Sophian article

Colleges and Universities A-Z Smith College
1

<p>I read this in the Sophian, and I was wondering what others thought.</p>

<p>Dear Editor,
The following was taken from my response to a question on the senior survey regarding what could have improved my college experience. Though it was written by me, I know I am just one of many disgruntled seniors. Before I graduate, I want to make one last-ditch effort to get SOMEONE to pay attention. So, Carol Christ; just bear in mind there is not a single word in the several languages I know bad enough to describe what I think of this administration, its policies, or the direction of this college.</p>

<p>Smith could have renovated the building I live in to habitable standards. It could have promoted social life, instead of detracting from it. It could have attempted-or at least put up the facade of attempting-to preserve its unique house community, instead of doing everything in its power to destroy it. Smith could have made an effort to consider truly sustainable options for its building expansion program, instead of placing its own convenience over the importance of affordable housing and local business. Most of all, though, it could have LISTENED on the numerous occasions when I voiced my many concerns. Smith "seeks out" student input, but in truth this is just a pretense. If a student says something other than what the college already wants to hear, that student gets IGNORED. If I had foreseen where Smith would go in the last four years, I would not have come here.</p>

<p>I think it is immensely pathetic that a senior could graduate as bitter and estranged as I have become-so much so that I will NEVER donate to this college or promote a positive image of it in any way. I am especially troubled by the deep-seated institutional misogyny that is evident in everything from how professors conduct class to Smith's paranoid party policy. Smith has made me question the validity of an all-women's college not because, apparently, too many of us are not studying "practical" disciplines like the sciences, or because we think we have poor quantitative skills compared to students at "peer" or co-ed institutions, but because at Smith, women are still treated as either too fragile to handle pressure or incapable of protecting themselves from bad situations. Single-sex environment aside, all else that I valued about Smith has been systematically eradicated throughout my time here. I recognize that change is necessary, but Smith did NOT have to abandon its former identity or give up its niche as a homey, family-like, liberal arts institution. It is by no means a pleasant feeling to discover that your college now considers your major obsolete, or to reflect that you have wasted the last three to four years, your money, your effort and your energy at an institution that does not even consider you, your thoughts, your endeavors, or your concerns valid. Everything I was told when I was considering Smith and matriculated has proved to be a lie. Everything the administration has said in an attempt to assuage students' displeasure with unpopular decisions has been a LIE. I am sick of the lies, so let it be known: I would rather see my college leveled by an act of God than see it continue to destroy itself through the elimination of in-house dining and house community, the impossibility of any social life, the administration's building distrust of students (who are, after all, adults) and the extravagant and indulgent promotion of the sciences at the expense of all other disciplines.
Sincerely,
Emily Powers, Class of 2006</p>

2

<p>As a general disclaimer, I will be attending Smith next fall (and I'm happy about that decision). I know there are unhappy students everywhere, and I don't think I will be one of them next year. What I did want to know was 1) whether other departments were being compromised at the expense of building up a science reputation and 2) whether the housing system is being compromised.</p>

3

<p>I spent last weekend with my '06 Smithie D (because of a performance she was in that our family attended) and while we were together at dinner, I took the opportunity to interview her about her college experience.</p>

<p>My D is not a science major. Yes, there is a real push for the sciences at Smtih these days, but she is happy with the opportunities for her major. </p>

<p>In general, she does not regret having attended Smith at all - has even said she could not have imagined going anywhere else.</p>

<p>However, she does feel that the Smith of today has lost some of the positive aspects she most appreciated from her first two years at Smith. I think many of those who have been at the school both before and after the changes (mainly implemented fall of '04) do feel some resentment.</p>

<p>While there is still some semblance of in-house dining, Friday teas, etc., these traditions are not at all on the level or quality of what they used to be. Those who did not experience the "old days" will never realize what they are missing now. She also mourns the loss of the House Fellows program (profs assigned to each house who would join the house residents regularly for the Thursday night candle-lit dinners.) Yes, I guess you can still invite a prof to dinner at your house, but my understanding is that the House Fellows would be there each Thursday evening dining with the students, and my D really valued that routine opportunity to spend non-academic time with them. </p>

