Today, Fitchburg State University's Upward Bound  Math and Science Summer Program students took a trip to Grove Pond in Ayer, MA to lend a hand to PACE (People of Ayer Concerned about the Environment) with their Water Chestnut Pull at Grove Pond. This annual program enlists the public's help to pull out invasive water chestnuts from the pond as well as the Nashua River Watershed.

The Fitchburg State University Center for Professional Studies' Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (APSI) first week began this morning. The APSI are designed to support all aspects of AP courses, including AP methodology, curriculum, class assignments and examinations as well as providing strategies for teaching AP courses. Each workshop is designed to meet the needs of every participant, while renewing confidence and providing new strategies to bring back to the classroom. In Susan Biggs' AP Chemistry course, those enrolled learn how to integrate experimentation into their AP instruction.

Today, Fitchburg State University's Upward Bound  Math and Science Summer Program students learned about the Earth Citizens Science Nest Box Project  from representatives from New England Flying Squirrel Network. Afterward, with the assistance of Director Nate Obin and Education Coordinator Maya McCabe, built flying squirrel boxes to be used in a region-wide study.

Students in the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) had “Working with Persons with Disabilities” this afternoon with (Ret.) Sgt. Tim Grant. Sgt. Grant retired recently from the MA State Police after 35 years of service, with many years working in the Disabled Persons Protection Unit. Learn more about our Criminal Justice Program here.

Fitchburg State University's  Upward Bound Summer Program Staff enjoyed getting to know each other this morning with some icebreaker activities conducted by  Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless and Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson.

The campus welcomed representatives from colleges and universities across Massachusetts on 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. President Lapidus greeted the conference attendees, who took 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 services at fitchburgstate.edu/veterans.

We are very excited to welcome our Incoming students for the third session of our Summer Orientation 2023 this morning. After ID photos and some general "housekeeping",  our newest Falcons, the Class of 2027 made their way to Weston Auditorium where they received boisterous welcome remarks from Associate Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, and Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless. After introduction of our Orientation Leaders, groups ventured out to the quad for some ice breaker activities, then to a day full of information sessions and activities.

Our newest Falcons, the Class of 2027, got the chance to meet the Deans in their selected majors as the second session of Summer Orientation 2023 wrapped up. As they departed, they grabbed a Welcome to the Flock T-Shirt and hung out with Freddy Falcon- see you at Move In!