/Institutions/Simmons-College/json/2019-2020/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Simmons-College/json/2019-2020/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog.json

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. Simmons University’s graduate schools and programs are open to all individuals. 

 

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 University 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 University 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 university community.
  To ensure that these goals are attained, Simmons University 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 University’s programs and resources. Admission to the University’s undergraduate baccalaureate program considers people who self identify as women. The University 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 University, including scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other University-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 University 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.