Middle East Studies webpage: https://www.smith.edu/academics/middle-east-studies#summer-study-1. Questions can be sent to middleeaststudies@smith.edu.
Racial Justice Action Planning Summit
Thursday, April 17, Skyline Room, Neilson Library
Join us for this year’s Racial Justice Action Planning Summit. The summit is an opportunity for departments and offices to share with the campus community the planning and implementation progress of their racial justice action planning. Unit posters will be displayed throughout the day, and there will be a lunch reception with a panel featuring units who will share about the development and implementation of their racial justice action plans. This event is open to all Smith College community members. [Poster session is all day and a lunch reception featuring a panel will be 12:15-1:30 p.m.]
OPT Information Session
Tuesday, April 1, 4:30 p.m., Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
This information session is an opportunity for international students who use an F-1 visa to attend Smith to learn about post-graduation work authorization available through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Students preparing to graduate who wish to apply for OPT will be required to attend an OPT session prior to applying.
Upcoming Events With Outdoor Adventure Program
Tuesday, April 1, 4:30-6 p.m., Boathouse Lawn
Weekly bike trips starting again for the spring on Tuesday, April 1. Trips occurs 4:30-6 PM every Tuesday. No registration or gear necessary, trips meet at the pond Boathouse. Boathouse open hours are also opening again for the season this Friday 3-6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 1-4 p.m. Smith's climbing wall has open hours, no experience or gear necessary.
Trans Rights: A Historical and Legal Perspective
Wednesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
The legal landscape for trans rights is shifting rapidly in new, alarming, and unprecedented ways. This panel is an opportunity to learn more about current and historical context from experts in their fields. Bring your questions! Sponsored by: Community Care Coordination Team, Resource Center for Sexuality and Gender, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Dean of the College, Lewis Global Studies Center
Arabic Open House
Wednesday, April 2, 11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m., Campus Center 102
You're invited to the Arabic Open House! Join us to explore Arabic language classes, study abroad opportunities, and scholarships. Enjoy a falafel lunch, experience the art of Arabic calligraphy, and get a beautiful henna tattoo. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Arabic culture—we look forward to welcoming you!
Posting Policy FEEDBACK SESSIONS on March 28 and April 3
March 28 and April 3, Noon, Campus Center Main Level Table
Would you like to give some feedback on the current Posting Policy? Do you have ideas on what should be included in a future Posting Policy? Visit this tabling event to share your thoughts.
Lunch and Learn: Claiming Your Leadership Skills
Thursday, April 3, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 205
Leadership skills are among the top competencies employers look for when hiring. Whether you’re a club officer, student employee, community organizer, or practice leadership in other ways, join us to explore how to claim your leadership skills and effectively present them as you take your next step. Co-sponsored by Laz, WCL, and OSE. Lunch offered to the first 25 attendees.
Creative Jobs That Pay the Rent: Arts, Media, & Communications Cohort Lunch
Thursday, April 3, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 103/4
Do you want to put your passions to work and also earn a comfortable wage? Of course you do! Learn about jobs and companies that pay well for the talents of writers, visual artists, performers, tech creatives, and all sorts of humanities majors. We'll talk about well-known options and some you may never have considered. Then brainstorm with your peers about how to explore these possibilities. Meet other campus creatives, eat well, and feel supported and informed at our last AMC cohort lunch of the year. To register: https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1721572/
French Skills in the Workplace - Alum Panel
Thursday, April 3, 4:30 p.m., Campus Center 103/4
How can your language and cultural skills shape your career path? This will be a lively conversation with French Studies alums who have built dynamic careers in fields like international development, strategic communications, education, and global business. Panelists include Clare Dreyfus ’07, Associate Director at Save the Children US, and Ejona Gjata ’21, a media planner and master’s student in strategic communications at Columbia University. All class years and majors welcome! Register on Handshake- https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1676365/share_preview.
