Media Access Policy

Smith College is committed to the free and open exchange of ideas in a safe and respectful educational environment. We recognize that part of the educational process involves engaging with the greater community. While Smith is a private, residential college on private property, it welcomes the public, and the media, to much of its campus grounds and many of its events. The college’s starting position is one of media access; we manage media access in order to protect the learning environment and to honor the rights of privacy reasonably expected by our community in the context of a residential campus.

Events open to the media include those announced as open to the public and most events happening outdoors. Some speakers or performers might restrict or preclude recording, photography or media coverage; in those instances, the college will attempt to notify media in advance.

Media wishing to cover events or report on other stories at Smith need to contact the Office of College Relations for authorization and are generally required to be accompanied by college staff. Decisions regarding media access are the purview of the administration, as delegated to the Office of College Relations. College Relations may, in its discretion, limit or preclude outside news media access to campus grounds with or without prior notice, including, but not limited to, in situations involving emergencies or failure to comply with college policies.

Student media are afforded the same editorial freedoms and privileges and held to the same expectations as the general media.

The college cannot guarantee complete privacy or anonymity at public events. Members of the Smith community who do not wish to be filmed, photographed or recorded at public events should let College Relations know in advance. Staff will do their best to honor such requests by working with the authorized media covering the events.

Contact Carolyn McDaniel, Director, Media Relations, 413-585-2191, for more information.