Welcome from the Editor

The editor, indicating that all systems are go for eclipse viewing.

On behalf of the Communications Committee, welcome to the latest edition of the Smith College Staff Council Chronicle!

The Chronicle is now a website, rather than an emailed PDF document. We hope this will help us reach more Smith community members.

This new format is one result of an exciting year for the Communications Committee. It’s been a pleasure to spend time with other staff members from around campus. We’ve talked a lot about refining the role of our committee. One recurring theme has been the need for outreach, and especially to be clear about what Staff Council is, what Staff Council does, and how Staff Council is relevant to you in your role at Smith.

Along those lines, here are the basics:

Smith College Staff Council is a representative body providing a voice for all staff. The Council gives staff members focused and direct involvement in the governance of non­academic affairs and in the life of Smith College. It ensures participation of staff in the policy­making process, promotes the visibility of staff as valuable members of the Smith community, and facilitates a sense of belonging across campus.

We hope that in the articles collected here you will see some concrete examples of these goals in action and get a feel for the variety of ways in which Smith College Staff Council enhances the staff experience. You might consider how Staff Council can be your voice, or how you could participate in Staff Council and be a voice for others.

Visit the Smith College Staff Council page to learn about recent Smith College Staff Council accomplishments, how to get in touch, and how to get involved.