Visiting Smith

Smith College strives to ensure access to its facilities, programs, and events. Guests, visitors, and alumni come to campus throughout the year to attend events, meetings, Commencement, and to enjoy Smith's many wonderful resources. In addition, the Botanic Garden, the Museum of Art, and the Campus Center are all open and accessible to the community and visitors.

Prospective Students

If you plan to be on campus for a visit, please feel free to set up an appointment with our office. We encourage you to connect and would be happy to meet in person to answer your questions. You are also welcome to contact us by telephone.

If you plan to arrange a meeting with the admission staff or a tour of the campus and you will need accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or mobility assistance, please inform the admission staff two weeks in advance so that they may best prepare for your visit.

Attending an Event

Wheelchair Access

Events open to the public are scheduled in wheelchair accessible locations to the greatest extent possible.

If you wish to attend a specific event and want to confirm accessibility or make a request for specific accommodations, please contact the sponsor of the event or the Office of Disability Services.

Sign Language Interpreters or Real-Time Captioning/C-Print

Requests for sign language interpreters or real-time captioning/C-Print should be made at least two weeks in advance to allow time for arrangements to be made. We will work to fill later requests, but interpreters and captionists are often booked far in advance. Interpreters for performances are very difficult to find in this area, so as much lead time as possible will increase the likelihood we will be able to provide this service. For more information or to submit a request, contact ODS@smith.edu.

Alternate Format Materials

If you need print materials in large print or digital format, requests can be made a few days to a week in advance by contacting us. Audio or Braille materials may take longer to prepare.

Parking

Visitors who require accessible parking may use any of the designated spaces on campus with a properly displayed state-issued plate or placard from any state. If you are visiting and need a temporary pass for an acute situation, please contact ODS@smith.edu.

A map of the accessible spaces on campus can be obtained from campus safety or by looking at the online interactive campus map.

Commencement planning routinely includes many arrangements to ensure access for people with a range of disabilities to the ceremony and associated events.

If you plan to be on campus for Reunion, please inform the Reunion planners as far in advance as possible of any need for specific accommodation such as accessible housing, sign language interpreters, transportation or special dietary needs.

Designated Seating 

A designated seating section is reserved for people with mobility disabilities, and a separate section is set aside for those needing a sign language interpreter. You must request a ticket in order to be seated in either of these designated areas. Tickets are typically issued for one disabled person and one guest. Please contact us if you need to request exceptions. 

Sign Language Interpreters and/or Audio

Persons needing sign language interpreters are asked to submit a specific request at least two weeks in advance so that interpreters can be selected to meet your specific communication needs. Contact College Relations for more information.

The entire event is amplified so that you will be able to hear the speakers from any location in the audience.  

Parking & Accessibility

Commencement attendees may drive up to the entrance to graduation to drop off disabled passengers. Drivers with disabilities may use the spaces available across campus and request transportation to the Commencement site via an accessible van by calling 413-282-2400.

Please allow an hour or more to ensure that you are transported and can be seated before Commencement begins.

Additional Concerns

If you have additional concerns about access to Commencement, please contact College Relations at 413-585-2170 or the Office of Disability Services at 413-585-2071 or ODS@Smith.edu.

Please be advised that the Office of Disability Services does not have wheelchairs available for loan. If you or a guest is in need of a wheelchair or other medical equipment, please contact Hometown Medical at 413-320-4665 well in advance to ensure availability.