Campus Traditions
Many traditions perpetuate the legacy of proud Simmons sisterhood, from weekly "floor snacks" in the residence halls, to the Simmons Cup, an annual field day in which residence halls compete to see who has the most school spirit. Traditions make campus life special and provide excellent fodder for cherished memories (and Facebook tagging!). Some traditions are nearly a century old, while others have evolved in recent years. All of them help reinforce the student-centered culture for which Simmons is so well known.
Simmons Soiree
Each February, near Valentine's Day, the Campus Activities Board organizes a winter formal, where Simmons students get to dress up, invite dates, and spend the night dancing at a special location that changes from year to year. Past soirees have been held at Fenway Park and the House of Blues.
Bartol Theme Nights
The food never gets boring at Bartol Dining Hall, where special theme nights occur throughout the year. At Mardi Gras, you can expect New Orleans-style food with games and prizes. Hawaiian night consists of pineapple upside-down cake and a pina colada station (virgin of course!). Every night is an adventure at Bartol!
Family Weekend
This annual October event allows student to share their Simmons experience with their families. Activities include celebrations dinners, student performances, fun classes, brunches, and more.
Floor Snacks
Floormates gather in their residence hall lounge or even hallways to catch-up and snack on tasty treats.
Founders Day
John Simmons founded the College in 1902 on the outrageous idea that women would "acquire an independent livelihood and lead meaningful lives." Each year Simmons honors its founder's birthday with cake, sparkling cider, a speech from the president, songs from the Simmons choir, and the unveiling of class flags.
May Day
Simmons's oldest student tradition is the annual May Day celebration, when sophomores serenade the seniors at the break of dawn with pots, pans, and noisemakers. Festivities include a maypole dance at dawn, tree planting, and a strawberry shortcake breakfast.
Moonlight Breakfasts
Moonlight breakfasts feed the need for comfort (and coffee) during finals week.
The Simmons Cup
Start training for the Simmons Cup, an annual field day held on the residence campus each spring. Over the years, relay races, scavenger hunts, and volleyball have replaced the javelin throw and horseback events of past. Based largely on school spirit and participation, the Cup is awarded to the residence hall with the most points at the end of the afternoon.
Tea
Tea brewing is a long-standing Simmons tradition. Resident students meet each month to socialize, listen to guest speakers, meet with faculty on an informal basis, and (of course) drink tea. The Honors Program hosts monthly teas for its members to hear guest speakers and keep students up-to-date on information. Many student groups also host small lectures while serving tea.
The Vagina Monologues
For a number of years, Simmons students have annually presented this award-winning play to raise money and awareness to end violence against women. In fact, Eve Ensler, the author of the Vagina Monologues, gave the 2006 Simmons Commencement address.
Shark Week
Go Sharks! Simmons students, faculty, and staff show their school spirit during Shark Week each fall semester. Students compete in a cake decorating contest, play games like "Pin the Tail on the Shark," have their picture taken with the shark mascot, formally known as Stormy , and participate in the "Shark Scavenger Hunt," where they try to locate sharks hidden around campus.
Winter Wonderland
Before students leave for winter break, Bartol Dining Hall is revamped for a community feast. Faculty and students fill the dining hall, as the College president cuts the ham. The residence halls are decorated with lights and ribbons by their hall councils to complete the winter wonderland feeling.