Smith eDigest
The Smith eDigest is sent to all campus e-mail accounts on Tuesday and Thursday each week during the academic year, and on Tuesday during the summer, providing important notices, college news, links to articles of general interest to the community, deadline notifications, and other college information. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. the day before publication date. Information on submitting items is available at: https://www.smith.edu/news-stories/edigest-form/.
05/16/2024 Digest
Geothermal Energy Project
Geothermal Energy Project Update
Tuesday, May 14
Fencing, signage, and scrim in the Quad will be reconfigured and cleaned up to prepare for Commencement and Reunion weekends. Trenching activities are ongoing in the Central District near Neilson Library, Bass Hall, Lawrence House, and the area outside of Tyler and Morris houses. Please view the project website, http://smithgeoenergy.info, to view the graphic which outlines work areas.
Faculty/Staff Notices
Staff Council Elections Continue Through Friday, May 17; Vote Online
Help choose our next Staff Council. Voting will take place online through Friday, May 17. Please vote at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKGWjbwrvr8gIlIJmtUV2sqIg9QEyw-m8FzJ6d3sinbOCloA/viewform To learn more about Staff Council, visit http://smith.edu/staffcouncil
International Students, Alums, and Families Gathering
Friday, May 17, 2:15 p.m., Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright
The Lewis Global Studies Center and International Alumnae Relations are hosting a reception to celebrate our graduating international students and to welcome international alumnae returning to campus for reunion weekend. All are welcome to drop by the LGSC on Friday, May 17 at 2:15pm, please join us as your schedule allows.
New Parking Website
The decal purchasing portal has been updated, and faculty/staff decal sales will open at 9 a.m. on May 27. Faculty and staff are required to log into https://portal.permitsales.net/driverportal/smith with their Smith credentials and complete their profiles prior to purchasing a decal; this can be completed prior to the opening of sales. Note: you MUST use your campus address in the address field to prevent any delays in receiving your decal. Drivers with outstanding fines are prohibited from purchasing a decal for the ‘24-’25 academic year until their fines have been paid. Please email parkingdecals@smith.edu with any questions.
Register for Workday Help Summer Sessions, Virtual Event
New Workday training sessions for budgets, invoices, expense reports, punchouts, and requisitions have been added in June, July, and August. Visit the article in Workday titled Training and Help Sessions (link below) for more information, to see available dates and times, and to sign up. https://www.smith.edu/workday-training
eDigest Summer Schedule Begins
Tuesday, May 21
The Smith eDigest will begin the summer distribution schedule Tuesday, May 21, with one edition a week, every Tuesday. The deadline for submissions will be Monday at 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, eDigest will resume a twice-weekly publication schedule. Send any inquiries to edigest@smith.edu.
Student Notices
Art and Craft Supply Drive for Manna Community Center
Weekdays through May 23, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Jandon Center, Wright
The Food Rescue Network is collecting art supplies to donate to Manna's Community Center, a place where everyday necessities are available for community members experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Sketchbooks, paper, painting and drawing supplies, yarn, and collage materials are high priority items. There will be a collection bin available in the Jandon Center from Thursday, May 9 until Thursday, May 23. The Jandon Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Schacht Center Closed for Summer Recess After May 17
The Schacht Center will be closed on Friday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. for Summer Recess and will reopen on Monday, August 19 at 9 a.m. Please call 413-585-2800 with any questions or prescription needs as soon as possible. Appointments are limited to urgent care needs and follow-ups at this time. Available local medical and mental health resources for the summer will be listed here: https://www.smith.edu/your-campus/health-wellness/break
Calling on Graduating Seniors to Become Admission Interviewers
The Office of Admission is seeking support from graduating seniors to help interview candidates for the next class of Smithies! As recent grads, your perspective is especially important to reflect the recent Smith experience to those considering if Smith is the right fit for them, and to relay to the Office of Admission whether the student might be the right fit for Smith. As an interviewer, you will have the exciting chance to engage and meet applicants from all over the globe. Fill out this interest form to receive further information: https://apply.smith.edu/register/newvolunteer
Labrys: Call for Submissions
Deadline: Sunday, May 19
Labrys is a printed student publication funded by the English Department. Labrys is currently accepting submissions of student work created during the 2023-2024 academic year and is looking for poetry, prose, and visual arts. Submissions will remain open until Commencement. Submit using this link: https://forms.gle/VcCfaXgLsPWwSfDH7
Praxis Funding and Internship Credit
Deadline for Summer 2024: June 7
Praxis Internship Funding provides funding for qualifying unpaid summer internships. Internship Credit (IDP 117) provides .25 credit for qualifying summer internships. See Praxis site (https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/lazarus-center/praxis) or Internship Credit site (https://www.smith.edu/your-campus/offices-services/lazarus-center-career-development/praxis-funding-internship-credit/internship-credit) for details, requirements and application link. Deadline to submit a complete application for Summer 2024: Friday June 7, 2024. Complete applications consist of your application and all supporting forms. Questions? praxis@smith.edu
Technology News
Moodle Upgrade
Wednesday, May 22, 4-8 p.m.
Moodle will be unavailable to faculty, instructors, and students on Wednesday, May 22 from 4:00-8:00 PM EST while it undergoes an upgrade. If you have any issues with Moodle or questions about use after the upgrade is complete, please email ithelp@smith.edu. Instructors may notice the Gradebook functions differently in the upgraded version. Moodle workshops will be held in August, watch eDigest for registration details. You can also email ithelp@smith.edu to meet with one of our support team members.
Performing Arts/Films/Fine Arts
Commencement Chamber Music Concert
Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
Special Chamber recital featuring graduating seniors.
Commencement Orchestra Concert
Friday, May 17, 8:30 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
Final Orchestra Concert, conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, accompanies featured soloists from the senior class.
Commencement Choral Concert
Saturday, May 18, 5 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage
The Glee Club and Chamber Singers present works chosen by members of the senior class.
Other Events and Activities
Cascade of Bells Honors Those Killed in Great Flood of 1874
Thursday, May 16
On May 16, 1874 a reservoir dam burst in neighboring Williamsburg, unleashing 600 million gallons of water into the Mill River which feeds Paradise Pond. The flood destroyed homes and factories, killing 139 people, the greatest man-made disaster in the U.S. up to that time. On Thursday, May 16, of this year, the 150th anniversary of the catastrophe, a Cascade of Bells down the Valley will honor the dead. At 1:00 p.m. the Smith change bells in Mendenhall Tower will sound, and at 1:20 the Smith hand bell choir will perform in front of First Churches on Main Street.