Demystifying Money: Taxes Refresher
Friday, April 4, 12:15 p.m., Conway Center, 103 Neilson
Everyone pays some form of tax -- sales, excise, property, etc. In this session, we’ll explore one specific type of tax: federal income tax in the United States. You’ll learn all about the basics, some of the most common tax misconceptions, and how pre-tax and post-tax deductions impact your paycheck. Lunch will be provided, limited to 35 spots, please RSVP on the Smith Social Network https://socialnetwork.smith.edu/event/10888576
JostenLive! Hosts Magic Mic Night (An Open Mic Salon)
Friday, April 4, 5 p.m., Josten Library, Mendenhall
Invite your besties and your professors! Signups start at 4:30 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. What’s your talent? It can be music, poetry, standup comedy, or more. Share what you want to share. Smithie talent showcase meets purple carpet, great acoustics (and mics), and a Steinway piano. Magic Mic Night is a student-led open mic organization that hosts events for Smithies to showcase their art. JostenLive! Is a patron-driven performance series: free and open to all. Contact: josinfo@smith.edu
Studio Visit to UMass Amherst MFA: Art-Based Research and Material Experimentation
Friday, April 4, 4:30 p.m., Capen Annex
Join us for a behind-the-scenes studio visit at UMass Amherst with MFA candidate Bo Kim. This session will explore how artistic practice intersects with research, material experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Get an inside look at MFA life, ongoing projects, and how studio-based research informs contemporary art-making. We will be providing transportation from Smith's Campus to UMass. The van will leave from Capen Annex at 4:30 and will return at 6:30.
EALC honors thesis presentation by Amel Guillory '25
Friday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., Hatfield Hall 205
Please join the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures for an honors thesis oral presentation with Amel Guillory ’25 (snacks provided). Thesis Title: A System of Cracks and Leaks: Reticence, Marginality, and Social Conventions in Tsai Ming Liang's The River. Tsai Ming-Liang's film The River provides insight into a pivotal moment in 1990s Taiwanese LGBTQ politics and culture. The film's depiction of place, poetics, themes, and cinematography reflects the marginality and reticence of its main characters. It also reveals the flaws of heteropatriarchal institutions and the traditional family system while opening the possibility for a new paradigm of living.
CLIFS Spring Drink Sale
Friday, April 4, Noon, Chapin Lawn Patio
Support CLIFS this Friday by enjoying a refreshing beverage. Drinks will be $3 and $4 and payment will be accepted through cash, Zelle, or Venmo. Tabling will be outside of the CC. Come by and support! @smithcollegeclifs for details on what will be sold.
CSO Presents: Volunteer Day at Treehouse
Saturday, April 5, 12:30 p.m., Treehouse Foundation
Smith College's Community Service Organization is organizing a Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 5! We will be partnering with the Treehouse Foundation, an amazing collaborative nonprofit organization that works to build intergenerational community through a variety of local initiatives! Vans will be departing at 12:30 PM. If interested, sign up here with more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgQjwMhQxKZSHsw-QfakGI81-sWpMonHyLp_oQTgvhpEN-BA/viewform! Sign-ups will close on Wednesday, April 2.
Film Screening: Show Her The Money
Monday, April 7, 5 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
Featuring rock-star female investors who invest in diverse women entrepreneurs with innovations that will change the world, Show Her The Money reminds us that money is power and women need it to achieve true equality. Presented by the Smith College Money Mentors, stay after the screening for a Q+A with the Money Mentors. Dinner and snacks provided
Being Well Abroad Workshop
Monday, April 7, 12:15 p.m., Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
Reflect on how your identity may have an impact on your time abroad. Consider what it might be like to suddenly be in the minority or in the majority for the first time. Hear tips from past students on how to achieve growth and maintain mental health given global inequities.
