Orientation Programs

Note: Events scheduled prior to September 3 are virtual. You may not arrive on campus before September 3 unless otherwise instructed.

Health Professions Advising Program Information Session

9–10 a.m. or 8–9 pm.*
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 4)
Optional session for those interested.

Preparation for a career in the health professions is part of a larger plan that includes completing prerequisite coursework, relevant clinical experiences, and community service activities. Join this session to get help with selecting your first classes, learn more about planning your activities, and find the support and resources our program offers.

*Choose one health advising session or the other; no need to attend both.

Workday, Moodle, and Technology Services for Students

10–11 a.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 4)
Optional session for those interested.

Join the Information Technology Services (ITS) team to get familiar with the systems and resources you’ll use for course registration, classes, studying, and more. Learn about many ITS services and how to get tech support.

Music Department Information Session

2–3 p.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 4)
Optional session for those interested.

Everything you need to know or want to ask about music at Smith will be covered in this session. Learn about courses, lessons, auditions for ensembles, chamber music, and more.

Central Check-In

8–10:30 a.m. | Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT)
All students must visit Central Check-In (CCI) prior to arriving at their house to move in. There, you will check in with the registrar, receive an information packet with your student ID (OneCard), complete forms as necessary, and receive your room key.* You and your family will be able to meet representatives from offices on campus and community partners who offer valuable services to students.

*Even students whose rooms do not require a physical key must check in at CCI.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Settle In

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Take this time to move into your room, meet your roommate or housemates, and start unpacking the essentials. Tips:

• Students who mailed their belongings can retrieve them at Mail Services, located on the lower level of the Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center.
• Handcarts are available to borrow (in limited quantities) from Mail Services and Clark Hall.
• Student volunteers in houses may assist with moving according to their own abilities. You should always be prepared to move your items into your house by yourself or with the help of your family/guests.

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 anytime during the lunch hour. View the house 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.

Refreshments

1:30–2 p.m. | Chapin Lawn (Rain location: Campus Center, First Floor)
Following the President’s Assembly, light refreshments will be served until 2 p.m., when parents and students will head to their respective sessions.

Playfair

2–2:45 p.m. | Chapin Lawn (Rain location: Scott Gym)
After refreshments, students will stay out on the lawn for Playfair. Jump-start friendships, boost team spirit, and build confidence by playing a series of fun games.

This experience is for students only. Parents and families are asked to begin the Family Orientation sessions at this time.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Welcome from the Dean of the First-Year Class

3–4:30 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
First-Year Class Dean Jennifer Joyce will welcome the class of 2030 to the Smith College community. This address is critical to your success at Smith. Dean Joyce will teach you how to approach your first year academically and how the class dean and others will support you.

This meeting is for students only.

Attendance at this event is required for first-year students.

Class Dean’s Welcome for Transfer Students, Ada Comstock Scholars, and Visiting and Exchange Students

3–4:30 p.m. | Ford Hall, Room 240
Class Dean Andrea Rossi-Reder and Associate Registrar Karen Sise welcome new transfers, Adas, and visiting and exchange students into the Smith community and share important academic information. The meeting will conclude with the official Ada Comstock Scholars class photo.

This meeting is for students only.

Attendance at this event is required for transfer, visiting, and exchange students and Ada Comstock Scholars.

Team Time

4:30–5:30 p.m. | Various locations shared by OLs via email
Meet with all members of your team and your orientation leaders (OLs) for the first time. Learn about the orientation team experience, get acquainted with ongoing Orientation activities, and work together to create something special to showcase your team spirit.

Accessibility and Accommodations

5–6 p.m. | Seelye Hall, Room 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. This session will cover:

• disability services, accommodations, and documentation
• academic requirements and support services
• students’ rights and responsibilities

Optional session for those interested. Parents and families are welcome.

Dinner*

6–7 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. Please refer to the end of this schedule for a link to the most up-to-date listing of open hours.

*For residential meal-plan students only. Students wishing to dine with families should plan to eat downtown at one of our local restaurants.

Transfer Students and Ada Comstock Scholars STEM Session

5:30–7 p.m. | Burton Hall, Room 209
Entering transfer students and Ada Comstock Scholars considering a STEM major can join this session for information tailored to their experience. Hear from faculty representatives from several STEM departments for information on course selection, finding research positions, and making sure you feel prepared for and supported in your studies at Smith. Food will be provided.

This session is intended for transfer students and Ada Comstock Scholars only.

