Student Principles
Individual responsibility is the foundation of the Simmons community. The student’s enrollment at Simmons University carries with it the expectation that one will abide by the Honor Code of Responsibility:
- Each member of the Simmons community is responsible for maintaining a high level of integrity, honesty, and trust within the community.
- Each student is responsible for work of the student’s own creation and for not representing as their own work that which is not theirs.
- Conduct in keeping with the policies outlined in the Student Handbook and all other official publications is expected of each member of the Simmons community.
The Honor Code of Responsibility is shared by the entire Simmons community. It implies that each segment has obligations based upon its specific function within the College.
Simmons University reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student who does not maintain acceptable academic standing or modes of behavior as outlined in the Student Handbook and other official publications.
Enrollment in a course implies an agreement between instructor and student. The instructor is obliged to teach, to evaluate student work, and to be available for conferences during designated office hours; the student is obliged to complete all work by the assigned deadlines, to attend all classes, and to devote sufficient out-of-class time to course material. Three hours spent out of class in preparation for every hour in class is a reasonable expectation. Attendance and punctuality are expected at all classes. While there are no established University-wide penalties for absences, the instructor may take attendance into account when evaluating the student’s performance in the course. In accordance with Massachusetts state law, no student will be penalized for absence due to religious observances.
Educational Record Privacy Policy
The University’s practice in regard to student record-keeping is based on the provisions of the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and is intended to be a safeguard against the unauthorized release of information. Information on FERPA and students’ rights under the law are available in the Student Handbook.
Equal Access Policy
All students are given equal access to the University’s programs and resources. As permitted by state and federal law, admission to the University’s undergraduate baccalaureate program is reserved for individuals who identify as women. Simmons is committed to admitting qualified students of any race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national and ethnic origin, regardless of disability, to all the programs and activities generally made available to students, including scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other University-administered social, educational, and recreational programs, and student services. All graduate schools and programs are open to both men and women.
The Simmons Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Simmons Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was developed with input from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Council, supported by the College leadership, and unanimously affirmed by our Board of Trustees.
Simmons is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. Our values, vision and mission mandate that we strive to create an environment that is free from bias, prejudice, discrimination and hurtful/hateful acts that can prevent each member from thriving in the Simmons community.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Mission
We seek to extend to the entire Simmons College community opportunities for learning, growth, success, and meaningful participation and to build a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive culture for our community. To that end, we will engage in ongoing work to combat racism, bias, and all forms of individual and institutional oppression.
We believe diversity is necessary in all aspects of an educational and residential environment to ensure inclusive excellence. As an academic community, rich with varied life experiences, perspectives, and values, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate the ongoing engagement and intellectual dialogue that honors the inherent and unique characteristics of each member of our community. This includes, but is not limited to, interrogating socially constructed concepts and addressing issues of power, phobia, isms, or any other detractors to building and sustaining an equitable community.
Simmons will affirm diversity and inclusion by moving beyond tolerance and civility to a respect and appreciation that recognizes the social positioning of underrepresented and marginalized segments of the population.
Simmons values academic excellence, intellectual freedom, critical thinking, leadership, innovation, respect for the dignity of all individuals, and continuous improvement. We adhere to policies and practices that promote and support diversity and inclusion.
We prepare students to be well informed, open-minded, and sensitive to the values and diversity of others. We strive to foster an atmosphere where students can become actively engaged leader in a changing, diverse society. We promote this goal through proactive and continual exchange of ideas among students, faculty and the general college community.
To ensure that these goals are attained, Simmons College commits to the following principles.
- We recognize, respect and honor the inherent individuality of all. We strive to ensure that all decisions concerning the educational progress of students are based on considerations appropriate to an academic institution and not on factors such as race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status.
- All students are given equal access to the College's programs and resources. Admission to the College's undergraduate baccalaureate program considers people who self identify as women. The College is committed to admitting qualified students of any race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status to all programs and activities made generally available to students at the College, including scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other College-administered student services, and social, educational and recreational programs.
- We subscribe to the policies set forth in Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandates equal opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities in educational programs and activities.
