Orientation Programs

Note: Events scheduled prior to August 29, 2025, are virtual. You may not arrive on campus before August 29 unless otherwise instructed.

Health Professions Advising Program Information Session

9–10 a.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

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.)

(Optional session for those interested.)

Workday, Moodle, and Technology Services for Students

10–11 a.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

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

(Optional session for those interested.)

Music Department Information Session

2–3 p.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

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.

(Optional session for those interested.)

Languages at Smith Information Session

11 a.m.–noon
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

Do you want to continue studying a language? Learn a new language? Study abroad? Learn about other cultures? Become multilingual? Build community in small interactive classes? Register for a language class this fall! Smith’s language classes teach you to communicate in a new language in under a year. Join this session to learn more about selecting your first classes, taking placement exams, thinking about study abroad, and all the language programs Smith offers.

(Optional session for those interested.)

Get to Know the Libraries

1–1:30 p.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

Meet your first-year librarian and learn all that the libraries at Smith College have to offer you! In this session, you will be introduced to the different library spaces on campus, what resources are available to you, and how the library can support you during your time at Smith. From reservable study spaces, recording studios, contemporary fiction, and so much more, the libraries have you covered!

(Optional session for those interested.)

Health Professions Advising Program Information Session

8–9 p.m.
Online Zoom link can be found in your academic Moodle course (available August 5).

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.)

(Optional session for those interested.)

Central Check-In

8–11 a.m. | Indoor Track & Tennis Facility (ITT)
All students must visit Central Check-In (CCI) prior to arriving at their house to move in. Here, 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, as well as 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

11–11:30 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 from the mail center on the lower level of the Campus Center.
• Handcarts are available to borrow (in limited quantities) from the mail center 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 at any time 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

1:30–2:20 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.

Playfair

2:30–3:15 p.m. | Chapin Lawn (Rain Location: Scott Gym)
After refreshments, students will stay out on the lawn for Playfair, were you will jump-start friendships, boost your team spirit, and build confidence in 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

3:30–4:45 p.m. | Sweeney Auditorium, Sage Hall
Dean of the first-year class, Jennifer Joyce, Ph.D., welcomes the class of 2029 to the Smith College community. This meeting is critical to your success at Smith and will teach you all you need to know about how to approach your first year academically and who will support you. This meeting is for students only.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Class Dean’s Welcome for Transfers, Adas, and Visiting and Exchange Students

3:30–4:45 p.m. | Ford Hall 240
Class Dean Andrea Rossi-Reder and Associate Registrar Karen Sise welcome new transfers, Adas, and visiting and exchange students into the Smith College academic community and share important academic information. The meeting will conclude with the official Ada Comstock Scholars class photo. This meeting is for students only.

All transfer, visiting, and exchange students, and Ada Comstock Scholars are required to attend.

Accessibility and Accommodations

4:45–5:45 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. This session will cover:

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

Parents and families are welcome.

Lawn Games

4:45–5:45 p.m. | Seelye Lawn
Every new student should find their way to the lawn at this time. Meeting your classmates is the name of the game and the game starts now! Challenge yourself to meet at least one new person and try one new game. You’ve got this!

Dinner*

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

*For residential board-paying 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 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 will prepared and supported in your studies at Smith. This session is intended for transfers and Ada Comstock Scholars only.

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.

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 (SAA)
• House life: House Community Adviser(s) (HCA) and the House President (HP)

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 the house menus.

*For residential board-paying students only.

Brunch*

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

Outdoor Adventure 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.

Preseason Athletes
Students who arrived early to participate in certain fall sports may have team commitments on Group Day. Your coach will provide more information about your schedule.

All Other New Students
Students who are not participating in Outdoor Adventure and who are not Preseason Athletes will join their Orientation Leaders for team activities today.

*For residential board-paying students only.

Resource Fair

10:30 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.

Ice Cream Social

2-3 p.m. | Seelye Lawn Tent
Swoop through for some scoops of local Maple Valley Creamery ice cream and sorbet.

Team Time

2–4:30 p.m. | Various Locations
Join your team for an afternoon hangout to get to know your team and share your thoughts on orientation so far. Your OLs have planned some activities especially for you! Locations will be shared by OLs via email.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Dinner*

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Drag Bingo

7–9:30 p.m. | Two Locations
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 just one of these sessions.

• Option 1: Located in the Davis Ballroom
• Option 2: Located in the Campus Center Carroll Room

Spirits of Smith Ghost Tours

8:30–10 p.m. | Meet under Seelye Lawn Tent
A tour group leaves every 30 minutes between 7 and 9 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 in the event of 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 board-paying 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 board-paying students only.

Bus Trips to Hampshire Mall*

9 a.m.–2 p.m. | 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 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.

Tea Time

10–11 a.m. | Various Locations
Join your team for an optional hang-out session on a slow, settling-in day. Locations will be shared by OLs via email.

Adulting 101

1–2 p.m. | Weinstein Auditorium
Adulting is no joke! Come find out how other Smithies are doing it and get some helpful tips.

Choose Your Own Adventure

2–4 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 Smith’s SmithCycle Thrift program. Come by the “shop” to check out the wares.

“Something 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.