Nuts and Bolts of Living on Campus*

8–9 p.m. | House Living Rooms
Gather with your fellow housemates for this multifaceted information session. Various topics will be covered by the corresponding house representatives:

• Campus Life Resources: Heads of New Students (HONS)
• Academic Resources and Policies: Student Academic Advisers (SAAs)
• House Life: House Community Adviser(s) (HCAs) and the House President (HP)

*Students who do not live in on-campus housing will not attend this meeting.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Breakfast*

7–9 a.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View the house menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Meet Up with Your SAAs

8–9 a.m. | Your House Living Room
Check in with your student academic advisers (SAAs) before the Conversations With Faculty event to hear how to maximize your experience when meeting faculty, what to expect with group advising, and how to plan for registration. SAAs will walk with you to your registration session.

Getting Ready for Registration

9–10 a.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Humanities and First Years’ Engagement Librarian Xochitl Quiroz will open with a brief introduction to the Smith College Libraries. Then, Associate Registrar Karen Sise, along with the SAAs, will provide information about the registration process and add/drop to help prepare for registration later in the day. General information about course registration is on the registrar’s webpage.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Conversations with Faculty

10–11:30 a.m. | Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT)
Conversations is an event during which faculty members from all departments and programs gather in one place to speak with students about course content and selection. Faculty members will be grouped around signs indicating their department, and students are encouraged to speak with faculty from any area of study that piques their interest.

Treat yourself to some light refreshments while you mingle! Not sure what to say? Here are some ideas:

• Are there classes I need to take now in order to major in this subject?
• What course should I take to see if this area of study is a good fit for me?
• What is the focus of your research in your field?
• What practical experiences are there for students who major in this subject?
• How can I study this subject along with another I am interested in?

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Lunch*

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Smith Reads Discussions

12:30–1:30 p.m. | Various Locations
Meet your Orientation team and converse with a faculty or staff facilitator about this year’s Smith Reads selection, Monk and Robot. This is an opportunity to practice academic dialogue in a classroom setting before you begin classes. This kind of participation will be vital to your success in courses across all areas of study. Bring your book/e-book and be ready to share your thoughts.

*Smith Reads Discussions classroom locations will be shared directly with students via email. If you are unsure about your discussion location, reach out to your OLs or email orientation@smith.edu. 

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Group Advising Meetings

1:45–2:45 p.m. | Various Locations Shared by Advisers
LAAs will hold a group meeting with their liberal arts advisees. At this meeting, you will have the chance to meet your LAA’s other advisees and solidify your plans for course registration. Be sure to confirm with your adviser that your registration hold has been lifted so that you will be able to register.

Your LAA will communicate the location of this meeting to you directly during your preorientation individual advising meeting and in a follow-up email afterward. If you don’t receive information about your meeting location by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, please email your adviser.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Course Registration

3–4 p.m. | Online—Students will register for courses through Workday
Registration will open in Workday at this time. Your SAAs will be waiting in your house living room if you have questions or need support during registration.

While you might be feeling apprehensive about your first registration process, you should know that when we surveyed new students, about 70% of respondents reported feeling better right after finishing registration. For students who still felt stressed, reaching out to their adviser or SAA helped to lessen the feeling.

Team Time

4–5 p.m. | Various Locations Shared by OLs via Email
Join up with your team to take part in an activity planned by your OLs just for you!

Dinner*

5–7 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Welcome Dinner for Smith’s Incoming Indigenous and Native Students

5:30–6:30 p.m. | Lyman Plant House, Church Gallery
We welcome new Native and Indigenous students to join returning Native and Indigenous staff, faculty, and students for a community dinner.

Parents and families are welcome.

New Student Line Dance

6:30–8 p.m. | Davis Ballroom
Join the Smith Social and Contra Dance Organization for an introduction to line dancing. Dances are geared toward beginners with lessons throughout the evening. No prior experience is necessary.

HONS Program

7–8 p.m. | House Living Rooms
Meet up with your head(s) of new students (HONS) in your house living room to take part in an activity planned especially for you!

HONS are current students elected by their house community to assist your transition to residential life at Smith. They are the first to welcome you to your house on move-in day, and will continue to welcome you into the house community throughout the year.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Continental Breakfast*

7–9:30 a.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

Note for Outdoor Adventure (OA) Participants: OA participants will receive specific instructions via email about where to get breakfast, where to meet, and whether you will need a bagged lunch.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Brunch*

9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Resource Fair

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT)
If you’re wondering how to get help with your first college-level essay, start volunteering, become a more confident public speaker, or connect with students who share your interests, this is the place to be! The Resource Fair will introduce you to over 30 centers and departments at Smith that will support your academic and extracurricular pursuits. Come with questions at the ready!

