Faculty Handbook

Fitchburg State is overseen by eleven voting members of a Board of Trustees. Their duties are defined by the Massachusetts General Laws. The President, Dr. Donna S. Hodge, is the chief officer reporting to the Board. 

Learn more about the Board of Trustees

Academic Affairs, under the leadership of the provost, oversees academic departments and faculty.

Learn more about the Academic Affairs Leadership Team

Fifteen academic departments are assembled under four schools each with an academic dean. Each academic department has a chair elected by faculty members within that department. 

Learn more about our Academic Schools

The Department of Higher Education has responsibility for all of the state university system. Fitchburg is one of the nine state universities, which also includes Bridgewater, Framingham, Salem, Westfield, Worcester, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Massachusetts College of Art and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Learn more about our shared governance

Fitchburg State University currently holds commencement ceremonies for both graduate and undergraduate students in May.  Per the MSCA contract, faculty members and librarians are expected to attend the graduation ceremonies to celebrate the accomplishments of the students. Faculty members are part of the academic processional. Academic regalia may be purchased or rented through the Fitchburg State University bookstore. In addition, the university confers degrees and awards diplomas on August 31 each year, without a ceremony. 

Learn more about commencement

In April each year, Fitchburg State University celebrates student achievements with a Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Per the MSCA contract, all faculty members and librarians are required to attend and to participate in the academic processional.

Each year, Academic Affairs and the Student Government Association hold the Fitchburg State University Undergraduate
Conference on Research and Creative Practice. The conference takes place on Convocation Day in late April. The conference consists of presentations by Fitchburg State students from all departments to promote both creativity and scholarship. There is significant involvement with the Fitchburg State faculty as both sponsors and judges of the work.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Conference

The university hosts two annual faculty development days that are part of the academic calendar. The programming for these full day events held in September and January include important campus updates and professional development in a wide variety of areas.

Learn more about development day

Please note as classes begin, if you need to be absent from class any time during the academic year to observe a religious holy day, please inform your department chair in advance.

See the academic calendar

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is located on the second floor of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library. In addition to a Coordinator, The Center includes faculty leads to support programming and resources for advising, inclusive excellence, and the general education curriculum. The Center hosts a wide variety of professional development opportunities for fulltime, tenure-track faculty and librarians and part-time adjuncts. The university dedicates the All University period on the third Tuesday of each month for CTL programs. Faculty peers assist other faculty in their efforts to develop a positive teaching and learning environment. The Center sponsors a faculty speakers series, innovative teaching grants to encourage the use of experimental teaching methods in the classroom, demonstrations of the latest technologies, summer institutes, travel grants, as well as a host of pedagogical workshops. The Center also coordinates the new faculty and librarian mentorship program.

Learn more about the CTL

Prior to the end of the first week of the semester, the instructor will distribute to each student in each course and section, with a copy to the Department Chairs and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, a written and dated course syllabus, which must contain at least the following information:

• The instructor’s name, department/program, course number and title, semester/days/time of class, office location, office hours, email address and telephone number.
• Official course description.
• Course goals and learning objectives, as defined by the instructor.
• The instructor’s attendance and/or participation policies for the course (e.g. no attendance taken, number of absences allowed, any penalty for extensive absence, etc.).
• A list of texts and/or additional resources such as software for the course, indicating which are required and which are optional.
• The course requirements for assessment, such as papers, projects, and examinations (with due dates if possible).
• A statement regarding whether the instructor will include a final exam and the form that final will take (e.g. exam, project report, presentation, etc.) Please note, faculty members must meet with their class during the final exam period whether a final is being given or not.
• A list of topics to be covered and the activities expected from the students.
• The method by which a student’s final grade in the course will be determined.
• The instructor’s policy on work handed in late and makeup examinations.
• Any special rules, regulations, or procedures of the course.
• A statement indicating each student is responsible for completing all course requirements and for 
• keeping up with all activities of the course (whether a student is present or not).
• A statement regarding the Fitchburg State University Academic Integrity policy.

(Sample statement: The Academic Integrity Policy can be found online.

Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism and cheating are inexcusable. Any instance of plagiarism or cheating will result in [name consequence.])

• An informational statement about disability services available to students.

(Sample statement: The Disability Services Syllabus Statement can be found online.

No later than the first class meeting, the instructor will distribute to each student in each course and section a written and dated course syllabus, which must contain at least the following information:

• The instructor’s name, department/program, course number and title, credit hours, semester/days/time of class, office location, office hours, email address and telephone number.
• Official course description.
• Course goals and learning objectives.
• The instructor’s attendance policy for the course (e.g. no attendance taken, number of absences allowed, any penalty for extensive absence, etc.).
• A list of texts and/or additional resources such as software for the course, indicating which are required and which are optional.
• The course requirements for assessment, such as papers, projects, and examinations (with due dates if possible).
• A statement on the nature of the final exam (e.g. exam, project report).
• A list of topics to be covered and the activities expected from the students.
• The method by which student’s final grade in the course will be determined.
• The instructor’s policy on work handed in late, makeup examinations, and the like.
• Any special rules, regulations, or procedures of the course.
• A statement indicating each student is responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all activities of the course (whether a student is present or not).
• A statement regarding the Fitchburg State University Academic Integrity policy.
• A statement regarding the Fitchburg State University Disability policy.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the university-wide accrediting agency for Fitchburg State, and secondary accrediting bodies [e.g., Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)], are focusing on and requiring significant commitment to assessment of all aspects of university academic programming. Assessment of academic programs and courses at all levels cannot proceed without first identifying suitable goals, defined as broad statements of program and course purposes, as well as measurable objectives/outcomes. The guidelines will serve as part of Fitchburg State University’s commitment and ongoing efforts to improve academic quality. Both the undergraduate and graduate syllabus guidelines have been approved through governance.

