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.

This week's edition focuses on checklist items to prepare your start of the year. Classes being in less than two-weeks and we want all our sharks to kick-off the year with the information and resources they need!

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In This Edition

• Purchasing Books and Supplies
• Dining Meal Plans

• Student Policy Index
• Commuting Options
• New Student Check-in

Upcoming Commuter Updates

Required New Commuter Student Check-In

It’s time for check-in! We invite all first-year and transfer commuters to join us for Commuter Student Check-In on Monday, September 5, at 9:30 a.m inside the entrance of the Holmes Sports Center on the Simmons Residential Campus.

• Check-In is a time for you to pick up your Simmons welcome gift and your Student ID, learn information about commuter resources on campus, and to say hello to some of our Student Affairs team!
• At 10:00 am, all residential and commuter students will join a welcome from our Orientation team in the Holmes Sports Center Gymnasium.
• Please note that commuter students are not required to come to campus prior to Commuter Student Check-In.

*Not for Dix Scholars or Graduate Students

Commuter Student Welcome Back Puzzle Party

You’re invited! September 7, 1-2 pm, Commuter Student Lounge, MCB A-075

Getting to campus and making it to class can be a puzzle. That’s why we are kicking off Shark Week (September 6-10) with our first annual Commuter Student Welcome Back Party. The theme? Puzzles! Grab a seat, enjoy snacks, find a puzzle to work on, and meet other Commuter Students in a casual setting.

Share your experience: Commuter Student Experience Survey!

Calling all new and returning students! We need your input. Take the Commuter Student Experience Survey for 4 chances to win $5-$20 gift cards! *Generously donated by a faculty member.

Purchasing Books and Supplies

The Simmons Bookstore

The Simmons University Bookstore is located on lower level off of the Fens Lobby in the Main College Building. In addition to all course related books and materials, they carry a wide variety of merchandise — like gifts, cards, candy and snacks — and offer many services. Visit the bookstore in person or online for:

• Online Textbook Adoptions
• Special Orders
• Research Textbooks by Field and Ranking
• Sample Textbook Chapters
• Request Desk Copies
• Order Simmons Merchandise

The bookstore is hard at work processing web orders so students will have what they need for classes. You can order the materials through our website and avoid shipping charges by picking up at the bookstore on day one of classes. It is our goal to bring students the most cost effective options by sourcing Used, rental books, and digital copies. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Visit the Bookstore the following dates and times:

Week of August 21 - August 27

• Sunday: Closed
• Monday-Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Week of August 28 -September 3

• Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Monday-Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Week of September 4 - September 10

• Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Monday (Labor Day): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Supplies and Materials

According to bestcolleges.com, these are the 33 School Supplies Every College Student Needs to make your higher education experience go as smoothly as possible. You should check with your faculty or syllabus if there are specific needs for your class, such as ART 112: Color Studio.

If you are having financial difficulties in purchasing some of your basic supplies, the REEF Center Community Resource Room (CRR) has limited school supplies (notebooks, folders, pens, notecards). A full list of what is available can be found by accessing the CRR Online Order Form. For our pilot year, the CRR will offer shelf-stable items, hoping to expand to fresh foods and other resources in the future.

Technology and Workday Student

Technology at Simmons offers a wide variety of support services. Beyond general technical support and online training, students may borrow equipment from a circulating collection of audio, video, photography, and computer-related equipment to complete academic requirements at no cost. These are not long term loaners and are only for a few days 

Simmons is excited to have implemented a Student system on Workday. This has united the institution on one system to better serve both students and employees. Workday Student supports areas including Academic Advising, Admissions, Curriculum Management, Financial Aid, Student Finance, and Student Records.

Commuting to Campus

Simmons Parking Garage

Student parking is available on Levels P1-P3 of the Management and Academic Building Garage, accessible from Avenue Louis Pasteur. There may be times that the SOM garage will reach capacity, in which case students will be directed by garage attendants or Public Safety to park in the Palace Road garage.

You can purchase a semester permit, which will provide access to the Simmons garage seven days a week, 5:00 am—12:00 am

Blue Bikes

For commuters choosing to bike, the City of Boston is offering free 30-day passes to Bluebikes that will be available to anyone. We understand that the City is developing other mitigation focused on improving bicycle access for those that have the option.

CommuteWorks

As a member institution of MASCO, Simmons students can take advantage of CommuteWorks, a commuter benefits program. Email [email protected] with questions or to sign up.

Personalized Commuting Assistance

Email [email protected] for general questions about getting around, or personalized help planning your trip to campus, or an off-campus internship or job.

