Hobart and William Smith Colleges

The deans are available to assist students in many aspects of life at HWS. Contact your dean for guidance on any of the following:

• Transitioning from one year to the next
• Selecting an academic adviser
• Academic or social probation
• Finding the right-fit student organizations to join
• Learning more about services available on campus
• Building relationships with professors, offices or peers
• Becoming more active in the HWS community
• Selecting a major/minor
• Academic recognition and ceremonies
• Campus traditions
• Planning for a study abroad, internship or research experience
• Transfer credits
• Final exam rescheduling
• Leave(s) of absence
• Taking action on campus issues

Meet the Deans

About

 

Honor Societies

The Deans' Offices support honor societies for sophomore, junior and senior students. Honor society members are selected based on their scholarship, leadership, character and service. Typically, they are student leaders who foster a sense of community on campus. Students interested in becoming part of an honor society should inquire about the application process with their Dean’s Office.

Parents and Families

The deans are important contacts for parents and families as they are responsible for the academic and co-curricular well-being of all students. Families should not hesitate to contact the Deans' Offices with questions or concerns regarding their student’s well-being or academic progress. When appropriate, the deans can often connect students to necessary resources or facilitate relationships with other parties on campus.

Student Governments

Hobart Government and William Smith Congress work to promote and represent the interests and activities of their respective student body. Every student is a member of their student government and are encouraged to attend the weekly meetings to discuss, and act upon campus issues that they find important. Each student government has an executive board of student directors and each class elects their own class presidents. The deans actively collaborate with and support these governing organizations.

Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)

The Public Leadership Education Network is a national organization that encourages and prepares young women to become political leaders by hosting academic seminars in Washington, D.C. William Smith College is a member of PLEN and is led by William Smith Dean, Lisa Kaenzig. The organization aims to increase the number of women in top leadership positions by exposing college women to role models and skills training needed before entering the workforce in public policy careers.