Virtual Community Engagement
During this time of coronavirus, members of the Smith College community find themselves scattered far and wide. Most of us are working, teaching, and learning remotely. In spite of social distancing, however, we can maintain social connection, which research shows to be crucial for overall well-being. Although we face uncertainty, we can stay connected. We are Smith.
Virtual Community Engagement Team
The Virtual Community Engagement Team’s purpose is to coordinate and communicate the many community-engagement efforts already underway and those yet to be planned. Currently, E-Digest is the main method of communication. The team can also identify gaps to suggest additional efforts and learn from peer institutions’ strategies and programs.
Key principles guiding us include the following:
- Social connection can happen even with physical distance.
- Different groups need different programs.
- Some programs will be synchronous, while others are asynchronous.
- Right now, many groups need to focus on self-care before they can engage in broader social connection.
- We want to include alumnae whenever possible.
- We acknowledge that first years, transfers, and new staff and faculty have never experienced a semester on campus.
Additional student remote support resources can be found on the Student Affairs website.
Anti-Racist Resources
Virtual Resources
Smith #PetsofProfs Pet Photo Album
Meet your new classmates/TAs. These furry friends will be making an appearance on your professors’ Zoom lectures.
Dear Evan Hansen Virtual Choir
“You will be found”—a necessary message for anyone feeling isolated and alone right now.
Video Game Recommendation: Animal Crossing
Take a trip to your own island paradise with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a low-pressure life simulator where you’re free to fill the days however you like: planting trees, fishing, catching butterflies, or staying indoors and decorating your tent.
Cats Playing with Dominoes
The Internet brings together two great video themes: cats and Rube Goldberg machines made of dominos.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Cam
Feeling sad or bored? You “otter” check this out! The Monterey Bay Aquarium sea otter cam gives you a live feed of these mischievous and mustachioed mammals.
Daily Poetry with Tracy K. Smith
Check out The Slowdown for a daily 5-minute dose of poetry, read by Tracy K. Smith, one of the most celebrated poets of our time. She served as the 22nd United States Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019.
Video: Baby Elephant Playing in the Mud
Pure silliness: this baby elephant is having so much fun.
Video: Indigenous dancers share dances online
COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of pow wows across North America. So indigenous dancers recorded themselves dancing and shared.
20 amazing places you can visit without leaving home
Travel the world from home! See museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and historic monuments
NASA’s media library is completely free
Want to escape into the far reaches of outer space? Look no further! NASA has made their entire media library available.
Livestream: Giant Panda Cam
This is so cute we can't BEAR it: Wolong Grove Panda Yard. Explore.org has many livestream animal cams for you to enjoy!
Video: Dr. Seuss Raps over Dr. Dre Beats - Fox in Socks
Wes Tank raps Dr. Seuss’ classic children's book “Fox in Sox” over Dr. Dre's legendary hip hop beats for “What's the Difference” and “Let Me Ride” with much due respect to the flows and styles of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Xzibit and Snoop Dogg.
Weekly Online Meditation
Students, faculty, staff and alumnae are invited to come together online for weekly mindfulness meditation led by Ruth Ozeki and Mary Beth Brooker. Meet on Mondays via Zoom for a simple, relaxed practice of breath- and body-centered meditation, based on Zen forms. The 30-minute period starts with a 10-minute guided meditation, which serves as instruction, followed by a short stretching break and a second period of silent meditation. All levels are welcome, no experience is needed, and you can feel free to join or leave the meeting at any time. Please email oei@smith.edu for the Zoom information.
Surviving the End of the World
This is an 8-week support group for students to navigate the uncertain waters we’re in and build community where we can bring our full selves. It takes the work of Black feminist and activist adrienne maree brown as a jumping-off point for discussion, interactive practice, reflection, and action. Topics will include explorations of internal and group power, how to develop personal practices that support our adaptation, and what it means to hold multiple emotions at the same time. Despair, hope, grief, rage, fear, joy, numbness, depression and more are all welcome. This group will be shaped by the interests and inclinations of its participants, and it will make connecting on Zoom fun. Please join us Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm EST on Zoom, and reach out to aostow@smith.edu with any questions you may have.
Smith COVID-19 Experience Map
The Spatial Analysis Lab is launching the Smith COVID-19 Experience Map—a chance to tell your story in the wake of this pandemic. Share your feelings and observations about the rapidly changing world and how your community is responding. Connect with other Smithies around the world with similar experiences and learn from our differences. This map will become an archive of social distancing tips and tricks, recipes and resources that grounded us during these challenging times. Fill out the survey and see your response appear on the map.
Reporting Harassment as an Asian/Asian American During COVID-19
If you are Asian/Asian American and are experiencing any form of racial harassment, as mild as someone just screaming "Asian" at you and crossing the street, please report it.
If you experience incidents of discrimination or bias at Smith, including online, by another member of our community, please remember that you can use our online reporting tool, Ethicspoint.
Low-Income Student Support Group
Mondays 12:15–1:30 p.m.
April 20–May 4
Facilitated by Michelle Marchese, LICSW. Membership is based on self-identification. Please register with Laurie at lrohrerwildhagen@smith.edu.
Facilities Management Coverage
Facilities Management is currently at minimal essential staffing. Our priority while on campus is cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and high-touch areas. Private offices and classrooms will not be entered. If you have trash/recycling, please leave it outside the door so it can be picked up as soon as we can. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this pandemic crisis.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit provided by Smith College to help employees work through life's challenges. The program, offered through e4Health, is a confidential and voluntary counseling referral service provided free of charge to employees and members of their family household.
Ombudsperson Services - Remote Meetings
We are now in a very challenging time for everyone at the college. Many of us will find our work situation to be stressful, and there may be times when we're not sure how best to handle things. The college’s Ombudsperson, Michael Stephens, will continue to be available on Mondays and Wednesdays for confidential workplace counseling via remote Zoom conferencing or telephone. If you feel this could be helpful, please email Michael at mjstephens@smith.edu to schedule an appointment.
Schedule Your Virtual Events in the Virtual Location in 25Live
It’s now possible to schedule virtual meetings and other events by submitting a request for a new "location" in 25Live called Virtual Location. This location option allows you to ‘reserve’ a virtual space for your event so that it can be pushed to your program calendars and/or, if the event is not marked as “private,” the main smith.edu/calendar. See the "Forms and Resources" page on the Events Management Office website for further details.
Accommodating Staff and Faculty with Disabilities
If you are an individual with a disability and find yourself in need of an accommodation, please contact Jenny Silver at jsilver@smith.edu. Here is a link to the process for requesting disability-related accommodations at Smith. Please also note that Laura Rauscher (lrauscher@smith.edu) and the interim Title IX Coordinator serve as the college’s co-ADA and 504 Coordinators and are resources to you as well.
Learning & Development Website Offers Webinars, Online Articles and other Resources
The Learning & Development website has been revised to offer a wide range of webinars, online articles and other resources on a variety of topics including working remotely (with or without kids), Excel basic skills, managing remote meetings, relaxation techniques, resilience and mindfulness. Over the coming weeks Human Resources will add to these resources regularly. Visit the Learning & Development website.
For more information and ways to stay connected, please visit eDigest.