Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA)

Currently, most online courses will be held via Zoom. Please check your course confirmation to see if your course is being held via Zoom or Google Meet.

Zoom Courses

Please make sure to download the most recent version of Zoom. Then click the link in the email you receive about a week before classes begin.

Google Meet Courses

Just click the link in the email you receive about a week before classes begin. If you don’t have a Gmail account, no worries!  It will just prompt you to enter your name before joining. 

Equipment and Tech Requirements

You will need some basic equipment to participate. To fully participate in the video based online classroom, you will need:

• Computer (Laptop or Desktop), Tablet, or Smartphone.
• Microphone, Speakers, and webcam. Most laptops, tablets and smartphones have these features already built in. If you are using a desktop computer, please make sure you have all of these elements.
• Internet/Wi-Fi access

Note: You may also participate with a landline phone but you will only be able to hear the audio and will not be able to gain the full benefits of the course.

Possible Issues

• Low bandwidth is detrimental. High speed internet service provides better results.
• Audio and Visual issues are mostly the result of using older or lower quality devices.
• Best results are achieved on newer laptops followed by tablets and then smartphones.
• Phone and video combinations can work but adds to the setup complexity.
• Regardless of the device, make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom program or app.

Online Learning Tips and Etiquette

Etiquette:

• Dress as if you are in a real classroom.
• Be vigilant about your background making sure that it is not offensive. 
• Be cognizant of family members or pets -surprise guest appearances are not permitted.
• Be on time for class
• Use the same name that you used when you registered for class.
  • This is to promote an ALFA community of learners
  • To help the technology assistant identify you when you want to enter the virtual classroom.
  • Provides an additional barrier for security; only those registered for the session may partake in the session.

Protocols:

• Only registered participants will be admitted to classes. No guests at this time.
• Please do not take screenshots, videos, or post to social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.). 
• Mute your microphone unless given permission to talk.
• Use the Hand icon to alert the instructor you wish to speak.
• Stay muted when someone else is verbally presenting or screen sharing.
• Use the chat feature to comment or ask questions. We discourage private chats.

Expert Suggestions:

• Position your light source directly in front of you, not behind, to avoid shadowing and contrast problems.
• Headsets with microphones can improve your ability to be heard.
• Headphones and earbuds can improve your ability to hear.
• Stands for iPads (tablets) and mobile phones provide stability.
• Upgrade systems especially if they are no longer supported by their manufacturers. New and higher quality devices generally work better.

Registration Information Fall 2025

REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 5, 2025 AT 9 a.m.

Please register online at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.

Register as early as you can! This will facilitate early processing and improve the chances of getting preferred classes. Due to space limitations and instructor requests, class size varies. 

All courses are $45 a course unless otherwise indicated. 10-Week courses are typically $90.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Please submit your registration by Sept. 19, 2025. Our online registration store will close at 9AM on this date. If you need assistance, call the ALFA office at 978-665-3076. All registrations MUST be completed and received BEFORE a course begins. Registrations AFTER a course has begun will NOT be accepted.

WAYS TO REGISTER

ONLINE (PREFERRED): You can register for ALFA courses online by going to marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.

• Make sure to complete your registration by hitting the final SUBMIT button. You will receive a confirmation email immediately following.
• Confirmation and Order Number: If you register online, you will receive an order number when you complete your registration. Please make sure to write down this order number. If you have an order number, you have successfully registered, Congratulations! You should also receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of registering. If you do not remember seeing an order number and you don’t receive a confirmation email, please reach out to the office to make sure your registration was completed successfully. If you register by paper, you will receive a confirmation by email if you provided an email address, or by mail, if you did not.

BY MAIL: We will continue to accept paper registrations. However, we are strongly encouraging everyone who can, to use the online course registration system.

• Please complete a separate registration form for each person taking classes. DO NOT try to register two or more people on the same form. We will not be able to complete your registration. If you need additional registration forms, please download Fall 2025 Registration Form (PDF).
• Registrations may be mailed or returned in-person to the Center for Professional Studies.
•  Any incomplete component may delay the processing of the registration form.
•  All registrations are processed in the order in which they are received.
• Please make a copy of the completed registration form for personal records

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

We prefer credit/debit card payments but also accept E-Checks/ ACH Debit payments. Please pay by debit or credit card if you can. It makes both processing and refunding easier for all involved, including you.

• If you choose to pay by E-Check, all check payments (both online and paper) are processed electronically and will appear as “ACH DEBIT” on your checking account statement. Checks that are returned for insufficient funds or incorrect banking information will cause a $30 fee to be assessed to the participant.
• Refunds are only issued if a course is canceled or when you register by paper and the course is full when we receive your registration.
  • For Credit/Debit Payments: Refunds are issued right away and you should see that money back in your account in a few days. If a course is full and you registered by paper, we simply won’t register you for that course and will put you on the waiting list.
  • E-Check Payments: If a course is canceled, we will contact you to fill out an I-9 tax form in order to process the refund.
    • Paper Registrations paid with an E-Check: If a portion of the courses you are registering for are full, we must process the full amount written on the paper check. We will then issue a refund for the amount of the full courses. To be issued a refund, you will be asked to submit an I-9 tax form.
• If you are sending in registration forms for multiple people, please pay by credit/debit or submit a separate check for each person you are registering. If you combine payment for two separate registration in one check, we will not be able to process your payment or registration and will either shred it or return it to you in the mail.
• Payment is due upon submission of registration.
• Course payments are not refundable unless the course is cancelled. Courses are not transferable to another course OR another person.

