Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to The Anchor! This is the second edition in our Simmons Starts: Back to School series, providing you with all the information you need to prepare for the fall semester. Previous issues of The Anchor can be found on the website.

Simmons Starts: Back to School Checklist

From the VP's Desk

Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Hey, Sharks!

Welcome back to The Anchor, Simmons Starts series! Today's communication will focus on logistics you will need to be aware of as you come to campus. This includes:

• Getting a Simmons ID
• Meal plans and dining information
• How to find student employment opportunities

As a reminder, each day this week, we will send out an email with important information to help you prepare for the coming fall semester.

Additionally, we will host a webinar on Friday, August 13th at 12:00 pm. If you have questions you'd like answered during that time, please submit them by August 10th.

Setting Up Your Access

Getting Your Simmons ID

All Simmons University students are required to have an official Simmons photo identification card. You will need this card to gain access to university buildings, dormitories, dining halls, use Fenway Cash and for other services.

Students who do not already have an ID card must submit a request for an ID to Public Safety by August 17th.

Activate Your Handshake Account

All undergraduate and graduate students have a pre-loaded profile to access Handshake’s searchable database of openings posted for the Simmons community. To log into Handshake, follow these steps:

• Log into Handshake
• Click on “Simmons Students Click Here” 
• Enter your Simmons credentials

Activate your Handshake account before you get to Simmons and jumpstart your search!

Student Employment

For student employment opportunities, we encourage you to check out jobs available on the Workday Student Job Board, which allows you to search through both federal work-study and non-work-study student jobs that are available for the Fall term. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Student Employment Office at [email protected] or call 617-521-2630.  

Campus Spaces Updates

During the past year, campus has been full of activity with some exciting updates and enhancements as part of the One Simmons project. Simmons has renovated spaces in all academic buildings and begun the process of constructing new library, lab, and classroom facilities. 

These spaces are aimed to improve the living and learning environment. We are excited to modernize our campus to support our academic programs and to improve the student experience.

Check out the new campus map!

Dining @ Simmons

Welcome to Simmons Dining! We have been working hard all summer to bring the best service and most delicious food to the Simmons Community. Visit us online for hours of operation, menus, special events, nutritional information and more!

New This Year

• Bartol Dining is fully renovated for fast, fresh options where customization, flavor and nutrition have never been better.

• True Balance, allergen stations at Bartol and The Fens offers complete menu transparency and hot entrees made without the eight major allergens.

• T @Bartol Late Night is your late night go-to with an expanded menu, new design and all your favorite sweet and savory snacks.

• Unlimited Meal Plan for Residents: Enjoy up to six meals per day All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Bartol Dining. Three of your Meal Swipes per day may be used at our retail locations, The Fens and Common Grounds Café.

• Mobile Ordering available for selected menu options at all dining locations

Visit us online to view the orientation video and see for yourself how value, taste, quality and nutrition are delivered with every meal plan.

Meal Plans 

Find detailed meal plan information on the Simmons CampusDish website.

Resident Plans

Residents will select a meal plan prior to move-in and have the option to change plans during the first three weeks of the semester. View the Resident Meal Plan Guide.

Commuter Plans

Commuters may select from one of six Commuter Plans, available year-round. View the Commuter Meal Plan Guide.

Limited Time Offer! Try a 10-Pack of meals to see if the Simmons Dining experience is for you! Visit the Bursar’s Office to see how you can add a meal plan to your student bill.

Commuters: How to Add Your Meal Plan to Your Bill

Even though you do not live on campus, we know you likely spend the majority of your mornings, afternoons, and evenings on campus. You are a vital part of the Simmons community, and to enhance your experience, we are excited to share a new opportunity.

We know prepping and planning meals between classes can be difficult and sometimes impossible. Or there are those days when you forget your lunch at home. Next semester we are going to pilot allowing students to add the cost of a commuter meal plan to your bill.

If you want to participate in a meal plan you can now add it to your bill. Please read below additional information about how SFS will work with you for pay your balance.

Student Financial Services (SFS) is looking to work with you as you pay your bill. Many students and families take advantage of a payment plan to cover their balance in full or to supplement any remaining balance not covered by financial aid or loans. To enroll in a payment plan or adjust your existing plan to cover the meal plan charge, please log in to your Workday account and go to My Finances > Welcome to the Online Student Account Center > Payment Plans tab.

If you are interested in utilizing parent or student loans to help cover the cost of the commuter meal plan, please reach out to Student Financial Services.

If you have further questions, please contact SFS at 617-521-2001 or [email protected].

Meet the Team

Our Dining Team is eager to serve you and happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit us here.