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Novel Coronavirus Information

Simmons University is closely following the latest news and updates related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We will continue to update this web page to keep our community informed of the University’s efforts related to this disease and to provide additional resources and guidance.

Our Latest Information

  • On-Campus Life - Spring 2021: Learn more about spring residential life, dining, and our plans for testing and keeping students safe on campus. We've also recently added additional access for commuter students to support their academic and wellness needs.
  • Undergraduate Programs - Fall 2021: Encouraged by the significant increase in COVID vaccinations across the nation, Simmons is planning for a vibrant reopening of campus in fall 2021 that includes in-classroom learning, at-capacity residence halls, and participation in on-campus events and activities.
  • Campus-based Graduate Programs - Fall 2021: Encouraged by the significant increase in COVID vaccinations across the nation, and Simmons is planning for a vibrant reopening of campus in Fall 2021 that includes in-classroom learning for campus-based graduate programs.
  • Commencement 2021: Simmons University’s May 28, 2021 Commencement ceremonies will be remote this year.
  • Information for Staff and Faculty: Campus Access policy and protocols, as well as guidelines for remote working, resource pages, Spring 2021 FAQs and who to contact with questions.
  • Testing and Health Protocols - Policies and practices representing our plans for students, faculty, staff, and visitors coming to our physical campus. These include protocols for non-residential students in off-campus placements. We've also created a Testing Dashboard to provide current testing information.
  • Test Optional for 2021-22 Academic Year: Simmons University will not require students applying for the 2021-22 academic year to submit standardized test scores.
  • Federal CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: Details can be found in our quarterly reports.
  • Supporting Our Students (SOS) Fund: We are grateful that so many members of the Simmons community have expressed concern for our students and asked how they can help. In response, we have established the Supporting Our Students (SOS) Fund to help provide needed resources to our students.
  • Stay Safe: Things you can do to keep safe.
  • Previous Communications: See previous communications sent to our community.

Commencement 2021

Simmons University’s May 28, 2021 Commencement ceremonies will be remote this year. We came to this decision after a review of current public health advice and the best predictions of the pandemic’s course over the next months. Though the development and distribution of the vaccines to protect against COVID-19 is very promising, many of us will still be awaiting our turn to be inoculated in May. We are announcing the decision now so that degree candidates and their families can make appropriate plans.

This year we will hold a University ceremony followed by a separate undergraduate and separate graduate program ceremonies. Commencement 2021 will celebrate all of the work and achievements of this year's graduates. Attending graduates will be recognized live on camera at our ceremonies.

We are as disappointed as many graduates and families will be that gatherings of hundreds or thousands will not be possible again this year. 

We will share details on Simmons’ 116th Commencement as they become available. 

Information for Staff and Faculty

Guidelines for Remote Working

All non-essential personnel at the University will continue to work remotely. Essential personnel include certain employees required on-campus to deliver safety or service needs to students, or those who maintain certain recurring business continuity functions. Employees who are considered “essential” have been notified in advance. Please note that Simmons is not “closed.” We are open for business, and we are doing our work remotely.

Campus Access

With the expectation that most employees remain remote and that campus access remains limited, we understand there may be a need to visit campus. Learn more about the policies, protocols and acceptable visit criteria.

Support Resources

Questions

Employees should keep a close eye on their email and on the Simmons Internal Faculty & Staff website for more information. Please continue to reach out to [email protected] with any specific questions not answered in our FAQs. 

Faculty & Staff Spring 2021 FAQs

Federal CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provides funding to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted by the coronavirus, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet.

Simmons University has signed and returned, to the Department of Education, the Certification and Agreement related to the CARES Act and will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students.

Details on the amount received, the number of eligible students as well as the methodology for determining which students received grants can be found in our latest 30 Day Fund Report.

30 Day Fund Reports

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting - Institutional Portion

The University has been awarded $1,111,221 from the Department for institutional support pursuant to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds are being used by the University to help cover additional costs that have been incurred as a result of the significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. The below report represents a summary of those costs that have been incurred during the period from July 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

Supporting Our Students Fund

We are grateful that so many members of the Simmons community have expressed concern for our students and asked how they can help. In response, we have established the Supporting Our Students (SOS) Fund to help provide needed resources to our students. Gifts to the SOS Fund provide relief for alternative housing and transportation, mental health and medical needs, groceries and personal items, technology, and other accommodations to complete coursework.

Learn more about supporting our students.

Be Safe

In any instance of in-person interactions, keep in mind the safety measures the CDC offers – stay about 6 feet apart, be careful to cover your coughs and sneezes, resist shaking hands or touching your face, wear a mask when out in public, and wash your hands often and properly. Keep calm, wash your hands and stay home if you're sick.

For more information on what to do if you feel sick, or if you become aware that you or someone in your household may have been exposed to the virus or becomes symptomatic, check out our frequently asked questions.

Stay Tuned

We will continue to send updates as we have them and as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves; please keep a close eye on your email and on the Simmons web page.

Also, since March 18th Simmons has been sending staff and faculty frequent information, updates, upcoming virtual events, where to find resources, and more via email. These emails will continue. If you have particular questions or concerns, please send them to [email protected] and we will get back to you with accurate directions, information, or answers.

Previous Communications

Contact Information

Student Health Center
617-521-1020

Center for Global Education
617-521-2206

Public Safety
617-521-1112 (non-emergencies)
617-521-1111 (emergencies)

Counseling Center
617-521-2455

Campus Preparedness

More Information

Resources

Contact information and resources for staying informed about COVID-19, as well as the city and state response.

Recovery Task Force

The Recovery Task Force and seven subcommittees have been hard at work evaluating a variety of scenarios and requirements related to when and how we can re-open campus this spring.