Smith College
History
Smith College was founded in 1871 by Sophia Smith, a wealthy spinster who wanted to use her inheritance to establish a women's college. The college was officially chartered on August 23, 1871, and opened its doors to students on September 9, 1875. The original campus was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who also designed New York City's Central Park and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
In its early years, Smith College was known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to women's education. The college was one of the first in the United States to offer a curriculum that was equal in rigor to those at male colleges. This commitment to academic excellence continues to this day, with Smith College consistently ranking among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
Academics
Smith College offers a wide range of academic programs, including more than 50 areas of study in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college is known for its strong programs in women's studies, English literature, political science, and biology. Smith also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, such as the Study of Women and Gender, which combines courses from several different departments.
The college operates on a semester system, with two 15-week semesters and a shorter, intensive January term known as "Interterm." During Interterm, students can take one-credit courses, pursue independent research, or participate in internships or study abroad programs.
Smith College is part of the Five College Consortium, which also includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students at Smith can take courses at any of the other member institutions, and the colleges collaborate on a number of academic and cultural programs.
Campus
The Smith College campus is located in Northampton, Massachusetts, a small city in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. The campus covers 147 acres and includes a number of notable architectural and natural features.
The campus is home to the Smith College Museum of Art, which houses a diverse collection of art from around the world. The museum is a major cultural resource for the college and the surrounding community, and it offers a variety of educational programs and exhibitions.
The campus also includes the Botanic Garden of Smith College, a living museum of plants that is used for teaching, research, and public education. The garden includes a variety of specialty gardens, greenhouses, and natural areas.
Student Life
Smith College has a vibrant student life, with more than 100 student organizations and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The college is known for its traditions, such as Mountain Day, when classes are cancelled and students are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, and Rally Day, a celebration of the college's founding.
Smith College is also known for its strong sense of community. The college is primarily a residential college, with about 95% of students living on campus. Students live in a system of 36 houses and complexes, each with its own unique character and traditions.
Notable Alumni
Smith College has a long list of notable alumni, including many who have made significant contributions to their fields. These include Julia Child, the famous chef and television personality; Gloria Steinem, the feminist activist and co-founder of Ms. magazine; and Sylvia Plath, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author.