Every semester and not later than the first class meeting, each faculty member shall provide a syllabus for each course being taught to the Graduate Program Chair/ Undergraduate Program Manager, the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and each student. The undergraduate syllabus guidelines for Graduate and Continuing Education are the same as those for the undergraduate day division.

Fitchburg State University addresses plagiarism and academic dishonesty through a variety of methods.

Find our Academic Integrity Policy

Faculty have the option to utilize the Turnitin system on Blackboard (it also can be used independently from the LMS). Turnitin
is a plagiarism prevention and online grading resource with features such as OriginalityCheck, GradeMark, and PeerMark.
 

Faculty members can order textbooks from the university provider eCampus.

Learn how to order books and submit course materials. 

For more information on how to order textbooks, please contact the eCampus representatives at fitchburgstate@ecampus.com.

Your class rosters are always available and up-to-date on Facultyssb- Class List. You will also use Facultyssb > Faculty Grade Entry to post final grades as well as to get information about the student advisees who are assigned to you. Class roster are also available in SSC Navigate, through which you can email and text students, as well as report deficient midterm grades. In addition, upon request, your department administrative assistant has the access to run a class list using Crystal reporting, which includes a photo of each student enrolled in your class, and also includes the student’s preferred name.

Course enrollment caps are determined by a combination of factors including laboratory safety, machine limits, pedagogy and need. During registration, all students register for classes on College Scheduler if the course is open. When classes are closed, instructors MAY add students to their courses. This process is often referred to as giving a red card. For School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education courses, priority is given to students on the waiting list.

Grade roster information can be found online under Faculty Grade Entry.

The grading policy for undergraduate students and graduate students can be found in the Fitchburg State University catalog.

Grading instructions can be found on the banner page.

Online grades are entered at facultyssb.fitchburgstate.edu. 

• Final grades are requested to be submitted within 48 hours of the last final exam or within 48 hours from your last class. Whichever is later.
• The registrar will send detailed instructions each semester.

Fitchburg State University has a system of deficient “midsemester” grade reporting for undergraduate students. Faculty members are asked to submit grades for those who may be less than a 2.0 by the Friday before advising begins for the next semester. The purpose of this system is to provide formal feedback to students at a point in the semester where meaningful intervention by the professor, academic success areas and others can be accomplished. It also aligns with the advising period prior to registration allowing advisors to view deficiency grades in Degree Works. Faculty will receive an email with instructions for submitting deficient midterm grades through SSC Navigate. Faculty and students are reminded of the following:

• While voluntary, all faculty members are encouraged to submit deficient mid-semester grades.
• The grades listed are only progress estimates for this point in the semester.
• The grades are not part of the student’s official record. Only final course grades are recorded.
• The deficient mid-semester grade is meant to inform students of their progress to date so that, if necessary, they can seek assistance.

Grading instructions can be found on the banner page.

Online grades are entered at facultyssb.fitchburgstate.edu. 

Fitchburg State University has a final exam week schedule in each semester (fall/spring) during which all finals must be held. Faculty members who have final projects in lieu of final exams are expected to meet with their students during the regularly-scheduled final exam time. No finals may be given during the last week of classes.

Per university policy and the MSCA contract, final exam days are part of the official minimum 155 instructional-day calendar. As such, faculty are to meet with their classes during the time scheduled for the final exams regardless of whether an exam is administered. If a final exam is included in your syllabus, it must be administered as scheduled. However, all classes must make use of this instructional day even if it is not to take an exam. Furthermore, final exams are considered a “peak period” and faculty are asked to maintain at least the minimum of regular office hours in order to assist students.

An exam week is not held for Graduate and Continuing Education courses. For those courses, exams are administered during the final class meeting. 

With the consent of the faculty member, a make-up examination may be administered to a student who has missed a scheduled examination for a valid cause. The faculty member sets the time and place of the make-up examination after discussion with the student. If a faculty member does not allow make-up exams, it should be stated in the syllabus.

Both faculty members and students should remember that all work in a course must be made up in time for the instructor to submit a change of grade within four weeks from the beginning of the following semester. Incomplete grades (IN) are changed to 0.0 unless the instructor submits a properly completed grade change form to the registrar’s office within the appropriate time frame. Instructors may assign an incomplete grade (IN) at their discretion, but only in those cases when it is mathematically possible for a student to pass the class with a 1.0 or higher, on successful completion of the incomplete work. An instructor will initiate the incomplete grade process with the student by filling out an official “incomplete grade form.” Instructors will indicate on this form the graded assessments of course content that must be completed and the grade the student will receive in the event that they are not completed. This information will be shared with the primary academic advisor.

Instructors will assign a deadline for completion of the work no later than the last day of classes of the next semester. If the student does not complete the work, the grade indicated on the “incomplete grade form” will be assigned. Extensions may be granted through the petition process.

There is no university wide attendance policy at Fitchburg State University. Faculty may establish reasonable attendance policies for their own classes and must explain those policies in their syllabi.

In the event that illness or some other emergency prevents a student from attending class, the student should contact the instructor directly. This matter is left to the individual instructor, who may or may not view irregularities in attendance as serious enough to affect the student’s grade. Students should follow the instructor’s attendance policies on the course syllabus and whenever possible, notify instructors by email when they will be absent from class or other class-related activities. Students are encouraged to reach out to their instructors in order to determine the process for making up any missed assignments.

