The 9th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at Fitchburg State University is continued their rigorous Criminal Law training module under the guidance of Capt. Ronald Young. Building on their foundational knowledge, the class spent the session diving even deeper into complex case studies. Recruits are actively evaluating how historical and modern legal precedents directly dictate constitutional policing, search and seizure laws, and split-second decision-making on the job. Every day in the classroom brings them one step closer to serving our communities with excellence and precision. 

Summer Orientation 2026: Session 2 is officially underway! We are so excited to welcome our next wave of incoming students and their families for the second of our three summer orientation sessions this morning! After checking in, our newest Falcons made their way to Weston Auditorium for an unforgettable start to their journey. They received a boisterous, high-energy welcome from Dean of Students Tim St. John, followed by Associate Director of Student Development Angelo M. Prevosto, who introduced our incredible team of Orientation Leaders! These OLs are fired up and ready to guide our new students through two days packed with info sessions, activities, and Falcon pride.

And just like that, Session 2 is officially LIVE! Our incredible Student Engagement staff and Orientation Leaders were bright, early, and ready to roll for this morning’s Summer Orientation Session 2 Check-In out on the Hammond Hall Plaza! Every single 'T' was crossed, every 'I' dotted, and the energy was absolutely unmatched. We are 100% ready to welcome our newest Falcons and their families to the flock today!  

Investing in community and professional development. Yesterday, our AFSCME members gathered for a dedicated Development Day—a fantastic opportunity for colleagues across campus to connect, network, and strengthen workplace relationships. While the day featured plenty of collaborative moments, the most popular highlights included a dedicated relaxation station and a live caricature artist to bring some lighthearted fun to the afternoon. At Fitchburg State University, we know our institution thrives because of the hard work and dedication of our staff. Thank you to our AFSCME members for all that you do to support our university community! 

“Hey Neighbor, Slow Down. It’s not Johnny AppleSPEED.” MassDOT & Leominster Mayor announced a new public safety campaign, and it has a major Fitchburg State connection! Our Principles of Management students helped create it from concept to media strategy. Read the full story here.

Last week, we were thrilled to host the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Family Engagement Convening in our Hammond Main Lounge. Educators from all across the state gathered to dive deep into what matters most: creating a true sense of belonging for families, championing whole-child learning, and sharing real-world strategies that drive student success. Proud to be a hub where the future of education connects and grows. 

Yesterday, we sent off our newest Falcons (and their amazing families & friends) in style. Before heading out, everyone grabbed a sweet frozen treat, scored a fresh "Falcons Flock Together" tee, and caught some final laughs with our incredible Orientation Leaders.  We had the absolute best time welcoming you to the nest. Safe travels home, and we’ll see you all at Move-In! 

After wrapping up their Interviews and Interrogations coursework with Criminal Justice Professor Michael S. McCutcheon, recruits in the Fitchburg State Police Program’s ROC put their skills to the test in real-world scenarios. A huge thank you to the local law enforcement officers who stepped in to play the roles of victims—including Academy alumni Off. Sean McCue (Fitchburg PD) and Off. Kayla Forbes (Randolph PD)! Other active officers observed and debriefed the students, giving our future law enforcement precise, actionable feedback. 

Our Orientation Coordinators were bright, early, and ready to show off their talons this morning to kick off the second day of our first Summer Orientation session! To start the day, FYE Coordinator and Psychological Science Department Chair Dr. Laura Garofoli took the stage to discuss Academic Transitions. Dr. Garofoli gave our incoming Falcons crucial insights into the real differences between high school and college life, dropping invaluable tips and advice to help them navigate the exciting transition ahead. 

Lunchtime looked a little different depending on your flock. While our Future Falcons headed over to the Holmes Dining Commons for their First-Year Falcon Profile Lunch & Resource Fair, their Parents & Families took over the Falcon Pub! For our Students: The Holmes Dining Commons hosted the First-Year Falcon Profile Lunch & Resource Fair, giving incoming students a chance to network with peers and explore the vital campus resources available to support their academic journey. For our Families: The Falcon Pub provided a space for parents and supporters to connect with one another, while engaging in meaningful dialogue with our Academic Deans and University Cabinet members about student success and institutional support. A huge thank you to our leadership team and campus partners for fostering these important connections!