The Smith College academic calendar for 2026 operates on a semester system with an optional January Interterm, featuring the Spring 2026 semester from Monday, January 26 through Friday, May 8, and the Fall 2026 semester from Tuesday, September 8 through Tuesday, December 22.
The academic year includes distinctive traditions like Mountain Day and Rally Day, alongside standard academic periods for the private women’s liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts.
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Smith College Academic Calendar 2026 Overview
Smith College follows a traditional semester structure with three distinct academic periods. The institution, located at 10 Elm Street in Northampton, Massachusetts, serves approximately 2,600 undergraduate women and operates graduate programs through its School for Social Work.
The 2026 calendar incorporates the college’s membership in the Five College Consortium, which includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Key Academic Dates for 2026
| Academic Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| January Interterm | Monday, January 5 | Friday, January 23 | 19 days |
| Spring Semester | Monday, January 26 | Friday, May 8 | 103 days |
| Fall Semester | Tuesday, September 8 | Tuesday, December 22 | 106 days |
The calendar structure provides 208 total instructional days across both semesters, excluding examination periods and recess breaks.
Smith College Academic Calendar Spring 2026
January Interterm Schedule
The January Interterm runs from Monday, January 5, through Friday, January 23, 2026. This optional intensive course period allows students to explore specialized topics, participate in internships, or conduct independent research. The college remains open during Interterm, but residence is not required.
Interterm Key Details:
- Duration: 19 days
- Housing: Optional on-campus residence
- Academic Options: Intensive courses, research projects, internships, Five College programs
- Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19 (no classes)
- Grade Deadline: Monday, February 2, at noon (faculty submission)
Students use Interterm to investigate special interest areas, work in campus facilities like libraries and laboratories, or participate in conferences at Smith College and neighboring institutions within the Five College Consortium.
Spring Semester Important Dates
Classes begin Monday, January 26, 2026, for the Spring semester. Students must complete registration actions within specific deadlines through Workday, the college’s academic management system.
Registration Deadlines Spring 2026
| Action | Deadline | System |
|---|---|---|
| Add a course | Friday, January 30 | Workday |
| Drop a course | Friday, February 6 | Workday |
| Submit Five College registration request | Friday, February 6 | Five College system |
| Add a Smith course (final deadline) | Friday, February 13 | Department approval |
The extended add period through Friday, February 13, allows students to sample courses before making final enrollment decisions.
Rally Day February 26, 2026
Rally Day occurs on Thursday, February 26, 2026, featuring an all-college convocation where distinguished alumnae receive the Smith College Medal. This tradition honors graduates who have achieved excellence in their fields and made significant contributions to society. Afternoon classes are canceled, allowing the entire campus community to participate in the convocation and reception.
Rally Day represents one of Smith College’s signature academic traditions, bringing together students, faculty, alumnae, and administrators for a celebration of achievement and institutional values.
Spring Recess 2026
Smith College Spring break extends from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, 2026. This nine-day break provides students with time for rest, travel, or academic preparation. Campus facilities remain accessible to students who choose to stay in Northampton during the recess period.
Spring mid-semester grades are due from faculty on Monday, March 23, immediately following the recess period, providing students with academic feedback at the semester midpoint.
Course Registration for Fall 2026
Advising and course registration for the Fall 2026 semester occur Tuesday, April 7, through Friday, April 17. This ten-day period allows students to meet with academic advisors, explore course offerings, and register for Fall semester classes. The registration process operates through Workday and includes access to courses across the Five College Consortium.
Students work with departmental advisors to ensure courses align with major requirements, liberal arts curriculum expectations, and graduation timelines.
Collaborations Day, April 24, 2026
Collaborations take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, showcasing student research, creative projects, and academic achievements. Afternoon classes are canceled at the instructor’s discretion to allow campus-wide participation in presentations, exhibitions, and performances.
Collaborations functions as Smith College’s annual celebration of student scholarship, providing opportunities for undergraduates to present work across disciplines, including sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
Final Examinations Spring 2026
The Spring semester concludes with classes ending Friday, May 1, 2026, followed by a pre-examination study period from Saturday, May 2, through Monday, May 4. Final examinations begin Tuesday, May 5, and conclude Friday, May 8, at 3:00 p.m.
