Simmons College Fall 2010
Welcome to Campus Housing Inside 2
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Welcome from the Director of
Residence Life and an introduction to the Residence Life team 3
Fire Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Of all the safety concerns on campus, fire safety is where the student's action or inaction can have the greatest impact on other students and the community.
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Academic Calendar Plan your vacations and mark your calendar for all of the important dates throughout the year!
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Get answers to questions you didn’t even know you had!
Fooding Get the scoop on meal plans, meal plan changes, fenway cash, and microfridge rentals.
What to bring
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Don’t forget the basics! Let us remind you with this handy guide. You should also know that Simmons provides each student with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser. The average double room measures 12’ x 13’ but please note that not every room has these precise measurements. Each room has at least one window with either a shade or blinds. Not all rooms have overhead lighting so we encourage you to bring a lamp for general lighting. Each room does have a desk light for each student.
Simmons Residence Life
Fall 2010
Make your space your own
Welcome to your new home! Dear New Student, I hope you are enjoying the last month of your summer vacation. As your move‐in date draws near the Residence Life staff is busy preparing for your arrival. This newsletter contains a lot of important information to prepare for your move. Please note the schedule of important dates on page 5. Use this schedule as a guide for the year ahead and to plan your vacations accordingly. Also, I highly recommend rereading your Housing License Agreement (found on our website), as it highlights important deadlines you should be aware of throughout the year. This year will begin my 5th year at Simmons College. I am proud to be a part of the Simmons College Residence Life staff and as I have found that we house some of the most amazing and intelligent students in Boston. I look forward to getting to know you over your time in housing. The Office of Residence Life is located on the 2nd floor of the Health Center. I welcome you to stop by and introduce yourself. I am honored to be able to introduce the 2010‐2011 academic year residence staff. This upcoming year our Campus Life Coordinators, Tia Miller (RD Simmons Hall) and John O’Connor (RD South Hall) will bring new energy to our campus by serving in a dual role for the college. Both will be live‐in professionals on the Residence Campus and members of the Office of Student Leadership & Activities (OSLA). Tia and John are responsible for
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many exciting collaborations between the academic campus and res campus. They are looking forward to a year of great programming and fun. I’d also like to introduce you to the rest of the Resident Director (RD) Staff. Leigh Viscomi (RD Dix Hall), Judy Asuzu (RD Mesick Hall), Daniel Newman (RD Morse Hall), and Vince Greer (RD Arnold Hall) will welcome you on campus this fall and be available as resources throughout the year. Many of our RD staff are pursuing masters degrees in Higher Education Administration or College Student Personnel/Counseling because of the wonderful experiences they have had at their own undergraduate institution. They are very excited to share their knowledge with you and help you discover your own leadership path. Twenty‐five amazing student leaders will serve as the Resident Advisor (RA) staff. These Simmons students are ready to serve as resources and mentors through your first year at the college. Find out who your RA is by clicking on the Res Life Staff link on the New Students main page. The Residence Life Professional Staff and the Resident Advisors are dedicated to supporting you and helping you have a successful residential and academic experience. We look forward to seeing you on campus in a few weeks. Sincerely, Jessica Faulk Director, Residence Life
Simmons Residence Life
Fall 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
How can sign up or change my meal plan? You must select a meal plan prior to your arrival on campus! To select or change your meal plan, first login in to your account on AARC See page 6 of this newsletter for more details. Is parking available for resident students? Parking on campus is not available for resident students. Visitor parking is available at the garage that is accessible from Avenue Louis Pasteur. If you have family or friends visiting on the weekend, be sure to pick them up a discounted parking pass during weekday hours. Call x2289 with questions. Is there bike storage? There is a bike park on the side of Bartol Hall. You may also keep your bike in your own room. Bikes may not be stored in hallways or other public areas of the residence halls. We recommend that you register your bike with Public Safety and keep your bike locked when not in use.
