Information to Anchor Your Simmons Experience

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

From the VP's Desk

Introducing Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Hey, Sharks!

The semester is off to a great start, with many new and familiar faces walking through the halls and across the quad. It has been wonderful connecting with everyone who I was initially only able to meet through Zoom, and I look forward to cultivating strong relationships with you all as we readjust to in-person learning.

I hope each of you has been able to take the opportunity to meet or do something new since your return to campus. The other day I found myself working from the Residence Quad, enjoying the beautiful fall weather and connecting with many of you.

This week's edition of the Anchor includes COVID updates, dining changes, and happenings across campus over the new week.

Best,

Renique Kersh, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Health & Wellness

Covid Exposure Chart

The Health Center and the Communications team has worked to create an easy to read chart that explains what you need to know if you have the following questions:

• I was exposed to COVID-19, what do I need to do?
• I tested positive for COVID-19, what do I need to do?

Updated COVID-19 FAQs

The COVID Task Force Steering Committee continuously reviews policies that impact our community based on business needs and the changing landscape.

Please find the latest updates to our policies.

Counseling Center Support Groups

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

Fit at Simmons Fall Classes

Fit at Simmons programming has a wide range of courses that are offered, 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!    

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Student Experience

Upcoming Events

Fall Fest

Week of October 19th - 21st

The Multicultural Center (MCC), the Office of Spiritual Life (OSL), and the Center for Leadership and Engagement (CLE) will each be hosting a grab-and-go food stop with a wellness activity in their respective offices.

• MCC will be hosting in C-101 on the 19th
• OSL will be hosting on the School of Management second-floor lobby on the 20th
• CLE will be hosting in C-131 on the 21st

Health & Wellness Book Club

Wednesday, October 27 | 4:00pm

Simmons' Health & Wellness Book Club invites you to join it for a discussion on its October selection: Braving theWilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, by Brené Brown. Register to receive a copy of the book.

Register

The Multicultural Center invites Simmons BIPOC Students for a community discussion with Simmons Alumna, Ann Fudge

Wednesday, October 13th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Register

Campus Update

Our Academic Campus has a variety of different spaces for you to sit back and relax, study or meet your friends and classmates. Please find the Guide to Open Study Spaces. There is no reservation required to access these spaces.

Academic Spotlight

Updates from the Office of Sponsored Programs

The Simmons University Graduate Student Research Fund supports student-initiated scholarly research and creative endeavors. Graduate Student Research proposals are due December 7, 2021. Awards typically range between $500 and $1,000.

Dining Services Updates

Self Service is Returning

After careful consideration and consultation with the health and safety team, all dining locations on the Residential and Academic Campus will return to self-service starting Monday, October 11th. 

Aramark will continue to keep safety in mind with the appreciate measures regarding food safety and sanitation. Part of this includes switching utensils at self-service stations every 45 minutes. 

If you have questions, please email Manny Lezama at [email protected]

Office of Accessibility Services: Dining Accommodation Requests

STEP 1: REGISTER WITH THE OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

To be considered for Dining / Dietary Accommodations the first step is registering with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) by submitting the student accommodation request form and providing supporting documentation from a medical provider, both linked below. 

• Student Request for Residential and Dining Accommodations 2021 – 2022

• Practitioner’s Verification of Diagnosis for Residential and Dining Accommodations 2021-2022

Once the documentation and requests are received, the student's case will be reviewed for eligibility. Students will be notified of the status of their eligibility within 5 - 7 days via an email that dining services is copied on.

STEP 2: CONNECTION WITH DINING SERVICES

Once a student is deemed eligible by the OAS, Dining Services will reach the student by email in order to: 

• Download the Transact Mobile Ordering App to pre-order from the Accommodations Menu

• Schedule a meeting with the Bartol Dining Director to tour the facility and review procedures for special ordering on the app or in person.

Celebrating John Simmons

Founder's Day

Often celebrated on John Simmons’ birthday, October 30, this year’s Founder’s Day will be celebrated on the afternoon of Oct. 27 and will include remarks from President Wooten, a reading from the student essay contest winner, and storytelling of Simmons history by Simmons Archivist Jason Wood.

Stay safe, and be well.

Simmons University

Division of Student Affairs

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115