Spring 2026 End-of-Semester Schedule
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Last day of classes | Friday, May 1 | Regular instruction ends |
| Study period begins | Saturday, May 2 | Three-day preparation period |
| Final exams begin | Tuesday, May 5 | Examination schedule published by Registrar |
| Final exams end | Friday, May 8, 3:00 p.m. | Semester officially ends |
| Houses close (non-graduating) | Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. | Students must vacate residence |
| Senior grades due | Monday, May 11, noon | Faculty submission deadline |
| Non-senior grades due | Monday, May 18, noon | Faculty submission deadline |
Commencement Weekend May 17, 2026
Commencement occurs on Sunday, May 17, 2026, concluding Commencement Weekend celebrations. The weekend includes Smith College’s cherished traditions of Ivy Day and Illumination Night, honoring graduating seniors before the Sunday diploma ceremony.
Commencement Weekend Traditions:
- Ivy Day: Class Day ceremony where seniors participate in the Ivy Chain procession
- Illumination Night: Evening celebration with campus-wide lantern lighting
- Commencement: Sunday morning ceremony with diploma conferral
Houses close for graduating students at noon on Monday, May 18, allowing time for family celebrations before departure.
Smith College Academic Calendar Fall 2026
First-Year Student Arrival
Central check-in for entering students occurs on Thursday, September 3, 2026. This includes first-year students, transfer students, and Ada Comstock Scholars (non-traditional students aged 24 and older or military veterans). The President’s Welcome Assembly takes place on Thursday, September 3, officially welcoming new members of the Smith College community.
The early arrival allows new students to complete orientation activities, meet with academic advisors, and acclimate to campus before upperclass students return.
Fall Semester Class Schedule
Classes begin Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for the Fall semester. The registration period follows the same structure as the Spring semester, with tiered deadlines for course adjustments.
Registration Deadlines Fall 2026
| Action | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Add a course | Monday, September 14 | Six-day add period via Workday |
| Drop a course | Tuesday, September 22 | Fourteen-day drop period via Workday |
| Submit Five College registration | Tuesday, September 22 | Consortium course enrollment |
| Add a Smith course (final) | Monday, September 28 | Twenty-day add period with approval |
The extended September 28 deadline for adding Smith courses provides flexibility for students finalizing their academic schedules.
Mountain Day 2026
Mountain Day date is announced by the college president, who selects a beautiful fall day and announces the surprise holiday by ringing the college bells. Classes scheduled before 7:00 p.m. are canceled, allowing students to enjoy outdoor activities, hike nearby mountains, or participate in campus celebrations.
Mountain Day represents Smith College’s most anticipated tradition, generating significant student excitement each fall. The surprise nature creates an atmosphere of campus-wide anticipation throughout September and October.
Autumn Recess October 2026
Autumn recess extends from Saturday, October 10, through Tuesday, October 13, 2026. This four-day mid-semester break coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 12) and provides students with time for rest, travel, or academic work.
Faculty mid-semester grades are due Monday, October 19, providing students with academic progress feedback after the autumn recess.
Cromwell Day, November 10, 2026
Cromwell Day occurs on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, providing dedicated time for reflection and education about diversity, racism, and inclusion. All morning and afternoon classes are canceled, allowing the campus community to participate in workshops, discussions, and educational programs addressing equity and social justice.
Cromwell Day honors Otelia Cromwell, Smith College’s first Black graduate (Class of 1900), and reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment.
Course Registration for Spring 2027
Advising and course registration for the Spring 2027 semester occur Tuesday, November 10 through Friday, November 20, 2026 (tentative dates). Students meet with academic advisors and register for Spring courses during this eleven-day period, ensuring enrollment in courses necessary for degree progress.
Thanksgiving Recess 2026
Thanksgiving recess runs from Wednesday, November 25, through Sunday, November 29, 2026. This five-day break allows students to travel home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Campus dining facilities close during this period, and residence halls remain open for students unable to travel.