<p>Additionally, my understanding is that all but one abroad J-term program have been eliminated due to budget cuts (they had been heavily subsidized by Smith). My D was fortunate to have experienced two of these tremendous programs while they were available, and she deeply mourns their loss for students who came after her. </p>

<p>Finally, a prof (of what was certainly one of her favorite courses, although not in her major) has told my D that he is unlikely to be able to run a class like that in the future. Again, this is because of budget concerns. (This prof had brought in several wonderful international speakers, leaders in their fields, to interact with this small class, and the prof feels he will not have the freedom to spend resources that freely again. He says it was a one-time thing that will likely never be repeated.)</p>

<p>That wraps up the negatives she mentioned, which are all budget-related. </p>

<p>Frankly, my H and I told our D that hard choices had to be made by the administration. Would she have wanted, for example, for there to be fewer students on financial aid so that the prof could continue to fly in speakers for this privileged small class? While we are full pay, it's a trade-off she would not want to make -- as she is very enthusiastic about the opportunities Smith has provided to several of her friends who are on substantial financial aid, and who would not have been able to attend Smith without it. </p>

<p>Re the social life, I think she has no complaints, given the acknowledged challenges of having a hetero dating life while attending a single-sex school. But that challenge has been compensated for, at least in part, by a real sisterhood. </p>

<p>She has had plenty of interesting things to do and people to do them with. </p>

<p>She has had excellent faculty interaction and opportunities to do things with faculty outside of classes. She has also found aspects of the administration to be impressively supportive. </p>

<p>Overall, I think she feels very positive about her Smith experience, while acknowledging that her first two years were extra special.</p>

4

<p>Smith could have made an effort to consider truly sustainable options for its building expansion program, instead of placing its own convenience over the importance of affordable housing and local business.]]</p>

<p>Being upset because Smith is building a new science building-- which I’m sure will help produce future scientist/ researchers who will make vast contributions to humanity-- in lieu of low rent housing is moronic. </p>

<p>If anyone knew anything about Northampton, they would know the housing could be built at myriad locations. There’s a vast area of land behind the college on the site of the old state mental institution. It’s walking distance to town and has beautiful views. There’s one location. </p>

<p>[and the extravagant and indulgent promotion of the sciences at the expense of all other disciplines]]</p>

<p>First time I’ve heard about this complaint. I’d like to know which discipline she’s speaking of. Are some disciplines better at other colleges? You bet. However, that’s not because of the engineering and sciences. No LAC can be all things to all people.
Smith is about the education and advancement of women. Where else but the sciences/research and engineering, where women are lagging men, to advance that philosophy? The financing and building of the engineering and future science building hasn’t, as far as I know, been at the expense of other disciplines. If a discipline is light on course offerings it may very well be because there isn’t enough interest.</p>

<p>[[itself through the elimination of in-house dining a]]</p>

<p>In-house dinning wasn’t eliminated. I believe there are still 14 houses with their own dinning rooms. Smith saved money on the dinning but they’re using the savings for other student benefits. The college paid the airline tickets of 3 students I know of so they could attend a conference in DC. Name another college that pays for plane ticket for their students.</p>

<p>[[Smith could have renovated the building I live in to habitable standards]]</p>

<p>Valid point, some of the houses are behind the renovation curve.</p>

<p>[am especially troubled by the deep-seated institutional misogyny that is evident in everything from how professors conduct class to Smith's paranoid party policy.]</p>

<p>I’ve heard nothing but praise for most professors. Anyone can verify that fact by checking the Jolt or the rate my professor website.
As for the parties-- Yup, Smith sucks, they’re carefully checking IDs to dissuade underage drinking by Smithies and more importantly guests.</p>

5

<p>There are plans for renovation in the houses. At least one house is being completely renovated this summer, and other houses have plans in the works, but due to scheduling/money/time they won't all get done for current students to see the changes. By complete renovation, I mean that walls are being redrawn, and in some houses that can support them, there are plans for suite-style rooms (a few rooms with their own entrance and possibly their own bathroom).</p>

