Page 95 - Smith College Student Handbook 16-17

Residential Life
House System
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Community Living and Student Responsibility
Residential life at Smith is considered an important part of a student’s education. Smith is committed to a co-curricular environment that
enhances and enriches the academic program: residential living is an integral part of that education. Students come from varied cultures,
backgrounds, and social identities and the houses provide unique opportunities for them to learn about one another’s experiences. At its best,
residential living fosters a sense of community and encourages a wide range of ideas. Each Smith student is challenged to balance the freedom
of an individual with their own self-direction and a sensitivity to and respect for the rights of others. These expectations are not always
reached, however, as interpersonal tensions, value conflicts and discomfort caused by close community living are not unusual. Learning to
respond, to take responsibility for oneself, and to overcome adversity are important elements of personal growth and of the Smith education.
Every member of the Smith community is entitled to be treated with respect and behaviors that show disrespect for individuals or groups will
not be tolerated. The ability to deal with complex issues and to resolve conflict will serve each student well at Smith and in the wider world of
which everyone is a part.

Students are responsible for reading all published information and meeting all deadlines. This includes, but is not limited to, email messages,
information in the catalogue, the handbook, the housing contract, eDigest and other posted notices. Failing to read available materials is not
an excuse for missing deadlines or for being uninformed about policies and regulations.

The college reserves the right to move a student from one house to another, to remove them from campus housing or even to dismiss them
from the college if it is found that they cannot function as a cooperative member of their house or of the college community.

Students who do not accept the responsibilities of community living and house membership may be referred to a variety of college
proceedings. Depending on the nature of the behavior, referral may be made to local law-enforcement agencies, Campus Police, the Office of
Institutional Diversity and Equity, the College Conduct Board or to the dean of the college (or designate). For further information on these
actions, see specific references in this section of the handbook.

HOUSE SYSTEM
Housing Policy
Smith College is a residential college; traditional-aged undergraduates are required to live on campus for four years. Limited numbers of
students may be given permission to live off campus through the housing lottery process or by completing the Petition for Waiver of On-
Campus Living Requirement Form, available on the Residence Life web pages and given permission. Any requests outside of the spring
lottery must be submitted in writing to the Assistant Director of Residence Life by June 1 (for first semester) and December 1 (for second
semester). Transfer students who are of traditional college age may also apply to live off campus by writing to the Assistant Director of
Residence Life in the student affairs office at the time of application for admission. Very few exceptions will be made, and further
documentation to support one’s request will be required. All requests after the housing lottery will be reviewed and decided by the off-campus
housing board.

All new students will receive a copy of the housing contract electronically when they fill out the Residence Life Information Form. Returning
students get this during the room selection process. Houses open for new students on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Returning students may move in Tuesday, September 6, from 1-4 pm or Wendesday, September 7 from 9 am-noon.

Closing and opening dates and times of houses are publicized on campus prior to vacations and are posted on the residence life website.
These closing dates represent the end of each semester. Students are expected to make house departure and travel plans accordingly. All
houses (including the Friedman apartments) are closed for winter break, except Cutter and Ziskind for international students; 150 Elm Street
and Conway House for Ada Comstock Scholars, and 47 Belmont for graduate students.

Students who will not be in residence for the spring semester, including seniors graduating in January, must remove personal belongings from
their room and house by Friday, December 23, at 10 a.m. All January graduates needing commencement housing in May must submit a
request in writing to the Assistant Director of Residence Life by December 2, 2016. Belongings not removed on time will be packed and
shipped at the student’s expense. Prompt departure from houses is required for all students. A student who rescinds a leave of absence or is
readmitted for second semester cannot return to campus until the date determined by the residence life department.

Information regarding the housing lottery is distributed to students in the spring. The Student Financial Services office requires that the
tuition account be in good standing, which is defined as any one of the following: balance is paid in full; balance will be covered by loans or
grants not yet received; payment arrangements have been approved by the college.

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