- We are committed to creating an atmosphere where diversity is supported with understanding, respect, and encouragement. The College does not tolerate unlawful or other harassment of employees or students. Any discrimination or harassment by any member of the faculty, staff, or student body against any other member of the community will be handled according to the process articulated in the Bias Response Protocol, Title IX Policy, Faculty Policy Manual, Employee Handbook, and other relevant Simmons policies.
Simmons University Notice of Non-Discrimination and Grievance Procedure
Chartered in 1899 and opened in 1902, Simmons is first and foremost an academic community whose primary goals are to prepare women and men to be well informed, open-minded, and sensitive to values. To attain these goals, Simmons seeks to create an atmosphere within which students may learn to become actively engaged members of society and to develop the resources to lead rich personal lives. The active and continuing exchange of ideas among students, faculty, and the general college community is central to achieving these goals.
To ensure that these goals are attained, Simmons has committed itself to the following principles:
Simmons supports the principle and spirit of equal employment opportunity for all persons based on each individual’s qualifications and fitness. In accordance with applicable law, Simmons administers its employment and personnel policies with- out regard to race, color, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status.
Simmons administers its educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirements and implementing regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008.
Simmons strives to ensure that all decisions concerning hiring and promotion of faculty and staff, or the educational process of students, are based on considerations appropriate to an academic institution and not on factors such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran’s status.
Complaints or inquiries concerning the College’s policies and compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations may also be directed to the Office of the General Counsel, Room C-208, 617-521-2074. A complaint should contain your name and address and a brief description of the action you believe is in violation of state or federal law. A complaint should be filed with the appropriate office within 60 days after you, the grievant, become aware of the alleged violation. The President or appropriate college officer will conduct an investigation and issue a written decision on the complaint, ordinarily within 45 days.
Grievance Procedure
A written complaint alleging violation of the federal sex and disability discrimination laws and/or regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106 and 45 C.F.R. Part 86, implementing Title IX; 34 C.F.R. Part 104 and 45 C.F.R. Part 84, implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and 45 C.F.R. Part 83, implementing Section 855 of the Public Health Service Act) may be filed with the College by any student, employee, or other aggrieved person. Complaints under this procedure will not be processed from applicants for employment or admission. A University employee’s allegation that they have been subjected to discrimination prohibited by the regulations will be processed under the relevant employee grievance procedure.
Inquiries concerning the application of non- discrimination policies may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 330 C Street, Washington, DC 20202.
Information for Students with Disabilities
Simmons University is committed to the full participation of all students in its programs and activities. Simmons is committed to providing support services and reasonable accommodations when requested by students who qualify for them. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 (the ADAA) protect otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of their disabilities. Both Section 504 and the ADAA protect the following persons: those who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, those who have a record of impairment, or anyone who is regarded as having impairment.
The process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability is an interactive one that begins with the student’s disclosure of her/his disability to the Disability Services Office, along with the request for a reasonable accommodation. Every Simmons student who is seeking an accommodation for a disability must provide Simmons with sufficient current medical documentation from a qualified clinician or health care provider supports the request for an accommodation and sets forth suggestions for accommodations.
Requests for accommodations and supporting documentation should be directed to the Disability Services Office, located in the Center for Student Success. The Disability Services Office is responsible for assisting Simmons students who have identified themselves as having a disability and who are seeking an accommodation as a result of their disabilities. Timeliness is an integral part of the accommodation process. Students should initiate the process for obtaining accommodations as soon as possible, preferably no later than the start of the course in which they are seeking the accommodation. Academic accommodations for a disability are not granted retroactively. The Director of Disability Service oversees the Disability Services Office staff members. Concerns or grievances with the Disability Services Office and/or its determinations regarding accommodations should be brought to the Director of Disability Services.
Academic Policies
Simmons University subscribes, without exception, to the Campus Security Act of 1990. It is University policy to provide members of the Simmons community with information, reports, and statistics as required by P.L. 101- 502, to maintain working relationships with other law enforcement agencies to ensure co- operation between different law enforcement jurisdictions, and to provide educational programs designed to increase crime and safety aware-ness among students, faculty, and staff. For information regarding the Campus Security Act, contact the Director of Public Safety at 617-521-2289.
In addition, data regarding retention at Simmons is available from the Registrar, in compliance with P.L. 94-482. For information regarding graduation statistics, contact the Office of the Registrar at 617-521-2111.