6

<p>I feel rather sad to know that one Smithie felt this way before graduating from Smith. Some of these concepts have been discussed on previous posts before, especially the dining issues. Truth be told however, is that if you speak to the students, they are not overly upset by the changes. Smith still has numerous dining rooms available in houses, with an unbelieveable amount of dining options. Sometimes we get spoiled by what we had, and can't see the light through the trees.</p>

<p>As the father of an entering first year who is interested in majoring in the sciences...well, I'm probably the last one you should ask about the new science building, because even though my D won't get to use it much before she graduates, we see it as a huge plus for Smith. Particularly, in order to woo some of those Ivy Leaguers away and attend Smith. They have put a great emphasis on sciences and particularly engineering in the past few years, and just like RLT said previously, Smith is about the advancement and education of women...so, what better area to build upon? Plus, about 30% of Smithies major in Sciences.</p>

<p>I hope Smith continues their hard ways when it comes to parties and checking ID's. The author of that letter must not have been able to get away with what she had hoped for during her college years. Yay, Smith!<br>

[quote]
I recognize that change is necessary, but Smith did NOT have to abandon its former identity or give up its niche as a homey, family-like, liberal arts institution.

[/quote]

;) Interesting. We did not find a better setting anywhere, especially the housing situation at Smith, which is incomparable to other institutions. Could they spend more money on upkeep and remodeling, Sure! And, they should. I know two future Smithies who were drawn there because of its housing, great sciences, and homey, family setting. We're pretty happy! :)</p>

7

<p>Jyber...great post! I wish I had seen it before posting mine. I think you are right on about students who have seen the "old" traditions vs. the "new" changes. It's always difficult to give up something you loved doing, and that you found value in. We haven't experienced it, but I would love to see the House Fellows program get reinstated if it was removed. These are things which make Smith special to all of us, and I hope the administration doesn't lose sight of that.</p>

8

<p>The social life at Smith is alive and well. Now, if you describe a social life as binge drinking, partying, hooking up on weekends...you won't find much of that at Smith. If you want to have a social life including great friendship, helping others (as these wonderful young ladies from Smith did with the relay for life), traditions, etc...then there is plenty to get involved with. You don't have to look far in order to get involved in some wonderful activities; but you do have to have enthusiasm and a thirst for life; which btw, so many Smithies are born with!
<a href="http://www.smith.edu/stud_clubs.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/stud_clubs.php&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.smith.edu/oma/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/oma/&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.smith.edu/athletics/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/athletics/&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.smith.edu/chapel/relorgs.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/chapel/relorgs.htm&lt;/a>
<a href="http://sophia.smith.edu/sga/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://sophia.smith.edu/sga/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

9

<p>the impossibility of any social life, ]]
through the elimination of house communityly.]]</p>

<p>Oh really.</p>

<p>Here's what to expect from fellow Smithies when you need support. If this doesn't bring a tear, nothing will.</p>

<p>Cure Cancer in Relay for Life
Anna Kastrilevich
Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: News
PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 2 next >
Media Credit: Courtesy of the American Cancer Society
Cancer survivors participate in the "Survivors Lap" that kicked off the Five College Relay for Life.</p>

<p>This past weekend, over 1,000 students, faculty and staff from the Five Colleges participated in the fourth annual Relay for Life, walking from 6:30 p.m. Friday April 21 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday April 22 at Amherst College's Pratt Field.</p>

<p>Relay for Life is an 18-hour event where teams walk all night to support cancer research. Team members take turns walking or running laps, but each team must keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Groups of friends, sports teams and clubs form teams of about eight to 15 people, raise money, and then come to the event and celebrate.</p>

<p>According to Liz Morgan '09, the Team Recruitment Chair, about $108,000 was raised from the event, though more donations are still being entered. Last year student and faculty teams raised over $72,000.</p>

<p>"The money goes directly to the American Cancer Society, which works to educate, advocate, research and provide support to those with cancer," Morgan said.</p>

<p>Teresa Kenyon '09 raised the most money in the Relay with $4,800 in donations. Kenyon's group of 17 students, called Moose Trax, raised the most money with $6,565.00. Kenyon said that she fundraised over a three month period by sending out e-mails, personally written cards and phone calls to everyone she knows. The relay's cause hits close to home for Kenyon.</p>

