President Donna Hodge and her Cabinet, AKA "The Donut Party Crew", loaded up the Donut Mobile and traveled around campus to hand out doughnuts and connect with students, faculty and staff on this, the first day of class for the fall semester.

After welcome remarks from Professor Laura Garofoli, Faculty Awards, Emeriti Faculty, Staff Awards, and Years of Service Awards were presented by the University Cabinet. Professor Christine Dee then presented the Student Ambassadors who received their green coats. President Donna Hodge then anchored her third annual State of the University address in the theme of "possibility,", delivering an inspiring speech to students, faculty, staff in Weston Auditorium. The program was followed by the Fall Semester Celebration. Read the full article here.

Professor, Dr. Sean Goodlett welcomed our faculty, staff, current and new students to the New Student Matriculation Ceremony this morning in Weston Auditorium. Dr. Franca Barricelli, Acting Provost and Executive Vice President convened the ceremony with Sophie Monis performing the National Anthem. Tim St. John, Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer introduced our Keynote Speaker Fitchburg State University Graduate, Class of 2014 Red Shaydez, Hip-Hop recording artist and Educator addressed the newest students. After  SGA President Elliot Olynciw-Olkuski and Student Trustee Yari Morales led the the signing of the Class Book, Dr. Donna Hodge, 12th President of Fitchburg State University, led our newest falcons in the Future Falcon Pledge.

President Hodge, along with Acting Provost and Executive Vice President  Franca Barricelli, welcomed our faculty and librarians back to campus at the beginning of their Faculty & Librarian Development Day. In addition to welcoming remarks, the pair along with other Academic Affairs staff provided updates, celebrated achievements, and listened to concerns.

The quad was buzzing today! Orientation is in full swing, and our newest Falcons brought their incredible energy to the quad for Falcon Connections.

Incoming students spent the day linking up with campus clubs, connecting with university departments, meeting new friends, and diving into all things Fitchburg State through interactive activities and games.

As we welcome students back to campus for Fall Semester 2026, we pause to look back at Spring Semester 2026.

Our Office of Student Engagement staff and Student Orientation Leaders hunkered down in Hammond Hall to lock in the final plans, review the task grid, and assign roles for this Sunday's New Student Move-In & Orientation Sessions for our newest Falcons.

The beat is back! The Fitchburg State University Drumline is officially back on campus and bringing the noise for the new semester. Our talented percussionists were back and outside of Landry Arena, putting in the work to set the cadence for an incredible upcoming season. Learn more about our Music Programs here.