Student Organizations

• CRSL Supported Student Organizations can collaborate and request co-sponsorship with CRSL on programs, activities, events and special initiatives. They can also request support from CRSL for holiday services and celebrations.
• All sponsorships must be approved by the CRSL director, Matilda Cantwell.
• In some cases the sponsorship idea will be brought before the Student Advisory Board for input and feedback prior to a final decision. 
• Requests should be submitted within 3-6 weeks prior to the activity for proper consideration. 
• The Center requests proposals in writing and that they include date, time, program description, budget, resources, and needed support.
• Students are expected to think through needed logistics and provide event set up but are welcome to request assistance from CRSL staff in the planning stages.

• Student Organizations are expected to use 25Live to make on campus space reservations and follow the Office of Student Engagement procedures regarding policies and approval time. Students unfamiliar with 25 live can arrange for training from Maureen Raucher and/or Kim Alston.
• Center staff can also assist unchartered student organizations with space reservations. Student leaders/organizers from these groups are expected to adhere to established deadlines for approvals and Campus Center protocols.

• Student Organizations can request funding for programs including speakers, transportation, accommodations, logistical support and refreshments from the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Funds may also be available from the OSE. 
• Funding is limited and must be approved by Maureen Raucher or Matilda Cantwell. Students must submit a written request or in the case of reimbursements provide receipts of approved purchases. 
• For new proposal requests a meeting with the director, Matilda Cantwell is required and can be made by Maureen or Kim.
• Use of the Center’s Procurement Card must be approved by Center staff and will require the accompaniment of a detailed receipt for every purchase.
• The Smith Student Aid Society provides support for art supplies, eye glasses, emergencies, winter clothing, summer study, etc. The application for funding is available on the Smith Social Network on the OSE webpage.

• Student groups are expected to assist in their own marketing efforts e.g. creating flyers, posters, and signs as well as posting to internal Smith networks and social media accounts if warranted.
• CRSL does not release student names and emails to outside groups as a rule to protect student privacy. However, the Center staff can send communication to students using its internal databases, as appropriate. Student orgs can request specific databases as appropriate to send out information on their organization or programming.
• Student organizations which collaborate with CRSL are asked to give recognition to CRSL on marketing materials i.e. Sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.
• CRSL can promote student org activities on its website at www.smith.edu/religiouslife. Leaders can send electronic flyers/posters to Kim and Maureen for publication.

• CRSL Supported Student Organizations can reserve Center spaces including the sanctuary and Bodman Lounge (B1), using 25Live. Organizations also have access on a first-come first served basis to the student room (B4), Blue Room (B5) and Wright Hall Prayer Space, in Wright 004. 
• Both prayer spaces have special guidelines which must be adhered to such as the removal of shoes before entering the space.
• Students are welcome to use the student room (B4) and its computers provided that it does not interfere with the work of the Center’s work study students.
• The Center also provides access to supplies including a multi-functional device, color printer, paper, office supplies, religious books, and some specialty items.
• The Center can also support a small budget for meeting refreshments.
• We can provide staff representation at events when given adequate notice.

For more information contact:

Maureen Raucher, x2754, mraucher@smith.edu; Kim Alston, x2753, kalston@smith.edu 

Al Iman

Al Iman is a Muslim Students’ Association affiliated with MSA National, dedicated to create an environment for Muslims and non-Muslims to come together and participate in social events. Al Iman’s goals include planning activities to better enable Smith students to understand Islam, its image in the world, and its political, spiritual, and human implications. The organization promotes values that circle around unity, a local and global community, and the value of humanity.

Meetings:
TBA

Contacts for 2024-2025: 

Co-chairs: Muneera Alshagawi & Ramsha Rauf

Secretary: Gabas Yagoub

Treasurer:  Nubraz Khan

Publicity Chairs: Huda Sarhan & Rehab Malik  

Social Chairs: Tahiya Chowdhury & Yusra Afzal

Religious Outreach Chair: Ayesha Syar

Social Justice and Equity Chair: Kadiatou Diallo 

The purpose of Blackappella is to celebrate the history of black people by singing traditional spirituals and contemporary music by and for black folks across the diaspora. In paying homage to those who came before us, Blackappella recognizes our connections to one another. Blackappella came into existence in the fall of 2016 out of the pain and trauma of black students grappling with the current state of anti-blackness in the country. Through music, this club creates a space to talk about faith, healing, community, and activism. Blackappella’s mission is first to empower black students through song, and secondly to use our collective voices to engage the larger community in the fight for black life. #BLACKLIVESMATTER always.

2024-2025 Contact: Zora Danticat, zdanticat@smith.edu

Catholic Club

The Newman Catholic Club a group dedicated to giving Catholic Smithies the opportunity to worship with their fellow Catholics. It strives to strengthen the Catholic community at Smith. Open to everyone.

Meetings:

For Fall Semester 2024, Mass is held in the Helen Hills Hills Chapel Sanctuary with Fr. Valentine Nworah. Mass schedule varies. 

Contact: Newman Club President Maria Tejada Gonzalez, mtejada@smith.edu 

First Baptist Church of Amherst Growth Group

Growth Group is a Christian small group that is affiliated with the First Baptist Church in Amherst. We meet for worship, fellowship, and bible study. We also participate in community events with other FBC five college members such as Agape night (student led worship), social events, and retreats. We welcome everyone who is interested in joining and learning more about the Christian faith!

2024 - 2025 Contact: Maureen Raucher

Hindu Student Organization

Contact: Kim Alston (kalston@smith.edu)

Interfaith Alliance

Contact: Matilda Cantwell

International Student Bible Study 

• Wednesdays 7-8pm in CC 102

Black Campus Ministry Bible Study

• Sundays 7-8:30pm in CC 204 

Prayer Meeting 

• Fridays 12:30 - 1:15 in the CC 204

Large Group Gatherings 

• Every other Friday 6-7:30pm in CC 103/104

Contact: Ruth Kendall

Sisters of the Yam

Sisters of the Yam is a closed space for black-identifying Smithies (those descending from the African diaspora). It was created by Fulani Oghoghome '17J, a student working on a project concerning themes around black womanhood, wellness, and vulnerability who saw a lack of spaces on campus for intentional reflection and healing at Smith. This space allows for writing, meditation, listening, self reflection and collective organizing to be done. Also events scheduled involving outside facilitation will be based in holistic and alternative healing and mental wellness.

Contact: Kim Alston (kalston@smith.edu)

Smith College Jewish Community (SCJC)

Smith College Jewish Community endeavors to address the needs of Jewish students on campus and to encourage a sense of community between them by being pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive. It provides opportunities to explore and celebrate Judaism and Jewish culture, while enriching the lives of the Smith community. Smith College Jewish Community provides religious services, maintains a kosher kitchen, and sponsors educational events relating to Jewish issues.

Meetings:
Shabbat: 5:30 p.m. Fridays, Kosher Kitchen, Jordan House

Contacts for 2024-2025:

Chair: Lux Onigman

Treasurer: Zoe Plumridge

Secretary: Lilian Olson

Religious Chair: Rosie Ackerman

Logistics: Amy Dorfman

Abigail Akers: Communication