If there is anticipated prolonged absence, such as a medical procedure or activated military duties, the Office of Student Affairs should be contacted at 978.665.3130 or studentaffairs@fitchburgstate.edu. Whatever an instructor’s attendance policy, Institutional Research will ask the instructor for an attendance check right after the add/drop period to determine whether a student has ever attended each of his/her classes. This is used to determine that the registrar’s record of class rosters is correct. You will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your attendance through SSC Navigate.

In order to assure maximum utilization of the space currently available at Fitchburg State University, classrooms are auto assigned by the Events Management System (EMS) through the Registrar’s Office for all classes. Instructors may not move their classes or switch rooms with a colleague without the consent of the Registrar’s Office. Requests for change of rooms will be considered, and are based upon the availability of classroom space. The registrar may change room assignments after the beginning of a semester, for extenuating circumstances, to accommodate a student or a faculty member with a documented disability. The instructor will be notified via email of such changes. It is vitally important for both security and legal purposes that faculty do not make room changes without prior approval. We must be able to locate students and faculty in the event of an emergency. If your class is moved and you are unable to reach either the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education, notify the University Police at 978.665.3111 as to your whereabouts.

Fitchburg State University has policies governing the use of chemicals, sharps, biohazards, and protection from exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Fitchburg State University has policies regarding Responsible Conduct in Research, Animal Use and Care and (via the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), Human Subjects (via the Institutional Review Board).

Find more information on responsible conduct for animal use and human subjects.

Fitchburg State University maintains liability insurance for students and faculty supervisors participating in internships, clinicals, and practicums in many disciplines. The liability insurance is based on course numbers and every student taking the course or faculty supervisor is covered. Agencies sometime request copies of the insurance binder, which may be requested from the Office of The Provost.

Fitchburg State University’s mediated classrooms are equipped with tools designed to improve the classroom experience. All classroom spaces come standard with a ceiling-mounted projector, Windows computer for instructor use, speakers, Apple TV and a Blu-ray player. Document cameras are also available in many classrooms, and select classrooms have a SMART Board.

For more information about available technology in the classrooms, please refer to the Classroom Technology Guide. The IT Department offers free training for any technology throughout the year. You can also schedule a personal training session by contacting the Help Desk at 978.665.4500. 

Blackboard is the learning management system provided by the university. It may be used to provide supplementary materials to a traditional brick and mortar classroom, or in place of some classroom time in a hybrid class, or as the basic platform for an online course. A Blackboard site is created every time a course is scheduled with the registrar.

Technical training on the use of Blackboard is provided by Information Technology, and pedagogical support is provided by the Office of Digital Learning.

A number of self-help training videos are available to assist Fitchburg State faculty in implementing instructional technology in their courses. These include overviews and specific tips and how-to’s for: Blackboard, our course management system; Zoom, a web conferencing software, and clickers, aka “classroom response systems,” a tool that enables instructors to gather from and share with students responses to questions during class, helping each to monitor the progress of student learning.

Find online learning resources

Fitchburg State University uses the Google G-Suite Enterprise for Education Suite which provides communication
and collaboration tools for learning in real-time, on any device. Visit for information, resources and videos about any of the Google tools available including Gmail for your University email, Google Calendar for meetings and appointments, Google Meet for video conferencing, Google Chat for communication, and Google Docs, Sheets and Slides for presentations and
much more.

Visit our email page for step-by-step instructions on how to access your university. Gmail account.

Check out Gmail FAQs and Google Calendar FAQs for answers to a variety of Gmail and Google Calendar questions.

Online courses are those in which 100% of the course’s instructions are conducted in distance mode. Another course delivery option is hybrid (blended) courses; hybrid courses are those that combine classroom and online methods, and deliver at least 50% of the course’s content online.

Both online and hybrid courses must go through the university’s approval process. Course developers must create their online course materials in accordance with requirements and guidelines, which satisfy or exceed the various accreditation criteria of the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Find the guidelines as well as the approval process

The Director of Digital Learning and the Digital Learning Instructional Designer provide training sessions for online course development, and throughout the development process, course developers have access to training and support in the areas of design and building content within the Blackboard learning management system. Once a course is developed, the designer will maintain intellectual ownership of the course materials while Fitchburg State University will maintain and host the course offering in a Blackboard shell.

Find more information about online teaching, including an extensive array of support resources.

Fitchburg State University provides students with the opportunity to earn credits through independent study, directed study and PLA (Prior Learning Assessment).

A Special Studies Form for independent and directed studies is available on the Registrar’s website or from departmental support staff.

University Internship Policies for Undergraduate Students:
In order to qualify for an internship, the university requires that a student must be matriculated and have completed a minimum of 60 credits with at least 12 credits earned at Fitchburg State, and have a 2.0 GPA prior to placement. Individual departments may have additional GPA requirements in the major and other entry requirements.

Additional information about Internships and Contractual Agreement can be found in the Internship Handbook (Link)

Fitchburg State University (FSU) encourages students to obtain real-world experience through participation in faculty-approved internships with businesses, governments, non-profits, and other organizations (“Intern Parties”) outside of the university.

FSU also encourages its faculty members to assist students to find and participate in such internships. FSU recognizes that in the course of such internships, various works may be developed or created which could be covered by copyright, trademark, tradename, patent, and other laws applicable to intellectual property (“IP”). It is FSU’s policy that for all internships which are not sponsored or financed in whole or in part by financial grants made available through FSU from third parties, (a) FSU will have no claim of ownership in any such IP and (b) no student or faculty member involved in such internship will have any claim of ownership in any such IP unless otherwise agreed in writing with the applicable Intern Parties and any other persons providing sponsorship or financial support to the internship or Intern Parties

It is also FSU’s policy that for all internships which are sponsored or financed in whole or in part by financial grants made available through FSU from third parties, 

• (i) FSU will have no claim of ownership in any such IP and
• (ii) such sponsor or maker of the financial grant will have ownership of all such IP unless
  • (A) otherwise specified in the sponsorship or grant documentation (copies of which can be obtained from FSU) or
  • (B) otherwise agreed in writing with the sponsor or maker of the financial grant and the applicable Intern Parties, students, and faculty members involved in the internship. 

