Admission Policies

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Simmons University 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, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, ancestry, disability, veterans’ status, or genetic predisposition in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities in accordance with state and federal law, including but not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 100, 104, 106, and 110.

The University's Office of Human Resources, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115 (telephone: 617-521-2084) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the University's nondiscrimination policies concerning employment. All other inquiries should be directed to the Office of the President, Simmons University, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115 (617-521-2073). Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination 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, SW, Washington, DC, 20202.

Admission Policy for Transgender Applicants

Simmons comprises an undergraduate women's 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.

We do not require government issued documentation for purposes of identifying an applicant's gender identity. Once enrolled, any student who completes the University's baccalaureate requirements will be awarded a Simmons degree regardless of gender identity or expression. All graduate programs are co-educational and are thus open to applicants of all genders.

Frequently asked questions

How will Simmons know if an applicant is transgender?

We will only know if a student self-identifies as such through their application essay, letters of recommendation, interview and/or other communication with the Office of Admission.

What about students who transition to male before they complete their degree?

They remain eligible to earn a Simmons degree. Once admitted, any student who successfully completes the college's baccalaureate requirements will be awarded a Simmons degree.

What does this mean for the Simmons mission?

Simmons is committed to our historic mission as a women's college . We also recognize that traditional notions of gender are evolving, and increasingly individuals do not conform to the gender binary. As an institution that values inclusion, Simmons University acknowledges this reality and believes that this policy is aligned with our values. We are a campus community that supports a full range of gender identity and expression.

What if I have discrepancies in my application materials regarding my gender?

If you are concerned about your materials, you may speak with your admission counselor to discuss your application. You may also address any of the discrepancies in your essay or personal statement. We do not require any government issued identification to verify gender.

What resources and support does the College offer for transgender students?

Simmons provides a range of resources and support including:

a campus community that values the diversity of every individual a non-discrimination policy that includes gender identity and expression and prohibits harassment and discrimination;
a single point of service for inquiries regarding name change/email/preferred name;
trained and knowledgeable residence life staff who actively develop and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Asexual (LGBTQA) friendly communities in their residence halls as a resource for LGBTQA students;
residence life staff who can work with students on an individualized basis to determine an optimal housing assignment and a housing application which includes a question that enables individuals to check off whether "it is important that my room is an LGBTQA safe space";
trained and knowledgeable health and counseling center staff committed to providing access to comprehensive care to students who identify as transgender, including those who are transitioning;
knowledge of and referrals to specialists in the greater Boston community;
student health insurance which includes transgender health benefits;
several student organizations which actively support and are sensitive to matters pertaining to gender identity and expression; serving to both educate the community and to offer peer support and social connection;
single stall/gender neutral restrooms on academic and residential campus.
Simmons sponsors NCAA Division III Women's Championship athletic teams. All student-athletes are eligible to participate consistent with the NCAA's eligibility bylaw 14.

For more information about the resources available, please contact Student Life at 617-521-2116 or visit us in the Main College Building, Room A-250.