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 for the start of the year as well as Labor Day Weekend in Boston. Classes begin next week and we want all our sharks to kick-off the year with the information and resources they need!

Connect with Student Affairs on Instagram:

From the VP's Desk

Dr. Renique Kersh, VP for Student Affairs

Over the last several weeks, we have been preparing and planning for the campus community, both online and on-ground, to come back alive! I want to take a moment to welcome each of

you to the new academic year at Simmons. Last year, we developed the Anchor for graduate and undergraduate students to help provide regular updates and information throughout the year.

This year, the Anchor for graduate students will include exciting opportunities to connect with other graduate students across the university. I had the pleasure of working with several outstanding graduate students last year as part of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Experience Advisory Board. We discussed a whole host of topics, from health and wellbeing to the graduate student experience at Simmons.

One of the outcomes of these meetings was the hiring of two new Jennifer Eckert Leadership Fellows. Melanie Pagan was hired to support graduate student engagement and will organize several events throughout the academic year specifically for you. Karla Alba was hired to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She will also be coordinating activities and events for graduate students looking for opportunities to connect among different affinity groups.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead. If there are ways that we can support you along your journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

In This Edition

• #SimmonsGradLife Scavenger Hunt
• Welcome Week Events
• Obtaining a Simmons ID Card

• Commuting to Campus
• Accessibility Services
• Labor Day Weekend in Boston

Welcome Week Events

#SimmonsGradLife Photo Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday September 6 - Monday, September 12 | Virtual (Instagram)

Grad Students! Snap a photo of the following places & things to win a prize! Make sure to post your photos on Instagram using the #SimmonsGradLife and tag @SimmonsStudentLife! 

Welcome Table in Common Grounds

Tuesday September 6 - Monday, September 12, 8am - 3pm | Main College Building 

One Stop Center for Enrollment Student Services Open House

Tuesday September 6, 2pm - 4pm | Main College Building, A-200 

Simmons University Convocation

Wednesday September 7, 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Linda K. Paresky Center 

President’s Picnic

Thursday September 8, 12pm - 2pm | Residential Quad 

#SimmonsGradLife Coffee & Dessert with Student Affairs

Thursday, September 8, 5pm - 6pm | Office of Student Affairs, Main College Building 

Center for Student Success Open House

Tuesday, September 12, from 1pm - 3 pm | Lefavour Building 

Student Support Services

Purchasing Books and Supplies

Obtaining Your Simmons ID Card

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 a request online and pick it up 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.  

Click here for more information!

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 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

If you are having financial difficulties 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, and it is 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 efforts 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

Commuter Student Services

Connect with a 1 on 1 Support Specialist. The REEF Support Center is here to support commuter students in accessing resources on campus. Though you will find commuter-specific resources below, our Support Specialists are here to review resources and navigate campus. Email [email protected] or click here to make an appointment.

Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), located in the Center for Student Success, is a strategy-based service that supports students in their academic endeavors both on the ground and online. Please note: students must be fully registered and receive confirmation of eligibility before requests for academic accommodations can be made. OAS has drop-in hours with no appointment necessary. The drop-ins are a great time to ask questions about how to register, information about documentation criteria, and more. Click here for more info!

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

• Saturday, September 3: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Sunday, September 4: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fall hours will be open starting September 6th; M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 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.

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 organized by topic. These topics include everything from the Registrar, individual college handbooks, Technology, Human Resources and Student Affairs.

Labor Day Weekend in Boston

Parks Summer Fitness

• HIIT Training | Saturday, September 3 at 10am - 11am | Iacono Playground
• Virtual Zumba | Saturday, September 3 at 10am - 11am | Virtual
• Virtual Yoga | Sunday, September 4 at 6pm - 7pm | Virtual
• Virtual Dance Fit | Monday, September 5 at 5pm - 6pm | Virtual
• Yoga | Monday, September 5 at 6pm - 7pm | Adams Park
• Barre Class | Monday, September 5 at 6pm - 7pm | Savin Hill Park (The Courts) 

Museums & Attractions

• Sunday Open Studios | Sunday, September 4 at 1pm - 4pm | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Designing Motherhood Exhibit | Saturday & Sunday from 10am - 5pm | MassArt
• Black Heritage Trail® Guided Tour | Saturday, September 3 at 1am - 2:30pm, Sunday, September 4 at 10am-11:30am and 1pm-2:30pm | Boston African American National Historic Site 

Farmers Markets & Mobile Markets

• View a map of farmers markets and mobile markets map in the City of Boston

The Boston Calendar is a place for Bostonians (and non-locals) to find interesting, fun, under-publicized, mostly-free events happening around the city and surrounding areas (e.g. Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline).

Stay safe, and be well.

Simmons University

Division of Student Affairs

300 The Fenway

Boston, MA 02115