Smith eDigest
06/25/2024 Digest
Register Now: Write-on-Sites , July 16 and August 13, 1-4:30 p.m., Mary Maples Dunn Conference Room, Pierce
Have writing to get done but finding it hard to get started? Find that your writing is easier when done with good colleagues? Earmark your calendar, grab your laptop, and come to this write-on-site opportunity! These sessions, which are being held on July 16 and August 13, will support you in making progress and increasing productivity. Refreshments will be provided. Feel welcome to join anytime. Part of the Summer 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/xjA7AJnij8kgarhP6)
OneCard Charges for Payroll Deductions
Starting June 29, faculty and staff will no longer be able to use their OneCard to charge items at the Campus Center Cafe or Compass Cafe at Neilson. If you use the Grubhub app to place food orders, you will need to update your payment method within the app. If you order in person, you can use cash or debit/credit card to pay for purchases. This change is part of our efforts to streamline administrative processes, given our partnership with Grubhub and their point-of-sale system. For questions, please contact us at controllersoffice@smith.edu.
Racial Ethnic Arterial Stiffness Assessment Study , Scott Gym
The Vascular Function Research Laboratory at Smith College is in search of research participants to evaluate the relations between stress, discrimination, and vascular function in young women with diverse racial and ethnic identities. If you are aged 18-45, premenopausal, healthy, not pregnant, and do not have cardiovascular disease or other risk factors you may qualify. If you are interested please contact: molecularcardiolab@gmail.com
Day of Service Reminder
The Jandon Center would like to offer a friendly reminder to qualifying employees to explore using their Day of Service benefit. Every 12 months, you can choose to work a paid day towards a community service event, project, or activity in Northampton or the city or town in which you live. Your community service day must be scheduled and approved in advance by your supervisor. Please reach out to Hannah Gates at Jandon if you would like any help identifying an organization, and we wish you all a fabulous summer!
Meet the New Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs , Mwangi Center, Davis
The Office of Multicultural Affairs welcomes Sophia Baez, the new associate director of multicultural affairs. If you or a member of your team would like to meet with her, please contact Rebecca Weber at rweber@smith.edu to schedule a time.
SAVE THE DATE: Human Resources Summer Lawn Series on Second Tuesdays Through October , Begins Tuesday, July 9, 1:30 p.m., Garrison Hall, 42 West St.
On the second Tuesday of every month through October, Human Resources will host a Summer Lawn Series at Garrison Hall from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Set aside time to appreciate the summer weather, enjoy a seasonal treat, and catch up on Smith news while relaxing with friends and colleagues. The July treat will be strawberry shortcake. We look forward to seeing you.
No eDigest Week of Limited Operations , Tuesday, July 23
Please note there will be no eDigest the week of limited operations.
Volunteer With SmithCycle , Scales House, Basement
SmithCycle is seeking student and staff volunteers for the SmithCycle Thrift located in Scales Basement. Volunteers are needed for three-hour slots starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The primary responsibility will include organizing items. Volunteers will also be able to take home various goodies and items. Interested individuals should sign up using this calendar link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UUZvVlVNNmxYM0hPfGRlZmF1bHR8MWQwMmU5MDkzNGNiNThjMmNhODFmODhkMjQwMmY2MzA
Reminder: Limited Operations Week - July 22nd
As a friendly reminder, this year's Limited Operations Week will be held the week of July 22nd. Although the campus will remain open, we encourage employees to use this opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved vacation time.
Second Friday , Friday, July 12, 4-8 p.m., Museum of Art
Join us for an evening of fun at the July 12 Second Friday! SCMA is free and open to all. From 4–7pm, join hands-on! art making for all ages and let your creativity take flight. Design wings inspired by Richard Watson’s painting, "Maxine", on view in the exhibition "A Beacon to the World: Art from the Sylvia Smith Lewis ’74 and Byron E. Lewis Sr. Collection".
ODS Name Change to Accessibility Resource Center , College Hall 104
The Smith College Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), formerly The Office of Disability Services (ODS), has changed its name based on feedback collected in strategic planning focus groups with students, faculty, and staff across the college. The center maintains a strong focus on Disability Justice, while also acknowledging that some people with access needs do not identify as disabled. This change has become increasingly important as the office has grown rapidly across time (from serving 9% of students in 2008 to 39% in 2023).
ODS Name Change to Accessibility Resource Center , College Hall 104
The Smith College Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), formerly The Office of Disability Services (ODS), has changed its name based on feedback collected in strategic planning focus groups with students, faculty, and staff across the college. The center maintains a strong focus on Disability Justice, while also acknowledging that some people with access needs do not identify as disabled. This change has become increasingly important as the office has grown rapidly across time (from serving 9% of students in 2008 to 39% in 2023).
