Building connections from Day One. Community is at the heart of the Fitchburg State University experience. This morning our Orientation Leaders brought our incoming students out to the quad for icebreaker activities designed to help them build lasting peer connections right out of the gate. These engaging breaks are strategically woven throughout the day between our academic and resources information sessions. At the same time, we are hosting concurrent sessions specifically tailored for Parents & Families to ensure they feel fully equipped, informed, and supported as their student transitions to college life. 

Summer Orientation 2026: Session 1 is officially underway! We are so excited to welcome our incoming students and their families for the first 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 Timothy St. John, followed by Assistant Director of Student Development Angelo M. Prevosto, who introduced our incredible team of Orientation Leaders! These OLs are ready to guide our new students through a day packed with info sessions, activities, and Falcon pride. Welcome to the flock! 

 Redefining the value of higher education. On this National Higher Education Day, we reflect on the vital role that accessible, high-quality public universities play in fostering economic growth and social mobility. At Fitchburg State University, our mission is to blend a rigorous liberal arts and sciences foundation with elite professional preparation. From our state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs to our unique interdisciplinary creative arts programs, we are constantly innovating to ensure our graduates enter the workforce ready to lead and solve complex challenges. Investing in higher education is an investment in our collective future. We are proud of our faculty, staff, and community partners who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the support, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed. To our current students chasing big dreams, our faculty unlocking potential, and our alumni leading the way in the real world—thank you for making this campus fly high. 

 Leading the conversation on global engagement in higher education. Fitchburg State University was proud to serve as the host site for this year’s Massachusetts Council for International Education (MCIE) Annual Retreat. Our Office of International Education welcomed colleagues and leadership from sister institutions across the state for a comprehensive itinerary focused on the evolving landscape of global education. The retreat featured expert guest speakers, strategic workshops, and presentations tailored to the unique regulatory, cultural, and academic needs of international student populations and study abroad programming. Collaborative professional development like this ensures that Massachusetts remains a premier global destination for higher education. Thank you to all the attendees and organizers who made this year's retreat a resounding success. 

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay! Today, we are shining a spotlight on our incredible Environmental and Earth Science majors who are on the front lines of sustainability, conservation, and climate action. They are developing the hands-on, scientific solutions needed to protect our ecosystems for generations to come. Ready to turn your passion for nature into a powerful career? Check out where our Earth and Environmental Science program can take you!

Drill Instructor Lt. John Boucher of the Ashburnham Police Department stepped into a different role, leading the Fitchburg State University Police Program's 9th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) through their Report Writing course. Report writing is easily one of the most critical, high-stakes tools in a law enforcement professional’s toolkit. A well-written report can make or break a case before it ever hits a courtroom. Our recruits are learning from the best to ensure their paperwork is as sharp as their tactical skills. 

The hype team is officially BACK! Our Office of Student Engagement Student Orientation Leaders (OLs) have returned to campus to prepare for our incoming Falcons! As part of their intensive week-long training, our OLs went on a speed-dating-style deep dive with support teams on campus. They met with TRIO, Counseling Services, Disability Services, the ACT Center, Housing & Res Life, Athletics & Rec, IT, the Center for Diversity & Inclusiveness, the CARE Team, and more. Why? Because when our new students arrive with questions, this team will have ALL the answers. They are locked, loaded, and ready to make your transition to college life legendary! 

Yesterday, the 9th Fitchburg State University Police Program'sRecruit Officer Course (ROC) class began their Criminal Law training with Capt. Ronald Young. In this course, the class will learn about case law and how it affects various court cases. 

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness Director of Student Belonging Krysta Lopez-Acevedo and   Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, Ben Kadamus  hosted a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on the Alumni Quad (between Hammond Hall and Thompson Hall) this afternoon in observance of Pride Month. The flag will fly for the entire month.

On Saturday, Weston Auditorium was packed for a truly historic moment: Fitchburg Access Television (FATV)  live taping of the final episode of Barbara & You.

The event was an incredible, emotional celebration of 50 amazing years of the show and a beautiful tribute to Barbara Foster’s legendary impact on community television.

Adding to the honors, President Donna Hodge took the stage to read an official commendation from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, recognizing Barbara’s remarkable contributions to civic life and public access media. Joined by local dignitaries, coworkers past and present, and her loving family, it was a beautiful afternoon of shared memories and well-deserved standing ovations.

Thank you, Barbara, for being the voice, the heart, and the story of our community for half a century!