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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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."

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.

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.

After a luncheon with Deans and Department Chairs, our newest faculty members were welcomed by President Dr. Richard Lapidus before Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, began Day 1 of a two day New Faculty & Librarian Orientation - Promoting Faculty Success program.

Earlier today, Career Services and Advising (CSA) held their Career Champions program, which connects and engages faculty and staff who are actively assisting students in determining and reaching their career goals. The content of the program focused on building knowledge of career development theories, learning strategies to incorporate career learning into practice and creating a plan for implementing these strategies.