<p>"My father was diagnosed with cancer of the Vena Cava on Christmas," Kenyon said. "I am a first-year, and coming back to college while my father is extremely ill is probably one of the hardest things in the world. I wanted to help him, but I couldn't think of anything that I could do from so far away. The relay is a way to get involved. Hopefully the $7,000 dollars that my team raised will save another beloved father."</p>

<p>Kenyon cites the significance of the strong feeling of community at the event.</p>

<p>"To have six of my best friends sit up all night with me in the freezing cold to walk on a track was probably one of the most thoughtful things in the world," she said. It makes you feel like you're not alone. Everyone is experiencing the same pain, the same fear of losing a loved one. </p>

<p>"I think the most wonderful part of it was the luminaria ceremony. I had gotten a request to light a luminaria for a Smithie's father who had passed away. It was extremely hard because my father is very ill, but it meant everything to this young woman. It makes you think when you see all those little tea lights on the track. They're beautiful but sad at the same time. Remembrance is such a powerful thing." </p>

<p>Kenyon credits her team for putting other things aside to come together for a common cause.</p>

<p>"My team and I understood that charity is about sacrifice," Kenyon said. "Everyone has a lot of work at this time of year and everyone has other outside commitments. The relay was so important because it's about putting other things aside and being selfless for a night. It's about being uncomfortable and still being able to smile by the end. The girls that spent the night at relay showed me what power, grace and friendship means. There is nothing like waking a college student up at 4:30 a.m. and telling her to get out of her warm tent to walk in the middle of the night. None of these girls complained they simply just got up. I love them for that."</p>

<p>Thanks to the effort of teams like Kenyon's, Smith came in third in fundraising after University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst College.</p>

<p>"Relay for Life was very successful," Morgan said. "The event has almost doubled in size since last year. The event itself is very effective in honoring those who have lost their battle to cancer and those who are battling cancer right now. It is really powerful to see hundreds of college students supporting the same cause."</p>

<p>Morgan said that the event is important to the Smith Community and the Five Colleges as a whole. </p>

<p>"Students unite to fight against cancer, which really builds the unity of the five schools," she said. "In addition, this builds individual house or club community because the members will work together to raise money and walk." </p>

<p><a href="http://www.smithsophian.com/media/storage/paper587/news/2006/04/27/News/Smith.Students.Walk.To.Cure.Cancer.In.Relay.For.Life-1878593.shtml?norewrite200604291306&sourcedomain=www.smithsophian.com&mkey=2209698%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smithsophian.com/media/storage/paper587/news/2006/04/27/News/Smith.Students.Walk.To.Cure.Cancer.In.Relay.For.Life-1878593.shtml?norewrite200604291306&sourcedomain=www.smithsophian.com&mkey=2209698&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>
[quote]
whether the housing system is being compromised.

[/quote]

Doctordoctor, the housing system at Smith is quite special and unique. As an incoming first year, and I'm assuming you visited, when or where have you ever seen housing at other colleges that are like those at Smith? The campus is nestled in a quaint New England Town, and the housing is just a finishing touch to an already gorgeous campus. The architecture of some of these houses is beautiful, and even if you choose the quad (which my D has), which is more traditional in styling but bucolic in its setting. As I've mentioned in an earlier post, should Smith continue to spend money on the upkeep of these buildings...YES! Borgin also had a great post (as always), and mentioned that there was money earmarked for renovations this summer. I don't believe that a school like Smith, which prides itself on its housing system, will ever let it get to the point of being unattractive or unliveable. We have seen many dorms at other elite colleges that have paled in comparison.</p>

11

<p>Additionally, my understanding is that all but one abroad J-term program have been eliminated due to budget cuts ]]</p>

<p>I believe there is more going on than one trip. I know there is a trip to Tibet next Jan but I'm almost sure there will be more offerings that that. Unfortunately you can’t quote me b/c the schedule for the J term won’t be out until August.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.smith.edu/acad_specialinterterm.php"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/acad_specialinterterm.php&lt;/a>
</p>

<p>There are the other colleges. Bit of a pain to take the bus though.</p>

<p>"Incorporated in 1965, Five Colleges, Inc. is one of the oldest and most highly regarded consortiums in American higher education"</p>