CommuteFit – Monthly Prizes

If you walk, bike, or run to campus, or an off-campus internship or job, register online for this program. Simply register with GoMassCommute and log your miles for a chance to win our monthly raffle.

Ridesharing – Free Gas

The Carpool Incentive Program allows participants to receive up to $250 in free gas cards. Register with GoMassCommute to find other people commuting to the LMA from your home area.

Zipcar Discount – Save $60

Zipcars are available 24/7, 365 days a year — a great option for day trips outside of Boston or any off-campus errands. Use the Zipcar app to locate cars closest to you. Use the Zipcar MASCO link for a discount.

Support Services

Card Office

All Simmons University students can obtain their official Simmons ID Card from the Campus Card Office located at the Student One Stop (MCB A-211). If you are a new student and submitted your information, your ID card should have been mailed home to you. If not, you can pick it up on campus. If you need a replacement card, you can submit online and pickup at the Card Office.

To receive an ID card that reflects a first name other than your legal first name, visit the Registrar’s page for instructions to update the first name in your student record.

Hours of Operation

• Friday, August 26: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturday, August 27 - Sunday, August 28: Closed
• Monday, August 29 - Friday, September 2: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturday, September 3: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Sunday, September 4: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

One-Stop

The One-Stop is the place to find answers to questions regarding registration, records, financial aid, billing, payment, and veterans benefits. The normal operating hours are Monday—Friday, 8:30 a.m—4:30 p.m.

Student Employment can be reached by making an appointment. They are typically on-campus during the academic year from Tuesday—Thursday, 8:30 a.m —3:30 p.m and available to meet via Zoom on Mondays & Fridays.

Commuter Lockers

Simmons offers Commuter Lockers in the basement of the Main Campus Building. Lockers are available to commuter students on a first-come, first-locked basis. We cannot hold or guarantee lockers for students if the locker does not have a lock on it.

In an effort to manage the lockers, we ask that all students register their locker with us each year.

To reserve a locker:

1. Purchase a locker lock (available at the bookstore, target, etc.)
2. Select a locker, located anywhere across from the bookstore
3. Email [email protected] with your name, ID, and locker number to reserve your locker. You will receive an email confirmation and will be notified at the end of the semester to clean out your locker.

Students must clean their lockers and remove the padlock and locker contents at the end of the academic year. The University takes no responsibility for items left in the lockers.

Commuter Meal Plan Signup and Billing

Commuter Meal Plans

Simmons Dining has worked to create different blocks of plans that come with savings! These plans give commuter students options that meet their needs and lifestyle choices.

You can learn more about how you can utilize a meal plan across campus by viewing the 2022 - 2023 Dining Guide.

Please fill out the Commuter Meal Plan Fall 2022 form to add this expense to your bill. Once your account is billed the plan can not be returned. Questions about the plans, please email [email protected].

Billing Process:

Student Financial Services (SFS) is looking to work with you as you pay your bill. Many students and families take advantage of a payment plan to cover their balance in full or to supplement any remaining balance not covered by financial aid or loans.

Simmons University, in partnership with TouchNet, offers a variety of payment plans to assist with managing the cost of higher education. To enroll in a payment plan or adjust your existing plan to cover the meal plan charge, please log in to your Workday account and go to Finances > Welcome to the Online Student Account Center > Payment Plans tab. Please allow 3-5 days for the charge to be applied to your account after signing up.

If you are interested in utilizing parent or student loans to help cover the cost of the commuter meal plan, please reach out to Student Financial Services. We have already had discussions with SFS staff and, due to individual student circumstances, they are best able to help guide you through what options are available to you.

If you have further questions, please contact SFS at 617-521-2001 or [email protected].

Student Policy Index

Policies, Forms & Handbooks

The Policies, Forms & Handbooks online directory is your one-stop-shop for policy information and related resources! It contains a compilation of policies, forms, and handbooks relating to the student experience.

In the directory, you will find valuable information ranging by topic. These topics include everything from the Registrar, individual college handbooks, Technology, Human Resources and Student Affairs.

Making a Difference

MA Voter Deadlines Coming Up: Don't Forget to Vote!

Early Voting for the September 6 Primary begins this Saturday, August 27 and continues through Friday, September 2.

• Deadline for Application for Mail in Ballot: Monday, August 29
• MA Primary: Tuesday, September 6
• MA General Election: Tuesday, November 8

YOUR VOICE COUNTS!

Stay safe, and be well.

Simmons University

Division of Student Affairs

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115