Our School of Graduate Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) held a Graduate Fair yesterday in Hammond Hall. Fitchburg State University SGOCE along with local university's graduate school programs, provided this as opportunity for schools to meet the talented students at Fitchburg State University, and connect with potential graduate students. This was an opportunity for our students to learn about graduate school programs, and receive information about the application process.

This morning, Fitchburg State University President Richard Lapidus welcomed those gathered in-person, and virtually, to the first ever School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education's Graduate Education Celebration. After remarks by Suzanne Ortega, President of the Council of Graduate Schools, who joined remotely, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Catherine R. Canney  presented the inaugural 2022 Graduate Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching to Professor Henry Culver. Then a panel of students, Kondwani Moya, and Kamelia Lechani along with Professors Kyle Moody, and Daneen Deptula talked about the graduate program experience.

When advising students we often hear “If you don’t mind my asking”. Typically accompanying that statement are questions that students feel are embarrassing to ask and don’t want to bring up. As advisors we’re here to answer any and all questions you have, so of course we don’t mind your asking, we encourage you to ask as many questions as you want. The following are the top 5 questions you’re afraid to ask, but should be asking first!

What is your educational background?
I have my BS in Human Services from Fitchburg State University. When I graduated Fitchburg High School in 2010, I began studying Animal Science at UMASS Amherst. After a year there, I transferred to Fitchburg State to study Secondary Education and Biology. After just one semester, however, I began working and studying at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) as an AmeriCorps member. After receiving my AS in Human Services in 2014 from MWCC, I transferred back to Fitchburg State and received my BS in Human Services with a minor in Biology in May of 2015.

When exploring graduate programs, it's important to discover not only if a school has the academic program you're looking for, but to also see if the school fits you. 

Upon matriculating into any Fitchburg State graduate program, you will be assigned an academic advisor. It’s important to develop a relationship with your advisor. They're here to help you on your academic journey. 

Always be prepared…..isn’t that what your parents always taught you?  This is great advice that you can apply to every aspect of your life.  And it's especially important when dealing with financial decisions like returning to school.  You want to make sure all of your bases are covered and that you go into this knowing how it will affect you, as well as your family.  What better way to be prepared and organized than having a tailor made checklist to make sure all parts of your graduate school decision are covered?

We now have a great new function on our website that allows anyone to get answers to their questions right away.  Go to one of our many pages and in the bottom right hand corner see the “Let’s Chat!” button pop up.  Type in your question and let one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff provide you with the information you need.

The Career Center provides a variety of programs and activities to assist students and alumni in planning for career decisions during and after Fitchburg State University. The Career Center provides all aspects of career guidance and counseling.

Thanks to guest blogger Marylyn Gainan, Coordinator of GCE Advising and Support Services, for her assistance with this blog post. Email Marylyn with any questions you may have about our programs at Fitchburg State.

When I was an undergrad I lived by my advisor’s word. What classes do I need to take? Does my schedule look right? Am I going to graduate if I take these specific classes? As an adult I find that I still need help from time to time figuring out what I should do next, especially since I completed my undergraduate degree ten years ago.