Building Our Future FAQs
Simmons has played a vital, distinct role in higher education and in women’s education for more than 125 years. Building the Future is about ensuring that the mission and vision that has distinguished us as a women’s-centered college remains strong for the next 125 years.
General FAQs
We have a vision of where we need to go, but the details of how we get there will require collaboration and co-creation with faculty and staff. We have invited all faculty and staff to be in dialogue with us this summer about changes to position Simmons for the future. We will finalize any proposed changes in October 2023 and begin phased, multi-year implementation in July 2024.
We will continue to share updates on the Building Our Future page.
Simmons has played a vital, distinct role in higher education and in women’s education for more than 125 years. Whereas there were once 200 women’s colleges, today roughly 30 remain. Our focus is ensuring that the mission and vision that has distinguished us as a women’s college remains strong into the future.
Faculty and Staff FAQs
We are refocusing the academic portfolio to better align with student demands, to prioritize areas where we see future growth potential, and to invest in areas that support the goal of gender equity. This includes investing in our signature strengths in nursing, social work, library and information science, the health sciences, management and technology, and communications. We are also introducing the Simmons Edge, an accelerated degree program that allows every undergraduate to complete an accelerated graduate degree.
We have a vision of where we need to go, but the details of how we get there will require collaboration and co-creation with faculty and staff. We have invited all faculty and staff to be in dialogue with us this summer about changes to position Simmons for the future. Everyone has a voice in this change.
Yes. As part of the refocusing of our academic portfolio, we are reenvisioning the academic foundation to create educational opportunities in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Student FAQs
The Simmons you know today will continue to be the Simmons you encounter and engage with—from your chosen major to the transformational experience that has bonded Simmons students across generations.
We will finalize any proposed changes in October 2023 and begin phased, multi-year implementation in July 2024.
There will be no interruption on the path to graduation. Simmons will continue to teach-out all current majors, and all students will be able to pursue graduation with degrees in their current area of study.
There will be no interruption on the path to graduation. Simmons will continue to teach-out all current majors, and all students will be able to pursue graduation with degrees in their current area of study.
For 125 years, Simmons has been guided by a distinct mission in higher education and that mission will endure. Prospective students can take comfort in the fact that Simmons is evolving the academic portfolio to better align with student demands, and with an eye toward ensuring that graduates are set up for career success and leadership opportunities.