Moving in can be stressful and confusing, so we've tried to simplify the process by anticipating some of your questions. If you have questions about the move that are not covered here, please check out the Res Life website at www.simmons.edu/reslife or feel free to contact us at 617‐521‐1096 or reslife@simmons.edu How do I know what time I will move in? All students will be assigned a move in time based on their room assignment. On Sunday, August 29th we ask that students living on the 4th floor arrive between 8:30am‐9:30am, 3rd floor between 9:30am‐10:30am, and the 1st/2nd floor after 10:30am. This helps relieve traffic congestion. Will I have internet access in my room? By the end of the fall semester we anticipate that all rooms will have wireless access to the Simmons Residence Campus WiFi network. We also encourage all students to bring a connecting ethernet cable to directly connect to internet in their room. Each room has two Ethernet ports. Is there storage space for boxes or luggage? Unfortunately, no. Consider storing these and other nonessential items at home or throwing a piece of decorative fabric over them and turning them into attractive coffee tables. Can we put the bed on cinder blocks to create storage space underneath or bring in my own bed lofting materials? No. You may use bed risers such as those available at Bed, Bath & Beyond as long as you are not also bunking the beds. May we bring our own refrigerator or MicroFridge? Yes, as long as they meet college housing agreement guidelines: Refrigerators must be no larger than 4.5 cubic feet, and Microfridges must be no larger than 3.6 cubic feet, and be energy star compliant. Learn more about renting a microfridge on page 6 of this newsletter. Will I have cable television in my room? Yes, all rooms are cable ready. You will need to bring a coaxial cable in addition to your television, but it is a good idea for roommates to discuss this. Will I have a phone service in my room? Yes, but you will need to bring your own phone to campus. You will have free local calling, and a shared room phone number. You will receive more information about this service once you arrive on campus. Can I see pictures of the rooms before I come? Check out the Photo Gallery on the Residence Life Webpage to find pictures of rooms similar to yours. Also available on the website are partial floor plans of the buildings. What is the mattress size? All mattresses at Simmons are standard twin mattresses. Where do I do laundry? There are washers and dryers in each residence hall. You can use quarters or purchase Fenway Cash on your ID to use the laundry machines. Fenway Cash is like dollars connected to your ID. You can add points that can be used for vending machines, laundry, and food in the Fens or Quadside, etc. To add points to your account go to the Campus Card Office located in the basement of the MCB or access our account online at http://www.fenwaycard.com. Can we have pets? The only pets you may have are fish in properly maintained bowls smaller than five gallons.
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Simmons Residence Life
What to Bring Items for roommates to discuss, as you may decide you don’t need duplicates: • standing lamps (no halogen lamps) — FYI: Morse & Simmons have no overhead lighting • curtains (we suggest waiting to purchase until arrival) • rugs (again, we suggest waiting to purchase until arrival) • stereo • T.V. and cable cord • Computer Things for Your desk: • desk lamp • stapler with extra staples • 3‐hole puncher • glue • stationary and stamps • calculator • erasers • crayons, markers, colored pencils • calendar/planner • pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, highlighters • scotch/masking tape • scissors • ruler • note pad Bathroom and laundry: • laundry basket/bag • laundry detergent • drying rack • soap/soap dish • hair dryer • flip flops for shower • Towels • shower basket ‐ while in some halls there are small cubbies in the bathroom where you can leave your soap and hand towel, we recommend that students choose to use shower baskets to carry everything back and forth from their rooms. • shampoo/conditioner • deodorant • shaving cream/razors • nail clippers • tweezers
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Fall 2010 Things for you and your room: • pillow for your bed • sheets and comforter for standard twin bed • phone with Caller ID • power cords/surge protector • three‐prong outlet adapters (especially for Morse & Simmons) • storage boxes/crates • bulletin boards/dry erase board • flashlight • hangers • sewing kit • storm/winter boots • camera and film • umbrella/rain coat • bathing cap and suit for pool • dishes – a plate, mug, bowl, fork, spoon, and knife • can opener • facial tissues • paper towels • fan • first aid kit – Band‐Aids, antibiotic cream, etc. • cold medication/aspirin • easy care plants • alarm clock • Posters Other important things: • key chain • social security card • address book • money (but keep large amounts safely in the bank) • insurance card • prescription medication • 3M Command Adhesive or blue painters tape for hanging items on the wall (avoid damages at the end of the year!)
Due to fire safety, the following are NOT allowed in the residence halls: • tapestries and cloth wall hangings • microwave/any cooking appliances • halogen lamps • candles and incense, or any other type of flame or burning unit • coffee machines without automatic shut‐off • NonFlame Retardant Furniture is not allowed. For more information on this and other fire safety regulations please see pg. 5 Other items to leave at home… • car (there’s no student parking available for residents, and it is extremely difficult to find street parking, as well as expensive to finance parking options) • hammer, nails, and power drills as they will damage the walls Final suggestions: • Bring your bicycle (with a secure lock system) and roller blades • Make sure you have local access to your bank account, or consider opening a new account at a local bank. • Remember to write down your friends’ addresses (e‐mail and traditional mail) and give them yours. • Don’t forget to bring any tools you may need to put together small furniture items on move in day!.
Simmons Residence Life
Fire Safety State law prohibits the use of upholstered furniture in student rooms unless it is treated with a fire‐retardant chemical and is labeled as such. Upholstered furniture includes couches, futons, and overstuffed chairs. Waterbeds, lofts, and hanging chairs are prohibited in residence hall rooms. Decorations may not be hung from the ceiling or sprinkler pipes. Furniture which contains polyurethane foam will not be permitted due to their increased risk of being flammable. All furniture brought into the residence halls should have one of the following labels: NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE IS MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN PUBLIC OCCUPANCIES AND MEETS THE FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOME FURNISHINGS TECHNICAL BULLETIN 133. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES. NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE MEETS ALL FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOME FURNISHINGS BULLETIN 117. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES. The minimum size of the label shall be two inches by three inches and the minimum size of the type shall be 1/8 inch in height. All type shall be in capital letters. For more information on Massachusetts fire safety regulations please see the following website http://www.mass.gov and search
Health & Safety Checks Once a semester Residence Life staff will check residence rooms for fire safety hazards and prohibited items. If you are found to be in possession of one of these items it will be confiscated and donated. In the case of prohibited furniture, the resident in question will be asked to remove the furniture at their own expense.
