Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to The Anchor! This is the fifth 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 to the final edition of The Anchor, Simmons Starts series! Today's communication provides targeted information for specific student groups, including:

• Student athletes
• Residential undergraduates
• Commuter students
• Orientation for first year, transfer, and sophomore students

As a reminder, 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.

Information for Student Athletes

Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Announcements

Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) member institutions are elated to resume a full schedule of exciting NCAA Division III competition this fall. In alignment with ongoing commitments to prioritizing the health and well-being of student-athletes and athletics personnel, the GNAC Presidents' Council has approved updated COVID-19 protocols for GNAC conference and non-conference competition for the fall 2021 season.

The Presidents of the GNAC are committed to fully vaccinated campuses. Fully vaccinated GNAC student-athletes, coaches, and staff are permitted to participate during the 2021 fall sports season without any restrictions. Non-vaccinated student-athletes and personnel with approved medical or religious exemptions will be required to undergo twice weekly testing and must mask during all athletically related activities. Each institution is responsible for verifying the vaccination status of its athletes, coaches, and staff.

Officials working GNAC competitions are required to provide proof of vaccination. In addition, each campus will determine spectator attendance policies, taking into account local, state, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

The GNAC Presidents' Council will continue to monitor updates at the local and state levels and adjust policies as appropriate.

If you have questions, please contact Amanda Arpe at [email protected]

Updates for Residential Students

Immunizations Compliance

Housing assignments are contingent upon successful submission of COVID-19 vaccination status or plans by Tuesday, August 10th.

In order for assigned residential students to be permitted to move onto campus, they must meet one of the following criteria:

• Full immunization record submitted via the Student Health Portal
• Approved exemption on file with Health Services (For more information about exemption, contact [email protected])
• Have submitted a signed attestation confirming vaccination plans by Tuesday, August 10th

If you have questions regarding immunizations requirements, please contact the Health Center at 617-521-1020 or [email protected]. 

COVID Testing Protocol

All residential students will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing regardless of vaccination status. Students will be required to take their first test on the day they move into the residence halls, then will use the CoVerified app to schedule a testing appointment every week.

Move In Dates

Move in has been staggered to ensure safety and proper distancing. Please see below for the move-in dates:

• Incoming First Years: August 24
• Sophomores & Transfer Students: August 25
• Juniors & Seniors: August 29-31

For the full schedule of move-ins by hall and building, please visit our move-in webpage.

Updates for Commuter Students

Even though you aren't always on campus, commuter students are a vital part of the Simmons community and we strive to make it easy to stay connected to everything going on at Simmons through student groups, electronic communication, and special facilities reserved for commuters to make your life a little easier. To find out more about commuter student resources click here.

The commuter lounge has moved to an expanded space featuring tap access (for Simmons community students only), a refrigerator, plenty of lounge and study furniture and a small conference room for group projects or meetings. The lounge is located in the Main College Building, Lower Level, adjacent to the Fens Cafeteria. 

Fall Semester Student MBTA Pass

It's that time again! The MBTA pass Program is back, which will cover the entire Fall semester, September through December. All passes are offered at a discount of 11% by the MBTA. All Orders need to be placed by 11:59 PM on Friday August 13, 2021. 

Please review the MBTA Pass Program site for FAQ and Pricing.

Pick-up Location: Once passes arrive, communication will provide more information regarding the pick-up location and time.

Student Transportation Benefits

CommuteWorks

CommuteWorks is a commuter benefits program available to students at MASCO member institutions. See programs and services below, plus a list of MBTA options in the area. Email [email protected] to sign up, or to ask general questions about getting around, personalized help planning your trip to campus, or an off-campus internship or job.

• CommuteFit: This program offers monthly prizes if you walk, bike, or run to campus or an off-campus internship. Register online for this program with RideAmigos and log your miles for a chance to win our monthly raffle.

• Ridesharing (Free Gas): The Carpool Incentive Program allows participants to receive up to $250 in free gas cards. Register with RideAmigos to find other people commuting from your home area.

• Zipcar Discount (Save $60): Use the MASCO link for discount. Cars are available 24/7, 365 days a year — a great option for day trips outside of Boston or any off-campus errands. Use the Zipcar app to locate cars closest to you.

• MASCO Shuttle (Fenway shuttle): Access Fenway in 5-10 comfortable minutes. Buses run every 8-10 minutes. MASCO shuttles are free to students - must show student ID to board. The M2 shuttle requires either Harvard ID or ticket ($4 for single ride). The Chestnut Hill shuttle requires a registered parking pass at the Shops at Chestnut Hill parking garage. 

MBTA & Bike Options

Bus, subway, commuter rail and Bluebike stations are no more than a 5-10 minute walk from campus. This includes the Green Line D and E branches, Ruggles Station, Lansdowne Station, and the following bus lines: 8, 19, 39, 47, 60, 65, 66, CT2, CT3. See a list of area Bluebike stations here.  

Orientation for First Year and Transfer Students

First Bite Orientation for First-Year and Transfer students is August 24 - 31, 2021.Students may register for First Bite Orientation in the virtual Pre-Orientation. First Bite Orientation is MANDATORY for all incoming first year students. Students are invited to attend an Orientation kick-off event at 6:00pm on August 24. Mandatory orientation events begin on August 25. You will receive additional details, including a schedule of events, later this summer.

Parent & Family Orientation Schedule: August 24th - 25th, 2021

If you would like to register guests for Parent & Family Orientation, please enter their information in the registration form.

August 24th: During move-in day, there will be a resource fair where parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the offices and services available to their students.

August 25th: Programming starts at 9:00am and ends promptly at 12:30pm. There will be two information sessions and a farewell lunch with students.

To help us better prepare for our program, we are looking to gather some information from families. Whether or not you have already registered, please indicate your interest in attending specific sessions and events using this form by Wednesday, August 11.

Orientation for Sophomores

This year, Sophomores are new to campus too! Sophomores are invited to move to campus on Wednesday, August 25 and attend Orientation activities from August 25 - 31. First Bite for Sophomores will be geared toward getting you acclimated to campus and building relationships with your classmates. There will be some events with the incoming First Year students, as well as separate programs just for Sophomores. Get to know Simmons and Boston before classes begin on Wednesday, September 1!

Sophomores may check-in to Orientation on the Residence Quad on August 25 and attend a kickoff event the evening of August 25.

No registration is required.