Panel: Alums Who Work in Archives
Tuesday, April 8, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 205
Meet Smith-trained archivists employed at the American Museum of Natural History's paleontology department in New York City, the European Center for Nuclear Research in Switzerland (aka CERN, home of the supercollider!), and the Frost Library at Amherst College. Take away ideas for career paths in a surprising variety of fields. Ask your questions and enjoy lunch. Co-sponsored by the Archives Concentration and the Arts, Media, & Communications (AMC) Career Community at Lazarus Center. To register: https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1725327/share_preview
How to Bloomberg 101
Tuesday, April 8, 12:15 p.m., Conway Center, 103 Neilson
The Bloomberg Terminal is a 24-hour global information services system that provides transparent and reliable financial, economic, and government information covering all market sectors. This workshop provides a general overview of what the Bloomberg Terminal is and how you can use it in your classes, internships, and job applications. We are also going to introduce the three Bloomberg certificates the Conway Center offers and that you can complete for free and leverage on your LinkedIn and resume! Lunch provided! RSVP here: https://socialnetwork.smith.edu/event/11209052
Public Speaking Workshop
Wednesday, April 9, 4:30 p.m., Seelye 312
Address all your public speaking concerns in 60 minutes! You will sharpen your communication skills and build confidence in this workshop facilitated by Peter Sapira (Jacobson Center). Learn how to structure engaging speeches, conquer stage fright, and deliver presentations with clarity. For questions, contact Peter Sapira: psapira@smith.edu.
Save the Date: SGA '28 Bazaar
Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Chapin Lawn
The Class of 2028 will be hosting a bazaar event from 11:00am-5:00pm on 4/19! Students in any year and clubs/organizations are welcome to sign up for a booth. Students can sell clothes, art, baked goods, and other items to make money for themselves or their club! The fair will be on Chapin Lawn, and the booths will be set up similarly to the involvement fair. The event is open to Northampton community members, 5C students, and incoming students visiting for Accepted Student Weekend. Booth sign-up: https://forms.gle/zcoSwcZ36W4dEW6NA
'That's Absurd Please Elaborate'
Sunday, April 20, 2-4 p.m., Campus Center Carroll Room
Ever wondered if we colonize a breathable gas giant? Or how hard would you have to fart to lift off the ground? Send your ridiculous science questions to Trace Dominguez and Julian Huguet, hosts of the science communication and comedy podcast "That's Absurd Please Elaborate," for a seriously researched answer. Students will hear the questions answered live and learn about Dominguez and Huguet's creative careers. Naila Moreira, a science writing expert and Jacobson Center faculty member, will join us as a guest speaker. Submit your questions: https://forms.gle/ZsmaVdc8AQTwKkpa8. To listen to the podcast, visit https://open.spotify.com/show/6JOkmJBsVOuODHarxzmotZ?si=ba3d76b4b4604cff
Fall 2025 Nolen Art Lounge Applications Open
Deadline: April 27
The fall 2025 application for the Nolen Art Lounge are now available. Please fill out the application by April 27th for exhibit considerations. Please email Student Programs Coordinator Casey Martin at cmartin64@smith.edu with questions. Apply here: https://forms.gle/LVd4FR26zkHhooFx6
Technology News
Smith College Computer Store Closed for Inventory
Tuesday, April 1
The Smith College Computer Store will be CLOSED on Tuesday, April 1st all day for inventory, we will reopen on Wednesday, April 2nd at Noon. We will respond to all emails upon reopening on Tuesday afternoon. If you have a need for assistance please knock. Thank you.
New Email Messages When You Add or Remove Duo Devices
Beginning Thursday, April 3
For additional security, beginning Thursday, April 3, you will get email alerts from Duo Security (no-reply@duosecurity.com) when you add or delete a device from your list of Duo devices for approving login requests. In the future, if you receive a notification that a new device was added or an existing one was deleted, and you did not initiate this, select “No, this wasn’t me” in the email and change your password immediately. For assistance with managing Duo devices, email ithelp@smith.edu or call 413-585-4487 during business hours.
Lectures/Symposia
'Taitetsu Unno: A Legacy of Dialogue, Debate, and Friendship'
Tuesday, April 1, 4:30 p.m., Seelye 201
Dialogue in the public square demands curiosity, active listening, the willingness to set aside assumptions, and an open-hearted exchange between individuals with diverse perspectives and social backgrounds. Smith College Emeritus Professor Taitetsu Unno was a pioneering advocate of such dialogue, particularly between Buddhist and Christian traditions. In this lecture, three distinguished panelists—each of whom has carried forward Professor Unno’s legacy—will share their insights, experiences, and the deep friendships they have cultivated across America’s religious and spiritual landscape. Through their reflections, they honor his commitment to the enduring power of interfaith. Sponsored by the Religion Department and Buddhist Studies Program.
