Dear Students, I hope this message finds you well as we approach the final days of the fall semester. It is hard to believe that winter break is less than two weeks away! This is my first semester on campus as Simmons president, and it has been an honor to meet many students, faculty, and staff in person for the first time. Seeing our community come together in and out of the classroom – engaging in classes, co-curriculars, athletic events, and other activities – has been energizing. While the pandemic continues to present challenges, I am pleased that we have been able to resume many of the traditions and activities that make the Simmons experience such a vibrant and memorable one. Our return to in-classroom learning has been a success this fall, and I am grateful for the commitment of our community to keeping each other safe and following COVID-19 protocols. As we continue our on-campus living and learning experience next semester, we are mindful of the evolving pandemic. Currently, we are considering whether to require a vaccine booster shot for eligible individuals. More information will be forthcoming on that this week. Although we have been able to experience the joys of learning and working together this fall, our return to campus has created a variety of challenges. Not only have we adjusted to wearing masks and regular COVID testing, but we have relearned how to live, learn, and work together again in person. I often talk about the concept of everyday leadership – the process of utilizing individual strengths and talents to drive meaningful change. For our community to truly thrive, it requires each of us to show compassion and grace, and to engage each other with a spirit of generosity and caring. I hope all of us will continue to look out for one another as we grapple with the ongoing pandemic and the other issues affecting our lives. Inherent in this idea of everyday leadership is also acknowledging the everyday challenges our community is facing as it relates to stress, mental health, and overall wellbeing. I have listened to the concerns students have raised over the course of this semester – from dining and facilities to the need for more mental health support. I am pleased to share a few updates on these issues. | Health and WellnessI have heard from students who have expressed concerns about stress and mental health, and this is an issue of great importance to me. As part of our commitment to health and wellness, Simmons is working to provide additional resources for students. We hired new student wellness ambassadors who are working with us to implement multiple wellness-related programs each month next semester. In addition, we are identifying spaces on campus that can be reserved for meditation and other wellness activities. Simmons is also pleased to announce the launch of a new Student Assistance Program (SAP) that will provide additional support for undergraduate and graduate students next semester. SAP will provide students with health and wellness support, legal support, financial information, and customized resources on a host of school-life issues, such as apartment hunting, pet care, planning an event, and more. Please be on the lookout for additional specifics in the coming days. | TechnologyAt the beginning of the semester, increased utilization of Wi-Fi compared to past years caused strain on our network. Technology worked hard to resolve these issues, increasing capacity, and deploying additional infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our community. | Residence HallsSimmons, like many institutions across the country, has been dealing with challenges associated with re-opening including some reports of mold by students. As these issues arose, we responded quickly to clean impacted spaces, and to perform both air quality and culture tests. All of these measures have been successful and indicated that the spaces are safe for student living. In the next several weeks, as part of our proactive planning, our Facilities team will clean dorm room vents and replace air filters. | DiningWe have listened to student concerns about campus dining and have been working with our food service provider Aramark to make changes and updates on campus. This includes better labeling, more vegan and customized food options, and increased gluten-free pastry and dessert availability. Providing a high-quality dining program is a top priority, and we hope students and their families will participate in one of the upcoming virtual Simmons Dining Office Hours with Aramark that will take place in January. | Welcome Back WeekWe are also excited to introduce our first-ever “Welcome Back Week,” filled with exciting events and activities to help launch the spring semester and build community following the winter break. This includes social events for undergraduate and graduate students. Please also be on the lookout for a student employment fair, along with a second Connections Carnival hosted by the Undergraduate Student Government Association to share opportunities on how to get involved on campus. I am also pleased to have the opportunity to host a January workshop with student leaders. In addition, students can expect to receive a mailing that will arrive at their homes during the winter break, which will include important information as they prepare for the start of the spring semester. | Graduate Student Advisory BoardWe'll also be kicking off a new graduate student advisory board to provide an avenue for graduate student leaders to give feedback and provide guidance on how we can continue to enhance the Simmons student experience. | During my first 18 months as president, I have seen the Simmons community at its best – working creatively and passionately to provide innovative learning opportunities, responding to a global health crisis and a national racial and social justice reckoning, creating a vibrant campus experience, and striving to maintain health and wellbeing. I want to thank our students for their patience as we navigate these challenges. As we think about the concept of everyday leadership, I hope you will continue to seek out the everyday hope, joy, and kindness that is so present throughout our community. Thank you, Lynn Perry Wooten |
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