Dinner*

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

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! This is a good time to connect with the other new students in your house and unwind after Group Day.

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.

Breakfast*

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Choose Your Own Adventure

9–10:15 a.m. | Various Locations

Meditation
Chapel Sanctuary
Come together this morning for contemplative sharing, guided meditation and techniques to build strength and calm.

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, 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 in the event of inclement weather.

Health & Wellness During Your First Year

10:30–11:30 a.m. | Sweeney Auditorium, Sage 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 provides FREE essential medical and mental health care to all Smith students? This session brings together staff from the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness to give you an overview of the many kinds of support available to you at Smith. There will be a chance for attendees to win prizes and the chance to meet Hannah and Maya, stars of the SMART video!

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Lunch*

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential board-paying students only.

Living in Community

1–2:15 p.m. | Sweeney Auditorium, Sage Hall 
Each year, Smith brings together a new group of students from almost 80 different countries, each with their own unique experiences and values, to live together in one of 41 residential houses on campus, most of them in double rooms!

How does Smith help students navigate these exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging relationships? The Office for Equity and Inclusion thinks about this question every day. At this event, meet staff from OEI and students from the Leaders for Equity-Centered and Action-Based Design (LEAD) program who will begin to explore what this looks like for you.

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Pet-a-Pet Day

3–4 p.m. | Seelye 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 preview!

ARC and DisOrganizing Workshop

3:30–5:30 p.m. | Seelye 106
Have you registered with ARC? Are you registration curious? Every year, disabled students come to Smith College from neighboring towns, across the nation, and around the globe. The Accessibility Resource Center and DisOrganizing, a student group dedicated to creating social change, are deeply committed to fostering community and connections among students with disabilities through self-knowledge, understanding, peer support, mentoring, and empowerment. An overview of our department and available resources will be followed by a session with DisOrganizing. 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 board-paying students only.

Choose Your Own Adventure

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Various Locations

Drop-In Game Night (until 8:30 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 or choose from our collection.

Self-Defense: Confidence in Motion
Ainsworth Gym Room 304 (Rock Wall)
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 gives 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 which 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.

Breakfast*

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Meet Up with Your Student Academic Advisers

9–10 a.m. | Your House Living Room
Check in with your SAAs before Conversations to hear how to maximize your experience when meeting faculty, what to expect with group advising, and how to plan for registration.

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Group Advising Meetings

1–2 p.m. | Various Locations
Faculty liberal arts advisers (LAAs) will meet with their cohort of student advisees in a group context. These meetings are an opportunity to meet students with similar academic interests and get comfortable interacting with faculty as you solidify your plans for registration. At this meeting, confirm with your adviser that your registration hold has been lifted so that you will be able to register.

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

Attendance at this event is required for all new students.

Course Registration

2:30–3:30 p.m. | Online via Workday
Registration will open on Workday at this time. Your SAAs will be waiting for you 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.

Campus Tours with Teams

4–5 p.m. | Various Locations
Take a personalized tour of campus with your LOs to figure out where your classes are located, find your future fave study spot, and more. Locations will be shared by your OLs via email.

Dinner*

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Zine Workshop with Smith College Libraries

6–7:30 p.m. | Davis Ballroom
Join your first-year and art librarians, Xochitl Quiroz and Anna Helgeson, for a fun and low-key zine workshop! Learn what a zine is, where to find them in the libraries, and how to make your own. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own pictures and material to make your zine even more personal.

Connecting through the Cringe

6:30–8 p.m. | Campus Center Carroll Room
Renowned author, speaker, and Smithie favorite Rachel Simmons returns to show you how to embrace the “awkward” to make true friends, build community, and become your own person in college.

Refreshments provided.

Breakfast

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

*For residential board-paying students only.

Meet Up with Your Student Academic Advisers

8:30–9:30 a.m. | Your House Living Room
In preparation for the start of classes on Thursday, your SAA(s) 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.

Smith Reads: A Conversation with the Author

9:30–10:30 a.m. | Sweeney Auditorium, Sage Hall
Hear from Loretta J. Ross, Associate Professor in the Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality department at Smith College and author of this year’s Smith Reads selection, Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel. Professor Ross 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. | Sweeney Auditorium, Sage 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 if you need one. Cash preferred.

Smith Reads Discussions

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Various Locations
Reconvene with your Orientation team to converse with a faculty or staff facilitator about this year’s Smith Reads selection, Calling In. 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 Discussion 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.

Lunch*

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Open Dining Rooms
Open hours for dining halls vary by location. View hours and menus.

*For residential board-paying students only.

Smith’s Birthday Party

3–4:30 p.m. | Seelye Lawn
Smith might be 150 years old, but your years at Smith are just getting started! Come celebrate the end of Orientation, Smith’s birthday, and the beginning of your college career! There will be classic birthday treats and games.

Dinner*

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

*For residential board-paying 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

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.

Refreshments

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.

Family Orientation: Introduction

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

3:30–5:30 p.m. | John M. Greene Hall
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. For a full list of events and sessions open to families, please see the Family Orientation schedule at Central Check-In in the ITT.

These sessions are for families only. Students are expected to attend their Dean’s welcome session at this time.

Accessibility and Accommodations

4:45–5:45 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.

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.