Fitchburg State University hereby advises all students and faculty members who may be concerned about their rights in any IP or other property developed or created in connection with an internship (“Property”) to consult independent legal counsel. FSU will not, under any circumstances, become involved in any determination, mediation, or arbitration of the ownership of rights in and to any Property. FSU will not, under any circumstances, be responsible or liable to any student, faculty member, or any other person with respect to any rights they might have in any such Property, the cost of enforcing or defending their rights in any such Property, their infringement of any other person’s or entity’s rights in any such Property, or the cost of any defense they might raise against any alleged infringement by them of any other person’s or entity’s rights in any such Property.

Day Faculty

All faculty members who are forced to be absent from their on-campus classes because of unforeseen circumstances
or illness must immediately notify their department chair and the Hammond Hall Information Desk at 978.665.4636. Students who are registered for your classes will be notified via text and email that you are absent.
Faculty members who need to be out of work for an extended period of time (more than 3 days), for any reason, must contact their divisional dean and the Office of Human Resources to make arrangements for their leave. Notice to both departments should be provided in advance of said leave, as practicably as possible. Your dean and Human Resources will then work together to coordinate the requested leave, and apply all applicable policies under the MSCA Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as relevant federal and state regulations.

School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education Faculty

All School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education faculty members who are forced to be absent from their on-campus classes because of unforeseen circumstances or illness must immediately contact the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education. If an on campus class is to be cancelled, notice is posted in the classroom. Given sufficient advance notice, SGOCE staff will make every effort to contact the students in the class.
Notice of cancellations may require approval of the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education. Any class
that the instructor misses must be made up at a time or in a manner convenient for the students. When making
up a class, be sure to check with the Registrar’s Office for classroom availability.

Personal Days

Based on collective bargaining, faculty members employed on January 1 or hired after January 1 but before July 1 in any calendar year shall be credited with two personal days (15 hours) for that calendar year. Faculty members hired on or after July 1 shall be credited with one personal day (7.5 hours) for that calendar year. Faculty members are encouraged to give chairs as much notice as possible of their intention to take a personal day as possible. Personal days must be used during the calendar year or unused days are forfeited on December 31.

All faculty members are governed by the State Ethics Commission Guideline and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Department of Higher Education and the Massachusetts State College Association and must adhere to the professional standards set forth. Faculty who adopt instructional materials, which they have written, must disclose this use to the Ethics Commission and must complete the forms required.

As a public institution, Fitchburg State University is committed to the principles of equity and access. Meeting the needs of a diverse student body often requires flexibility in how we address learners. This does not mean that an instructor is asked to modify the goals or standards of a course, rather that all qualified learners have a reasonable opportunity to access the curriculum.

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the instructor with an Accommodation Agreement to verify that they are registered with Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. This form indicates that the Disability Services Office has determined that the student does, in fact, have one or more disabilities and that the student is eligible for reasonable academic/environmental accommodations. Please maintain the confidentiality of the student’s disability status.

Once the student has presented an instructor with a copy of their Accommodation Agreement, it is the instructor’s responsibility to work with the student and the Disability Services Office to insure that accommodations are provided in a reasonable and timely manner. Disability Services is available to support faculty in providing any necessary accommodations that a student might require.

Some students who register with the Disability Services Office seek and receive approval for one or more types
of testing accommodations (such as extended time on exams, out of classroom testing in the Disability Services
Office).

At the beginning of each semester, students who are qualified for testing accommodations will present instructors
with The Exam Accommodation Form which require faculty endorsement. Faculty are asked to complete this form when received and immediately return it to Disability Services with instructions related to their testing preferences. Faculty should keep the copy of the accommodation agreement for their records.

All tests proctored in Disability Services are held to academic integrity policy as outlined in the student handbook and the catalog. 

Please send all exam materials and correspondence as an attachment to testing@fitchburgstate.edu.

One element of Fitchburg State University’s syllabus guidelines, approved through governance, is that faculty provide a statement concerning accommodations for students with disabilities. The Disability Services Office recommends the following statement as a model for syllabi:

“Fitchburg State University encourages the full participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of campus living and learning. To support access and inclusion, Fitchburg State University offers reasonable accommodations to students who have documented disabilities (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, sensory, etc.). If you require accommodations for this class, please provide me with a copy of your Accommodation Agreement as soon as possible so that we can discuss your specific needs. Any information that you share with me will be held in the strictest confidence, unless you give me permission to
do otherwise. If you require academic accommodations but do not have an Accommodation Agreement, please contact Disability Services as soon as possible to establish your eligibility for services.”

For additional information contact the Disability Services Office at 978.665.4020 

• Understand the unique nature of the university experience.
• Define values and goals for advisee.
• Explore advisee’s educational/career options, and life goals.
• Plan advisee’s educational program.
• Monitor and evaluate advisee’s educational progress.
• Locate resources to meet advisee’s individual needs.
• Reach out and be available, receptive, and supportive to advisee.
• Maintain an advising file for each advisee.
• Advise course selection during pre-registration and add/drop periods.
• Interpret school and academic policies/regulations to advisee.
• Assist advisee with any change of major.
• Warn of possible low mid-semester grades.
• Assist advisee with potential Academic Appeals.
• Make advisee aware of Graduation requirements and assist with Graduation application.
• Provide information on advisee’s program requirements and course expectations.
• Provide advisee information on support services and resources.

