Information to Anchor your Simmons Experience

From the VP's Desk

Dr. Renique Kersh, VP of Student Affairs

Hey, Sharks!

We're excited to welcome you back to our vibrant and engaged campus community in just a few short weeks! This fall, you’ve asked for more transparency and more effective communication. In response to this feedback, we’ve relaunched The Anchor for the '21-22 academic year.

I want to thank our faculty, staff, resident advisors, orientation leaders and student street team in advance for their time and support during move-in and orientation. The work you are doing is essential to helping our new Sharks acclimate to the Simmons community.

Return to Campus Recorded Webinar 

Last week, a webinar was held to share important information with students to help them prepare for the fall semester. To learn more, watch the recorded webinar and view the Q&A responses.

Important Dates

• August 22 - International students will begin moving in
• August 24 - Freshmen will begin moving in
• August 25 - Sophomores will begin moving in
• August 25-31 - Freshman & Transfers First Bite Orientation
• August 25-31 - Sophomore First Bite Orientation
• August 29 - Welcome Days begin (runs through September 15)
• August 31 - President's Picnic, 1:30pm
• September 1 - Convocation, 2pm
• September 1 - Pep Rally on Daly Field, directly following convocation

Orientation Information

First Year and Transfer Student Orientation

Mandatory First Year and Transfer Orientation sessions begin on August 25 at 10am. Upon arrival, students will receive a full orientation program.

Residential Students

Check-in to orientation during your move-in time on Tuesday, August 24. You will pick up your orientation materials in front of Bartol Hall, then proceed to Alumnae Hall for COVID testing and to retrieve your room key and ID card.

Schedule of Events

• August 24, 2 - 4:30pm: Attend mandatory residential community meetings
• August 24, 5:30 - 7pm: Welcome to Simmons Kick-Off Event for Students & Families (optional)
• August 25, 10am: Orientation begins

Commuter Students

Check-in to orientation on either August 24 (9am - 2pm) or August 25 (8am - 10am). Students should check in to orientation in front of Bartol Hall and then proceed to Alumnae Hall for COVID testing and to retrieve your ID card.

Schedule of Events

• August 24, 5:30-7pm: Welcome to Simmons Kick-Off Event for Students & Families (optional)
• August 25, 10am: Orientation begins

Class of 2025 by the Numbers

Sophomore Orientation

Sophomore Orientation begins with a Welcome Session at 5pm on August 25 in the Residential Quad Tent. Upon arrival, students will receive a full orientation program.

Residential Students

Check in to orientation during your move-in time on Wednesday, August 25. Pick up your orientation materials in front of Bartol Hall, then proceed to Alumnae Hall for COVID testing and to retrieve your room key and ID card.  

Schedule of Events

• August 25, 2 - 4:30pm: Attend mandatory residential community meetings
• August 25, 10am: Orientation begins

Commuter Students

Check in to orientation between 4 - 5pm on Wednesday, August 25 in front of Bartol Hall, then proceed to Alumnae Hall for COVID testing and to retrieve your ID card. 

Class of 2024 by the Numbers

Residential On-Boarding COVID Testing

You are required to get tested for COVID at the soonest possible time after your arrival to campus. The testing center will be set up in Alumnae Hall.

As a reminder, after your first COVID test upon arrival, residential students are required to get tested once per week to remain in compliance. You will need to schedule your testing appointments in advance through CoVerified, so please make sure you have set up your account prior to your arrival.

Steps for Setting Up CoVerified*:

• Review the instructions
• Install the mobile app, activate** your account (please make sure to allow notifications)
• Download the mobile app

*If you cannot use CoVerified at all due to limited email and internet access, please reach out to the Health Center for alternative methods.

**If you cannot access a compatible mobile device, activate your account through the web portal.

For other issues, please contact the Health Center at: (617) 521-1020, or via email at: [email protected] so they can clear you. If you are unable to reach the Health Center, please go directly to the testing site during open hours for help.

Simmons University

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115

(617) 521-2000