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Living in Campus Community

1:30–2:45 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
How does Smith help students navigate the exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging relationships that form when bringing together so many new students? The Office for Equity and Inclusion (OEI) thinks about this question every day. At this event, meet staff from OEI, the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX , and the Leaders for Equity-Centered and Action-Based Design (LEAD) program who will help you understand how to nurture these connections.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Team Time

3–4 p.m. | Various Locations Shared by OLs via Email
Join up with your team again to take part in an activity planned by your OLs just for you!

ARC and Dis-Organizing Workshop

4–6 p.m. | Seelye Hall, Room 106
Have you registered with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)? Every year, students with disabilities come to Smith from neighboring towns, from across the nation, and from around the globe. The ARC and Dis-Organizing—a student group dedicated to creating social change—are both deeply committed to fostering community and connections among students with disabilities through self-knowledge, understanding, peer support, mentoring, and empowerment. An overview of the ARC and available resources will be followed by a session with Dis-Organizing. All are welcome.

Dinner*

5–7 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Drag Bingo

7–9:30 p.m. | Two Location Options
Not your grandma’s bingo! Drag Bingo is a louder, rowdier, and spicier version of an old favorite. Come with your teammates or on your own to enjoy a fabulous show, make friends, and maybe even win a prize!

Due to the popularity of this event, we are offering it in two locations to accommodate a higher capacity. Students interested in playing bingo should attend at just one of these locations:

• Location 1: Davis Ballroom
• Location 2: Campus Center Carroll Room

Spirits of Smith Ghost Tours*

8:30–10:30 p.m. | Meet Under Seelye Lawn Tent
A tour group leaves every 30 minutes between 8:30 and 10 p.m. Your OLs have extensively trained in the art of supernatural storytelling.

Join them on a tour of Smith—which by some accounts is the most haunted college campus in America—to hear spine-tingling tales of the specters of Smith’s past. Get in the spirit by wearing your scary best (if you’d like) and enjoy a silly survey of Smith’s spookiest spaces.

*This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

Continental Breakfast*

7–9:30 a.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Bus Trips to Hampshire Mall*

9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Pickup at Bus Stop in Front of John M. Greene Hall
Take a Smithies-only express PVTA bus to the Hampshire Mall for all those last-minute dorm essentials. The designated bus will leave every hour on the hour. The last bus leaves at 1 p.m.

*The PVTA bus booked for this trip will have a destination sign reading “5 College Shuttle.” Students participating in these trips are asked to use the shuttle and not the regularly scheduled PVTA buses during this time period. Capacity on the shuttle is limited. Seats for each trip are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Brunch*

9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Mindful Morning

10–11 a.m. | Various Locations

Meditation

Chapel Sanctuary
Come together for contemplative sharing, guided meditation, and techniques to build strength and calmness.

Self-Defense: Confidence in Motion

Scott Gym
Learning to defend yourself isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset, presence, and voice. In this class, you’ll discover how your arms, legs, and words work together to keep you safe. By the end, uncertainty will give way to confidence, and you’ll know exactly how much power you really have.

Yoga

Davis Ballroom
Get introduced to the practice of yoga. You’ll learn simple physical postures and sequences to help keep your body relaxed and strong, as well as breathing techniques to relieve stress and improve concentration. Yoga mats are available for participants in limited quantities.

Zumba*

Chapin Lawn
Love Latin music? Want to pick up some moves? Join us for a fun Zumba session! We’ll groove to Latin rhythms, embrace our missteps, and most importantly, share laughter and fun—no experience necessary!

*This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX

11 a.m.–noon | Weinstein Auditorium
Meet the staff of the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX and hear more about how they can help students who experience discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or other concerning conduct. Learn about the resources that Smith provides and how to guide friends and peers to those resources if they need help.

Lawn Games*

12:15–1:30 p.m. | Seelye Lawn
Channel the excitement and nerves from the week into some fun in the sun! Join your OLs on the lawn for low-stakes lawn games.

*This event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Pet-a-Pet Day

12:15–1:15 p.m. | Chapin Lawn
Pet-a-Pet Day, organized by Wellness Services, is a treasured Smith event that brings cute, cuddly pets to campus each semester. Entering students now get their very own Pet-a-Pet.

