Congratulations on your acceptance to Simmons College!

The Simmons College Orientation offers you the opportunity to meet other Dix Scholars, select your courses, and learn about the variety of resources available to you. Most importantly, you will get to know the essence of Simmons through its faculty, staff and students. You will talk and share ideas with both new and returning students, and you will meet faculty members and administrators who will share insights that can help in your transition to Simmons. The connections you make during Dix Scholars Orientation will be useful as you pursue your studies at Simmons.

If you have any questions about the Dix Scholars Orientation, please call the Office of Student Leadership and Activities at 617-521-2429 or e-mail orientation@simmons.edu.

Support for Dix Scholars

While students in the Dix Scholars program enjoy the full benefits of the range of services provided to all Simmons students, Simmons College realizes that the challenge of returning to school later in life requires particular support systems and skills development. The Office of the Dean for Student Life offers tailored support and advising to Dix Scholars, encouraging and supporting you as you work to attain your goals, while recognizing your need to balance student life, work, family, and numerous other obligations.

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Fall Orientation

All incoming Dix Scholars are welcome to attend any of the Orientation Events, but we would like to specifically point out the following events. Because we understand the unique challenges of a Dix Scholars schedule, we are committed to making your Orientation experience as flexible as possible. Dix Scholars are encouraged to attend the sessions that best fit their schedules.

ALL students are required to attend the following sessions.

Honor Code

All students are expected to fully understand the principles of the Honor Code, which has been in practice at Simmons since 1907. This session will outline the Honor Code, and the policies and procedures for both the Honor and Judicial Boards. This session is mandatory and will be offered at the following times:
1. Monday, August 31, 9:45 — 10:45 a.m.
2. Monday, August 31, 11:00 am. — 12:00 p.m.
3. Monday, August 31, 1:30 — 2:30 p.m.
4. Monday, August 31, 4:00 — 5:00 p.m.
5. Tuesday, September 1, 10:45 — 11:45 a.m.

Simmons 101

During this interactive session you will learn about the Simmons academic requirements, how to make the most of your relationship with your academic adviser, and some of the resources available to support you throughout your time at Simmons. You will also learn about academic deadlines, the add/drop period, the pass/fail grading option, and Credit for Prior Learning. This session is mandatory and will be offered at the following times:
1. Monday, August 31, 9:45 — 10:45 a.m.
2. Monday, August 31, 11:00 am. — 12:00 p.m.
3. Monday, August 31, 1:30 — 2:30 p.m.
4. Tuesday, September 1, 1:30 — 2:30 p.m.

Technology at Simmons

You love music supplied by your iTunes library.You love to Tweet and connect with friends on Facebook. You love technology.Now let us show you how Technology loves you. At this session, learn about the multitude of ways that Technology can support you throughout your Simmons career. You will also learn more about the iComps, the Information Technology Fluency and Information Literacy requirement. This session is mandatory and will be offered at the following times:
1. Monday, August 31, 9:45 — 10:45 a.m.
2. Monday, August 31, 11:00 am. — 12:00 p.m.
3. Monday, August 31, 1:30 — 2:30 p.m.
4. Tuesday, September 1, 2:30 — 3:30 p.m.

Dix Scholars may be required to complete the Mathematics Competency Exam

Every Simmons graduate must demonstrate competency in basic mathematics and must satisfy the mathematics competency requirement during their first year at Simmons. This skill evaluation has two purposes: to determine if you have fulfilled the math competency requirement and to recommend a math placement that is appropriate to your level of experience in mathematics. Unsure of whether or not you need to take the Mathematics Competency Exam? Contact the Center for Academic Achievement, and they will be able to assist you (caa@simmons.edu or 617-521-2474). If you do need to take the exam, please contact Undergraduate Orientation at orientation@simmons.edu and let us know which time you will be coming, so that we can ensure that there is enough room to accommodate all students who need to take the exam.

The exam will be offered at the following times:

1. Monday, August 31, 2009, 9:45 — 10:45 a.m.
2. Monday, August 31, 2009, 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
3. Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 9:30 — 10:30 a.m.

We would like to encourage you to attend the following, should your schedule allow it:

Opening Address, College Welcome, and Picnic, Sunday, August 30, 2009, 1:00 p.m.

The Simmons Community will gather for the official welcome to the 2009-2010 academic year, including introductory remarks from Simmons College officials. New students and families are invited to meet student leaders, faculty, staff, and other community members at a reception on the Residence Campus Quad immediately following the address.

Dix Scholar Gathering, Sunday, August 30, 2009, 1:45p.m.

After you have picked up your picnic lunch, meet new and returning Dix Scholars and their families.

Dix Scholars Luncheon: Monday, August 31, 2009, 12:00 — 1:30 p.m. or Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 12:00 — 1:30 p.m.

There are many issues that affect the daily lives of Dix Scholars that can make attending college a rewarding yet challenging experience. During this luncheon, you will hear about services Simmons has to offer which can assist you in the educational process. You will also have the opportunity to hear returning Dix Scholars share their Simmons experiences with you.

College Resource Fair Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 2:30 — 4:30 p.m.

Simmons Colleges Offices will have departmental displays highlighting the opportunities and resources Simmons has to offer. Departments at the Resource Fair will include the Study Abroad Office, the Center for Academic Achievement, Public Safety, and many more!