For New Students

Smith is a vibrant place of interesting people and experiences—we can’t wait for you to join us! To help you prepare for Orientation and beyond, this website provides important information about the campus, introduces you to specific parts of our community, and refers you to other webpages with more details.

Checklist for Entering Students

All new entering students—first-years, transfer and visiting students, and Ada Comstock Scholars—are asked to fill out a number of questionnaires, forms and agreements as they begin their Smith career. The forms are designed to help us get to know you better, allow you to access campus resources, help you understand policies and ensure that we have the most up-to-date information about you. You will access many of the forms and questionnaires in Workday, Smith’s information management system. To log in to Workday, you need your campus email and password. You will be notified in mid to late May when your Workday account is available.

  • Advising Questionnaire: For use in assigning your academic adviser.
  • Review FERPA Information: Review the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended.
  • Release of Information—Optional: Please submit this form to the registrar if you wish to authorize release of information to your parent(s) or guardian(s), per FERPA.
  • Review My Friends and Family: Provide information for emergency contacts.
  • Review My Home Contact Information: Include home mailing address, phone number and email.
  • Review My Personal Information: Confirm or update personal information, including optional preferred pronouns.
  • Review My Personal Photo: Upload a digital photo of yourself to be used in Workday.
  • Religious Preference Form: Indicate interest in religious activities.
  • Smith College OneCard: Submit a digital photo for your Smith ID.

  • Consent to Receive Form 1098-T Electronically: The IRS form is used to assist the taxpayer in determining eligibility for certain education tax credits.
  • Academic Integrity Statement: This form acknowledges that you have read and will follow Smith’s Academic Integrity Statement.
  • Non-Discrimination and Anti-Hazing Statute: Read and acknowledge Smith’s Non-Discrimination Policy and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hazing Statute.
  • Student Handbook: This form acknowledges that you have read and will follow the handbook.
  • Voting Information: As part of the Higher Education Amendment, Smith College must provide you information on voter registration. This task will appear in your inbox once you have submitted the Academic Integrity Statement task.

Central Check-In

Central Check-In (CCI) is your first stop when you arrive on campus for Orientation. You must complete the check-in process before you proceed to your house. For fall 2025, CCI will be held at the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility (the ITT) on West Street on August 29, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Get the Details

Orientation Programs

Orientation is an essential part of the new student experience at Smith College. The program provides students with information and resources critical to their overall success in college. The week before the start of classes, all new first-year, transfer, visiting/exchange students, and Ada Comstock Scholars gather to learn about the college and get to know each other. All new students should participate fully in the entire Orientation program.

More about Orientation
A group of students pick out their first-year plants in the greenhouse.

The First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience Program provides opportunities for you to better get to know Smith and yourself through events and happenings. We ease the transition to college life by helping you find the support you need to adjust to life at Smith and to make connections with classmates, faculty and staff. Events also help you foster friendships with students from other houses and throughout the Five College community. We aim to make your first year enriching and fun, promoting your overall success at Smith.

The Full Schedule
A student participating in a group activity.

Begin Your Academic Journey