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.

Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) held another roundtable of a their journal club, Research Roundtables explore literature on higher education practices and enhancing data and literature literacy. The group discusses selected research papers and share insights relevant to our campus community. At this his meeting, an article about harvesting data through undergraduate applicant essays was discussed.

As today's Winter Orientation '25 wrapped up, and information sessions were over, our newest Falcons were address by Dean of Students Tim St. John. Dean St. John made sure all questions were answered, before their departure. In addition to that - and some swag - university offices and student groups were on hand to assist in answers. 

Amidst a day full of activities and information sessions, students - transfers and freshmen -  met with the Deans in their selected majors to make sure their schedules are ready before classes begin on January 16th.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center today to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, and meeting our fantastic Orientation Leaders, the program began with welcome remarks from Director of Student Development Michael Kennedy, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall in the Ellis White Lecture Hall. After ice breaker sessions, 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!

While students are on break, Fitchburg State University Police Department (FSUPD) Chief Michael Cloutier and his staff continue to keep the university campus and surrounding areas safe. With over 200 strategically placed cameras, in addition to regular patrols, FSUPD keeps watch with their Mission Statement, which they see as they leave their locker rooms and enter the station. 

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.

As we turn the page on finals, our  Winter Commencement, and all the trappings that come with the end of the fall semester 2024, we offer a look back. 

Fitchburg State University recently held the winter ceremony of its 128th commencement exercises, conferring hundreds of graduate and undergraduate degrees. (Download the list of graduates here.)

It was the first ceremony for Dr. Donna Hodge, who joined the Fitchburg State campus this summer as its 12th president.