Student Life: Beyond the Classroom

Fitchburg State University maintains that emotional, physical, social and spiritual growth extends beyond the classroom and into the total campus environment. The university offers individuals and groups a variety of avenues for self-discovery and expression. Fitchburg State students who choose to become active in campus life, by accepting new commitments and adding responsibilities, often find avenues which will direct them toward their career and other life goals. They develop significant, enduring relationships with faculty, administrators, and other students, thus establishing a support network for years to come.

New Student Orientation

Mission:

The mission of Fitchburg State University’s incoming first-year and transfer student orientation program is to facilitate the transition of new students by laying the foundation for a strong, compelling, and cohesive student culture. This foundation will support our students throughout their academic career by connecting them to the institution, by helping them succeed socially, in their academic programs, and eventually in their careers, and ultimately engage in our campus community as a student and alumni.

Goals of Student Orientation:

The orientation program has three goals. First, it will provide the prospective student a compelling reason to come to the University. A second goal is to facilitate the transition of students to rigorous academic work and active social engagement, all with an eye toward fostering student success. A final goal is to support the parents and guardians of new students.

The orientation program consists of three (3) overnight sessions during the month of June and a three (3) day program in September. All new students receive advance notification and information about the program and are expected to attend.

Housing and Residential Services

On Campus Housing

Fitchburg State University offers a variety of housing options within the six residence halls/complexes. The halls range from traditional residence halls, high-rise buildings, suites and apartment style units. Each hall/complex has its own unique attributes but they all provide a place to socialize, interact with peer students and, most importantly, a place to study. Living on campus is also very affordable when considering all the amenities included in the housing agreement, including but not limited to utilities and maintenance. All residence hall rooms are connected to the university wireless network. There are a mix of offerings between Twin XL beds and full size beds in Mara Village.  All residence halls are located conveniently on the perimeter of the main campus. Each building is staffed with a hall director and staff of student Resident Assistants (RAs). These individuals are available to assist students in working out living arrangements, guide residents in adjusting to campus life, and serve as educational and social programmers, building managers, and resource/referral aides. There is Housing staff available in offices or on call 24/7 throughout the academic and calendar year. Additional questions regarding on-campus housing should be directed to Housing and Residential Services at housing@fitchburgstate.edu or calling 978-665-3219.

Parking Services

Parking Regulations

Fitchburg State University provides parking facilities for more than 1,600 vehicles. The university requires that all vehicles utilizing the parking facilities must display a valid permit. Permits may be obtained at Housing and Residential Services, located in Aubuchon Hall. The Parking Committee reviews policy and planning related to parking functions for the university and includes student, faculty, and staff representatives. The current, Parking Lot Maps and Parking Rules and Regulations are available online and in hard copy at the Housing & Residential Services and University Police Department.  For more information please visit www.fitchburgstate.edu/parking/.

Disability Parking Permit

Persons with a disability are required to have a state issued parking placard/plate for a temporary or permanent disability (issued by the RMV) in order to use accessible campus parking spaces. Please refer to the campus parking map for available locations.

Fitchburg State University Shuttle Bus and Additional Parking

Administrative Services oversees the university shuttle service which continuously transports students, staff and faculty to and from the Wallace Civic Center parking lot (John Fitch Highway) and the main campus. The Fitchburg State University parking shuttle operates on class days during the academic year, non-stop. The schedule for shuttle service is as follows:

EXCEPTIONS: Sundays preceding a holiday—no service

Thanksgiving Recess—service will end at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The University provides shuttle tracking via the mobile website during the academic year.  You can see up-to-date locations on our shuttles by browsing to: http://m.fitchburgstate.edu and selecting the Shuttles link.

Expanded MART Service reaches into the Community

Fitchburg State University has partnered with MART to provide free, comprehensive transportation service for all Fitchburg State students. You will be amazed where your Student ID will bring you throughout the Fitchburg/Leominster area. At a nominal fee, there is additional MART service to Gardner. Services run Monday–Saturday (for more details visit: www.mrta.us/)

Parking Services

Parking Services strives to create a pleasant experience for all community members and visitors. Permits may be obtained at the Housing and Residential Services Office, located in Aubuchon Hall. Parking Permits or a Guest Permit is required for any parking lots on the Main and McKay campus. Permits are not required at the Wallace Civic Center but highly encouraged. The Wallace Civic Center is a remote parking location (10-12 minute walk from the main campus). Free shuttle service is available between the Wallace Civic Center and the main campus. 

