Our orientation programs are designed to prepare our incoming Falcons to get off to a great start in their time at Fitchburg State. These activities will familiarize you with what to expect from your on-campus experiences, from the classroom to the campus center, whether you're living in one of our residence halls or commuting. You will also learn about the array of support services we have created to help you achieve all of your goals at the university.
We are looking forward to your arrival. The Falcon Experience will continue to assist you with your transition; introducing resources, reviewing expectations, and providing opportunities to connect with peers.
Fall Orientation
Resident Students - New Student/First Year move-in is Monday, September 4 (Labor Day). Housing and Residential Service will communicate details.
Mandatory fall orientation, the Falcon Experience will be on the quad Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday, September 6.
Commuter Students - Please join the mandatory fall orientation. Additional information has been sent to students.
Monday, Sept. 4
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Great Move-In, starting from Wallace Civic Center
- 11 a.m. - Light lunch, Hammond Street Level
- 4 p.m. - Falcon Nest/BBQ, main quad
- 6 p.m. - Small group meetings, on the Quad
- 7 p.m. - After the Fire, Weston Auditorium
- 9 p.m. - Resident Hall Floor Meetings, in individual residence halls
- 10 p.m. Ice Cream Social, in residence halls
Tuesday, Sept. 5
- 7:30 to 9 a.m. - New student breakfast, Holmes Dining Commons
- 8 a.m. - Commuter check-in and parking permits, Holmes Dining Commons
- 8:45 a.m. - Official welcome, Holmes Dining Commons
- 9 a.m. - Small group introductions, on the Quad
- 10 a.m. Block I (group rotations)
- Campus Safety
- I Am Fitchburg
- Student Life
- 11:30 a.m. - Lunch (in rotating groups), Holmes Dining Commons
- 1 p.m. Block 2 (group rotations)
- Campus Safety
- I Am Fitchburg
- Student Life
- 2:30 p.m. Block 3 (group rotations)
- Building Habits for Academic Success
- Library 101
- Goosechase
- 4 p.m. Block 4 (group rotations)
- Building Habits for Academic Success
- Library 101
- Goosechase
- 5:30 p.m. - Dinner, Holmes Dining Commons
- 7 to 10 p.m. - Club Hammond, Hammond Hall
Wednesday, Sept. 6
- 8 a.m. - Breakfast, Holmes Dining Commons
- 9 a.m. - Block 5 (group rotations)
- Behind the Post
- Wellness with Natasha Halliday
- Large Group and Classroom Tours
- 11 a.m. - Block 6 (group rotations)
- Behind the Post
- Wellness with Natasha Halliday
- Large Group and Classroom Tours
- 12:30 p.m. - Lunch, Holmes Dining Commons
- 1:30 p.m. - Block 7 (group rotations)
- Behind the Post
- Wellness with Natasha Halliday
- Large Group and Classroom Tours
- 3:30 p.m. - Block 8 (group rotations)
- Behind the Post
- Wellness with Natasha Halliday
- Large Group and Classroom Tours
- 5:30 p.m. - Dinner, Holmes Dining Commons
- 8 p.m. - Welcome Back Event, Quad
All incoming students must complete the on-line orientation (login coming soon). You use your Fitchburg State email and password to access. Note that supporters can complete the orientation as a guest. There is a transfer student tract and an English and Spanish version.
Remember these important dates:
- Monday, September 4 residence halls open for first year students
- Wednesday, September 6 residence halls open for all students
- Classes begin Thursday, September 7 at 8 a.m.
- Join us for Rock the Block (our student activities fair) on Tuesday, September 12 (rain date 9/14)
- November 3, 4, and 5 - Homecoming 2023
Please call the Office of Student Development at 978.665.3160 with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone from the Office of Student Development Staff
Yes. Orientation is an integral part of your success as a student at Fitchburg State University whether you are a resident or a commuter. We ask that you make arrangements so that you can attend both summer and fall orientation dates. You will be learning important information about the University and meeting other new students.
- Pillow
- Twin XL sheets and a blanket or sleeping bag
- Fan (it can get warm)
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- Pen and notebook - optional to take notes
- Shower towel and hand towel
Note that we strongly encourage students, family, and friends to COVID test prior to attending your orientation session. If you test positive, please do not attend and contact us to schedule a different session. We are also asking all students and guests to please bring a mask with you. You will be asked to wear them in certain locations.