Crafternoon

1:30–3:30 p.m. | Various Locations

SmithCycle Thrift Open Hours

Scales House Basement
Save some money and reduce landfill waste when you reuse one-of-a-kind, gently used dorm room supplies and appliances from the SmithCycle Thrift program. Come by the “shop” to check out the wares.

Smith 2 Do Crafts

Campus Center Carroll Room
Looking to get a little crafty? Your talented OLs will walk you through a craft of your choice. Pick from a number of options for custom dorm decor and college essentials.

Health & Wellness During Your First Year

3:30–4:30 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Even if you don’t need help with health, wellness, or accessibility needs right now, there is still a lot to learn about how Smith will support you no matter what comes your way. For example, did you know that the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness provides FREE essential medical and mental health care to all Smith students? This session brings together staff from the Schacht Center to give you an overview of the many kinds of support available to you at Smith. Attendees could win a prize and will have the opportunity to meet some of the stars of the SMART video!

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Dinner*

5–7 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Self-Defense: Confidence in Motion

6–7 p.m. | Scott Gym
Learning to defend yourself isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset, presence, and voice. In this class, you’ll discover how your arms, legs, and words work together to keep you safe. By the end, uncertainty will give way to confidence, and you’ll know exactly how much power you really have.

Sex Education Session

7–9 p.m. | Campus Center Carroll Room
Join the community health organizers (CHOs)—fellow Smithies trained in public health outreach—for a judgment-free sex education session that will cover the basics of safe relationships, consent, and intimate health. This session is for students with any level of familiarity with these topics, and is designed to be welcoming and informative for students of all identities. The end of the session will feature carnival-style games to test your learning with the opportunity to win fun prizes.

Drop-In Game Night

8–10 p.m. | Davis Ballroom
Stop by to play a board game, make friends, and get your game on! Snacks and drinks provided. Bring your own game or choose from our collection.

Breakfast*

7–9 a.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Meet Up with Your SAAs

8:30–9:30 a.m. | Your House Living Room
In preparation for the start of classes on Thursday, your student academic advisers (SAAs) will meet you to discuss best practices in the classroom, where to find academic support resources, and how to navigate the add/drop period. This will also be a time for some bonding with your SAAs. Your SAAs will take you over as a group to Smith Reads.

Smith Reads: A Conversation with the Author

9:30–10:30 a.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Hear from Becky Chambers, author of this year’s Smith Reads selection, Monk and Robot. Chambers will lead a lively on-stage conversation stemming from questions posed over the course of the summer by incoming students.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Smith Reads: Book Signing

10:30–11:30 a.m. | John M. Greene Hall
Stay after the Smith Reads presentation to get your book signed by the author. Don’t have a hard copy? No worries, there will be books for sale at the door. Cash is preferred.

Lunch*

12:30–1:30 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Career Tools for Your First Year

1:30–2:15 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium
Start exploring career possibilities from day one at Smith! Learn a few simple steps to begin your career journey, discover helpful first-year resources, and set up your Handshake profile with a quick demo of how to find opportunities and connections. Hosted by staff from the Lazarus Center for Career Development. Please bring your laptop.

End of Orientation Celebration*

3–4:30 p.m. | Seelye Lawn
We know that you wish Orientation could go on forever, but all good things must come to an end. Be rewarded for your participation with some sweet treats and prizes, thank your OLs, and find out which team will come out on top. Wear your team color, and bring lots of good vibes!

*This event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Dinner*

5–7 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential meal-plan students only.

Welcome Carnival

7–10 p.m. | Chapin Lawn
Join the Office of Student Engagement, the Student Government Association, Dining Services, the Dean of the College, and the Office of Student Affairs as we kick off the beginning of another wonderful academic year! The evening will be filled with music, dancing, and a few fun treats as we celebrate our community together.

Fall Orientation

For the Fall Orientation experience, all new students are encouraged to pack at least the following: 

• Warm weather clothes that allow for movement (walking, running)
• Comfortable shoes 
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A reusable water bottle
• Rain gear (waterproof boots/shoes, rain jacket and/or umbrella)
• Light layers for evenings/nights (sweater, flannel, etc.)

For Outdoor Adventure (OA) participants, please consult the materials that OA program directors send directly to participants for a detailed packing list.

Spring Orientation

For the Spring Orientation experience (January arrival), all new students are encouraged to pack at least the following:

• A well-insulated winter coat
• Warm clothing and thick socks
• Winter boots
• Gloves, hats, and scarves
• Reflective clothing/accessories for use at night