Against the Tide: Women, Power, and Political Change in Kenya
Thursday, April 3, 4:30 p.m., Neilson Library 102
Martha Wangari Karua popularly called 'The Iron Lady' is a Kenyan Politician, Lawyer and Activist. She will be sharing her inspirational story and celebrating her book launch.
Lunchtime Conversation With Professor Phi Hong Su (Williams College)
Friday, April 4, 12:15 p.m., Dewey Common Room
Join Professor Phi Hong Su (Anthropology and Sociology, Williams College) and the Department of German & Italian for an informal lunchtime conversation and learn more about disparate Vietnamese migrant communities in Germany and their encounters with each other in the post-socialist city of Berlin. Professor Su will present materials from her award-winning book The Border Within: Vietnamese Migrants Transforming Ethnic Nationalism in Berlin (Stanford UP 2022) and answer your questions related to topics of migration, ethnicity, and nationalism in contemporary Berlin.
Jung Lecture: Eastern Madness, Wildness, and Pan's Return with Ryan Maher
Friday, April 4, 7 p.m., Virtual Event
Through exploring the themes of madness and wildness within Pan’s mythology, we discern deeply embedded self-regulatory patterns emergent in constellated experiences of fear and desire. Pan, god of the periphery and a symbol for untamed wilderness, can help us understand our responses to existential threats and integrate a different consciousness that moves us toward a greater relatedness to each other, our own nature, and the earth. Ryan J. Maher, MA, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, writer, and presenter. Co-sponsored by Smith College Psychology Dept REGISTER at WestMassJung.org
Economics Department Seminar Speaker: Marissa Lepper
Friday, April 4, 12:15 p.m., Seelye 201
Economic Department Seminar Series Speaker: Marissa Lepper, Assistant Professor of Economics at Texas A&M University will be discussing: "The Impact of Work Assignments on Evaluation and Advancement."
Who Counts as a Person? Women, Wombs and Executive Disorders
Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., McConnell 103
On January 20, 2025 the new president issued numerous executive orders including one that purports to defend women from “gender ideology” and another that claims presidential power to revoke the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to “All persons born . . .in the United States.” This [lecture] will explore these orders, the relationship between these and other orders and their implications for the constitutional personhood of many groups of people, focusing especially on the half of all humans born with the capacity for pregnancy.
Designing the Future: Building a Life and Business for Social Good
Tuesday, April 8, 5 p.m., Neilson Library 102
What does it mean to build the future you want? Join Smith alum and Venture for America fellow Arabia Simeon ‘19 as she reflects on her journey to founding POGO, a civic tech startup reshaping how young people engage with politics. In this session, she’ll share how her early work with the Conway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center helped her forge her path, what she has learned about the challenges in today’s political landscape, and how she is leveraging innovation to drive social impact in her community of Detroit and beyond. More info: https://socialnetwork.smith.edu/event/11167937
Lecture: Jasmine Wahi, Curator and Co-Director/Co-Founder of Project for Empty Space
Thursday, April 10, 5 p.m., Graham Hall, Hillyer
Enjoy a public lecture featuring Jasmine Wahi, curator, educator, activist, and Co-Director/Co-Founder of Project for Empty Space (PES). PES is a multifaceted arts organization that includes exhibitions, artist residencies, public art initiatives, subsidized artist studios, and artist professional development/granting opportunities. In conjunction with Wahi's visit, PES's mobile exhibition truck will be onsite at Smith College on Thursday, April 10 and 11, featuring its current exhibition titled "Body Freedom for Every(body)." This exhibition is an ongoing celebration of intersecting issues pertaining to bodily autonomy, such as reproductive justice, queer liberation, and trans joy. Events are free and open to the public.
