The 11 members of the 6th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at Fitchburg State were sworn in as police officers on Friday September 15, 2023 before an audience of family, friends, elected leaders and public safety professionals. All of the graduates of our groundbreaking program have already been hired by police departments across the state. As the executive director of the Municipal Police Training Committee told the assembled graduates, they are poised to be future leaders in their profession. Good luck!

Topics: Events, Community, Police Program

For the second time this year, Fitchburg State University welcomed an international delegation to learn more about its groundbreaking police program and its mission to respond to evolving community needs in the profession.

Topics: Community, Police Program, Criminal Justice

This afternoon, Student Development held Rock the Block XXV on Highland Ave & on the Main Quad. Rock the Block gives students a chance to connect with over 150 Clubs, Organizations, Departments and Non-Profits. There are a plethora of activities, including a water slide, dinner, dunk tank, ice cream truck, club demonstrations, free stuff and so much more!

Topics: Student Experience, Events, Community, Campus

This afternoon, Chief of University Police Michael Cloutier conducted a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) for Teacher Candidates in our Education Programs. The course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) in 2004, provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. 

Topics: Information Session, Community, Education Program, Campus Safety

President Lapidus presided over the ribbon-cutting for the new veterans center in Thompson Hall on Thursday, Sept. 7. In his remarks, President Lapidus described the university's proud history of supporting student veterans.

"After World War II, the GI Bill created opportunities for returning soldiers to pursue college degrees, and Fitchburg State was such a popular destination that we actually built barracks on-campus, just across the Quad from where we are now, where our science complex now stands," he said.

Topics: Student Experience, Events, Community

Today, President Lapidus hosted a Welcome Back & Recognition Day for our returning faculty.  The day began with colleagues gathering outside the Antonucci Science Complex, where they had the opportunity to reconnect after the summer, and before the start of the fall semester tomorrow.

Topics: Events, Our Faculty, Community

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