Last week, we were thrilled to host the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Family Engagement Convening in our Hammond Main Lounge. Educators from all across the state gathered to dive deep into what matters most: creating a true sense of belonging for families, championing whole-child learning, and sharing real-world strategies that drive student success. Proud to be a hub where the future of education connects and grows. 

Yesterday, we sent off our newest Falcons (and their amazing families & friends) in style. Before heading out, everyone grabbed a sweet frozen treat, scored a fresh "Falcons Flock Together" tee, and caught some final laughs with our incredible Orientation Leaders.  We had the absolute best time welcoming you to the nest. Safe travels home, and we’ll see you all at Move-In! 

After wrapping up their Interviews and Interrogations coursework with Criminal Justice Professor Michael S. McCutcheon, recruits in the Fitchburg State Police Program’s ROC put their skills to the test in real-world scenarios. A huge thank you to the local law enforcement officers who stepped in to play the roles of victims—including Academy alumni Off. Sean McCue (Fitchburg PD) and Off. Kayla Forbes (Randolph PD)! Other active officers observed and debriefed the students, giving our future law enforcement precise, actionable feedback. 

Our Orientation Coordinators were bright, early, and ready to show off their talons this morning to kick off the second day of our first Summer Orientation session! To start the day, FYE Coordinator and Psychological Science Department Chair Dr. Laura Garofoli took the stage to discuss Academic Transitions. Dr. Garofoli gave our incoming Falcons crucial insights into the real differences between high school and college life, dropping invaluable tips and advice to help them navigate the exciting transition ahead. 

Lunchtime looked a little different depending on your flock. While our Future Falcons headed over to the Holmes Dining Commons for their First-Year Falcon Profile Lunch & Resource Fair, their Parents & Families took over the Falcon Pub! For our Students: The Holmes Dining Commons hosted the First-Year Falcon Profile Lunch & Resource Fair, giving incoming students a chance to network with peers and explore the vital campus resources available to support their academic journey. For our Families: The Falcon Pub provided a space for parents and supporters to connect with one another, while engaging in meaningful dialogue with our Academic Deans and University Cabinet members about student success and institutional support. A huge thank you to our leadership team and campus partners for fostering these important connections! 

Building connections from Day One. Community is at the heart of the Fitchburg State University experience. This morning our Orientation Leaders brought our incoming students out to the quad for icebreaker activities designed to help them build lasting peer connections right out of the gate. These engaging breaks are strategically woven throughout the day between our academic and resources information sessions. At the same time, we are hosting concurrent sessions specifically tailored for Parents & Families to ensure they feel fully equipped, informed, and supported as their student transitions to college life. 

Summer Orientation 2026: Session 1 is officially underway! We are so excited to welcome our incoming students and their families for the first of our three summer orientation sessions this morning!  After checking in, our newest Falcons made their way to Weston Auditorium for an unforgettable start to their journey. They received a boisterous, high-energy welcome from Dean of Students Timothy St. John, followed by Assistant Director of Student Development Angelo M. Prevosto, who introduced our incredible team of Orientation Leaders! These OLs are ready to guide our new students through a day packed with info sessions, activities, and Falcon pride. Welcome to the flock! 

 Redefining the value of higher education. On this National Higher Education Day, we reflect on the vital role that accessible, high-quality public universities play in fostering economic growth and social mobility. At Fitchburg State University, our mission is to blend a rigorous liberal arts and sciences foundation with elite professional preparation. From our state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs to our unique interdisciplinary creative arts programs, we are constantly innovating to ensure our graduates enter the workforce ready to lead and solve complex challenges. Investing in higher education is an investment in our collective future. We are proud of our faculty, staff, and community partners who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the support, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed. To our current students chasing big dreams, our faculty unlocking potential, and our alumni leading the way in the real world—thank you for making this campus fly high. 

 Leading the conversation on global engagement in higher education. Fitchburg State University was proud to serve as the host site for this year’s Massachusetts Council for International Education (MCIE) Annual Retreat. Our Office of International Education welcomed colleagues and leadership from sister institutions across the state for a comprehensive itinerary focused on the evolving landscape of global education. The retreat featured expert guest speakers, strategic workshops, and presentations tailored to the unique regulatory, cultural, and academic needs of international student populations and study abroad programming. Collaborative professional development like this ensures that Massachusetts remains a premier global destination for higher education. Thank you to all the attendees and organizers who made this year's retreat a resounding success. 

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay! Today, we are shining a spotlight on our incredible Environmental and Earth Science majors who are on the front lines of sustainability, conservation, and climate action. They are developing the hands-on, scientific solutions needed to protect our ecosystems for generations to come. Ready to turn your passion for nature into a powerful career? Check out where our Earth and Environmental Science program can take you!