Please note: Some classes have additional expenses including required materials you will need to purchase prior to the course starting, recommended materials, and sometimes a required materials fee (cash only) that is due to the instructor at the first class. These additional materials and fees are indicated in the course description.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY (newly updated for Fall 2025): ALFA follows Fitchburg State University's severe weather policy regarding canceling classes due to weather.

The ALFA program will close if Fitchburg State is closed, and no on-site or online ALFA classes will be held.

In the rare event that ALFA cancels classes due to weather (or any other extenuating circumstance) and Fitchburg State is open, we will send an email ASAP before the class starts to all participants who will be affected. In either situation, our office will work with the instructors to schedule a makeup class and notify members of that date.

PHOTO POLICY: Please note that the University photographer and/or instructor may be taking photos for use for marketing purposes in newsletters, brochures, etc. If you do not want photos taken of you, please tell the photographer.

COURSE CANCELLATIONS

• Low Enrollment - We generally require an enrollment of at least 7 students in a course.  If a course needs to be canceled,  We will make the decision to do so on the  Monday one week prior to the start of the ALFA Session. Every effort will be made to give our students and instructors advance notice if a course is cancelled. 
• Unforeseen Circumstances - This could include an unforeseen instructor illness, emergency situations, university or community level events or emergencies that necessitate a major change in our schedule, etc.  In these cases, we would contact both instructors and participants ASAP to let them know of the cancellation. 

REFUND POLICY: All ALFA courses, events, etc. are not refundable unless they are canceled. Registrations are also not transferable to another course OR another person.

WAITLISTS: When a class has reached its maximum capacity, a waitlist will be established, and participants on that waitlist will have priority if space becomes available. If a seat opens up, and you are next on the list, the office will contact you by email. Please respond within 24 hours or the seat may be given to the next person on the waitlist. 

ATTENDANCE AND GUEST POLICY: We do not allow guests to attend courses. All participants attending a course must be registered for that course. This applies to both in-person and online courses. If you show up for a course you think you are supposed to be registered for, but you do not appear on the instructor’s roster, please leave the class and contact the ALFA office ASAP for assistance. 

RECORDING POLICY: We currently do not allow recording of any of our classes. Please do not record an ALFA course or ask for any ALFA course to be recorded for either private or class distribution.

Parking rules and permits may be different depending on where you are taking courses. The information below will help you obtain the correct parking permit for the on-campus courses you are registered for. For all parking passes, please make sure to put the parking pass on your driver’s side dashboard to avoid being ticketed.

Center for Professional Studies (CPS) Classroom: Please fill out your car information on your registration form. The Center for Professional Studies is located at 150B Main Street in Fitchburg (we are located directly across from Dunkin’ Donuts, in the Intermodal Station).

• Your parking pass will be emailed to you about a week before class starts. Please print and display it on your dashboard.
• Please only park, where it is designated for Fitchburg State University or on the 3rd floor (or as directed if the 3rd floor is still under construction). If you park in other places in the parking garage, you could get a ticket.

Other ON-CAMPUS Courses: Please make sure to fill out your car information on your registration form. Our office will notify you when your campus visitor parking permit is ready for pick up.

• Please make sure you are parking in the commuter parking lots. These are the lots marked in red on the Parking lot map (PDF).
• Parking in any other lots, or in places that are not parking spaces will result in a parking citation. If parking in Commuter lots is unavailable, please park your vehicle at the Civic Center and utilize the free shuttle to get to campus.

Shuttle Service: Parking on campus can be quite difficult, but there is always ample, free parking at the Civic Center. Fitchburg State provides free campus shuttle transportation, serviced by MART. It is easy to use and gets you from your car to your destination without much walking. Two shuttles run on a continuous loop which usually means there is
one every 10 minutes.

• ROUTE: Civic Center along North Street to Main Street, Fitchburg Intermodal Center and return to Civic Center. The shuttle runs continuously during posted hours.
• HOW TO RIDE: Wait at a designated shuttle stop (there will be a sign) OR flag the shuttle to stop at any safe location along the route. Signal the driver by raising your arm as the shuttle approaches. Once on board, let the driver know where you are going on campus.

MART Transportation: Do you need a ride to class? All seniors who live in Fitchburg can call the Fitchburg Senior Center to register for MART Transportation Services 978-829-1790.

• Once registered, the Senior Center calls in the information to MART. You can then call the MART to schedule transportation.
• Go to the MART website for information and about service to other communities beyond Fitchburg.