<p><a href="http://www.smith.edu/acad_specialfivecollege.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.smith.edu/acad_specialfivecollege.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

12

<p>

The "Tibet" program is the one survivor to which I was referring: "Additionally, my understanding is that all but one abroad J-term program have been eliminated due to budget cuts (they had been heavily subsidized by Smith)." Perhaps my info is incorrect, but my understanding is that all the other abroad J-term programs were eliminated, and that the "Tibetan Studies in India" one was retained only because the prof had it written into his contract. And it is based in India, not Tibet, but is focused on a study of Tibetan culture, etc.</p>

13

<p>but my understanding is that all the other abroad J-term programs were eliminated]]</p>

<p>There's a very real possiblity you're correct. I was making the statement there would be other offerings at the college in lieu of going abroad. Could be wrong.</p>

14

<p>Oh, I'm sure there will be other J-term offerings on campus (my D did that this past year) but the abroad J-term experiences were in another category.</p>

15

<p>I think the Kyoto program for first-years who take the Kyoto first-year seminar is still occurring. When I looked at the list of possible first-year seminars for next year, this j-term abroad program was mentioned in the description of one class.</p>

16

<p>Yes, borgin, I imagine that will still take place. I should have specified that I was referring to the J-term abroad programs that used to be avialable to any student who was interested, not those that were part of a previous semester class. </p>

<p>Of course, even so, enrollment was limited (to 15 or so) and students had to apply well in advance.</p>

17

<p>doctordoctor, thank-you for posting that editorial. It has sparked a good discussion! As others have said, at every school some students are unhappy, but it is valuable to read about why they are unhappy, and to seek out additional comments. thanks to others for posting info as well as opinions.</p>

18

<p>I work for the Sophian, and its nice to see that people are reading hte paper! come work for the paper when you get here too! As a first year at Smith, i have to say that i disagree with pretty much all of it. Maybe it has to do with being a first year and so not realizing how things were "back in the day" and what i'm missing. But that being said, I feel like Smith was everything I signed up for and then some. No, it isn't the same, but then again, the new Smith isn't so bad either in my opinion.</p>

19

<p>I should have specified that I was referring to the J-term abroad programs that used to be avialable to any student who was interested]]</p>

<p>Had a thought:It should be pointed out the J term abroad is expensive. Tibet is $1500.00 plus some personal expenses. The other countries were comparable.
The only students who might be a bit angst about the cut back are in the wealthier catagory. And even then, as you mentioned, very few could go anyway due to the 15, or so, student limitation</p>

20

<p>


</p>

<p>While we were not granted any regular Smith financial aid (other than the Strafford loans), my D did receive some departmental funding that partially paid for one of her J-term options. My understanding is that students who qualified for regular fiinancial aid would have additional aid available if they were accepted into a J-term program. They just had to make a supplemental mid-year application, I believe. Many departments also have "slush funds" to help students take advantage of opportunities in certain areas. </p>

<p>This is really not a major issue, but I do want to correct the idea that only the "wealthier" students took advantage of these programs - I believe it was the full spectrum of Smith students. My D's roomie was on financial aid and attended one of the J-term abroad programs with her. </p>

<p>For my D, doing the J-term programs was an alternative to a Smith junior year abroad, an option she was not considering for reasons I won't go into here. Yes, the programs had a price ticket, but that ticket was WAY less that what the actual cost would be, and WAY less than JYA. The program cost you refer to includes air fare, of course, as well as tuition, honorariums for the abroad presenters/lecturers, trips, meals, board, etc. The abroad J-program costs were deliberately subsidized by Smith so that no students (including those who did not qualify for aid but still needed to watch their expenses - our category) need not shy away from them for price reasons.</p>

<p>And the 15 or so student limitation was per program, so multiplied by the number of programs at one time available, encompassed a larger group.</p>

<p>Again, no huge deal, but several of those programs were among those Smith things my D most appreciated about her first two years, and are apparently no longer available. It was one of the things she mentioned when I asked her to explain how Smith was better her first two years.</p>

<p>And she is still overall a pretty happy camper this, her fourth year.</p>