This afternoon, to wrap up our Young Falcons Academy week, where students from Fitchburg and Leominster public middle schools partake in a week full of activities on campus, the Young Falcons wrote Thank You notes, and scripts, which they recorded as part of a video production, Afterward, they got to release some energy in our Game Room.

Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen donned his chef's jacket and Mardi Gras beads to cook up some waffles with the rest of the Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs crew at this morning's Waffles and Scholarships event. Commuters stopped by the G-lobby in Hammond Hall to grab a waffle or two and to learn more about the 200 scholarships, worth over $250,000. that are available. Check out the available scholarships here.

Earlier today, Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus welcomed legislators and honored guests to outline the plans for the Fitchburg State University Performing Arts Center as an economic driver for the North Central Massachusetts area. After welcoming remarks from President Lapidus, Senator John Cronin, Representative Michael Kushmerek, and Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale addressed the guests.  After outlining the benefits of the Performing Arts Center to downtown Fitchburg, President Lapidus welcomed President & CEO, North Central MA Chamber of Commerce Mr. Roy Nascimento to illustrate the benefits to the region as a whole. Attendees were then invited to tour the former Fitchburg Theater - the proposed location for Phase 3 of the project.

Yesterday afternoon, Career Services and Advising (CSA) held a Transfer Student Information Session near their third floor office in the Hammond Building. The informal gathering was meant to catch students up on all of the services they have to utilize here at Fitchburg State University. Students got to mingle, get questions answered, grab a snack, and get some free swag.

Between opening remarks from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, to an Institutional Finances Listening Session and Discussion with Jay Bry, Vice President for Finance and Administration, faculty got the chance to reconnect before the semester and attend various breakout sessions including; Care and the Disappearing Student, Fostering Inclusivity through Diverse, Equitable and Accessible Course Materials, and After Text Selection: Student Engagement with Reading and Course Materials.

Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless welcomed Dr. Nicole Harris, Associate Dean for the School of Education and a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Secondary and Higher Education Department at Salem State University, to join her for the opening workshop of today's Student Affairs Retreat & Professional Development Day.

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.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center this morning to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, the day began with welcome remarks from Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless, and our Student Orientation Leaders. Students and their families heard presentations from various student services departments including Commuter Affairs, Housing and Residential Services, Wellness & Counseling Services, Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center,  Career Services and Advising (CSA), Student Accounts, University Police, and Community Health Connections, Welcome to the flock!

Yesterday afternoon, the Fitchburg State community gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of TRIO Student Support Services here on campus. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bayless kicked things off  by welcoming everyone to the event, and thanking some key offices/personnel that helped make the event happen. Next, to honor I Am First Day, Dean of Students Dr. Hank Parkinson enlightened attendees with some "first-gen facts." Lastly, Director of TRIO Student Support Services Elizabeth Swartz thanked both speakers, and invited everyone to look at the four-floors poster-installation in the library, and enjoy cupcakes and refreshments.

Today was another beautiful day for our second Fall Open House. Open House is an ideal way for perspective students to find out everything they want to know about Fitchburg State University. Attendees toured the campus, view presentations, and had the opportunity to meet with faculty, coaches, and staff. Did you miss our Open Hoses? You can set up a campus visit here.