A new calendar year marks a new semester, and students were met with some not-so-spring-like conditions.

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Maine Lounge. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli welcomed students before a day full of information sessions, including a panel of current international students.

This morning, faculty got the chance to reconnect before the semester and attend various sessions with the theme “The Impact of Generative AI in Higher Education.” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, and other Academic Affairs staff, welcomed all and provided updates, celebrated achievements, and listened to faculty concerns. Keynote speaker Dr. Carie Cardamone, Associate Director of STEM and Professional Schools, Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching at Tufts University presented "Teaching in the Age of AI: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities." After lunch, "How Fitchburg State Is Navigating AI: Lightning Talks from Across Campus" were presented.

 Fitchburg State University Police (UPD) and the Fitchburg Fire Department (FFD) are conducting joint training exercises on campus. These exercises benefit both department; increasing their readiness and honing their skills in specific emergency situations. 

Artist Candice Ivy and Fine Arts Professor Andrea Olmstead set up Candace’s exhibit “A Wide Golden Blue” in Fitchburg State University’s Hammond Hall Art Gallery. “A Wide Golden Blue” will be on display in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery from Tuesday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, March 1, 2024. There will be a reception with the artist at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 3:30 p.m. at the gallery, located in Hammond Hall at 160 Pearl St. Admission is free and open to the public. Read more here.

This week, during class break, Fitchburg State University Police (UPD) and the Fitchburg Fire Department (FFD) are conducting joint training exercises on campus. This morning's scenario involved a potential gas leak at the Landry Arena. After the initial call from UPD to FFD, officers secured the area while FFD Special Response Unit entered the building to retrieve two "victims." Afterward, the officers recapped with Lieutenant Andrew Lamarche, UPD.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center today to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, the day began with welcome remarks from Director of Student Development Michael Kennedy, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless, and our Student Orientation Leaders. Students and their families heard presentations from various student services departments including Commuter Affairs, Housing and Residential Services, Wellness & Counseling Services, Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center,  Career Services and Advising (CSA), Student Accounts, University Police, and Community Health Connections, Welcome to the flock!

Yesterday's Nor'easter left over a foot of snow on campus, check out some photos of our winter wonderland campus

Intown Fitchburg's First Thursday Farmer's Market has moved indoors for the season, taking place inside the Fitchburg Art Museum. Local Farmers, Artists, Crafters, and Authors offered their wares surrounded by the museum's exhibits. Admission to the Fitchburg Art Museum is free as s part of  Intown Fitchburg's First Thursday.

Fitchburg State University held the winter ceremony of its 127th commencement exercises at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 in the campus Athletics and Recreation Center, 130 North St.