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.

Yesterday afternoon, Fitchburg State University Police Program Academy Director Ola Wysocki held orientation for incoming first-year and transfer students enrolled in the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course in the Falcon Hub. In addition to Director Wysocki, students heard from Lieutenant Richard Nelson of the Fitchburg State University Police, Criminal Justice Professor Dr. David Weiss, and Class Leader Kayla Forbes about the requirements and expectations of the program.

Fine Arts Professor Jessica Robey and Artist Todd Bartel put the final touches on the exhibit entitled On the Edge: Nature and Culture in a Time of Crisis. The gallery will be exhibiting the works of Bartel, Karl Stevens and Ben Cosgrove, Jan. 14 - March 2, 2025.

This morning, faculty got the chance to reconnect before the semester. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, and other Academic Affairs staff, welcomed all and provided updates, celebrated achievements, and listened to faculty concerns. Keynote speaker Dr. Meira Levinson, Juliana W. and William Foss Thompson Professor of Education and Society, Harvard Graduate School of Education discussed the topic of Educational Ethics.

Housing & Residential Services were happy to welcome student this morning for Day 1 of Move-In to the newly reimagined Herlihy Hall. Family, friends, and other students helped the newest residents of Herlihy Hall move in prior to classes starting this Wednesday. 

Local High School Seniors enrolled in our Fitchburg State University Upward Bound Math & Science Program (UBMS) met on campus for a College Search/Scholarship Workshop. Our UBMS staff enlightened the students on various scholarship attainment strategies to aid in their college search and acceptance.

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Maine Lounge. Students took part in some ice-breaker exercises before a day full of information sessions.

Business Department Chair Dr. Michael Greenwood lectured at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce'sCommunity Leadership Institute Class of 2025 monthly session this morning which was hosted by our good friends at Fitchburg Access Television (FATV) in a transformed Studio A. FATV Executive Director Nathan Glenny is also a member of the current class.

We would be remiss if we let National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day pass without a shout out and big THANK YOU to Chief Michael Cloutier and the rest  of the Fitchburg State University Police staff.

This afternoon, President Donna Hodge and campus leaders from student services across campus welcomed students and families to the second Falcon Express One-Stop Event before the spring semester in the Anthony Student Services Center. The goal of this event is to provide students with all the resources they need to answer any final questions they may have, and allow students to enroll in their academic coursework with no delays! As has been the tradition, President Hodge draws names of students in attendance and awards each with a 1,000.oo scholarship.