Final Examinations Fall 2026
Classes end Tuesday, December 15, 2026, followed by a three-day study period from Wednesday, December 16, through Friday, December 18. Final examinations begin Saturday, December 19, and conclude Tuesday, December 22, at 3:00 p.m.
Fall 2026 End-of-Semester Schedule
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Last day of classes | Tuesday, December 15 | Regular instruction concludes |
| Study period begins | Wednesday, December 16 | Three-day preparation period |
| Final exams begin | Saturday, December 19 | Examination schedule from Registrar |
| Final exams end | Tuesday, December 22, 3:00 p.m. | Semester officially ends |
| Winter recess begins | Wednesday, December 23 | Houses close for break |
| Winter recess ends | Sunday, January 3, 2027 | Students may return |
| Fall 2026 grades due | Wednesday, January 6, 2027, noon | Faculty submission deadline |
Five College Consortium Academic Calendar Integration
Smith College participates in the Five College Consortium alongside Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students may cross-register for courses at partner institutions, expanding academic opportunities beyond Smith’s curriculum.
Five College Registration Deadlines:
- Spring 2026: Friday, February 6 (course registration request submission)
- Fall 2026: Tuesday, September 22 (course registration request submission)
The consortium operates on aligned academic calendars, allowing students to attend classes at multiple campuses. Free bus transportation connects the five institutions, facilitating cross-registration participation.
Five College Mid-Semester Break
The Five College mid-semester break occurs Saturday, October 10, through Tuesday, October 13, 2026, coordinated across all consortium institutions. This alignment ensures students enrolled in courses at partner colleges experience consistent break schedules.
Academic Calendar Dates Subject to Change
Smith College publishes academic calendar dates in advance, but specific dates remain subject to modification. Students should consult the Office of the Registrar’s calendar at smith.edu/registrar for updated information regarding registration deadlines, examination schedules, and academic events.
The Registrar’s office, located in College Hall, provides authoritative information regarding academic policies, course registration procedures, and calendar modifications.
Smith College vs Similar Institutions
Smith College’s 2026 calendar distinguishes the institution from other colleges with similar names:
| Institution | Location | Type | Calendar System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private women’s liberal arts college | Semester with Interterm |
| Paul Smith’s College | Paul Smiths, NY | Private liberal arts college | Semester system |
| Philander Smith University | Little Rock, AR | Private HBCU | Semester system |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | London, UK | Public research university | Three terms per year |
Smith College (Northampton, Massachusetts) operates as a member of the Seven Sisters colleges and maintains a traditional semester structure with an optional January Interterm. The institution should not be confused with the Campus School of Smith College, a K-12 laboratory school located at 33 Prospect Street in Northampton that operates on a separate academic calendar.
How to Access the Smith College Academic Calendar
Students, faculty, and prospective students access the official academic calendar through multiple channels:
- Primary Source: smith.edu/academics/academic-calendar
- Registrar’s Office: smith.edu/registrar (detailed dates and deadlines)
- Student Portal: Through Workday student access
- Academic Catalog: Published annually with comprehensive calendar information
The Office of the Registrar maintains authoritative calendar information and publishes updates regarding date modifications, examination schedules, and registration deadlines.
Academic Calendar Statistics and Enrollment Data
Smith College serves approximately 2,600 undergraduate women across academic programs. The 2026 calendar provides:
- 208 instructional days across Fall and Spring semesters
- 19 days of optional January Interterm programming
- 18 days of scheduled recess periods (excluding exam breaks)
- 10 examination days total across both semesters
The semester structure allocates approximately 103 days for Spring semester instruction and 106 days for Fall semester instruction, excluding examination periods and study days.
Conclusion
The Smith College academic calendar for 2026 provides a structured framework for undergraduate education at the private women’s liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts.
With Spring 2026 classes beginning Monday, January 26, and Fall 2026 classes starting Tuesday, September 8, students experience a traditional semester system enhanced by an optional January Interterm and enriched by Five College Consortium opportunities.
Key dates include Spring Recess (March 14-22), Commencement (May 17), and distinctive traditions like Rally Day, Mountain Day, and Cromwell Day that define the Smith College academic experience.
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