All new faculty members attend a workshop on advising during their first semester prior to the first registration session. Information and resources will be presented that will enable academic advisors to work effectively with their student advisees. 

Degree Works is an online degree auditing tool which enables students and their advisors to review and monitor academic progress leading to graduation. It organizes academic coursework into blocks to help easily identify courses and requirements that have been completed and what requirements are still remaining to complete the degree.

SSC Navigate is a comprehensive student advising and communication platform that allows faculty to access key information about, and connect with, both their advisees and their classroom students. SSC Navigate provides an easy and effective way to schedule appointments for advising period. Faculty also have access to student and course information via an easy-to-use search tool. 

The Four-Year Plan of Study is maintained for all majors by their departments. This plan identifies the recommended courses for each major. These are updated annually.

A Student Petition form is to be used by any student for modification or waiver of a Fitchburg State University academic policy. Such changes are made only in exceptional cases. Each request is considered on its own merits, and approval of a request does not create a precedent. Requests should be initiated by the student, be filled out completely and include all the necessary documentation and recommendations before being submitted to the appropriate Dean. An unofficial transcript should be attached, and signatures should be obtained in the necessary order.

Find the forms here.

Students have both short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities. Each semester, some Fitchburg State University students study abroad in a variety of countries. Others will take advantage of the summer study abroad programs. The university has offered programs in France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Japan, Costa Rica, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Italy and many other countries. 

A faculty-led study abroad program is one in which a faculty member oversees a study abroad experience for students enrolled in a credit-bearing course. Programs can be designed around an established on-campus course and include an experience abroad or can be an entire course taught abroad. Students enroll in the program and associated course to satisfy a degree program requirement. The faculty-led programs are Fitchburg State courses taught by Fitchburg State faculty and require no transfer of credits. Please contact the office of International Education (ext. 3089) for additional information on Study Abroad or to talk about being a faculty leader in a study abroad program.

The Academic Coaching and Tutoring (ACT) Center seeks to enhance students’ ability to learn, apply knowledge, develop study habits, become more self-directed learners, and build critical thinking skills. Fitchburg State University students can access our free services throughout the academic year.

Learn more about the ACT.

The Admissions Office provides information, support, advice and guidance to students and their families. 

Learn more about Admissions.

We maintain a culture of assessment through collaborative planning, systematic implementation, and rigorous analysis of collected data to make informed decisions that strengthen the learning experiences of students and enhance the operation of the institution.

Learn more about Assessment from our Institutional Research and Planning team.

Student participants in sports, in accordance with NCAA guidelines.

Learn more about athletics. 

The center provides a multitude of academic and career services. Services include one-on-one academic and career advising, workshops, career and internship fairs, career readiness programs and alumni shadowing opportunities.

Learn more about the CSA.

Any Fitchburg State University student is welcomed at the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, at any stage of their collegiate career.

Learn more about the CDI.

Any Fitchburg State University student is welcomed at the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, at any stage of their collegiate career.

Learn more about our Counseling Services.

Disability services provides reasonable accommodations for students, allowing equal access to all university programs and services.

Learn more about Disability Services.

Learn more about Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management.

Learn more about Event Management on campus.

Learn more about the Financial Aid.

Fitchburg State University has partnered with Community Health Connections (CHC), a highly respected, federally qualified health center that has two locations very close to our campus, to provide services to the campus community.

Learn more about student access to health care.

Learn more about Housing and Residential Services.

Services for faculty, staff, students and contractors. 

Learn more about Human Resources and Payroll Services.

Learn more about International Education. 

Learn more about the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library in  Hammond Hall.

Learn more about what's offered at the Recreation Center on campus.

Maintaining the official records of all Fitchburg State University students and alumni.

Learn more about the Registrar.

Learn more about advising for prospective undergraduate evening students and graduate students. 

Providing services for all undergraduate students. 

Learn more about Student Affairs. 

Learn more about Student Engagement and Hammond Campus Center.

The TRIO Student Support Services program promotes the academic success of our students who complete a TRIO SSS application and meet the following criteria:

University Police provide 24/7 safety and security for campus. 

The Center for Teaching and Learning is located on the second floor of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library. In addition to a coordinator, The Center includes faculty leads to support programming and resources for advising, inclusive excellence, and the general education curriculum. 

Learn more about the CTL. 

The Center for Faculty Scholarship, opened in Fall 2017 in order to facilitate research, scholarship, and creative endeavors by full-time tenure-track or tenured faculty and librarians across all disciplines. 

Learn more about the Center for Faculty Scholarship. 

The Grant Center is part of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) in the Division of Academic Affairs. All external funding requests must be reviewed by the Grant Center and circulated for institutional approval prior to submission.

Learn more about the Grant Center/Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

• Faculty/Librarian Special Project Grants - The Faculty/Librarian Special Projects Grants support faculty/librarian scholarly impact by contributing to faculty professional development.
• Professional Development and Retraining Funds - Funds are available per the MSCA Agreement for voluntary self-identified programs of professional development. Details regarding purpose, process, and timelines can be found within Article XIV of the full-time day faculty collective bargaining agreement at mscaunion.org.
• Continuing Scholarship Funds - The exact amount of funding in the faculty agreement is determined annually. Once the funding amount is determined, all faculty/librarians receive notification of the funds and the procedures for applying for them.

Learn more about these opportunities on the Research and Faculty Development.

Since its establishment in 2008, the Douglas and Isabelle Crocker Center for Civic Engagement, more commonly called the Crocker Center, has aimed to “help local organizations thrive and develop competencies in best practices, empower people to build a better community, and maximize collaboration between Fitchburg State University and the community.

