Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,  

 

I am writing today in response to Russia’s deeply troubling invasion of Ukraine and its unprovoked assault on that nation’s people. Many in our community and across the world have watched in horror as the heartbreaking situation in Europe has continued to unfold over the past week.  

 

Simmons joins other institutions and leaders around the world in condemning these violent and unwarranted attacks. We offer our support to the people of Ukraine, including the civilians who are under siege, the refugees who have been forced to flee, and the courageous individuals who are remaining behind to fight on behalf of their country. We are also thinking of members of our own community who have been affected by these attacks, along with other instances of conflict that have impacted them and their families.

 

Simmons lives and works in a highly interconnected, global, and increasingly uncertain world. War, injustice, and suffering in one location have far reaching implications that extend beyond the borders of any one country. As a community of teachers, scholars, and social justice advocates, we must continue to raise our voices, speak out against violence, and stand together with those whose lives have been upended and, in many cases, will never be the same again.

 

It can be difficult to watch coverage and see images of the pain and grief that have resulted from these attacks. I invite you to join members of the Simmons community for a virtual community gathering this Thursday, which will be hosted by the Office of Organizational Culture, Inclusion & Equity (OCIE) and the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The event will serve as an opportunity for open dialogue on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and provide a space for members of our community to process and share their thoughts. The virtual community conversation takes place via Zoom at 6pm on Thursday, March 3. Please review the event page for more information.

 

In addition, I want to ensure our students are aware of other resources that are available, including:

Resources for Student Support at Simmons

  • The REEF Support Center, whose goal is to make holistic resources more easily accessible to students on campus, offers a variety of supports. Students can set up a 1-on-1 meeting with a support specialist by contacting the Center at [email protected] or calling 617-521-3044.

 

  • The Multicultural Center is also available to support students. You can visit them in the Management and Academic Building (C-101).

 

  • The Simmons Counseling Center is available to our campus-based students, and they can be reached at [email protected] or 617-521-2455.

 

 

  • The Student Assistance Program is a new resource that provides support and information for campus-based students through a partnership with ComPsych. Learn more about the Student Assistant Program. To contact them, call 800-272-7255 or visit GuidanceResources® and enter company ID: simmonssap. 

 

  • Perspectives, an independent Student Assistance Program, is available to provide grief, loss, and mental health support for Simmons University online students, CompleteDegree students, their family members, and significant others. To reach them, please call 800-456-6327 or connect online.

Many in our community have also reached out to ask how they can help the people of Ukraine. You can read more about some of the organizations working to provide support during this time, which are outlined in recent Washington Post and NPR articles.

 

I am proud to be part of the Simmons community, and am grateful for the kindness, compassion, and generosity of our students, faculty, staff, and alumnae/i. I hope you will continue to come together, listen, and support each other.

 

Lynn Perry Wooten

Office of the President

Simmons University

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115