Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to The Anchor! This is the fourth 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 internal site.

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 is focused on the academic and co-curricular supports available to students at Simmons.

ID Card Update: Yesterday's communication included instructions on how to obtain a Simmons ID card. Please only submit a request for an ID if you have lost yours or have never received one.

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. We will be hosting a webinar on Friday, August 13 at 12pm to highlight the information provided this week. If you have specific questions you'd like answered during that time, please submit them by August 10.

Learning at Simmons

Academic Course Modality: Language Classes

This Fall, the majority of undergraduate courses will be offered in-person. In the event of public health guidance (i.e. mask wearing) that impacts the delivery of language classes (which often rely on visual cues, conversation, and tone), adjustments will be made to ensure optimal learning conditions.

Specifically, if masks are required:

• Romance languages: French, Italian, and Spanish will be taught in a hybrid model, with classes alternating between one in-person class and one or two online classes each week
• Asian languages & ASL: Chinese, Japanese, and American Sign Language will be taught fully online.

Accessing Library Materials

Due to campus renovations, Lefavour Hall and the physical space of the Simmons University Library are temporarily inaccessible. The Library will continue its support of teaching and learning through a combination of in-person and remote services, as well as offering continued access to print and digital resources during the upcoming academic year.

The following supplemental supports will also be offered for students:

• A Walk-up Service Desk: located at the entrance of C520 to check-out physical materials, course reservations, and Interlibrary Loans
• Reference Services: available through personal Zoom appointments, chat and email
• Library Service Guide for accessing resources.

You can also contact the Library staff via email, chat, or phone.

Simmons Community Engagement

Simmons Community Engagement facilitates and promotes community-based experiences and develops strategic partnerships to advance learning, promote civic engagement, and enhance community leadership in order to create a more just society. SCE administers co-curricular and curricular leadership opportunities to engage with the broader community, including Student-Led Programs (including America Learns and Strong Women Strong Girls), Jumpstart Americorps, Alternative Spring Break, and service-learning courses.

Center for Student Success

This fall, offices within the Center for Student Success (CSS) will give students the option of scheduling either in-person and remote appointments. The CSS is located on the first floor of Lefavour Hall. 

The Center for Student Success includes the following departments:

• Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising
• Accessibility Services
• Career Education Center
• Center for Global Education
• Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
• Writing and Tutoring Center. 

Undergraduate Academic Advising

The Office of Undergraduate Advising partners with faculty advisors, academic departments, and other Simmons support staff to encourage academic and personal development of all students. Consider attending these department events throughout the year:

• Major Exploration Fair (late September)
• Success workshops
• Declare Your Major Week (April)

You can stay up-to-date by following @simmonsadvising so you don't miss an academic deadline or advising event.

Notes for First Year Students: All first-year students are assigned to a PLAN Advisor and a Simmons Academic Mentor (SAM) to assist with their transition to Simmons and help achieve academic success. Your PLAN Advisor will meet with you to discuss your academic goals and help prepare you for spring 2022 course selection in October. SAMs are students who assist first-years with academic acclimation to Simmons, providing peer academic support throughout the academic year.

First Year Student Reminders:

• Finalized fall schedules will be sent out by Friday, August 6th; changes cannot be made until August 25th
• Double-check Workday to ensure all "to-do" items are completed to make sure you receive your finalized fall course schedule
• Complete the math placement exam if you have not already done so

Office of Accessibility Services (OAS)

At Simmons, we are committed to the full participation of all students in our programs and activities. We encourage everyone to explore the services provided by the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). OAS provides equal access to the educational experience as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Academic and residential requests are made through the OAS. Please email [email protected] with your questions.  

Career Education Center (CEC)

The Career Education Center (CEC) helps students and alumnae/i develop the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their careers. Whether you are about to begin your undergraduate studies, have just graduated with a master's degree, or are an alum approaching a career or life transition, the CEC can make a difference. Login to Handshake to schedule appointments and find career events to attend! Email [email protected] with questions. 

Center for Global Education (CGE)

The Center for Global Education (CGE) supports both international students and students looking to go abroad! If you have questions about studying abroad or are looking for information on returning to the U.S., please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].  

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) is committed to supporting the intellectual curiosity, creativity and scholarly development of Simmons students. We offer programs that support undergraduate research and scholarship across disciplines, help connect students to faculty mentors, and work closely with students to pursue domestic and international fellowships. Email us at [email protected] with questions or to schedule an appointment. 

Tutoring and Writing Center

The Tutoring Center provides undergraduates with tutoring support in courses across disciplines, as well as time management and study skills. To make an appointment, visit the Tutoring Center's online scheduler. The Writing Center offers graduate and undergraduate students tutoring support to strengthen their academic writing skills. To make an appointment, please go to the Writing Center's online scheduler.