Today's storm made our beautiful campus a winter wonderland.

The Fitchburg State University Nursing Program held its Second Annual White Coat Ceremony in Kent Hall this afternoon. After welcome remarks from Nursing Department Acting Chair Dr. Tara Mariolis, President Richard Lapidus, and Dean of Health and Natural Sciences Dr. Jennifer Hanselman, students watched an inspirational video greeting from Rear Admiral Aisha K. Mix, assistant surgeon general and chief nurse officer of the United States Public Health Service.
Prior to the donning of the white coats, student speaker, Madison Waterson from the Class of 2024, offered a few words to this year's white coat recipients, following, coats were presented by members of the Nursing Program faculty. After coat presentations, Nursing Professor Arlana Arsenault administered the White Coat Ceremony Oath.

Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen, and Graduate Assistant Alyssa Annes, hosted a Pop Up n the Hammond Street Level Lobby to celebrate National Popcorn Day.

Professor Donald Tarallo gave his Introduction to Graphic Design students a break from the Macs to tour the Graphic Design Analog space and give them a look into non-computer generated graphic design techniques.

A new calendar year marks a new semester, and students are on campus ready to learn, explore, and experience as the spring semester starts today.

Between opening remarks from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, to an Institutional Finances Listening Session and Discussion with Jay Bry, Vice President for Finance and Administration, faculty got the chance to reconnect before the semester and attend various breakout sessions including; Care and the Disappearing Student, Fostering Inclusivity through Diverse, Equitable and Accessible Course Materials, and After Text Selection: Student Engagement with Reading and Course Materials.

Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless welcomed Dr. Nicole Harris, Associate Dean for the School of Education and a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Secondary and Higher Education Department at Salem State University, to join her for the opening workshop of today's Student Affairs Retreat & Professional Development Day.

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.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center this morning to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, the day began with welcome remarks from Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless, and our Student Orientation Leaders. Students and their families heard presentations from various student services departments including Commuter Affairs, Housing and Residential Services, Wellness & Counseling Services, Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center,  Career Services and Advising (CSA), Student Accounts, University Police, and Community Health Connections, Welcome to the flock!

Part of the college experience is getting involved. We encourage our students to take advantage of the opportunities offered outside the classroom, whether you join a club, attend events, volunteer, or seek employment.

There are currently about 75+ active clubs and organizations on campus. They range from large, general organizations like the Student Government Association (SGA) and Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB), to smaller, more niche organizations like Quidditch club or Exercise and Sports Science club. Starting a new club is also always an option. Gymnastics club and the Ice Hockey club were both recently created in the past year.

To learn more about all our clubs check out FalConnect.