Learn more about the Douglas and Isabelle Crocker Center for Civic Engagement.

This fund was established to promote original research and creative projects by undergraduate students. Funding can be requested by an individual or team of undergraduate students. The projects must have a faculty supervisor and must be independent of coursework. Funding will not be awarded to any research effort, project, or activity or course for college credit. The maximum award is $150 for an individual or $300 for a team. Contact Student Affairs for more information at studentaffairs@ fitchburgstate.edu. 

This fund supports travel for undergraduate students who are presenting papers to conferences. Funding is limited to $200 per student for domestic travel. Contact Student Affairs for more information at studentaffairs@fitchburgstate.edu. 

A Request for Purchase form, (Requisition Form) is required for all purchases using departmental funds such as books, software, teaching materials, etc. The department support staff is a very helpful resource for assistance, questions, etc., regarding completion of the Request for Purchase form. The information on the Requisition is entered in Banner at the department level. The Requisition then enters an approval queue for the department chair’s review and approval or disapproval. If approved, the Requisition will be converted to a Purchase Order and sent to the vendor. Fitchburg State University cannot reimburse any purchases made out-of-pocket. The departmental Pro-card may also be used for low-cost, incidental purchases, as well as travel arrangements, etc. Contact your department chair and support staff for use authorization and details.

Learn more from about Procurement.

The mileage reimbursement rate for travel that occurs between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, is 70 cents per mile. Please refer to our Financial Services website for the most current information

Award

Each year our community comes together to celebrate our excellent faculty that inspire undergraduates, advance the university’s scholarship mission, mentor graduate students and provide service that helps to strengthen not only our campus, but our immediate community, the Commonwealth and our nation. We accept applications and nominations for all four of our faculty awards. Awards are presented annually at a faculty event. Information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines is provided under each of the four prestigious awards listed.

Learn more about the awards. 

Grants

Several faculty grant opportunities are announced annually through the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Office to support faculty in their teaching, research and creative activity. Information on available grants can be found on the Academic Affairs web page. 

The goal of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of individuals who agree to participate in research. The IRB is the only body on campus that can evaluate and approve research with human subjects. Review and approval by the IRB is meant to aid both the subjects and the researchers.

Learn more about the IRB.

IACUC policies ensure the humane care and treatment of animals used for teaching and research.

Learn more about the IACUC.

FOCI promotes objectivity in research by establishing standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of research funded under NIH grants or cooperative agreements will be free from bias resulting from investigator financial conflicts of interest.

• Fitchburg State University Financial Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF)

The CHP applies to all Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg State) employees (including student workers). The CHP provides a guide to practices related to working with chemicals at Fitchburg State University in teaching and research laboratories as well as any room on campus where chemicals may be used such photographic darkrooms or art studios. The policy provides procedures governing the safe use, purchase, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Moreover, it documents the required training all chemical users are expected to undergo on a regular basis. Faculty members are expected to comply with the Chemical Hygiene Plan of the University. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action on the part of the university. 

The Exposure Control Plan eliminates or minimizes occupational exposure and the risk of developing infectious diseases associated with blood and other bodily fluids. 

This policy identifies those individuals who will face potential exposure, types of blood borne diseases as well as their mode of transmission, methods of implementation, occupation-specific controls, exposure incident and emergency procedures, training, and recordkeeping. 

The IBC governs research and instruction-related activities involving recombinant DNA (rDNA), microbes, human and nonhuman primate materials, and tissues or cells from plant or animals. Responsible Conduct in Research Training is required for anyone receiving federal grant funds. Contact the School of Health and Natural Sciences for additional information.

Learn more about the IBC. 

The office of Human Resources provides a handbook for all employees that address issues of benefits as well as university policies. Find the Employee Handbook (PDF).

There are two faculty collective bargaining agreements for Fitchburg State University. One is for day full-time and part-time faculty. The second collective bargaining agreement is for faculty teaching through Graduate and Continuing Education. Copies of the MSCA contracts can be found on Human Resources webpage.

All new faculty hires are issued a contract in accordance with the MSCA Collective Bargaining Agreement and are required to submit a complete application form, cover letter, vitae, and statement of teaching philosophy and three letters of recommendation. Education credentials are verified electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse. If degrees are not able to be verified electronically, official transcripts for all degrees earned will need to be submitted.

Faculty members are issued a contract for each course taught prior to the semester in which the course is offered sent via their Fitchburg State University email address. Signed contracts must be returned within five (5) working days of receipt to Human Resources. 

Faculty members are issued a contract for each course taught prior to the semester in which the course is offered sent via their Fitchburg State University email address. Signed contracts must be returned within five (5) working days of receipt to Human Resources. All faculty members who teach in Graduate, Online and Continuing Education must be members of the GCE Faculty pool. 

Find more SGOCE Faculty Resources. 

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE) is a campuswide effort to prevent interpersonal and relationship violence and sexual assault, and support to those affected by violence. In collaboration with all university departments and offices, FAVE seeks to create a safe and respectful community for all members by providing educational programming and training opportunities, promoting victim services, and reviewing policy. FAVE originated from a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, through the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program. For more information email fave@fitchburgstate.edu or Amanda Sapienza, LMHC, Coordinator of FAVE, at asapienza@fitchburgstate.edu.

