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
• Transportation Options
• Residential Reminders

Residential Reminders

Move-In Dates & Logistics

• Saturday, September 3 - First-Year and Transfer Students
• Sunday, September 4 - Upperlevel Students (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

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

If you are approved to arrive early as an individual or with a predetermined group, your check-in information will be different and we will be communicating instructions with you shortly.

Arrival Time Sign Ups

This year, the Office of Residence Life is giving students the opportunity to select their arrival time to Residence Campus. The link to sign was included in the Move-In instructions email sent on August 3 and a reminder has been sent this past week.

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). We are on a very strict timeline due to the limited number of parking spots available on Pilgrim and Brookline roads, and the number of carts available for use. * Excluding early arrivals.

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.

* Please note: There are Red Rox games taking place on the 3rd and 4th. Please plan your trip accordingly as there could be traffic.

Student Check-In

Before unloading your vehicle, you (the student) must first complete the Check-In Process. At Check-In, you will receive your Student ID, room key, and important information to help you get started at Simmons.

This year, check-in is located at the Holmes Sports Center at 331 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215. Your vehicle should pull up and drop you off at the check-in location.

• The check-in process will take approximately 10 minutes.
• After dropping you off, we require all vehicles to proceed to the corner of Pilgrim and Brookline at 225 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, where a Public Safety Officer will direct the driver to an unloading zone. After a student completes check-in, they will meet their families.
• We ask the families to keep their students updated on their location (i.e. - Whether they are still unloading on Brookline or Pilgrim or if the cart has been transported to the front of their residence hall).
• Students should not join families to take their car to the garage, but rather join their items if possible to start unloading.

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 loaner 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.

Transportation Around Boston

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.

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.

Mail Room

All residents should have received 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. The mailroom is accepting packages. Any questions about mail pickup or protocol should be directed to the Mailroom at [email protected].

Move In Hours:

• Saturday, September 3: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Sunday, September 4: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Meal Plan Signup

Simmons offers a variety of dining options and meal plans. If you have not already completed the Meal Plan Selection form, you will automatically placed in the Unlimited option. A reminder was sent out by Residence Life.

All residential students have the option to change meal plans within the first three weeks of each semester. Students can make changes through September 23, 2022. All students have the opportunity to make changes to their meal at the beginning of spring semester. Unused meal swipes will expire at the end of each semester. If students do not select a meal plan they

Students with medically documented food allergies should contact the Office of Accessibility Services to learn more about meal plan accommodations. Exemptions to the Residential Meal Plan are only considered for medical conditions and food allergies diagnosed by a medical physician that cannot be accommodated by Aramark Dining Services. If you are seeking a medical exemption, please contact Student Affairs by emailing [email protected].

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

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