Dear Sharks,

We hope you are having a fantastic summer! We can't wait to see you at the end of the month. A special greeting to our new first year and transfer students—Welcome to Simmons! 🦈🎉

The Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity team has been busy preparing for your arrival and getting ready to kick off the start of a new academic year. Over the next few weeks, you'll receive information about academic support resources, career and professional development, health and wellness, and ways to get involved with student orgs and activities on campus.

As we move through the next few weeks don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. 

Our team is here to assist and support; please reach out and connect with us! If you don’t know who to contact, send us an email and we will get you where you need to go!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Rae-Anne Butera

Vice President for Student Engagement & Dean of Students

Nakeisha M. Cody, PhD

Vice President for Student Success and Diversity

Shout out to our amazing Orientation Leaders and the JCLE team for welcoming over 250 new students to campus in June! 🙌

• Get your Campus ID Card! Submit your photo online or go to the Campus Card office (MCB A-200A) on the 2nd Floor of the Main College Building during business hours. Make sure to bring your government-issued ID with you!

• Register with Accessibility Services to request classroom, dining, or residential accommodations.

• Verify your Direct Textbook orders from the Simmons Bookstore starting August 18, 2025.

• Find a dining plan that suits your needs!
• Residential Students: Submit your Meal Plan Selection Form by September 20, 2025.
• Graduate and Commuter Students: Apply for a Meal Plan through CampusDish!

• Download the Campus Connect mobile app on Apple or Google Play and log into your account to find student organizations, events, workshops, fitness classes, and more!

• Log into Handshake to set up your career profile and search for off-campus jobs and internships! Visit the Student Employment Portal for on-campus and work-study positions.

Moving back to campus on August 29? Visit the Housing Portal for important information about move-in day, what to bring, requesting residential or dining accommodations, microfridge rentals, and more!

Have you received emails from the Health Center saying your immunization records are incomplete? Don't ignore them!

Students who are missing information will eventually have a hold placed on their account and will not be able to register for spring 2026 classes.

To check your status, log into the Student Health Portal and visit the "Immunizations" page to view your checklist. Make sure to complete any items listed in yellow or red. Review your health documentation requirements or contact [email protected] with questions.

In the ocean, the coral reef offers generations of sea life shelter and food, to support a healthy ocean.

At Simmons, the REEF Support Center acts as a similar support hub for undergraduate, graduate, and online students. The REEF Support Center connects students with basic needs resources, such as: 

• Commuter Services
• Transportation Options
• Renting a Commuter Locker
• Food Access
• Housing Access/Off Campus Living
• Survivor Support
• Basic Needs Resources
• Simmons Emergency Fund
• Navigating Simmons and the City of Boston

Are you a commuter? 

Whether you're a first time commuter student or you've been commuting since day one, we've got your guide to starting the year off right. 

Visit our Commuter Student page to explore the resources available to you As a commuter student, the REEF Support Center is your point of contract for resources and community. Follow us on instagram @simmonsreef and Campus Connect to keep up to date on the events we have planned!

Need a home base for your first day to relax, re-coup, or meet up with friends? Visit our lounge in the Main College Building, A-075 (across from the Bookstore). 

Welcome Back, Sharks! 

We’re so excited to kick off the new school year with you! Whether you're a first-year or returning student, we’ve got delicious meals, cozy spaces, and exciting updates waiting for you.

Here is everything you need to know about Opening Weekend Dining Hours (only for the weekend of August 29 - 31):

Bartol Hall (Residential Campus)

• Friday 8/29
• Breakfast: 7am–10am
• Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm
• Dinner: 5pm–8pm
• Saturday, Sunday & Monday (8/30–9/1)
• Breakfast: 8am–10am
• Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm
• Dinner: 5pm–8pm

Fens Café (Main College Building. Lower Level)

• Open Saturday 8/30 for Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm
• Closed Friday, Sunday & Monday

Common Grounds (Main College Building, Upper Level)

• Friday 8/29: Open 7am–6pm
• Closed Saturday–Monday

📅 Regular dining hours will resume starting Tuesday, September 2! Check out all hours and menus anytime at simmons.campusdish.com.

👉 Follow Us! Stay in the loop with updates, special events, giveaways, and more:

Instagram: @simmonsudining_aramark

Important Reminders

• No outside food in Bartol Hall – it’s a nut-free dining hall and we want to keep everyone safe.
• To-Go Meals at Bartol Only: Grab a reusable green to-go container for just $5! Bring it back, and we’ll swap it for a clean one. Easy, eco-friendly, and perfect for busy days.
• Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions? Reach out to the Office of Accessibility Services so we can create a dining plan that works for you.

Let’s make this year delicious, safe, and full of good vibes. See you in the dining halls!

Your Simmons Dining Team