Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

Welcome to The Anchor. This bi-weekly communication will provide you with relevant information to anchor your Simmons experience.

From the VP's Desk

Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Hey, Sharks!

It is officially autumn, and the weather here in Boston couldn't be more beautiful. Fall in New England is a truly special time, and I hope you're all taking advantage of everything the season has to offer, while staying safe and healthy. Thank you for your continued dedication to the vibrant reopening of campus.

In this edition of The Anchor, I want to reiterate the COF COVID Protocols, and highlight some awesome opportunities for you to get involved around campus this fall. Between book clubs, mentorship opportunities, and fitness programs, this semester at Simmons is full of resources to help you become the best version of yourself!

Health and Wellness

COVID-19 Updates

Please review the updated COF COVID Protocols to be in compliance so that you are able to participate in cross-campus in-person activities. Remember that when you take part in any COF event, you are responsible for following not only Simmons' policies, but also those of the host institution.

Visit Simmons' COVID-19 Dashboard for daily updates on testing and vaccination rates in our community.

FIT at Simmons

Fit at Simmons programming is up and running in person for the Fall 2021 semester! View the schedule for a wide range of courses, including Spin, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), strength training, and Intro to Weightlifting courses. All courses are offered at the Holmes Sports Center on the Residential campus. 

Classes follow a drop-in format, so come any time that is convenient for you! Remember to mask up for all indoor classes.

Fighting Food Insecurity

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral at 165 Park Drive is operating their regular $2 Food Bag drive. As the program is fully funded by a grant, they are handing out one bag per person for free. Each bag contains veggies and bread, and the program occurs every other Wednesday, through November.

Transitions Support Group

The Counseling Center is hosting a drop-in support group for students to gain support around difficult and stressful transitions, homesickness, and anxiety. Join via Zoom Tuesdays at 12pm, or Thursdays at 5pm.

Career and Leadership

Community Engagement Opportunities

Mentorship with America Learns

America Learns is an Academic Mentoring program that provides foundational literacy and mathematics skill-building to our Boston-area neighborhoods through reading pairs, engaging play, and exciting activities. This year, we look forward to supporting Orchard Gardens K-8 School in Roxbury and Florida Ruffin Ridley K-8 School in Brookline.  

To apply to America Learns, complete the Academic Mentor application in Workday, as well as the SCE supplemental application. America Learns offer financial support for students through community service federal work-study for eligible students as determined by their Financial Aid package.

Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an immersive living, volunteering, and community engagement experience. Through meaningful action, reflection, and education, team members engage in direct service that addresses critical social issues. 

This year, we anticipate three teams, each focusing on a different social issue such as environmental equity, food justice, and health equity. Teams will meet weekly from November through March. Applications for Alternative Spring Break will be available in October.

For additional information on these and other opportunities, contact the Simmons Community Engagement team at [email protected].

Student Employment

Undergraduate Admissions

The Office of Undergraduate Admission is hiring for our Ambassador, Fellow, and Outreach Representative Positions! Students must be sophomore level or above and be passionate about sharing their Simmons experiences. Positions are being filled on a space available basis, so if you're interested apply today!

Professional Networking

We invite all Simmons students to join our Simmons' American Marketing Association chapter. The School of Business will pay the first year's annual membership dues.

Latest Updates

WIT Library Access

The Wentworth Library is now open to students from the Colleges of the Fenway and the Fenway Library Organization. If you are looking to utilize their library, remember that you must bring your Simmons ID card and wear a face mask at all times.

Dietary Accommodations

If you need a dietary accommodation, the offices of Accessibility Services and Dining Services have collaborated to bring you a new process for requesting and receiving dining accommodations in Bartol Hall. See the request process outline for more information!

Upcoming Events

Virtual Book Discussion

Friday, October 1 | 12pm - 1pm

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in a guided, small-group virtual book discussion about Transcendent Kingdom.

Using excerpts and reflection prompts to guide the conversation, readers will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about this season's Community Read and discuss various themes and topics the book addresses. Conversations will be moderated by facilitators from different disciplines.

Please register by September 29, and email [email protected] for more information.

Health and Wellness Book Club

Wednesday, October 27 | 4pm - 5pm

Join for a discussion on our October selection: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, by Brené Brown. Register to receive a copy of the book.

Visit The HUB for more upcoming events!

Simmons University

The Division of Student Affairs

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115