06/24/2024 Digest
Smith College Workplace Campaign 2024
Thank you for contributing to the United Way through Smith’s workplace giving campaign! This helps fund new and persistent community needs for children, youth and families. If you haven't yet pledged, you still have one week left to do so - the campaign ends January 10. To contribute through payroll, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/oOMgSGvsj0K-pQrDlXbA4w2. To contribute by credit card, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/NuYW8B88L02yG75f_kzihw2. Or, you may send a check to United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region (UWFH), P.O. Box 123, Northampton, MA 01061, Memo: Smith College campaign. To volunteer please contact Jenny Coeur jenny@uw-fh.org. Thank you!
06/18/2024 Digest
Register Now: Wellness Webinar on Getting Unstuck -- The Science of Moving Forward , Wednesday, July 17, 1-1:30 p.m., Virtual
We live in a fast paced world and, at times, we each face uncertainty. If times of uncertainty cause you to feel stuck or powerless, attend this complementary webinar hosted by Smith's newest benefit partner, Learn to Live, to learn strategies to help you thrive despite the unknown. During the July 17th webinar from 1-1:30pm EST, you will learn practical ways to restore your wellbeing through specific actions and an intentional approach to difficult thoughts and emotions. Register for the webinar via this link and access code SmithL2L: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jwdgP1BNSsGebzDuNd3NHQ#/registration
Important Fiscal Year End Dates & Procedures
The College's fiscal year end is fast approaching and we need the community's help to ensure a smooth, accurate and timely financial close process. Please see our close memo at the link below or on your Workday homepage to review the FY24 Year End Memo for key dates and reminders regarding accounting adjustments, expense reports, invoice submission, cash received, budget transfers and much more! We appreciate your support in finalizing our year end. https://www.smith.edu/sites/default/files/2024-05/FY24-Year-End-Memo-version-2.pdf
Request Design Thinking Support for Fall Courses , by Friday, Aug. 2, 4 p.m.
The Design Thinking Initiative (DTI) is here to support fall courses across the curriculum by introducing students to Capen Annex, design methodologies, and/or hands-on making techniques. Visualizing thinking, making ideas tangible, exploring materials, tools, and technologies are critical forms of experiential learning that provide students with different ways of connecting with course concepts and each other. Submit your requests for fall course support via the forms on the DTI webpage by August 2 (http://smith.edu/academics/design-thinking/faculty-staff#engage) We will do our best to accommodate requests and get back to you by August 5. Email Emily Norton, DTI Director, for more information.
Parking Office Troubleshooting Table , Thursday, June 20, 9 - 11 a.m., Campus Center 103/4
The Campus Safety Parking Office will be hosting an information table in rooms 103/104 of the Campus Center on Thursday, June 20 from 9a-11a to offer assistance with decal ordering, pickup, and troubleshooting. You may bring your own laptop/tablet, or utilize one of ours (please bring any technology needed to log in with DUO). The Parking Office can accept a check or charge as payment; we cannot accept cash. All permit types will be available, aside from Opt-Out permits, visitor passes, and undergrad student permits.
Geothermal Energy Project Update , Tuesday, June 18
Well field drilling will continue on Comstock lawn through the summer, requiring the closure of Mandelle Road. Trenching activities are ongoing in the Central District near Neilson Library, Bass Hall, Lawrence House, and the area outside of Tyler and Morris houses. This path of excavation will continue to cross Green Street from Dickinson lot, toward Ford Hall, impacting vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Green Street and Belmont Ave. Please view the project website, http://smithgeoenergy.info, to view the graphic which outlines work areas.
06/11/2024 Digest
Wellness Webinar: Staying Refreshed & Preventing Burnout , Thursday, June 13, 1-1:30 p.m., Virtual
We live in a fast paced world and at times that can lead to feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. If you can relate, you're not alone and there is hope. Join Smith's newest Benefit partner, Learn to Live, on Thursday, June 13th from 1-1:30 pm ET to learn practical insights to ease barriers that leave us feeling drained. Register for the webinar via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tocRWBKfQsmkBH8m0LZZig#/registration
Second Annual All School Summer Alumni Reunion , Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m., Campus School
The Second Annual All School Summer Alumni Reunion is on Saturday, June 15th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Campus School. All alumni, past parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and student teachers are invited. Enjoy school tours, reconnecting with friends, an outdoor picnic, kickball, and a night out in downtown Northampton (location TBA). Please share this invitation with any Campus School friends. Questions? Contact cschool@smith.edu or 413-585-3270. The organizers look forward to seeing everyone there!
Second Friday: Art and Light , Friday, June 14, 4-8 p.m., Museum of Art
Drop in for hands-on! art making activities from 4–7pm in the museum atrium along with refreshments. Explore ways that late afternoon light interacts with nature and then create your own representation of shadows and lights inspired by Alma Thomas’s painting Morning in the Bowl of Night. From 4–8pm, drop by the museum’s Cunningham Center for Prints, Drawings and Photographs on SCMA’s second floor for a pop-up exhibition of art by and of LGBTQIA+ artists from the museum’s collection. SCMA is free and open to all!