The CARE Team includes representatives from across the institution, with a focus on reaching out to students whose behavior has in some way has come to the attention of others. We determine a plan of action (if deemed appropriate and needed) that is in the best interest of the student and the campus community. We encourage faculty, staff, student or parental response to behavior that may be classified as:

• Academic Concerns: Concerns related to a student’s academics.
• General Concerns/Other: General concerns about the behavior and/or welfare of a student.
• Missing Students: Students’ who have been missing for a period of time.
• Distressed Behavior: The most common, distressed behavior causes us to feel alarmed, upset or worried.
• Disruptive Behavior: Behavior that interferes or disrupts the educational environment of other students or the normal academic functions of the university.
• Dangerous Behavior: Behavior that causes one to feel frightened and/or in fear of one’s personal safety or the safety of others.

• Fitchburg State University Mission
• Academic Affairs Administration
• Strategic Planning Initiative
• Academic Programs
• Undergraduate Day and Evening Programs 
• Graduate Programs
• Honors Program
• Information regarding FERPA
  • http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index. html
  • http://www.washington.edu/students/reg/ferpafac.html
  • http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/resources/clearinghouse/ view-articles/ferpa-resource-links.aspx  

Recreation Services

Library

CTL page

CPS Page

Technology mediated classrooms

Counseling page

Online learning resources

Crocker Center page

Extended campus

Online learning resources

Hammond Hall Campus Center page

Campus Mail Center

One Card Office

Parking regulation and services

Print services: what they can do for you

University police services

Student engagement office 

Website is www.fitchburgstate.edu

www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us

The Fitchburg State University address is 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

The Provost’s Office is located in room 212 in the Sanders Administration Building.

The Association Office can be found in the basement of Miller Hall, room G02, and can be reached by phone at  978.665.3303.

The OneCard is the official identification card of Fitchburg State University and is issued to every student, faculty, and staff member. The OneCard is an essential key to campus life. Apart from being your official form of identification, it can be used for many other university services. The OneCard is your library card, Recreation Center pass, meal card, door key, campus event access and much more. Go online to obtain your OneCard.

Special events are posted on Fitchburg State University’s home page or by checking events.

The majority of communication is transmitted via your university email account. The Mail Center delivers paper correspondence daily to department support staff. University related outgoing mail may be left in your department’s main office. Call ext. 3204 with questions. 

The Mail Room is located at Klondike Ave., Fitchburg, and mail is delivered to campus once daily. The student’s mail room is located in Mara Commons Building. Call (x 3206) or (x 4481) with any questions.

Business cards request are available on Print Services web-site. All card requests are approved by Human Resources. You may need to create a new account with your Falcon Key before you are able to view the form.

Each Department has a multifunctional device with an option to copy or scan to email. Copying orders larger than 35 images are sent to Print Services for copying. Completed orders will be delivered to department offices daily. Print Services is located at 167 Klondike Avenue. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Contact Print Services at 978.665.3394 or printservices@fitchburgstate.edu. You can submit jobs in the following ways:

• Email your file to printservices@fitchburgstate.edu along with your job order instructions.
• Use your Ricoh device by choosing the SCANNING function and select destination to PRINT SERVICES. All multifunctional devices can send jobs directly to Print Services.
• Use campus inter-office mail to send hardcopy jobs with your job order instructions to Print Services.
• Visit our Service Center at 167 Klondike Avenue.

The copyright law of the United States (title 17 U.S. code) governs the making of photocopies of copyrighted material. (See appendix G for complete information).

You can contact fellow faculty and administrators by phone or email. A link to the Faculty/Staff Directory is located at the bottom of each Fitchburg State University web page. The global directory on the campus email also lists all faculty, administrators and staff email addresses. All official communications from the university will be sent via your Fitchburg State University email. All correspondence from you to students and offices on campus should come from your official Fitchburg State email address.

Call the Registrar’s Office 978.665-4196 or email degreeworks@fitchburgstate.edu – For additional academic advising questions contact the Career Counseling and Advising Center at (x 3151).

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Subcommittee has information about the core curriculum.

Bring your personal copies and/or request for library books or course materials to the Circulation Desk. Please consider putting a copy of course materials, such as textbooks, on reserve.

Go to the library’s home page enter the relevant search criteria in the search box under Falcon Search for Articles, Books and Media.

Go to the library’s alphabetic list of databases @ (http:// fitchburgstate.libguides.com/az.php), select the database you wish to use, and when prompted use your full FSU email address as your login username and your FSU email password as your login password. 

Your OneCard serves as your library card.

All students and faculty have borrowing privileges at all the other State University libraries within Massachusetts; you simply have to show your Fitchburg State University ID at the circulation desk. Faculty have borrowing privileges at the Worcester Area Libraries upon presentation of the WACL borrowing card. For more information, please contact the Public Services Coordinator, Kim Smalley, at 978.665.3065.

A liaison from the library has been assigned to each academic department, and all requests should go to her/ him.

Parking permits are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Housing and Residential Services (ext. 3219). There are different types of parking permits. Commuter Day/Evening Student Permit, Staff/ Faculty Permit, Resident Student Permit, Vendor Permit, Visitor Permit, and Overnight Guest Parking.

Daytime parking is available to the Fitchburg State University Community at the Wallace Civic Center serviced by the shuttle bus transportation, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday, when school is in session only. The shuttle runs continuous 15-minute loops from the Civic Center through campus. Shuttle signs can be found around campus. It is free of charge to all.

Refer to www.dineoncampus.com/fsu/.

32 Clinton Street; open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their main telephone number is 978.665.3111.

Emergency call boxes are located in strategic spots on campus. Look for the blue light on top of the call box. Push the button and you will be in contact with University Police, or dial 978.665.3111 (x 3111), 24 hours per day.

Contact the University Police at 978.665.3111. 

