For Parents & Families
Ensuring that your student has an exceptional college experience is our top priority. We’re here to partner with families to provide the resources you and your student need to make a Smith education a powerful, lifelong investment.
The Big Picture
Family Orientation
August 29, 2025
Orientation isn’t just for new students! On move-in day—August 29, 2025—parents and families are encouraged to explore the campus and meet some of the staff and faculty who will help to shape their student’s college experience. Families spend the morning with their students as they check in, move into their rooms, eat lunch, and hear the first presidential address of the year. In the afternoon, while students are getting filled in on the essentials of campus and academic life, families can partake in walking tours or one of several sessions tailored to their curiosity or concerns from 2:30–5:30 p.m. For a full list of events and sessions open to families, please see the Family Orientation schedule.
Lunch for All New Students and Their Families
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
New students and their families are invited to enjoy lunch, served buffet style, at all open dining rooms. Come at any time during the lunch hour. View hours and menus.
President’s Assembly
12:30–1:30 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
All entering students and their families are invited to a community address by President Sarah Willie-LeBreton.
Attendance at this event is required for all new students.
Welcome Reception
1:30–2:20 p.m. | Chapin Lawn (Rain Location: Campus Center Carroll Room)
Following the President’s Assembly, light refreshments will be served until 2:20 p.m., when parents and students will head to their respective sessions.
Meet the Campus Life Staff
2:30–3:30 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Head back to JMG to get to know all the ways Smith staff members work to support your student throughout their time at Smith. This presentation will introduce you to both academic and campus life staff, who will lead a lively discussion on what to expect in your student’s first year at Smith and give an overview of the rest of the Family Orientation activities.
This session is for families only. Students are expected to attend Playfair followed by their Dean’s welcome session at this time.
Family Orientation: Choice Sessions
While students are getting filled in on the essentials of campus and academic life, families can partake in walking tours or one of several sessions tailored to their curiosities or concerns.
These sessions are for families only. Students are expected to attend their Dean’s welcome session at this time.
Campus Safety & Your Student
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 110
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.
Engaging in Co-Curricular Life
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 101
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 the Smith Houses
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 302
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!
Student Financial Services 101
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 212
- Polly Gelfman, Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
- Michael Ireland, Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Meet with staff from Student Financial Services to discuss your student’s money management, campus employment, the billing process, and financial aid.
Smith’s Student Support Resources
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 301
- ej seibert, Director of Care and Community Standards
- Kris Evans, Director of the Schacht Center for Health & Wellness
Join ej seibert 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.
Understanding Internship & Career Opportunities at Smith
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 201
- Alex Keller, Dean of the College/Vice President for Campus Life
- Faith McClellan, Dean of Career Development
Hear from the Dean of the College and 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.
Welcome to the Smith College Libraries
3:45–5:30 p.m. | Neilson Library Browsing Room (102)
- Michelle Gibeault, Head of Teaching, Learning & Research
- 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.
Campus Tours
Departing from the front doors of Seelye Hall, these walking tours will end at the Campus Center.
Everything You Need to Know to Help Your New Student Thrive
4:45–5:30 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall (lower level)
- Alex Keller, Dean of the College/Vice President for Campus Life
- Julianne Ohotnicky, Dean of Students/Associate Vice President for Campus Life
Spend some time with the Dean of the College and the Dean of Students, who will share their insights on new student transition and adjustment, and their recommendations on communicating with your college student.
Accessibility and Accommodations
4:45–5:30 p.m. | Seelye Hall 106
Staff from 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
Parents and families are welcome.
Dinner & Family Time
5:30–7 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 Back Dinner for Smith’s Indigenous Community and Special Welcome for Incoming Native and Indigenous Students
5:30–7 p.m. | Lyman Plant House, Church Gallery
Please join the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for dinner to greet our new students and welcome back returning Indigenous-identified students, staff, and faculty.
Parents and families are welcome.
Welcome Event with Athletics
5:45–6:30 p.m. | Ainsworth Gym
For first-year student athletes and their families.
Helpful Information
Have you forgotten when finals start but don’t want to ask your already-stressed-out Smithie for the 10th time in a week? Planning a trip to campus and want to scope out what’s on offer at the Campus Center Café ahead of time?
Take Care
Be there for them even though you can’t be here for them. Many parents and family members enjoy sending care packages to their student—especially during finals or other high-stress times—to provide some comfort and a sweet pick-me-up (or two!). We’ve compiled a short list of local vendors (including our very own bookstore!) and options for sending a hug to your favorite Smithie.
Academic Services
Regardless of your student’s academic interests, Smith has the resources and tools necessary to help them thrive. With several tutoring centers on campus, staffed by both faculty members and peer advisers, each student receives the support they need, when they need it—whether that’s group study sessions or individualized tutoring appointments.
“When I arrived on campus as a first year student nearly 40 years ago, I was told that I would make friends for life, which as a 17 year old I found difficult to imagine, never mind believe. Today, I can attest that those college friends are truly life-long sister-friends who have accompanied me through all of life's trials and tribulations.”