• January 2025 
• October 2024
• April 2024
• January 2024
• October 2023
• March 2023
• December 2022
• March 2022
• February 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• November 2019
• March 2019

Teaching with ALFA

Thank you for considering teaching for the Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) program. Our instructors come to us from a variety of places including current and retired Fitchburg State faculty and staff members, local K-12 teachers, and experts within our community. 

Updates for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Please note the following updates:

1. We are now asking for a brief daily topical outline in addition to the course description to help us understand our course content more deeply.
2. We will now have one session each semester (instead of two) with 5, 8, 10 week course options. (Fall 2025 Calendar and Spring 2026 Calendar)
3. Enrollment limits will be determined by the type of course, course format, and location.
4. 5-Week Courses and Salon now have their own separate proposal form and will be required to fill out all information for their Guest Lecturers within the form.
5. ALFA Community Instructor/Facilitator "Stipends" will now be referred to as "Honorariums".
6. All ALFA Community Instructors/Facilitators will now be required to fill out the following:
   • W-9 (if accepting the Honorarium)
   • ALFA Community Instructor Agreement
   • CORI/SORI forms (Background check information)

New Instructors

We are always looking for local, community experts in their field to teach for ALFA! Please submit a course proposal and then submit (ASAP) the following supplemental material to alfa@fitchburgstate.edu. If you do not submit the following information, we may not consider your course proposal.

• A photo of yourself to accompany your bio in the brochure
• Resume (Fitchburg State Faculty do not need to complete this step)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be submitted electronically directly by the reference person to alfa@fitchburgstate.edu. (Fitchburg State Faculty do not need to complete this step)

When choosing new instructors or when deciding to run a new course with ALFA, we are looking for a combination of the following qualifications:

• Official credentials in the specific field or subject matter that you are looking to teach
• Extensive and specific experience in the topic
• Prior experience teaching this topic to others
• References that can speak specifically to your experience and expertise on a topic

ALFA often receives more course requests than there are slots of courses. Submitting a course proposal does not mean that the course will automatically run. There are many factors that are considered when deciding on which courses will run each semester. Thank you for understanding!

ALFA Weekly Course Schedule Example

Honorarium Information and Required Paperwork

Teaching for ALFA is primarily a volunteer position. Depending on your relationship to Fitchburg State University, you may be eligible to receive an honorarium of alternative compensation for your work. 

Acceptance is optional. Some presenters choose to waive their Honorarium.

Full Time Fitchburg State Faculty
Full-time Fitchburg State faculty are eligible to receive a 1 credit load reduction.

Fitchburg State Staff
Currently, Fitchburg State Staff are not eligible to receive an honorarium due to State Conflict of Interest Laws. 

ALFA Community Instructors
Community Instructors who are not full-time Fitchburg State employees are eligible to receive an honorarium for their work.

• 5-Week | 1.5 Hr./Week Course =  $250 Honorarium
• 8-Week | 1 Hr./Week  Course =  $250 Honorarium
• 10-Week | 1.5 Hr./Week = $500 Honorarium

Sometimes these are adjusted if you have a special schedule OR if you or your organization has a special arrangement with us. If your course has more than one facilitator, this honorarium is split equally. To receive your honorarium from Fitchburg State University, you will need to:

• Fill out a W-9 Form and a vendor account will be created for you. For legal tax purposes, this form does require your social security number.
• You will receive this form via email and will be required to complete and return it ASAP

Honorariums are processed soon after the last day of your class. 

Required Paperwork
In addition to the W-9 listed above, once a course is accepted, all ALFA Community Instructors are required to complete the following paperwork:

• ALFA Community Instructor Agreement
• CORI/SORI forms (Background check information)

Course Proposal Forms

If you would like to teach for ALFA in one of the upcoming sessions, please submit a course proposal by submitting the appropriate form. 

Course Proposals are typically available to be filled out starting in mid to late January.  When they are available, links will be provided below. 

Proposal Submission Deadlines:

• Fall proposals are always due by April 15
• Spring Proposals are always due by September 1

Community Instructors Form: (if you are a full time Fitchburg State faculty member, see below):

• ALFA Community Instructor: Fall 2025 Course Proposal Form
• ALFA Community Instructor: Spring  2026 Course Proposal Form
• ALFA Community Instructor: 5-Part Series and Salon Course Proposal Form (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026)

Fitchburg State Faculty:

Please use the following Dynamic Form version. This version of the form will go immediately to your department chair, dean, and provost for approval before it is submitted to ALFA.

*Please note that there is only one form for both spring and fall for Fitchburg State faculty.

ALFA Faculty Course Proposal Form - Deadline April 15 for fall and September 1 for spring. 

Course proposals are received until the deadline. Once we have received all of the courses, we will send out course schedule confirmations within a few of weeks of the deadline.

Need to know what information to collect before you submit? This document can help! 

We are excited to work with you! Please let us know if you have any questions.