Volunteer With the Food Rescue Network This Summer
Last summer, the Food Rescue Network collected and donated over 1,500 pounds of prepared dining hall food. This food goes to Manna Community Kitchen, who serves and delivers meals for free to the community. Fill out this general interest form if you'd like to get involved this summer: https://forms.gle/uJW1swKiivmoAGh78. We will reach out with information on training and onboarding. Email foodrescue@smith.edu if you have any questions.
SAVE THE DATE: International Faculty & Staff Reception , Tuesday, Aug. 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Seelye Lawn
The Lewis Global Studies Center is excited to invite all faculty and staff who identify as international or who have had significant experience living abroad to meet and greet the incoming class of international students as part of their pre-orientation programming. We will be offering Maple Valley ice cream on Seelye Lawn to ring in the semester and outstanding conversation to foster a collegial international community. Please RSVP at the following link so we can get a sense of numbers: https://forms.gle/N1E3aoBY27hum2uy9 We hope to see you there!
Happening Today! International Faculty & Staff Reception , Tuesday, Aug. 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Seelye Lawn
The Lewis Global Studies Center is excited to invite all faculty and staff who identify as international or who have had significant experience living abroad to meet and greet the incoming class of international students as part of their pre-orientation programming. We will be offering Maple Valley ice cream on Seelye Lawn to ring in the semester and outstanding conversation to foster a collegial international community. We hope to see you there!
06/04/2024 Digest
Smith College Computer Store - Apple Sale! , Through June 6
The Smith College Computer Store will offer an additional 4% off the Apple Education price for eligible MacBooks®, iMacs®, and iPads® in stock through June 6. This offer is open to all Smith Faculty, Staff, and Students. Note: This offer excludes institutional purchases. Contact us at cstore@smith.edu to pre-order today.
'Generative AI & Writing' Statement of Interest Due June 7 , Due Friday, June 7
Facilitated by Julio Alves, Jacobson Center, and MJ Wraga, Psychology, co-directors of Smith’s Writing and Public Discourse initiative, this short-term Kahn seminar will delve into the intricacies of Generative AI and its particular applications in writing, fostering a dynamic dialogue on the fragile future of human-generated writing in literature, academia, and beyond. Open to faculty and staff. Submit your statement of interest by Friday, June 7: https://bit.ly/generative-ai-and-writing.
Register Now: Hiking and Writing with Friends--Community Building at MacLeish Field Station , Tuesday, June 18, 9 a.m., MacLeish Field Station
Do you want to spend time on your writing and have a change of scenery? Come find inspiration in a place of natural beauty! We will write in the company of others at the MacLeish Field Station, in the hills of West Whately on June 18 and August 15. Magdalena Zapedowska, Writing Studies Specialist at the Jacobson Center, will be available to offer 20-minute drop-in consultations on topics related to writing productivity. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Feel welcome to join anytime. Part of the Summer 2024 Faculty Development Series (https://www.smith.edu/academics/provostdean-faculty/faculty-development). Register in advance (https://forms.gle/xjA7AJnij8kgarhP6)
Update to the Digital Support Site Request Help Page
Community members requesting help on the Digital Support Site will now see a new webpage (https://sites.google.com/smith.edu/digital/request-help). The new page includes forms for requesting various types of support. Using the new forms will help streamline the process of routing tickets to the appropriate ITS team. As always, users can also email ithelp@smith.edu anytime.
Parking Office Table at the Campus Center , Friday, June 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center 201
The Parking Office will have drop-in hours in the Campus Center room 201 on Friday, June 7, 2024 for decal pickup and order troubleshooting. We will also be accepting payments via check or card for any outstanding parking violations which must be settled before a new decal may be purchased. For more information, email parkingdecals@smith.edu.
Financial Advising Appointments With Matt O'Brien from Voya , Tuesday, June 18, Garrison Hall Conference Room
Certified financial planner Matt O'Brien from Voya Financial will be on campus for individual retirement planning and financial advising appointments. To schedule, go to this link and select the date of 06/18/24 to view available appointments: https://calendar.app.google/jTzsyhV8BDxtkw2f8
Geothermal Energy Project Update , Tuesday, June 4
Site preparation will continue on Comstock lawn for well drilling to begin on Monday, June 3. Mandelle Road will be closed for the summer for this activity. Trenching activities are ongoing in the Central District near Neilson Library, Bass Hall, Lawrence House, and the area outside of Tyler and Morris houses. This path of excavation will continue to cross Green Street from Dickinson lot, impacting vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Please view the project website, http://smithgeoenergy.info, to view the graphic which outlines work areas.