Director for Student Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Programs Junior Peña, and Student Leaders in the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness (CDI) facilitated the “I am Fitchburg State” student panel during fall orientation this morning and afternoon. Students spoke about their fears before getting to campus, overcoming challenges, and managing the stresses of college life.

Topics: Student Experience, Information Session, Community

Before Student Orientation, University President Dr. Richard Lapidus welcomed the newest Falcons this morning in the Holmes Dining Commons. Associate Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson, and Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless also greeted the students before our Orientation Leaders unveiled their own welcome video and began orientation.

Topics: Student Experience, Our Students, Information Session, Community

We are excited to welcome more than 800 new undergraduate Falcons to campus this semester, more than half of whom moved in on Monday, Sept. 4. The incoming class includes students from 27 states. Our first-year orientation programs began Monday afternoon and continue through Wednesday, with the start of the fall semester classes on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Topics: Student Experience, Admissions, Community

After a brief Get to Know You activity, and an introduction by Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth,  President Lapidus, along with Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli welcomed our newest cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Maine Lounge.

Topics: Student Experience, International Education, Admissions, Community, International Admissions

Damp weather couldn't dampen spirits at this morning's Welcome Back & Employee Recognition Celebration. Due to inclement weather, President Lapidus hosted this annual event at the Liscotti Pavilion in the Antonucci Science Complex Colleagues gathered and were able to reconnect after the summer, and before the start of the fall semester next week. After making their way to Kent Recital Hall, President Lapidus welcomed all, gave an update and a look to what's ahead, followed by awards and recognitions.

Topics: Events, Information Session, Staff, Community

Chief of University Police Michael Cloutier invited our Residents Assistants, and Housing and Residential Services staff, to tour University Police facilities. Along with lunch and meeting the University Police staff, students and staff got to try out equipment, see what it's like to perform a sobriety test with "drunk" goggles, meet Odin, our therapy dog, and so much more!

Topics: Student Experience, Information Session, Community, Campus Safety

All of our  Student Development Orientation Leaders (Summer & Fall) are back on campus training for next weeks Move In, Orientation, and Welcome Events for our new and returning Falcons. Before some "housekeeping" and training, Orientation Leaders took part in a team building exercise this morning called "Drop the Tarp."

Topics: Student Experience, Information Session, Community

Our Assistant Residence Director (ARDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are on campus getting ready to welcome students back to campus. Here, they took a break from information sessions for an Energizer Activity called the Balloon Game. Each person puts a fun fact about themselves into a balloon to be popped, read and the writers identity guessed.

Topics: Student Experience, Information Session, Community

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, along with other Academic Affairs Leadership, took a break from day two of a two day New Faculty & Librarian Orientation - Promoting Faculty Success program, for a casual luncheon with the newest Fitchburg State University Faculty. After lunch Chief Michael Cloutier of the Fitchburg State University Police presented an overview of Campus Safety.

Topics: Information Session, Community, Career Services, Campus Safety

Artist Hanna Melnyczuk and Fine Arts Professor Andrea Olmstead set up Hanna’s exhibit “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in Fitchburg State University’s Hammond Hall Art Gallery. “Don’t Close Your Eyes: Reactions to the War in Ukraine” will be on display in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery from Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 15. There will be a reception with the artist at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at the gallery, located in Hammond Hall at 160 Pearl St. Admission is free and open to the public. Read more here.

Topics: Community, Humanities, Fine Art