We are excited to welcome our Incoming students for the first of three sessions of our Summer Orientation 2025 this morning. After checking in, our newest Falcons and their families made their way to Weston Auditorium where they received boisterous welcome remarks from Dean of Students Timothy St. John. Assistant Director of Student Development  Angelo M. Prevosto introduced of our Orientation Leaders who will guide then off to a day full of information sessions and activities.

Members of our faculty recently took part in an information literacy instruction workshop funded by the Academic Affairs Academic Innovation Fund award. in the Center for Teaching and Learning The  two-day workshop, hosted by The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, aimed to provide faculty a foundation for understanding Information Literacy (IL) as defined by the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL), as well as the University's General Education program. The workshop  addressed methods for teaching students essential IL skills and concepts in a constantly shifting information landscape. 

Our Center for Teaching and Learning's Summer Institute 2025 began today. This years session will focus on field-tested strategies, tools, and techniques through which instructors can use pedagogy and assessment to increase student engagement. The institute offers a specific look at first-year students, as research shows early approaches have lasting effects. The institute is designed for teachers and librarians interested in exploring diverse methods of engaging students through collaborative and inclusive practices.

Yesterday, our Career Services and Advising Center hosted the Creative and Common Good Career Fair event, open to anyone interested in careers in communications, arts, education, criminal justice, government, human services and nonprofit fields. First-year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors were strongly encouraged to attend and take this opportunity to connect with employers looking to hire Fitchburg State students. 

Yesterday afternoon, our Disability Services presented How Do You Roar? A Reflection on Human Dignity, Disability, and to Making a Better World with alumnae Pat Deegan. Deegan shared her story of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and being told she would be ill for the rest of her life. Today Pat runs her own company and lectures to audiences around the world about recovery after a diagnosis of psychosis. She shared her journey of recovery and invited the audience to reflect upon their unique ROAR.

Last week, President Donna Hodge and Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier wrapped up a days-long emergency management training on campus attended by university administrators and staff as well as representatives from the city’s police and fire departments by handing out giftbags as a token of their appreciation. 

Career Services and Advising Center  Assoc. Director of Internship Coordination and Employee Relations Susan Beddes recently held an internship information session for Business Majors in Percival Hall. School of Business and Technology Professor Renee Scapparone was on hand to answer any specialized questions the students may have pertaining to their particular field of study. 

Yesterday afternoon, Student Development held its annual Rock the Hall in Hammond Hall. Rock the Hall gives students the opportunity to connect with student Clubs and  Organizations here on campus.

Are you a student interested in some extra work? Stop by our Office of Student Development Student Orientation Leaders table on street level of Hammond Hall. Have your questions answered, apply, spin the prize wheel and maybe you too will be doing a "happy dance." 

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.