From the VP's Desk

Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Dear Families,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome new and returning parents and families into the Fall 2022 Simmons Community.

I am thrilled to be meeting you at move-in, and I am so excited to share some important information that will help guide you through these first weeks of the semester with your student.

This edition of The Anchor will cover the back to school basics like tuition and billing, reminders and updates on COVID compliance and testing protocols, retuning to campus, and Simmons Resources. Next week, you will receive another Anchor with additional resources and opportunities to connect with our community. 

We have such an exciting year ahead of us together, and I look forward to getting to meet and greet you all!

Tuition: Billing and Payment

Billing and Payment: Student Financial Services is here to assist students and families with managing the cost of higher education and questions about financing your education at Simmons.

Tuition Protection Insurance: Tuition insurance protects the investment that you and your family has made in your education in case you need to withdraw at any point during the semester due to an illness, injury or mental health concerns. 

Tuition and Housing Refunds: The tuition refund policy applies to all Simmons University students. Students are responsible for abiding by the published tuition refund deadlines. Tuition is not refundable when students drop or withdraw from courses after published deadlines.

COVID Policies

This week, all students will receive additional policy information in regard to following aspects of campus life: 

• Vaccination
• Testing Options
• Residential Pre Arrival Testing
• Updated Isolation Protocol
• Absence Policy

Monkeypox Information and Update 

On August 4th, the United States Health and Human Services (HHS) declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency. As an educational institution, part of our strategy is to ensure we keep our community safe and source accurate information. At Simmons, we are fortunate to have access to Alexandra Koch, Director of Emergency Management, within Colleges of the Fenway (COF). 

The COF is working with Simmons to understand the potential impact monkeypox could have on our community and the steps we can take to be prepared. You can visit the Monkeypox Information page on the COF website with key information, facts, contact information, and prevention strategies to better understand the virus.

Returning To Campus

If you have a residential student, they have received an email containing information about move-in and returning to campus. Here are some highlights to help you prepare as well:

Pre-Arrival Testing

We recommend that all students, both residential and commuter, take a rapid or PCR test within 72 hours of returning to campus.

All residential students are required to take a rapid antigen test on the day they move in, and must bring their negative test or a picture of their negative test dated from that day to check-in.

Students who test positive cannot return to campus until they have completed at least 5 days of isolation, or 10 days if their symptoms have not begun resolving or if they continue testing positive at Day 5.

If students are not able to get a test before arriving on campus, a limited number will be available at check-in. If they take the test and receive a positive result, then you must immediately return home and complete at least 5 days of isolation, or 10 days if their symptoms have not begun resolving or if you continue testing positive at Day 5.

Rapid tests will not be available for students arriving early to campus. They must supply their own day-of test result.

Move-In Dates & Logistics

Saturday, September 3 - First-Year and Transfer Students

Sunday, September 4 - Upper-level Students (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

Please Note: We will not be facilitating any move-ins on Monday, September 5 as the university will be closed.

Arrival Times

This year, the Office of Residence Life is giving students the opportunity to select their arrival time to Residence Campus. Each arrival time is scheduled for 30 minutes (15 minute arrival window to the unloading zones, 10 minutes to unload, and 5 minutes to drive away from the unloading zones).

Students and families must adhere to their indicated arrival times. If students or families arrive earlier than their selected time, they will be asked to leave and come back at the time they signed up for.

Car Limit

Due to parking limitations, each resident may only bring one (1) vehicle to unload on Move-In Day.

Unloading and Parking

Families will drop off students on Brookline Ave in front of Holmes Sports Center, receive a placard, loop around and then drive to the corner of Brookline & Pilgrim where they will be directed to an unloading zone by a member of Public Safety.

Pull your vehicle up to the unloading zone. You will be greeted by one of our Street Team volunteers. They will help you obtain a cart for your belongings, if one is available. Carts are first-come, first-served. Unloading your belongings into a cart should take no more than 10 minutes.

Once you are finished unloading, you will be directed to move your vehicle to the Simmons University Parking Garage (located on the Academic Campus). Someone must stay with the vehicle at all times. You (student) will receive one complimentary garage parking ticket during the check-in process, which will expire at 10:00 pm that evening. Be sure to exit the garage by 10:00 pm.

Microfridge Ordering & What to Bring

Please note that rental agreements are between the student and the company. All questions about MicroFridge ordering, contracts and delivery should be directed to the company. No separate microwave units are permitted.

In order to receive your Microfridge unit prior to official move-in dates (September 3 and September 4 you must place an order by August 26. Any units ordered after August 26 will be delivered the week of September 12.

Mailing Information

All residents have or will receive an email from the Residence Campus Mailroom by the end of day on Wednesday, August 3 with their mailbox (MSC) number and official mailing address. We do not encourage students to send any mail or packages to our Residence Campus until they have received a MSC. The mailroom will begin accepting packages on August 1. Any questions about mail pickup or protocol should be directed to the Mailroom at [email protected].

Simmons Resources

Academic 2022-2023 Calendar

Please take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with important dates that both students and families should make note of. View the full academic calendar, which includes deadlines for adding and removing classes, days which finals are held, and any holiday breaks.

One Stop Center for Student Enrollment Services 

The One Stop Center for Student Enrollment Services is located in A-200 of the Main College Building (second floor at the end of the hallway to the left of the staircase). This is where you will find the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Student Employment/Work Study, Military and Veteran Services, the Cashier and the Campus Card Office. All offices located in the center offer in-person, virtual and self-service options.

At the One Stop, you can:

• Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor
• Pick up your MBTA Pass
• Retrieve your Student ID
• Make a Payment by Cash/Check
• Speak with a member of the team and get your questions answered

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 or by appointment.

For more information, please visit the One Stop FAQ page, or email the Registrar at [email protected] or Financial Aid and Billing at [email protected]

Simmons Dining Plans

We invite you to explore our 2022-2023 Simmons Dining Guide. This guide will describe where your student can dine, what meal plan options are available, dietary accommodations, and so much more!

REEF Support Center

Help your shark get connected on campus. The REEF Support Center is a resource hub for student to receive 1 on 1 support to navigate Simmons and Boston.

REEF Support Center offers support specific to food access, housing access and off-campus living, emergency funding, as well as our Violence Prevention, Education, and Outreach program.

Parent and Family Website  

While sending your student off to college can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Check out our parent and family page to learn more information about how to support your student. 

Thank you for taking the time to read the 2022-2023 first edition of The Anchor for family and friends. 

Upcoming Anchor:

We will be sending another Anchor update next week. Stay tuned for information on parenting from a distance, meeting our new Jennifer Eckert Fellow enhancing parent and family communication, and information on more virtual office hours for parents. 

Stay safe, and be well.