Performing Arts/Films/Fine Arts
Jenny George Presented by the Boutelle-Day Poetry Center
Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
Jenny George is a poet whose work explores the delicate line between life and death. Her recent collection, After Image (Copper Canyon, 2024), has been described by Poetry Northwest as "intense and controlled and delicate, a study of character and narrative.” George will be joined in conversation by Matt Donovan following the reading. Books will be sold at the event and a signing will follow. Free and open to all. Livestream also available on Boutelle-Day Poetry Center YouTube.
Audible Loss: New Music and the Crisis of Memory: A Book Release Event
Wednesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Campus Center 103/4
Celebrate the release of Audible Loss: New Music and the Crisis of Memory by Andrea Zarafshon Moore, Assistant Professor of Music at Smith College. Moore analyzes a range of musical works written to commemorate late 20th and early 21st century crises in the U.S—the AIDS crisis, 9/11, and anti-Black violence—and explores how contemporary classical music frames and narrates crises, gives voice to grief, and seeks to make loss audible. This program includes a conversation between Moore and Lisa Armstrong, Professor of the Study of Women & Gender.
'A Different Beast' Exhibition
Through April 2, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Jannotta Gallery, Hillyer
Experience the uncovering of "A Different Beast." From projected 3-D spaces to 2-D liminal realms, we reveal our inner monsters. "A Different Beast" explores themes of faith, escapism, processes, and politics through alternate realities and the unnatural. Featuring the artwork of senior studio art majors Alex Theiss, Isabel Inda, Kloe Keidel, Lara Cayci, Lily Yu, and Sarah Asofsky. Free and open to the public. On view through April 2, 2025 (Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
Big Band Anniversary Bash!
Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
Celebrate the gold and silver anniversaries of the Compaq Big Band and the Smith College Jazz Ensemble in a very special collaborative concert featuring the talented vocalist (and Smith alum) Bella Holtz! The non-profit Compaq Big Band has been impressing audiences all over New England with their grooving 19-piece big band sound for 50 years! Smith College Jazz Ensemble commemorates its 25th year with a mix of standards, classic rock, and more! Free and open to the public.
Senior Dance Concert
Thursday, April 3, 4, and 5, 8 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio, Mendenhall
The Smith College Department of Dance presents the Senior Dance Concert featuring the choreography of Evelyn Cauley, Claire Dana, Abbey Fluet, Delia Haston, Grace Su, Taylor Zweil. Tickets $5-10 at http://smitharts.ludus.com.
JostenLive! Hosts Magic Mic Night (An Open Mic Salon)
Friday, April 4, 5 p.m., Josten Library, Mendenhall
Invite your besties and your professors! Signups start at 4:30 pm on a first come, first serve basis. What’s your talent? It can be music, poetry, standup comedy, or more. Share what you want to share. Smithie talent showcase meets purple carpet, great acoustics (and mics), and a Steinway piano. Magic Mic Night is a student-led open mic organization that hosts events for Smithies to showcase their art. JostenLive! Is a patron-driven performance series: free and open to all. Contact: josinfo@smith.edu
Lost Loves and Lost Lands With Katherine Saik DeLugan, Mezzo Soprano
Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
Mezzo soprano Katherine Saik DeLugan and pianist Lemuel Gurtowsky present Hector Berlioz’s song cycle, "Les nuits d'été," Hugo Wolf’s "Mignon Lieder" and Reena Esmail’s trio, "This Love Between Us" with violinist Robyn Quinnett. Free and open to the public.
Tiana Clark and HS Prize Winners Presented by the Boutelle-Day Poetry Center
Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m., Weinstein Auditorium, Wright
Tiana Clark’s new collection, "Scorched Earth: Poems" (Washington Square Press, 2025), delves into a wide array of subjects, from the complexities of divorce to the first Black Bachelorette, and the intricate dynamics of the art world. Clark will be joined in conversation by Ocean Vuong following the reading, and the winner and finalists of the high school prize, chosen by Clark, will kick off the evening. Books will be sold at the event and a signing will follow. Free and open to all. Livestreams also available on Boutelle-Day Poetry Center YouTube.
