This is for the fellow Smithies...

Check out the proposed plan to cut spending over the next few years. It might make you concerned and a bit anxious. Oh, Carol Christ....I know you were hired specifically to improve Smith's financial status, but really?

"Reducing operating expenses for Smith's four Junior Year Abroad programs, including such changes as discontinuing the lease of an under-utilized space in Paris and seeking a more reasonably priced location in Florence when our lease expires"

--> They're getting rid of Reid Hall!!! But I loved Reid Hall!! It was beautiful and had a garden courtyard and you could interact with other American college students (not that I did). :(

"Consolidating one of three branch libraries, the Josten Library (music, dance, theatre), into Neilson Library"

--> Does this mean they're moving the Josten Library collection into Nielson? Isn't that going to be expensive, relocating all those materials?

"Eliminate the not-for-credit Interterm program."

--> Waaaaaiiiit. They're getting rid of Interterm ALL TOGETHER?? I mean, I never did it (bc I didn't do much of anything at Smith but study and work), but it seemed like an awesome opportunity. And one of those things that set Smith apart from the others.

A little bit troubled. However, I am continuing to remain optimistic bc I assume that these are all just temporary measures until the economy improves and Smith can again afford to increase its spending (without, of course, increasing its tuition -- by the way, what does it cost now? $50,000?).