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Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to The Anchor! This is the third 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 will focus on sharing information about a variety of areas of campus life including:

 

  • Welcome Week
  • Community Read
  • Support Systems
  • Health and Wellness
  • One Stop Center

 

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.

Engagement and Leadership

Introducing the Center for Leadership and Engagement

We are thrilled to announce the opening of the Center for Leadership and Engagement, (formerly the Office of Student Leadership and Activities (OSLA)) on the first floor of the SOM. Visit the Center for Leadership and Engagement to learn more about how to get involved, enrich your experience, and leave a legacy at Simmons.

 

Don't forget to check out The Hub to learn more about student organizations and what’s happening on campus! You can also take advantage of the exciting opportunities that will be offered through the Colleges of the Fenway.

 

Student Organization Leaders: This fall, you will play an important role in helping to connect and reconnect students across the Simmons community. Our team is prepping a guide to assist you as you get ready to plan new programs, host engaging events and further develop as leaders on campus.

Welcome Week Events

The fun doesn’t stop with Orientation! We are thrilled to welcome all students back to campus with an exciting week of events. Welcome Week kicks off on Wednesday September 1, and includes activities both on and off campus! Check out the Hub after August 23 for more details.

 

Community Read

Simmons students, faculty, staff, and alumnae/i are invited to participate in the Fall Community Read. This annual tradition is designed to engage the campus community intellectually and foster the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. Prior to arriving at Simmons, all first-year students are asked to read the Community Read book as part of the curriculum of Simmons Explore (SIM-101), the first-year seminar course.

 

The Fall 2021 Community Read is Transcendent Kingdom, by Yaa Gyasi. Join us on Wednesday, September 22 for a keynote conversation and book signing with the author!

Health and Wellness

A Community of Care

New this fall, Simmons has organized holistic support services under The R.E.E.F Support Center. R.E.E.F. stands for resilience, efficacy and empowerment through foundational support services.

 

This new center will be housed in the Division of Student Affairs suite on the first floor of the Main College Building (A-160) and will include resources for general support. This includes: absence notifications for extenuating circumstances, crisis support and referrals, commuter student services and off-campus housing resources, violence prevention and education, food and housing security resources, a student assistance program for emotional and social support, and the SOS emergency fund.

 

To learn more contact the Division of Student Affairs at 617-521-2124.

Holmes Sports and Fitness Center

The Holmes Sports and Fitness Center will resume normal operations this fall. Below, you will find the summer hours for August 23 - 29 for your convenience. Regular Academic Hours begin Monday, August 30

 

  • Monday, August 23 - 4pm-8pm
  • Tuesday, August 24 - 9am-8pm
  • Wednesday, August 25 - 9am-8pm
  • Thursday, August 26 - 9am-8pm
  • Friday, August 27 - 9am-8pm
  • Saturday, August 28 - 9am-5pm
  • Sunday, August 29 - 9am-8pm

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides mental health support and referrals for undergraduate students. If you are interested in counseling or have any questions, please email us at [email protected] or leave a detailed message for us at (617) 521-2455.

Regular Academic hours begin Tuesday, September 7

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Health Center

The Health Center is available to support your physical health needs. A Provider is on-call whenever the Health Center is closed by calling Public Safety.

Regular Academic begin Monday, August 30

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Wellness Activities & On Campus Events

 In addition to specific services, we are planning tons of exciting wellness events and activities for you as you return to the Simmons community. Check them out below!

 

  • Move-In Week (8/22-8/31)
    • Smoothies on the Quad
    • Free, reusable water bottles
    • Lawn Games on Residence Campus

 

  • Welcome Days (9/1-9/10)
    • Mugs- “make-a-mug”, mug recipes, mug ingredients
    • Collages- “I am…”
    • Managing Money 101 (addresses budgeting, spending, paying bills, etc.)
    • Outdoor yoga and paddle-board classes

Student Health Insurance

Massachusetts state law requires all students who are enrolled in nine or more credits each semester to show proof that they have health insurance coverage. Simmons and University Health Plans hosted an information session about the Simmons health insurance plan. To learn more, please visit the Health Plans Site.

The One-Stop Center for Enrollment Student Services

Rooted in the University’s mission to put the needs of our students first, the One-Stop Center for Enrollment Student Services has been designed to help you navigate the business of being a student. Visit us on the second floor of the Main College Building (MCB) to speak to an advisor, pick up your MBTA pass or student identification card, have a seat in the lounge, or just to say hello!

 

Offices located in the Center for Enrollment Student Services include:

 

  • Financial Aid Office
  • Student Accounts and Billing
  • Registrar
  • Veteran and Military Services
  • Student Employment
  • Cashier’s Window
  • ID Card Office
  • MBTA Card Distribution

 

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (or by appointment)

All offices located in the center offer in-person, virtual and self-service options.