Equal Access Policy
Simmons comprises an undergraduate women's-centered college and several coed graduate schools. Since its founding, Simmons' mission has been to empower women and to challenge traditional gender norms; we have also endeavored to build a rich history of inclusion. In light of those commitments, Simmons considers as eligible to apply for admission to the undergraduate program individuals who were assigned female at birth, applicants who consistently live and identify as women, and/or applicants who do not fit into the gender binary but who feel they belong in our undergraduate community of women. Simmons does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, ancestry, disability, veterans status, or genetic predisposition, with respect to 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.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Mission
Simmons seeks 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.
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.
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 lawful diversity and inclusion.
We prepare students to be well informed, open- minded, and sensitive to the values and diversity of thought and experiences of others. We strive to foster an atmosphere where students can become actively engaged leaders 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 unlawfully based on race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, ancestry, disability, veterans status, or genetic predisposition.
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.
The University does not tolerate unlawful discrimination and/or other harassment of employees or students. Complaints of unlawful discrimination, harrassment, and/or retaliation will be addressed according to the applicable processes articulated in the University's Sexual Harassment Policy, Notice of Non-Discrimination, Faculty Policy Manual, Employee Handbook, Student Handbook, and/or other relevant Simmons policies.