If you drove down Highland Ave. this morning, your eyes weren't deceiving you, there were indeed  alpaca on the quad courtesy of Commuter Affairs. Students got the opportunity to stretch and center themselves, through yoga, in the company of four alpaca from In the Meadow Farm, Lunenburg, MA.

This afternoon, Shane Franzen, Associate Director, Student Development
Commuter and Volunteer Affairs and Advisor, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) welcomed attendees to the annual LGBTQ+ Flag Presentation and Flag Raising  at Alumni Plaza in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month. Dr. Jonathan Harvey and the Fitchburg State Choirs opened the event with renditions of “Music of Life” and “You’ve Been on my Mind”. Speakers from across campus  joined the festivities.

Students enjoyed checking out the poster sale on the Hammond Plaza earlier this week. 

This morning, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless welcomed President Donna Hodge and the Student Affairs staff to join her for Kick-Off 2024-25 in the Main Lounge of Hammond Hall. President Hodge thanked the staff for all their efforts made for the success of our Fitchburg State University students as well as fielding questions.

It was all smiles yesterday afternoon when the always popular therapy dogs paid a visit to the Hammond Tower Lounge, Students got a little break from classes, tests and projects by spending a little time with Mocha, Zelda, and Penny. 

This afternoon, Student Development held Rock the Block XXVI 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 an obstacle course, dinner, dunk tank, ice cream truck, club demonstrations, free stuff and so much more!

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.

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.

Our  Fitchburg State University Admissions Third Annual College Search Kickoff Event, designed for rising Seniors and their families, was capped off with a BBQ and ice cream truck. After information sessions to learn more about Fitchburg State, the college search in general, and campus tours, all were welcome to a BBQ and ice cream truck, and to network with each other and members of the university staff. 

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.