Transfer of Credit
Academic Year
Under limited special circumstances, a regularly enrolled undergraduate Simmons student may obtain credit for, at most, one course taken at another college during a regular academic semester if a petition naming the course, institution, and amount of credit requested is approved in advance by the Administrative Board. The student must demonstrate to the Board that the course is unavailable at Simmons and is an important part of their program.
In addition to the petition to the Administrative Board, the student must also complete a Petition for Transfer Credit. Both forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Such a course is included in the credit restriction listed under "Heavy Academic Programs". Credit is not transferred for any course completed with a grade of less than C. In some disciplines such as nursing, a grade of C+ is required. Grades received in these courses are not included in the GPA. If the student is a financial aid recipient, they should discuss the impact of this decision on their financial aid package for that semester with a financial aid counselor.
Summer Credit
Before enrolling in summer courses at institutions other than Simmons, students are required to complete the Petition for Transfer Credit form in the Office of the Registrar. When considering a summer school course for transfer credit, the following guidelines must be observed:
- No credit is given for work done in a summer session lasting less than three weeks.
- Credit granted will never exceed the face-value credit assigned by the host institution.
- For a summer session of five weeks or less, face-value credit not exceeding one semester hour per week of the session will be granted. For example: A student who enrolls in two three-credit courses in one five-week session will receive a maximum of five transfer credits.
- In a summer session of six to eight consecutive calendar weeks, face-value credit not exceeding eight semester hours will be granted.
- No more than 16 semester hours of summer school credit from other institutions may be credited toward the Simmons degree. This includes summer credit completed at other institutions prior to matriculating at Simmons. A maximum of 16 semester hours of credit may be earned in one summer, regardless of whether the courses are taken at Simmons or at another institution.
- The lowest grade accepted for transfer credit is C. Credit for a course taken elsewhere with a grade of P can transfer if the instructor from the institution is willing to convert the Pass Grade t a letter grade.
- Quarter-hour credits transfer as two-thirds of a semester hour.
- Courses to fulfill a mode must be indicated on the Petition for Transfer Credit form and a course description must be provided. Summer courses to be considered for the language requirement or major must receive prior approval from the appropriate department chairperson. Attach a course description to the Petition for Transfer credit.
- Grades for course work accepted as transfer credit are not factored into the Simmons grade point average. Credit only is listed on the transcript.
- Petitions submitted without the required signatures, course information, exact beginning and ending dates and credit hours cannot be processed and will be returned the student for proper completion. Students with questions about these policies or the interpretation of credit should consult the personnel in the Registrar's Office.
Religious Observance
Students who are unable, because of their religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in an examination, class, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from the class, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work they may have missed consistent with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 151C, Section 2B. That law states:
Any student in an educational or vocation- al training institution, other than a religious or a denominational educational or vocation- al training institution, who is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work missed because of such absence on any particular day, provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effect shall result to any student because of his/her availing himself of the provisions of the sections.
Questions about absences for religious observance should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs or the Registrar’s Office.
Jury Duty
During the course of the academic year, students may receive notification that they have been summoned for jury duty. Students who attend college in Massachusetts are required by law to fulfill their civic duty if summoned, even though their permanent or "official" residence may be in another state. If the date for which students have been summoned is inconvenient, they may request a postponement for up to one year.
Students who are required to miss classes because of jury duty may notify the Office of Student Affairs by calling 617-521-2124. Staff members in the Office of Student Affairs will notify the appropriate faculty members, who will work with the students to make up any missed assignments or exams. Upon completion of jury duty, students are expected to bring a copy of the documentation of their service to the Office of Student Affairs.
Human Subjects
The University has established policies on the use of human subjects in all Simmons-initiated research and training projects. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is charged with overseeing all research involving human subjects at Simmons University. Students undertaking research projects that propose to use humans must do the following prior to beginning their projects: 1) prepare and submit an application to the IRB for review and approval and 2) complete the CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Program, a web-based human subjects research investigator education program. A copy of the Simmons University human subjects research policy, IRB forms, and link to the CITI training program may be found on the Office of Sponsored Programs site. The contact for the IRB is the Office of Sponsored Programs, MCB, Room E-206, 617-521-2415. It is expected that all members of the Simmons community will fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure that the rights and safety of human subjects are protected.