About the Study Group

Along with many of its peers, Smith College has been studying the question of what it means to be a women’s college at a time when concepts of gender are evolving. These questions have a particular resonance for institutions like Smith that were founded in the context of binary—female and male—definitions of gender. President Kathleen McCartney appointed an Admission Policy Study Group, charged with considering the following two questions in light of Smith’s mission as a women’s college:

• Is self-identification of gender identity sufficient for admission consideration, or should any additional documentation be presented in order to be considered for admission to Smith?
• In addition to women, should Smith also consider gender nonconforming individuals and/or transmen for admission?

In the course of this work, the president asked that the study group:

• consult experts and research in relevant fields;
• seek input from individuals and groups in the Smith community;
• share relevant material with the faculty, which is charged with oversight of admission policy, so that they can make an informed evaluation of the study group recommendations;
• keep the board of trustees informed on its progress, as they will make the final decision on any change in admission policy.

Study Group Membership