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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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!
