Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Anchor. This bi-weekly communication will provide you with relevant information to anchor your Simmons experience.

From the VP's Desk

Introducing Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Hey Sharks!

I'm so excited to be joining the Simmons University community and I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Welcome to the first edition of The Anchor. This bi-weekly communication will provide you with important information on opportunities to get involved across campus, to develop your leadership skills, and to share your own stories.

As we prepare to greet you back on campus this fall, we are prioritizing connection, community and pride. It is our hope to provide you with a pivotal experience, and it is my goal to have an opportunity to listen and learn from you about how we can best enhance your experience at Simmons. To that end, I invite you to join me for an upcoming Meet the VP event. During these meet and greets, I'd like to get to know a little bit about you and hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can ensure that this fall and beyond is memorable and meaningful for you. The dates and Zoom Links for these Meet the VP sessions are included below:

April 19th | 5:00-6:30pm - Zoom Link

April 28th | 1:00-2:30pm - Zoom Link

See below for a special video greeting from Dr. Kersh:

Health & Wellness

Vaccine Update

All adults over the age of 16 in Massachusetts will be eligible to get the vaccine on April 19th. You can now pre-register to receive notifications for an appointment at one of eight mass vaccination locations, or use VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for appointments at pharmacies, healthcare providers, and other community locations. More information on the Health Center website!

COVID Testing Available for Commuter Students

If you live off campus, you can contact the Health Center at 617-521-1020 to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test! Test results are generally available within 24 hours. Visit the Health Center's website to learn more!

Student Experience

Upcoming Events

Boston in Action: Putting Antiracism into Practice

Monday, April 5 | 4:00-5:30pm

Register

Toni Morrison, Ethics, and Social Justice: A Robert M. Gay Memorial Symposium

Thursday, April 15 | 5:00-7:00pm

Register

Fulbright Group Presentation Session

Wednesday, May 5 | 4:00pm

Register

Trans in Trumpland: Screening and Q&A with Tony Zosherafatain

Tuesday, April 6 | 6:00pm

Register

2021 Virtual Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works

Thursday, April 22

Schedule of Events

Update: Commuter Student Campus Access

Be on the lookout for upcoming information from the Office of Student Life about commuter access to SOM study spaces, Holmes Sports Center, and campus events!

Academic Spotlight

Updates from the Center for Global Education

Travel for Summer and Fall 2021 has been suspended due to COVID; please see the COVID Study Abroad FAQ for further details.

Summer 2021 virtual programs are available, and CGE will make announcements about Fall 2021 Global Virtual Programming offerings over the summer. For questions, please contact [email protected].

Career and Leadership Corner

Vice President's Student Advisory Board

Looking for an opportunity to lend your voice to decisions about the student experience at Simmons? The Office of Student Affairs is seeking undergraduate applicants to form a Student Advisory Board!

The Student Advisory Board will meet monthly with Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs, to offer feedback and insight that will help shape the future of the Simmons student experience.

If this opportunity interests you, use the link below to apply!

Become an Orientation Leader

Are you looking to build your leadership skills while making a big impact? The Office of First Year Programs is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated students to help welcome new Sharks to the Simmons community! 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Orientation Leader, attend one of the following info sessions:

• Monday, April 5th | 7:00pm
• Thursday, April 8th | 4:00pm

You will hear about what we are looking for in an Orientation team, what the role entails, and what you can expect from the selection process. Can't wait to see you there!

Making a Difference

Working to #StopAsianHate

In light of the horrific, targeted attack against Asian Americans on March 16, and the documented rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the pandemic, we want to offer not only our support, but our commitment to action. The Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides Anti-Asian Racism Resources, as well as opportunities to learn and get involved in initiatives and legislation that support the AAPI community.

Stay safe, and be well.