This morning, the university held our annual Undergraduate Conference for Research and Creative Practice in Hammond Hall. The conference is a public forum to enhance student's  skills, to share their work, to see the work of others in their field, and to give and receive valuable feedback. The conference was free to attend and open to the public. We're proud of the work our undergraduate community does -  from the opening performance of Creative Arts Therapies major  Autumn Hughes, attendees ad the opportunity to observe lighting talks, oral & poster presentations, panel discussions, Arteries exhibit, and more! Here are some photos, check back for Take Two to see more photos.

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.

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!

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. 

This afternoon, the Fitchburg State University Career Services and Advising Center sponsored a Campus Wide Career Fair in the Hammond Main Lounge. This gave students an opportunity to explore a diverse range of majors and minors for every interest. Students were able to engage with faculty members and current students who shared their experiences and insights, offering a deeper understanding of each program's unique offerings, career prospects, and real-world applications. 

Our newest Falcons had breakfast with Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty at the Holmes Dining Common this morning. This gave these first year students a chance to go over their schedules, and learn more about their chosen majors before they chose their classes for the upcoming semester.

Our Office of Student Development Student Orientation Leaders, who are on campus preparing for orientation sessions for our newest Falcons, The Class of 2028, learned about various academic support services from Assistant Dean for Student Success Jason Smith.