Presentation of Majors/Minors
Presentation of the Psychology Major
Wednesday, April 2, 12:15 p.m.
Presentation of the Psychology Major Come meet faculty and learn about the major & minor and upcoming classes. Have questions about advising, we'll talk about that too! Pizza will be served.
Religious Life
Passover Information and Reservations
April 12-April 20
The Jewish holiday of Passover will take place from Saturday April 12 through the evening of Sunday April 20. Passover celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and the arrival of Spring’s renewal. Limited Passover items will be in all dining halls and Kosher Dining will serve three meals daily. All are welcome to reserve a place for Seder (Sat. 4/12) and those observing the holiday should reserve Kosher lunch and dinners (no reservation needed for breakfast). Complete information and links are found at https://www.smith.edu/your-campus/dining-menus/current-students/kosher-halal-dietary-accommodations/passover. Please address any questions to kosher@smith.edu or crsl@smith.edu
Shabbat
Friday, April 4, 5:30 p.m.
The Smith College Jewish Community invites you to the Kosher Kitchen in Jordan House, for Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday nights at 5:30pm! Join together in song and prayer to welcome in Shabbat as a community. Services will often be followed by Kosher vegetarian meals. Check out @scjewishcomm on Instagram for weekly themes. All are welcome! Please reach out to scjc@smith.edu with any questions.
Soup Salad and Soul
Friday, April 4, 12:15 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel
Come get cozy and enjoy a hot, delicious vegetarian soup made by awesome student cooks while taking part in reflective, student-led discussions on spirituality and life! Students of all religious, spiritual, and non-religious/non-spiritual backgrounds are welcome. The Bodman Lounge is in the basement of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel and accessible via elevator from the rear of the building. For details on food and other general accessibility questions, email fsullivan@smith.edu or mcantwel@smith.edu.
Jummah Prayer
Friday, April 4, 12:30 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
Join us for Jummah at the Hampshire Mosque in Hadley. Meet in front of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel at 12:25 pm. Van will leave by 12:30 pm and return to campus no later than 2:30 pm. Bring a prayer rug and complete your ablution beforehand. We have extra prayer rugs if you need one! Sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. To RSVP, email crsl@smith.edu.
Catholic Mass
Sunday, April 6, 3:30 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
All are welcome to celebrate Mass with Smith's Newman Catholic Club and Fr. Val Nworah. If you would like to receive the sacrament of confession before the start of Mass, please contact Fr. Val at v.nworah@diospringfield.org. Stay after Mass to pray the Rosary with members of the Newman Club.
Mindful Mondays
Monday, April 7, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 205
If you are looking for a place to make connections and practice tools for awareness and self-acceptance, come join Mindful Mondays with College Chaplain Matilda Cantwell! With light meditation, embodiment practice, and discussion, we make a space that encourages healing and community. All levels of experience are welcome.
Meetings/Workshops
Funding Graduate School and Postgraduate Fellowships
Tuesday, April 1, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 204
Find out about highly selective awards for excellent students who plan master's-level or doctoral study in the US or abroad. Among the awards available, there are different citizenship rules (some are open to the world, some open only to US citizens), and different timing of applications (some require application in junior year, some permit application well after graduation). Some focus on particular academic disciplines; some emphasize diversity. Find out what you can do now to enhance your chances of securing a competitive award and create your personal short list of possible awards. Register here https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1718054/share_preview
Connect With Your Senses
Tuesday, April 1, 4 p.m., Campus Center 103/4
The Community Health Organizers invite you to participate in "Connect With Your Senses", an event focused on strengthening your connection to your five senses and grounding yourself in your body! Come FEEL slime with the Design Thinking Initiative, LISTEN to music with Josten, VIEW the Nolan Art Exhibit, SMELL essential oils from the Botanic Garden, and TASTE a sundae treat from the CHO's!
