Dear students, staff and faculty,

As summer draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate the start of another academic year and the positive energy that students bring to campus. We write today to share our plans, developed in collaboration with the Student Government Association (SGA) leadership, for welcoming students to campus this fall. Whether you are new or returning to campus, participating in shared experiences can help establish and strengthen our sense of community, which is especially important in a residential college like Smith. This year, we will welcome students with two events:

1. President’s Welcome Assembly: Scheduled for Thursday, September 1, this event will welcome new students to the collegiate academic experience. It will be open to new students and their families, as well as members of the faculty. The president, provost, dean of the college, vice president for enrollment and the SGA president will speak about the Smith experience and its college traditions. 
2. Convo: Scheduled for Monday, September 5, this welcome celebration will take place in lieu of convocation and will be an opportunity for all students to gather the evening before the first day of classes. Student leaders from different parts of campus will offer a grand welcome to the student body by celebrating the start of the new year and honoring house traditions such as house cheers and the singing of Gaudeamus Igitur. Following the Students’ Welcome, there will be a carnival, food, and the chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. A student committee is planning this event; you will hear more details when you arrive on campus. 

We look forward to the start of another academic year and these celebrations of community. Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President

Michael Thurston
Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Alexandra Keller
Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life