Pre-Orientation Programs

Smith College offers a number of pre-orientation programs to entering students. Descriptions, eligibility criteria, and registration instructions are detailed below.

General Information

Central Check-In

Participants in Bridge, First Generation Pre-Orientation, and Pre-Season Athletics must go to Central Check-In even though they arrive early. Participants in International Students Pre-Orientation are not required to go to Central Check-In but are encouraged to attend to take full advantage of all resources available to them.

Learn more about Central Check-In

Participation Eligibility

Due to the overlap in program dates, new students can only participate in ONE of the following: ISP, Bridge, First Gen Pre-Orientation. Pre-season athletes should consult with their coaches to determine if they are eligible to participate in other pre-orientation programs. 

Please note: All participants must still participate in the general Orientation program in its entirety.

International Students Pre-Orientation

Program Dates

August 24–28, 2025

About

ISP is a required program this year for any incoming international students utilizing a college-sponsored visa. Students who have U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency who have grown up abroad and feel it would be a beneficial program to attend are also welcome.

Read more at the International Students and Scholars Office’s ISP page.

Registration

Registration is required for ISP. Please visit the International Students and Scholars Office’s ISP page for a link and instructions.

Contact

Contact the ISSO at 413-585-7598 or interstu@smith.edu with any questions about ISP.

Bridge Pre-Orientation

Program Dates

August 25–28, 2025

About

Begun in 1970 as a program for African American students entering Smith, Bridge now welcomes first-year students who demonstrate a commitment to creating and maintaining culturally inclusive communities. This pre-orientation program gives new students a chance to find mentors, friends, resources, and a community. 

Read more at the Smith College Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Bridge Program page.

Attendance

Because Bridge Pre-Orientation has limited spots, students admitted to the program are expected to attend all sessions and participate fully. Those unable to attend should contact the program director as soon as possible so another student can take their place.

Application

An application is required to attend the Bridge Pre-Orientation. New first-year students will receive information about applying for Bridge directly via their Smith email address in May 2025.

Contact

Contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 413-585-4947 or oma@smith.edu with any questions about Bridge.

First Generation Pre-Orientation

Program Dates

August 27–28, 2025

About

First generation (“first gen”) students are those who are first in their families to attend a four-year college. This program supports first gen students in their transition to college life by providing opportunities to connect with other new first generation students and families as well as current first gen students, staff, and faculty. Learn more on the First Generation Students resources page.

Attendance

Because First Gen Pre-Orientation has limited spots, students admitted to the program are expected to attend all sessions and participate fully. Those unable to attend should contact the program director as soon as possible so another student can take their place.

Registration

Registration is required to attend the First Gen Pre-Orientation. Students who have identified themselves as first generation will receive a link to the registration form directly via their Smith email account. Students should submit the registration form no later than June 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST).

The program is limited to 50 first gen students. Students will be notified of your acceptance on June 27th. Once notified of their acceptance, students will have until July 7, 2025, at 8 a.m. to confirm their attendance. 

Contact

Contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@smith.edu with any questions about First Gen Pre-Orientation.

Pre-Season Athletics

Program Dates

Various

About

Students who participate in certain fall sports may be asked to come to campus early for pre-season training.

Registration

There is no registration for pre-season athletics. Eligible students will be contacted by their coach with arrival information.

Contact

Contact the Associate Athletic Director at jduff@smith.edu or reach out to your sport’s head coach with questions about Pre-Season Athletics.