Intro to the Fulbright US Student Program - Group Presentation Session
Thursday, April 3, 6 p.m., Virtual Event
Get to know Fulbright fellowships! Join students from several other colleges hear how IIE Fulbright Staff and Alumni Ambassadors describe the Fulbright US Student Program’s history, eligibility, award types, award benefits and application components and tips. After the general presentation, Smith College students and recent alums will go to a breakout room to talk with Smith College Fulbright Program Advisers about institution-specific details, such as campus resources, deadlines, and next steps. The Fulbright US Student Program is only open to US citizens. Register for this meeting in advance on the Fulbright US Student Program website using this link: https://apply.iie.org/register/4.03.2025-Spring-GPS-5
Let’s Talk Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Awards
Monday, April 7, 12:15 p.m., Lazarus Center, Drew
Come to learn about the Fulbright US Student Program's English Teaching Assistantships. We'll talk about eligibility, deadlines, what experiences help you to become a strong candidate, and how we will work with candidates as they plan and complete their applications. Please register in advance for this meeting in Handshake: https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1715242/share_preview Note that the Fulbright US Student Program is only open to US citizens.
Fulbright Study/Research Info Session
Tuesday, April 8, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 203
Come to learn about the Fulbright US Student Program's Study & Research awards. We'll talk about eligibility, how to plan a feasible and strong Fulbright research project, and how to assemble your team of mentors and supporters. We’ll talk about why, in most cases, there is an overlap between research and study awards. Please register in advance for https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1718123/share_preview">this meeting in Handshake: https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1718123/share_preview Note that the Fulbright US Student Program is only open to US citizens.
Fellowships for International Students
Tuesday, April 15, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center 203
Are you an international student with outstanding academic achievement, and a strong record of campus or community volunteering and/or leadership? Are you interested in applying for a highly competitive post graduate merit scholarship or grant like Gates Cambridge, Knight-Hennessey, Rhodes, or Schwarzman? If yes, then this workshop will get you started in exploring if fellowships like this are for you, tools to help you to research other options, and ways to enhance your chances of success. Register here: https://smith.joinhandshake.com/events/1718126/share_preview Target audience: international students from any year with an excellent academic record of achievement and plans for what to do after graduation.
Other Events and Activities
Star Gazing
Friday, April 4, 8:30 p.m., McConnell Hall Roof
The Astronomy Department will hold a stargazing open house on the McConnell roof, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Come see the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, star clusters, and a region of active star formation. All are welcome. Please dress warmly. Event will be canceled in the event of heavy cloud cover. For further information or to check on weather conditions, contact Meg Thacher (mthacher@smith.edu, 413-585-3935).
Essence: Black Royalty and Divinity
Saturday, April 5, 6 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
Essence is a Black Culture show which began in Spring of 2023. It includes various performances of dance, song, poetry as well as a fashion show. Essence aims to bring together students across the 5 colleges to celebrate Black culture. This year’s theme is Black Royalty and Divinity and it is being hosted by Black Rhythms.
Second Friday at Museum of Art
Friday, April 11, 4 p.m., Museum of Art
Enjoy an evening of art, making, and community at the April 11 Second Friday! SCMA is free and open to all. From 4–7pm, Seeds, Flowers and Trees! Recycle grocery bags and newspaper into a living seed necklace, wearable oversized flowers and weathergrams to hang in trees. From 4–8pm, discover and enjoy four floors of art! Including a Pop-Up exhibition of German Expressionist prints and drawings curated by the Amherst College class “Apocalypse and Utopia” in the Cunningham Center located on the second floor, along with the current exhibition Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now. Learn more: https://scma.smith.edu/calendar/april-second-friday
Register Now: April Break Smith Sports Academy Hosted By Smith Basketball (All Kids Grades K-6)
April 21-24, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Ainsworth Gym & Athletic Fields
College coaches and players will utilize the unique facilities at Smith College (indoor track and tennis facility, 3 full size gyms, squash courts, yoga room, film room, field turf, soccer field, and hiking trails) to facilitate activities that range from team sports (ex: basketball, soccer) and fun initiative games (ex: shipwreck, sports obstacle courses) to arts and crafts, talent shows, and movie screenings. Open to all kids K-6 (participants will be divided into age-appropriate groups). Registration fee is $350. To register or for more information, visit https://smithpioneers.com/sb_output.aspx?form=132