Simmons University is dedicated to supporting the campus community through this phase of online learning. The University will hold all of our teaching and activities online for the Fall 2020 semester, in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Online learning has many benefits, including flexibility to study anywhere. Please use this online student success resource guide for tips on how to be a successful online learner.
Academic Support Resources
Office of Undergraduate Advising
The Office of Undergraduate Advising is available to support students with course selection, registration, and transitioning to becoming an online student. Students can find advising planning materials on the Academic Planning Worksheet page. This includes major planning worksheets, 4-year course planning worksheets, list of KCAs (key content areas) and links to upcoming available Learning Communities for the fall semester. Use Starfish to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor or contact the Office of Undergraduate Advising at [email protected].
Writing Center
The Writing Center is open. All appointments are via phone. Appointments are Eastern Standard time. See instructions and schedule a phone call.
Tutoring Center
The virtual Tutoring Center is open. Students should use the Tutoring Center’s online schedule to book appointments and look for an email from their tutor inviting them to a Zoom meeting. Appointments are Eastern Standard time.
Office of Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services supports students in their academic activities both on the ground and online. Review the Frequently Asked Questions and contact the Office of Accessibility Services at [email protected] with questions or concerns.
Simmons University Library
The Library is taking steps to ensure access for the Simmons community. Learn more about their COVID-19 Library Services Information.
Supporting Our Students (SOS) Fund
In the spring, Simmons created the SOS Fund to help undergraduate and graduate students cover a variety of expenses. To date we’ve allocated more than $100,000 for expenses related to housing and food insecurity, immediate transportation, mental health and medical needs, among other things.
These funds are supplemental to your financial award and can be used for items such as food, utility expenses, and medical expenses. More detailed information on the use of this fund can be found in our FAQ. You may apply online for the SOS fund.
If you have immediate questions please email [email protected].
Technology Resources
Simmons Technology
Technology at Simmons offers a wide variety of support services, including campus-wide wireless Internet access, phone and email support from the Service Desk, training and free antivirus software. Call 617-521-2222 to reach Technology’s Service Desk for general technology and computer support during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-5:30 pm. You can learn more on the Service Desk website.
Moodle
Be sure you know how to log on to Moodle to access your courses. Moodle is also available as an app on your mobile devices. Search your app store and download the app if you plan to access your courses through a mobile device.
Zoom
Many instructors will use Zoom in your courses — familiarize yourself with it this week. Zoom is an online video conference tool that provides remote conferencing services that combine video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Take a look at our Zoom instructions for students and find additional resources, including recorded and live over Zoom training, at the Zoom Help Center.
Starfish
If you would like to make an appointment (phone or via Zoom) with an academic advisor for the upcoming weeks, log into Starfish and follow these steps:
- Log in to starfish.simmons.edu.
- Click “My Success Network” in the menu on the left.
- Click “Schedule” at the bottom of the yellow “Academic Advising (Undergraduate)” box.
- Search the calendar for available appointments.
Lynda
Simmons Technology has partnered with Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) to provide our students, faculty, and staff with free 24/7 access to online technology training. Follow the “sign in” link and then the “sign in with your organization portal” using your Simmons login and password.
Honor System and Academic Integrity Online
- What do we mean by Academic Integrity at Simmons? We mean committing to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage (International Center of Academic Integrity). Therefore, all students at Simmons University are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic activities , whether on campus or online.
- Students are responsible for reading, understanding and abiding by the Simmons University Student Code of Conduct, which includes this academic integrity policy and understanding and abiding by any professional standards and guidelines provided by a specific program and/or College. Please be aware that ignorance and/or failure to have read this information will not be considered an excuse for not understanding or knowing about these policies.
- Questions about the Honor System and Academic Integrity should be sent to Mikel Satcher, Director of Academic Integrity via email [email protected].
Tips to being a Successful Online Learner
- Treat online and on campus classes the same
- Treat an online class the same way as an on-campus course. Be prepared. Your professors will have work you’ll do on your own time, as well as live, real-time lectures or discussions. Be sure to dedicate the time necessary to do work on your own time.
- Stay Engaged – It might feel more challenging right now, but our goal is for students to stay connected and engaged with the campus, their classmates, advisor, and faculty.
- Collaborate in online course discussions to better grasp the course materials and connect with classmates.
- Set up a Google Hangout to have group discussions.
- Request a virtual meeting with your professor if you have questions about the material.
- Reach out to your professor if you are falling behind with the online coursework for any reason. It’s better to get the help you need as early as possible.
- Time Management
- Plan ahead. Use a day planner or Google calendar to keep track of deadlines and assignments.
- Create a daily and/or weekly schedule that includes online class time and study time.
- Don’t multi-task.
- Set a timer. Using a timer or phone alarm for 25-40 minutes allows you to work uninterrupted for a scheduled period of time and will help you stay on track.
- Review each course syllabus to ensure you stay on top of upcoming tests and quizzes.
- Practice mental wellness and avoid burnout
- Take short 5-15 minute breaks after working on the computer for 25-40 minutes. Move around and stretch. Relax in ways that de-stress. Get a good night’s sleep, 7-8 hours, every day.
- Staying focused and eliminating distractions will help you meet deadlines and avoid procrastination.
- Once again, set time aside each week as class time and study time. Don’t let Netflix, Amazon shopping, or YouTube distract you from meeting course deadlines. Figure out what strategy works best for you.
- If you need help staying focused, consider creating lists using a project management tool, such as Trello or Smartsheet, to help organize tasks. If you prefer a traditional to-do list, then look at digital notebooks like Todoist or Evernote.
- Cold Turkey and Freedom can help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps and websites such as Youtube, Snapchat, and Twitter.
- Academic Advisor, Major Advisor, PLAN Advisor
- Reach out to your advisor for guidance and support. Advisors are available via email, phone, and Zoom.
- Educational Environment
- Wherever you choose to study, organize your space to help you focus on your studies, ensure reliable high-speed internet as best you can. Earphones may be helpful if your professor posts a required course video to watch.
- Keep your device(s) charged!
Students who require access to emergency funds for academic-related reasons can contact the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected].
Thank you for your patience as we all navigate through unprecedented times. The staff and faculty at Simmons will continue to support and engage our students in our new online environment!