While summer is the time for vacation, it’s also when Simmons Technology (along with many other departments on campus) prepares for the fall semester. Right now, we’re updating lab, classroom, and public access computers to create a more consistent experience for faculty.

We will upgrade these computers’ operating systems from Windows 7 to Windows 10, and from Microsoft Office 2013 to Office 2016. These changes will be complete before the first day of fall semester classes.

To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll be providing walk-in training sessions for faculty. Keep an eye out for an email with the times and locations. You can also find online Windows and Office training at Lynda.com.

If you have any questions about these changes or about any other academic technology in preparation for the semester, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or online atservicedesk.simmons.edu.

The Online Faculty Fellows Hub is a resource containing a wide array of strategies, definitions, and guides to help faculty prepare to teach online.

Individual guides offer help with Course Design and Management, Presentation of Materials (for both blended and online classrooms), Communication and Collaboration with Students, Group Work, and much more.

Although focused on online teaching and learning, all faculty can benefit from the information available in the Hub. Each page is organized around pedagogical questions and offers strategies for ways to define and apply solutions in the classroom.

Available Resources

eLearning Toolbox
Access guides that break down all the tools used across Simmons College for asset design, course organization, and creative exercise creation.

Follow step-by-step guides on how the Toolbox can be used in the classroom to best serve you and your students.

Faculty Spotlights
Learn about other faculty members’ experiences teaching in blended or online classrooms.

Online Faculty Fellows Program
Simmons Online sponsors the Online Faculty Fellows Program, focusing on faculty development and collaboration for those who are preparing to teach or design courses for online delivery.

Training
We currently offer Basic Training, and coming soon, Simmons Online will offer Advanced Training.

• The next Faculty Fellows Basic Training session is Oct 3 – 28. Interested in signing up? Contact Kristen Palson.
• Advanced faculty training sessions will begin in Fall 2016. Look for complete details to be announced in September.

Congratulations! Spring semester is over and you can (maybe? hopefully?) relax a bit and enjoy the beautiful weather Boston has to offer this time of year.

Whether you’re on campus, off campus, or halfway around the world this summer, you can still access many Simmons services.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Service Desk
Open for phone support Monday-Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm at 617-521-2222.

Technology Support Center
Located in LEF-331 and open for walk-ins Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 6:00pm.

If you need help during the evening or on the weekend, or if you’d rather not pick up the phone, you’ll find answers to many common questions on the Service Desk website.

Services Available Online
You can access your email, calendar, Google docs, Moodle, AARC, Workday, and more from any location using mobile sites and apps.

If you need access to technology services that are only available from the on-campus network, you can tap into them remotely using VPN. Simmons VPN is accessible on mostcomputers and mobile devices.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

If you’re staying in Boston this summer, most on-campus services are available to you. Be sure to check in advance for modified summer hours.

Dining
Common Grounds Cafe and The Fens are open throughout the summer for staff, faculty, and students taking summer classes.

Public Safety
Located in Palace Road, suite P-106, Public Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 617-521-1111 (or dial 911). For all other Public Safety needs, call 617-521-1112.

On-Campus Parking
On-campus parking is available during the summer. Purchase parking online via the online parking store.