The Massachusetts School of Law at Andover (MSLAW) and Fitchburg State University recently announced a significant extension of their existing partnership with a “3+3” pathway, empowering students to fast-track their legal careers by completing both their bachelor’s and law degrees in just six years.

Criminal Justice Professor Michael S. McCutcheon lectures students in his Criminal Investigation course. As a criminal investigation expert, Dr. McCutcheon has recently  been interviewed regarding the Guthrie kidnapping investigation on local news WCVB Boston. This course will enable the student to understand the fundamentals of the criminal investigation process. The student will explore investigative techniques in crime scene search, collection and use of evidence and information. Additionally the student will study investigation of specific crimes to include crimes against persons, crimes against property, deceased persons, motor vehicle theft, crimes against the public, controlled substance investigations, and gang investigations.

Students in Exercise and Sports Science Professor Monica Maldari's Exercise Testing and Prescription course lab work on a submaximal heart rate experiment at the Exercise and Sports Science Lab. Submaximal heart rate refers to any heart rate achieved during exercise that is below an individual's maximum capacity, typically ranging from 50% to 85–90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). It is used to assess cardiovascular fitness and monitor training intensity without the physical strain of maximal exertion.

Psychological Science Professor Thomas Schilling teaches his Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) course A History of the Modern Mind in the McKay Campus School. In this course, students will attempt to answer the question that the brain and mind are inextricably linked by studying how major thinkers from antiquity (ancient Greek philosophers) to Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers (Descartes, Hume, Kant), to our modern scientific era (cognitive science) have attempted to answer this question. Our survey will help to reveal the enormity of the mind and its infinite capacity for meaning making.

Our third-year Nursing students got their first simulation experience today in the Nursing Simulation Laboratory. After going over the scenario and treatment, teams entered the room where Nursing Simulation Lab Director Ian Murray reprised the role of James Irons, a recovering alcoholic who may have relapsed and ended up in the hospital. James is complaining of itching from bed bugs, and seeing a squirrel in the room. Best line when asked about the squirrel only he could see; "I don't like squirrels, they're dirty and carry diseases, it makes no sense that you would keep one in here."

Economics, History and Political Science Professor Rene Reeves lectures to students in his  History of Mexico class. This course surveys pre-Columbian times to the present-day, beginning with indigenous background and continuing though conquest, colonialism and the century of social unrest that began with the struggle for independence in 1810. It considers the Mexican Revolution and its implications for Mexico's contemporary political and social stability and economic development.

Students in Andrea Olmstead's Ceramics class worked on pinch pot vessels during this morning's ceramics class in Conlon Fine Arts. . A pinch pot is a simple form of hand-made pottery produced from ancient times to the present, a great starting point for the beginning of the semester. Learn more about our Fine Art Program here.

Earth and Geographic Sciences Professor Jane Huang and Teaching Assistant Kole Broderick were on hand to help students in her Geographic Information System (GIS) for Criminal Justice classes first lab. The course introduces students to the theory and application of crime mapping and analysis in a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. Students will learn the criminological theories that supports crime analysis and place-based policing. Students will also learn the basic skills of using GIS to create crime maps and to analyze crime patterns.

Students in Communications Media Professor M. Zachary Lee's Cinematography course work on exposure and metering light in the Conlon Building. Cinematography is a specialized elective that provides an immersive study of the technical and aesthetic elements of motion picture photography. Topics include film stocks, imaging sensors, focus theory, laboratories, lenses, RAW workflows, lighting, cameras, composition, continuity, color and special processes.

The Recreation Center was buzzing today! Our Falcon Friends—inspired by the incredible work of Best Buddies—kicked off their latest First Friday event.