<p>I am also the mom of a 2013 admit who is going next year. I for one was impressed with the fact that there is an open discussion of the budget issue at Smith, unlike a number of other schools, where you really have to dig for information to find out what is going on. I work at a “very, very prestigious” ivy and many things are being cut but there is no conversion with staff on the univesrity level and certainly very little disclosure to students beyond the “we are limiting faculty hiring and holding off on construction” speech. I think there is no budget cutting that wont hurt someone (I for one feel very sensitive to cuts in staff). Hopefully regarding the Chaplains there could be some kind of intervarsity group that could support he religious life there and they are often funded on their own. I agree that all schools will feel the pinch whether they are openly admitting it or not.</p>