Assistant Professor Xiaoying Meng works with students in her Virtual Reality Development course in our Gaming Design Program. This course introduces students to virtual reality (VR) development, the principles and history of VR and VR systems, as well as how this rapidly advancing medium can be used in interactive and narrative entertainment, education and training, art and film creation, and other content areas. Topics include 3D interaction and VR user interface types, haptics, human perception, social VR, telepresence, augmented reality (AR) and the philosophical and scientific implications of how virtual reality may inform and alter human perception of reality. Students will playtest and critique a variety of VR games and apps, and work individually and in groups to create VR projects.

This afternoon, Dr. Amy McGlothlin, Program Director for our Creative Arts Therapies program, and Dr. Jonathan Harvey, Program Director for our Creative Arts Enterprise program hosted a Meet & Greet and Information Session in the Conlon Fine Arts building. This gathering gave an opportunity for current majors to speak with faculty and other students in the programs, as well as an information session for current students interested in the programs.

Theater Technical  Director Jo Nazro, Fitchburg State University Industrial Technology/Technical Theater alum, demonstrates various lighting styles and color effects with students in her Advanced Stage Light Design class. Learn more about our Theater Concentration here. 

Humanities Professor Petri Flint works with students in his Introductory Painting  class. This is a studio course studies the basic problems of form, color, and texture as understood in oil. Consideration is also given to the nature and use of the oil painting materials themselves.

 English Studies Professor Katharine Covino's The Banned Books Club: Exploring Book Challenges & Censorship Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) course gathered in the The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library for a a Banned Book Storytime as part of Banned Books Week. Children's books that have been challenged and/or banned were read and discussed. 

Today, as in years past, members of the Fitchburg State University community joined other volunteers from local companies and organizations at the United Way of Central Massachusetts 29th Annual United Way Day of Caring. The Day of Caring brings together hundreds of volunteers in service projects to benefit local community groups and the clients the United Way serves, and make a difference through meaningful volunteer projects in greater Worcester area. #dayofcaring

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Billy Samulak's General Chemistry Lab worked on various weights and measures in the Antonucci Science Complex. The course explores the fundamental laws and theories of chemistry such as atomic structure, the periodic table, electrochemistry, descriptive inorganic chemistry, the gas laws, solutions, equilibrium calculations and chemical bonding. Chemical calculations are emphasized. 

Students enjoyed checking out the poster sale on the Hammond Plaza earlier this week. 

This morning, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless welcomed President Donna Hodge and the Student Affairs staff to join her for Kick-Off 2024-25 in the Main Lounge of Hammond Hall. President Hodge thanked the staff for all their efforts made for the success of our Fitchburg State University students as well as fielding questions.

Students in Communications Media's Assistant Professor, Film and Video, Rachelle A. Dermer's Pre-Production Planning for Film/Video class review projects. This course considers the intent and purpose of a message as a first step in media production. The social and cultural implications of media storytelling are examined. The course focuses on clearly defining message content, intent and audience as a precursor to an exploration of how particular film and video techniques communicate and are interpreted. Teams will subsequently develop the pre-production planning needed for a short film or video work, including idea development, script treatments, story development, script writing, rewriting, storyboarding, script breakdown, production scheduling and resource planning.