Even if you plan to commute, orientation is vital to your success at Fitchburg State University. There will be entertainment as well as informal sessions with your orientation leaders throughout the day and evening that you won't want to miss!
While commuter students will stay overnight during summer orientation, you will not be staying overnight during fall orientation.
The orientation staff is here to help anyone and everyone. If you're a very outgoing person or very shy, we're here to assist in making the students comfortable with their new surroundings. Just ask us and we will be glad to make the appropriate accommodations.
Only authorized participants with orientation and the specific session are allowed to be in the campus residence halls. All unauthorized guests will be asked to leave. The overnight guest policies will be in effect after orientation concludes.
For parents/student supporters we are offering the Falcon Night Stay. For the nominal rate of $90 we are providing housing with the ability to accommodate up to 4 people. This low cost will also include your linen packet. Parking is free and a short walk to the main campus. Register and pay for your one night stay.
Please note that your student's housing assignment will be with their summer orientation cohort on the main campus while your accommodations will be in Simonds Hall apartments. Questions regarding the Falcon Night Stay can be directed to Housing and Residential Services at 978.665.3219 or housing@fitchburgstate.edu.
According to the University bookstore, the average cost of books for one class can be upwards of $75-$100. Some classes have higher costs than others. Depending on the course load and major, books for a semester can average from $300 to $600. Students receive their schedules at summer orientation and advising sessions, and can view textbook information online at the University bookstore website.
If you are having difficulties with setting up your computer, you can call the IT Help Desk at ext. 4500 from any on-campus phone or off campus at 978.665.4500.
It is indeed safe on campus. We operate our own police force with state trained officers to serve and protect the students and members of the University community. If a student or member of the University community has the desire to go off campus, we suggest using a form of the buddy system to reinforce strength in numbers and promote safety. There is also a nightly Student Security Escort Service so students do not have to walk alone on or around campus. Call boxes directly connected to the University Police are located all throughout campus. Security cameras are in the process of being installed as well. For more information, you can visit University Police.
In case of an emergency, there is a trained first response Student Rescue Squad on call 24 hours a day during the school year. If there is an emergency, the rescue squad is dispatched by Campus Police. You can reach them by calling ext. 3111 or 978.665.3111. If the issue is not an emergency, students may visit Community Health Connections, with whom we have partnered to provide comprehensive health care services.
Fitchburg State also distributes emergency messages by phone and email through the Fitchburg State Alert system in regards to the following:
- Campus and regional emergencies
- Snow closures/delays
- Campus opening and closing activities
The information for students living on campus is scheduled to arrive at students' homes early in late July/early August.
Please refer to the Housing and Residential Services page for more information.
No, having a car on campus is not necessary. Fitchburg State works with MART (the regional bus system) to provide free transportation throughout Fitchburg and the surrounding towns with your OneCard. Additionally, there is a van service that makes trips Monday through Thursday to destinations within the area of the University. The van stops at just about any place that a university student would need to go. Destinations consist of but are not limited to: movie theaters, The Mall at Whitney Field, local grocery stores, local banks, Walmart, Target, and more. The van service also picks up and drops off students at the Fitchburg train station on weekends. The MBTA commuter rail station is at the end of North Street, less than a half mile from campus.
Once the orientation program has ended there will be many events for students to attend on campus, as well as bus trips to events off campus. Students can see an update of what's going on by checking out the Student Development website.
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders are carefully selected from some of Fitchburg State University's best students. They are there to answer any question you may have and to aid you through the orientation process. The students range from sophomores to seniors. Some are new to the program this year, while others are returning for their second and third years. These students have gone through rigorous training since February and are excited to welcome you into the Fitchburg State University community.
Julia Ciccolini '25
Staff Assistant
Psychology with minor Neuroscience
jciccol1@student.fitchburgstate.edu
Top left to right: Kervens Blanc, Lucas Boudreau, Cheyenne Coon, Emily Davis, Aubree Hanks
Middle left to right: Mallory Judkins, Nicolas Oliveri, Adriana Padilla Salgado, Seth Rigby, Tyler Sargent
Bottom left to right: Justin Swaine, Jesus Tabares Diaz, Haley Tulip, Casey Wilson
Summer Orientation
Coming soon.
TBD
Transfer Orientation
More information coming spring 2024.
