President Donna Hodge and her Cabinet, AKA "The Donut Squad", loaded up the Donut Mobile and descended on campus to hand out doughnuts and connect with students, faculty and staff on this, the first day of class for the fall semester.

Associate Dean for Student Development Michael Kennedy introduced Krysta López, Program Coordinator for the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness (CDI), and student leaders who facilitated the “I am Fitchburg State” panel discussion during fall orientation this morning and afternoon. Students spoke about their fears before getting to campus, overcoming challenges, managing the stresses of college life, and the sense of belonging they've found at Fitchburg State University.

Before Student Orientation, University President Dr. Donna Hodge welcomed the newest Falcons this morning in the Holmes Dining Commons. Orientation Leaders unveiled their own welcome video and began orientation.

At Fitchburg Access Television (FATV), a frequent collaborator and partner of the university, during the recording of The Kushmerek Connection featuring Fitchburg State University alum State Representative Michael Kushmerek. In this installment, State Representative Michael Kushmerek talks with State Senator John Cronin where they discuss challenges and successes in the Senator's district.

Our Office of Student Development Student Orientation Leaders are on campus preparing for orientation sessions for our newest Falcons returning to campus next week. After moving in, and reconnecting over lunch, the Orientation Leaders began a week of training, including a Minute To Win It style team building project.

Have you admired the reflection of Thompson Hall from the Hammond Hall Plaza and noticed some greenery in the third floor windows? The plants are the result of a Student Affairs retreat program that was held in May. All offices under the Student Affairs umbrella decorated a pot for another office and then planted a random mix of wildflowers. Counseling Services are the caretakers because of the amazing window space.

President Donna Hodge and campus leaders from student services across campus welcomed students and families to our second Falcon Express One-Stop event in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge. 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! 

Award winning Communications Media student Isaiah Manuel turned a Multi-Camera Television Production course into a Production Assistant position at Fitchburg Access Television (FATV). The course, taught by Professor Kevin McCarthy in conjunction with Fitchburg Access Television (FATV) during the Fall 2023, gave Isaiah the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in what it's like to produce a talk show. He, and other students, switched between various roles including control room operations (teleprompters, broadcast switchers, digital audio boards and lighting control panels), and studio roles (floor direction, camera operation, studio lighting, studio sound techniques). 

Yesterday, Fitchburg State University's Upward Bound  Math and Science Summer Program students took part in community service as part of their Day of Service. Groups cleaned up the areas around Fitchburg's iconic Monument Park, Fitchburg's Senior Center, Fitchburg Rail Trail, Leominster Senior Center, and the Leominster Rail Trail. Afterward they enjoyed lunch and a host of activities at another iconic location in Fitchburg; Saima Park.