There were an array of information sessions as part of today's Veteran Schools Certifying Conference,, among the many topics were The Hero Act, VA Debt Management, Tuition Assistance, Enrollment Management, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment.

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge, Secretary of Executive Office of Veterans Services Jon Santiago, and Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs & Student Success Richard Riccardi welcomed representatives from colleges and universities across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, today for the the Veterans Certifying Official Conference sponsored by the state Department of Higher Education. Certifying officials on campuses help student veterans get the GI Bill benefits to which they are entitled. Assistant Commissioner for Academic & Veterans Affairs George O'Connor  greeted the conference attendees who will take part in sessions on topics related to supporting student veterans on campus and helping them complete their academic goals. You can read about Fitchburg State's Veteran Services here.

Petersham Police Chief Peter Buck instructs our Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) on the intricacies of motor vehicle law. Here, Chief Buck presents a vehicle stop and asks the class how they would cite the driver.

We are excited to welcome our Incoming students for the third of three sessions of our Summer Orientation 2025 this morning. After ID photos and some general "housekeeping", our newest Falcons made their way to Weston Auditorium where they received boisterous welcome remarks from Student Development Dean of Students Timothy St. John. Assistant Director of Student Development  Angelo M. Prevosto introduced of our Orientation Leaders who will guide then through a day full of information sessions and activities.

Fitchburg State university served as host for  State Senator John Cronin's Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus. After touring some key local initiatives in the area, Senator Cronin welcomed various State Legislators, and local stakeholders to speak about their endeavors to enhance the quality of life in the area.  

Our Orientation Leaders take advantage of extra time in our Summer Orientation 2025 schedule by leading our newest Falcons in some Ice Breaker activities on the quad.

Our Summer Orientation 2025 continued at the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library. where,  with the help of registrar's office staff, academic affairs staff, Department Chairs, and faculty, students put together their class schedules for the upcoming fall semester.

While their students are off on their own Fitchburg State University, families and friends have their own schedule designed with activities and information sessions specifically for them. One session, hosted by Dean of Students Timothy St. John and Director of Counseling Services Robert Hynes, Ph.D., LMHC, parents and families learned of the many support services for their students. In another session, Lt. Andrew Lamarche of the Fitchburg State University Police discussed campus safety - comfort-dog-in-training Zara was a big hit.

We are excited to welcome our Incoming students for the second of three sessions of our Summer Orientation 2025 this morning. After ID photos and some general "housekeeping", our newest Falcons made their way to Weston Auditorium where they received boisterous welcome remarks from Student Development Dean of Students Timothy St. John. Assistant Director of Student Development  Angelo M. Prevosto introduced of our Orientation Leaders who will guide then through a day full of information sessions and activities.

Drill Instructor Lt. John Boucher of the Ashburnham Police Department donned a suit and took on a new role as Instructor for the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) Report Writing course. Lt. Boucher was assisted by Sgt. Liana Teague of the Fitchburg Police Department. Report writing is a crucial skill in a law enforcement professionals "toolkit."