Damp weather couldn't dampen spirits at this morning's Welcome Back & Employee Recognition Celebration. Due to inclement weather, President Lapidus hosted this annual event at the Liscotti Pavilion in the Antonucci Science Complex Colleagues gathered and were able to reconnect after the summer, and before the start of the fall semester next week. After making their way to Kent Recital Hall, President Lapidus welcomed all, gave an update and a look to what's ahead, followed by awards and recognitions.

Chief of University Police Michael Cloutier invited our Residents Assistants, and Housing and Residential Services staff, to tour University Police facilities. Along with lunch and meeting the University Police staff, students and staff got to try out equipment, see what it's like to perform a sobriety test with "drunk" goggles, meet Odin, our therapy dog, and so much more!

All of our  Student Development Orientation Leaders (Summer & Fall) are back on campus training for next weeks Move In, Orientation, and Welcome Events for our new and returning Falcons. Before some "housekeeping" and training, Orientation Leaders took part in a team building exercise this morning called "Drop the Tarp."

Our Assistant Residence Director (ARDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are on campus getting ready to welcome students back to campus. Here, they took a break from information sessions for an Energizer Activity called the Balloon Game. Each person puts a fun fact about themselves into a balloon to be popped, read and the writers identity guessed.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, along with other Academic Affairs Leadership, took a break from day two of a two day New Faculty & Librarian Orientation - Promoting Faculty Success program, for a casual luncheon with the newest Fitchburg State University Faculty. After lunch Chief Michael Cloutier of the Fitchburg State University Police presented an overview of Campus Safety.

Fitchburg State University Athletics Fitchburg State Volleyball Team held practice at the Athletics & Recreation Center getting for their first game vs. Nichols on August 29, here at the Recreation Center.

Artist Hanna Melnyczuk and Fine Arts Professor Andrea Olmstead set up Hanna’s exhibit “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in Fitchburg State University’s Hammond Hall Art Gallery. “Don’t Close Your Eyes: Reactions to the War in Ukraine” will be on display in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery from Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 15. There will be a reception with the artist at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at the gallery, located in Hammond Hall at 160 Pearl St. Admission is free and open to the public. Read more here.

Fitchburg State University Athletics Fitchburg State Field Hockey Team are on campus and held a practice this morning at Elliot Field.

After a luncheon with Deans and Department Chairs, our newest faculty members were welcomed by President Dr. Richard Lapidus before Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, began Day 1 of a two day New Faculty & Librarian Orientation - Promoting Faculty Success program.

Earlier today, Career Services and Advising (CSA) held their Career Champions program, which connects and engages faculty and staff who are actively assisting students in determining and reaching their career goals. The content of the program focused on building knowledge of career development theories, learning strategies to incorporate career learning into practice and creating a plan for implementing these strategies.