The university is not responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles while parking in lots on the main campus or at the Civic Center. Proper display of a permit provides support for follow-up if needed. For more information please visit www.fitchburgstate.edu/parking/.

Motorist Assists

Dead batteries and keys locked in vehicles are events with which Campus Police can provide assistance. Call (978) 665-3111 or use an emergency call box.

Student Development, Organizations, and Volunteer Center

Student Development and Hammond Campus Center

The Office of Student Development and Campus Center coordinates co-curricular programs and activities, and the operations of the Hammond Campus Center. The office is committed to enhancing students’ educational experiences through the development of, and participation in diverse programs and leadership activities. The Hammond Campus Center strives to serve as the focal point of the campus, bringing together members of the Fitchburg State community.

The Office of Student Development and Campus Center is the hub of extracurricular events on campus. The office is committed to the principles of leadership development, enhancing student life outside the classroom, and to providing cultural and social opportunities. The office maintains many resources regarding university student organizations and the numerous opportunities open to individual students.

Student Organizations

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Fitchburg State University Student Government Association (SGA) empowers the Student Body and represents their issues and concerns. SGA promotes greater civic and political involvement by being an active resource and partner to the Fitchburg State University community and beyond.

As the official voice of the students, the Student Government Association plays two important roles for the student body:

• Participates in campus wide committees as well as state and national student organizations
• Governs the many committees responsible for student affairs, activities, and clubs

The governing body of SGA is the Senate, which is comprised of thirty two (32) senators. Elections for positions on these boards are held every spring for the upper class members and in the fall for first-year students.

The SGA offers a number of services to its members, including governance, photocopying, and mail services. Student participation is welcomed and encouraged.

Clubs, Fraternities, Sororities, and Other Groups

The university is proud to support a wide variety of student organizations that encompass a broad spectrum of interests that foster social connection and a sense of belonging. Participation in student organizations is encouraged to round out the academic experience and develop skills which will last a lifetime.

Membership in university clubs and organizations is open to all full-time and part-time Fitchburg State University students who have paid the student activities fee. All executive board members (according to their constitution) of SGA and clubs and organizations must hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each semester and 2.5 overall. For meeting times and locations, contact the Office of Student Development and Campus Center.

A list of the organizations on campus includes:

Academic (8)
Biology and Chemistry Club
Business Society
Criminal Justice Club
Entrepreneurship Club
Exercise and Sports Science Club
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Club
Student Nurses Association
Writing Club

Cultural & Spiritual (8) 
African Student Association
Black Student Union
Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship
Carribean Student Association
First Love
Gay Straight Alliance
Latin American Student Organization
Salvation International Prayer Youth Ministry

Governing (3)
Greek Council
Panhellenic
Student Government Association

Greek (5)
Alpha Sigma Tau
Phi Sigma Sigma
Sigma Pi
Sigma Sigma Sigma
Sigma Tau Gamma

Honor Societies (3)
Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)
Kappa Delta Pi (Education)
Sigma Beta Delta (Business)

Performance & Media (6) 
Film and Media Club
Fitchburg State University Dance Club
FSU Musical Theater Club
Improv Club
Media Content Creators Club
WXPL 91.3 FM Fitchburg State Radio

Service & Wellness (2)
Rescue Squad
Fitchburg United Club

Special Interest (7)
Crafter’s Club
Fitchburg Activities Board
Minecraft Club
Pokémon Society
Role Playing Guild
Smash Club
Zomba Club

Sports & Recreation (5)
Billiards Club
Cheerleading
Lacrosse Club
Outdoor Adventure Club
Volleyball Club

Athletics

The Fitchburg Falcons varsity teams have enjoyed national and regional recognition as highly competitive NCAA Division III teams. The 17 varsity teams represent men and women in both indoor and outdoor competition.

