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

Considering Smith?

Is your student considering going to Smith? The college application process—and eventual decision—is stressful on parents and family members, too. There’s a lot of information to take in, from cost to location to campus culture and everything in between. Learn more about the fundamentals of a Smith education to help your student make an informed decision about where they’ll be taking their next (big!) steps.

Applying to Smith Tuition & Financial Aid

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?

We get it, so we’ve gathered together a few lists of links you may find helpful. From the academic calendar to health and wellness information, get a glimpse of your students’ life on campus and stay informed about the important stuff.

You can also check out the Family Handbook, where we’ve listed some important topics, frequently asked questions, and acronyms.

Your Smithie, Supported

The Office of Student Affairs takes a holistic approach to supporting your Smithie during their years on campus. Partnering with other entities like the Dean of the College, Student Engagement, and the Accessibility Resource Center, we aim to provide services, programs, and activities in support of Smith’s goals of exploring, engaging, and belonging.

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.

Student and their family at an assembly during Family Weekend.

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.

Crosswalk in downtown Northampton

Is the Area Safe?

Smith and Northampton are significantly safer than most medium- or large-sized cities. Still, we are extremely cautious. Students are briefed on personal safety and have access to self-defense courses. Houses are always locked and have intercoms for identifying visitors. We offer nighttime escorts and shuttle buses, emergency alarm boxes across campus, and our security officers patrol 24 hours a day.

We have a campuswide emergency notification system to quickly communicate news to the entire community, and Campus Safety coordinates responses to all emergency situations.

Learn More About Campus Safety
“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.”
Ginetta Candelario ’90, Professor of Sociology and of Latin American & Latino/a Studies; Editor of Meridians

Quick Links

Finances

Pay Your Bill Tuition & Aid Student Financial Services

On Campus

Living at Smith Academic Calendar Campus Map

News & Events

Smith Families Facebook Page Smith Families Instagram Orientation Commencement Family Weekend

In Other Words

Padres de estudiantes prospectivos 写给父母 寫給父母