Fall 2010
Candles, incense & open flame The most frequent causes of residence hall fires on our campus have been candles and incense. Candles, oil lamps, incense, alcohol lamps, and open flame burners are prohibited.
Halogen Lamps The high temperatures reached by halogen bulbs constitute a fire hazard and a potential source of burns. In addition, the geometry of the floor models tends to make them very unstable and easily tipped over. These lamps are prohibited.
Electrical Equipment Extension cords may be used, but they should not be run under rugs, in travel ways, or under furniture. Do not tack extension cords to base‐ boards or other areas of the room. The storage and use of the following electrical appliances in student rooms are prohibited: • Toasters and toaster ovens • Coffee pots without an automatic shut‐off • Space heaters • Heat generating humidifiers or vaporizers • Open heating coils
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Simmons Residence Life
Fall 2010
Date August 27, 2010 August 27, 2010
August 29, 2010
Residence halls open for Graduate and Dix Scholars, 8:30am –4:30pm Residence halls open for new undergraduate students, 8:30am‐11:30am Fall Orientation begins for all new undergraduate students.
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Residence Halls open for returning undergraduate students, 1‐6pm Residence Life Office open for returning student check in
August 29, 2010
Event International Student move‐in, 8:30am—4:30pm
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August 30– September 1 Fall Orientation continues for new students; September 1, 2010 September 1, 2010 September 2, 2010 September 6, 2010 October 11, 2010
Convocation All College Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff 10:00 a.m. Undergraduate Honors Convocation 2:00 p.m. (required for 1st yr students) Student Organization Fair & BBQ on the Res Campus Quad 4‐7pm
Classes begin for fall term
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College closed for Labor Day*
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College closed for Columbus Day*
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October 12, 2010
Academic Holiday, Administrative Offices Open
November 11, 2010 November 17, 2010
College closed for Veterans’ Day Holiday
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November 19, 2010
Final day to request approval to withdraw from Spring housing** Final day to register for winter break housing (Dec. 19‐Jan. 22). Final day to register for Thanksgiving Break housing
November 23, 2010
Residence Halls close for Thanksgiving Break at noon*
December 19, 2010
Residence Halls close for Winter Break at noon*
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March 5‐12, 2011
Residence Halls close for Spring Break at noon*
March 14, 2011
Classes Resume
March 16, 2011
Final Day to withdraw from residence for Fall 2011
April 18, 2011
College Closed for Patriots’ Day*
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January 17, 2011 January 19, 2011
February 21, 2011
May 15, 2011
May 20, 2011
May 21, 2011
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Residence Halls open for all students Classes begin for spring term
College closed for Presidents’ Day*
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Residence Halls close at noon for all students except graduating Seniors, Dix Scholars and Graduate Students. Commencement
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*Please note: When the college is closed there is a 24 hour Professional Staff member on duty.
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Meal Plans
This academic year we are offering three meal plans so each student may choose the one that best meets their dining needs. All the meal plans are the same price and the meal plan is included in your room and board fees. The meal plans are: • 225 meals & 100 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals* • 185 meals & 150 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals • 145 meals & 200 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals The meals expire from semester to semester, but the points carry over each semester. If a student runs out of dining points, they may add more money to their ID card in the form of Fenway Cash. To find out more about Fenway Cash, visit the website at: http://fenwaycard.com/ The meals work in Bartol Hall, for an all you can eat meal experience, and in the Fens**, a pay as you go dining experience. Points work in a variety of locations around campus. Please note that you may change this plan after arriving on campus, until September 16, 2010. ** A Cash Equivalent meal is equal to the cash value of retail product/meal between $3.00 and $6.00 at the Fens Café only. Any amount under $3.00 or exceeding $6.00 must be paid with Dining points, Fenway Cash, Cash, Visa, or MasterCard.
Meal Plan Changes You must select a meal plan in AARC before August 20th in order to have access to your meal plan when you arrive on campus in the fall. The deadline for changing meal plans for the Fall 2010 semester is Thursday, September 16th. To select or change your meal plan, first login in to your account at aarc.simmons.edu. Select the “Student” menu then click on “academic profile”, under which you will find another link to select your meal plan. You have the option to pick from the three meal choices.
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Microfridge Rental Interested in renting a microfridge for the academic year? To reserve a Microfridge for 2010‐2011 please go to the following website: www.collegerefrigerators.com or call 1‐800‐637‐7567. Students can rent these combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwave units for $191.25 for the academic year or $114.75 for the semester. Orders must be received by Friday, August 20th, and the Microfridge will be delivered to your room prior to your arrival on campus. For more information, visit www.collegerefrigerators.com.
Did you know you can add money to your Fenway Card to make purchases on and off campus, at over 75 different locations? The card features a prepaid spending account – Fenway Cash – which allows you to make easy, cashless purchases with just a simple swipe! Watch your email for more information on how you can add money to your card and be ready for all your fall purchases. Visit www.fenwaycard.com for more info.