The America COMPETES Act of 2007 established new guidelines that require research and education proposals to present a plan for “appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.” Faculty who receive federal funding to conduct research or to supervise student researchers or post-docs are responsible for ensuring all work is done in compliance with Fitchburg State University and governmental policies. All faculty researchers, post-doctoral scholars, undergraduate and graduate students supported by federal funds must be given proper training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. This training must take place during the first year of employment or, if the period of employment is less than a year, must take place before the termination of the employment period. The researcher need not complete the tutorials in one sitting, but, again, must complete the course prior to the end of the employment period.

It is the responsibility of the PD/PI to determine what aspects of RCR training are most appropriate for their employees. The National Institutes of Health, for example, suggests that the RCR instructional program include the following topics: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human participants and animal subjects, and data management. Please note that some federal grantors require researchers to complete training in relevant areas such as Human Subjects or Animal Care and Use. PIs are encouraged to work with Fitchburg State’s Human Subjects Committee or Animal Care and Use Committee in devising their plans, if appropriate.  

Since adherence to the highest ethical and moral standards in the conduct of research and scholarly activity is the expectation for all members of the Fitchburg State University community, we strongly suggest that all undergraduates engaged in research with faculty participate in RCR training as well.

Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Fitchburg State University uses the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Program (CITI) at the University of Miami to satisfy this education and training requirement. The web-based courses are open to all faculty, staff, researchers, committee members, and students. Courses also exist for any research that requires IACUC or IRB approval.

Fitchburg State University is responsible for tracking and verifying completion of this training for employees on Federal grants. Once the training is complete a copy of the certification should be printed and filed in the Grant Center.

To Enroll in a Course

Go to the CITI Program web page. New users will begin by creating an account. Here is information on how to register for the first time.

Your organization affiliation or participating institution is Fitchburg State University. During the registration process you will be asked to select your role in research. You should select the appropriate level, student or faculty/ staff.

The questions in Step 7 enroll you in CITI Program courses. You will be presented with a series of questions or options that enable you to enroll in the Learner Group (course) appropriate to your interests or your role at the University. Select Responsible Conduct of Research from the menu.

• Human Subjects Course
• Animal Care and Use
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Good Clinical Practice Course
• Health Information Privacy and Security (HIPS)

The next menu will ask if you are a student or a faculty/ staff/administrator. Make the appropriate selection.

The page will ask if you want to take the pre-course assessment. This step is voluntary on your part.

The next page is the Main Menu. This page lists the course you have chosen. The Main Menu also provides a number of Learner Tools designed to help you. The CITI website does offer help and explanations for each of the tools if you have questions.

Click the Title of the Course to begin or continue the course. You may complete the modules at your own pace.

Complete the Integrity Assurance Statement presented at the top after clicking a course title. The system will allow you to start taking the course modules after completing it.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - Basic Course

The basic RCR course covers core RCR topics. It is discipline-neutral, meaning that the course is suitable for any person involved in research, ranging from upper level undergraduates to established faculty. Particular emphasis is given to the educational needs of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. You may at times be given an option to take a discipline specific version that you may complete at your discretion.

Complete the Required Modules and associated quizzes. Depending on your discipline specific requirements you may need to complete several Optional Modules.

When you complete all required modules successfully, you may print your completion report though the link: Print Report from your main Menu or your Previously Completed Coursework page.

Every member of the Fitchburg State University community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. A student shall not submit work that is falsified or is not the result of the student’s own effort. A student who is in doubt regarding standards of academic integrity in a course or assignment should consult the faculty member responsible for that course or assignment before submitting the work. A student’s lack of understanding of the academic integrity policy is not a valid defense to a charge of academic dishonesty.

See the registrar's page for the grading scales. 

Weather Cancellations Are Announced Through the Following:

Fitchburg State University Alert

Fitchburg State University Email

Fitchburg State University homepage 

The following radio and television stations on weekdays:

• WBZ (1030 AM Boston)
• WPKZ (1280 AM Fitchburg)
• WBZ (Channel 4)
• WCVB (Channel 5)
• WHDH (Channel 7)
• WFXT (Channel 25)

We strongly encourage you to sign up for Fitchburg State University Alerts (first link above).

*Please listen for announcements for Fitchburg State University—do not confuse this with Fitchburg Public Schools.

For the full Inclement Weather Policy please visit the Human Resources and Payroll Services website.

When classes are cancelled at the start of the working day, classes are also cancelled for all on-campus evening programs during that same day. Evening classes taught off campus are cancelled when the specific facility where the class is held is closed.

Weekend and Special Scheduling Courses

The decision to cancel any weekend or holiday class is made by the instructor, who is responsible for arranging a makeup schedule with the students. Students are to consult their instructor for his/her cancellation procedure.

For courses scheduled on weekends, the decision to cancel a course due to inclement weather is made by the faculty member teaching the course. In case of inclement weather, the following steps should be taken:

• Instructor of the weekend course determines whether or not to hold class by 6:30 AM.
• Instructor emails the SOGCE Dean, Dr. Becky Copper-Glenz, and informs her of the decision.
• Instructor is responsible for notifying students in the course if course is cancelled. A student notification method should be determined the first day of the course.

Photocopying guidelines based on Federal Copyright Laws, Section 107 Fair Use

Find the Internship Program Contractual Agreement.

Faculty need to complete the dynamic form. 

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY DISCLOSURE TO THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

Checklist for Completing the Disclosure Form

_____ Provide the information requested above the dotted line.

_____ Sign and date the form.

_____ Forward the form to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

_____ The form will be returned to you with the President’s determination and signature.

_____ Make a copy for your files.

Send the original to: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Ethics Commission One Ashburton Place, Room 619 Boston, MA 02108

Find the parking lot map and campus building maps.