Fitchburg State University is a charter member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), which includes seven other state colleges.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, composed of students and co-chaired by the assistant director of athletics, provides direction and insight to meet the interests, needs, and abilities of the student body in concert with Title IX and gender equity. The committee also develops community service opportunities for all student athletes.

The university offers three seasons of intercollegiate varsity competition as follows: 

Fall Season

Competition runs from early September through early November.

• Men: football, soccer, cross-country
• Women: soccer, field hockey, cross-country, volleyball

Winter Season

Competition runs from November to early March; practice starts in late October or early November.

• Men: hockey, basketball, indoor track
• Women: basketball, indoor track

Spring Season

Competition runs from late March through early May. Baseball, softball, and lacrosse practices start in early February. Track and field practice starts once indoor track has finished its season.

• Men: track and field, baseball
• Women: track and field, softball, lacrosse

 Information regarding preseason tryouts and team meetings is available in the Athletic Department and on the Athletic Department Web site at www.fitchburgfalcons.com.

Athletic Eligibility

Students who wish to participate on intercollegiate teams must be full-time students in good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate degree, defined as successful completion of:

• 24 semester hours of course work prior to entering their third full-time semester
• 48 semester hours of course work prior to entering their fifth full-time semester
• 72 semester hours of course work prior to entering their seventh full-time semester

Full or part-time status shall be determined by the end of the add/drop period. Students are required to successfully complete 24 semester hours of course work during their previous two full-time semesters to remain eligible. See the Academic Policies and Procedures section for academic requirements. In addition to Fitchburg State University academic requirements, students must meet the requirements of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).

Recreation Services

We devote ourselves to making sure your experience at the Recreation Center is an exceptional one.  Within our Fitness Center and throughout the building, we have quality cardio and weight equipment for you to use.  In addition, we have all the equipment you may need for your chosen activity at the front desk.  All you need is your One Card to check out equipment (indoor or outdoor). 

The Recreation Center also includes an indoor running track, aerobics studio, spin room, racquetball court and gymnasium.  The gym is host to many popular activities, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball and badminton. 

To learn more about facility hours, group exercise and recreational programming, visit us at www.fitchburgfalcons.com.  We’ll see you at the Rec Center soon!

Student Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

Fitchburg State University recognizes that students or guests, as members of society and citizens of the United States of America, are entitled to respect, consideration, and guaranteed freedoms of speech, assembly, and association under the U.S. Constitution. The university further recognizes the students’ right within the institution to freedom of inquiry and the responsible use of the services and facilities of the university.

Students at Fitchburg State University have a responsibility to act in a manner that promotes the well-being, respect, safety, and security of all members of the university community. Behavior, whether on or off-campus, that calls into question a student’s suitability as a member of the academic community, or places university members at risk, will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action ranging from a warning to dismissal.

The complete text of the Student Code of Conduct is available online and in print form at the Office of Student Affairs.

Good Neighbor Policy

Students who reside in or visit the university neighborhood are expected to demonstrate respect and concern for all members of the local community. As such, Fitchburg State University expects students to demonstrate responsible citizenship in the local neighborhood by participating in any of the several community service opportunities available for students. Contact the Douglas and Isabella Crocker Center for Community Service for more information.

To support the goal of being good neighbors, the following conduct (and any other of a like sort) will not be tolerated and will constitute violations of university policy for which students are subject to being disciplined whether the conduct occurs on or off the campus:

• Making excessive or unreasonable noise
• Sponsoring parties for profit (the illegal sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, which may include the use of tickets, T-shirts, mugs, cups and/or any other items as a price or condition of admission)
• Sponsoring excessively large parties
• Serving alcohol to minors
• Disorderly conduct, harassment of neighbors, defacing or damaging property, throwing objects out windows
• Public drinking, public urination
• Using, selling, or distributing illegal drugs
• Interfering with the city of Fitchburg Police Department or utility agencies in the performance of their duties
• Using, selling, manufacturing, or distributing fake IDs

Students who violate university policy and/or federal, state, or local law and, by so doing, call into question their suitability as members of the university community, are subject to disciplinary action in addition to the appropriate body of federal, state, or local law. If found responsible, students are subject to sanctions up to and including loss of residence or suspension or dismissal from the university.