Simmons University is dedicated to supporting the campus community through the transition to online learning. The University will transition from on-campus instruction to remote delivery beginning Monday, March 23 and continue through the spring 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.
Grading Procedure and Withdrawal Deadline Changes for Undergraduate Students and Campus-Based Graduate Programs
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].
The Writing Center is open. All appointments are via phone. Appointments are Eastern Standard time. See instructions and schedule a phone call.
The virtual Tutoring Center will be open beginning March 23. 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.
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.
The Library is taking steps to ensure access for the Simmons community. Learn more about their COVID-19 Library Services Information.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
The Federal Communications Commission has released an agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cut off service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
Comcast is offering an internet essentials package for free. To sign up for a free internet essentials package for 60 days, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Spectrum is offering free internet access for students. Beginning March 16, Spectrum is offering free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
Charter is offering free internet for 2 months.
AT&T COVID-19 response. AT&T will offer open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families
Verizon does have special offers, but is following the FCC agreement.
Sprint is following the FCC agreement, providing unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
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!
