Fitchburg State University’s Human Services baccalaureate program has been officially reaccredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) through July 2031. First accredited in 1981, Fitchburg State’s Human Services program holds the distinction of being the longest-running continuously accredited human services program in New England, as well as one of the longest-standing accredited programs in the nation. The 2026 decision marks 45 consecutive years of accredited excellence as the program enters its 46th year. “Forty-six years is a remarkable record and a real point of pride for Fitchburg State and our Human Services program,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “I am grateful for the work of the team in Human Services and Academic Affairs for demonstrating the rigor and quality of our program.” "Reaccreditation isn't just a benchmark; it is proof of our faculty's passionate investment in our students and our region," said Provost and Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. "Through their thoughtful curriculum design and mentorship, our Human Services department continues to set the standard for community-engaged higher education." Following an extensive review process and self-study, the CSHSE Board commended the program for numerous strengths, highlighting its robust curriculum in intercultural fluency, its highly qualified faculty, and its extensive field internship requirements – where students complete up to 450 hours of hands-on field experience under master's-level supervisors. Reviewers also noted the university's strong resource support for individuals with disabilities. “For nearly a half-century, our faculty, students, and graduates have been improving the lives of countless individuals and families in Central Massachusetts and beyond,” said Professor and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Richard Wiebe. “We are more than proud of them, and look forward to the next 45 years of their compassionate and dedicated service." The CSHSE accreditation ensures that Fitchburg State's Human Services curriculum meets rigorous national standards for quality, professional preparation, and field education, preparing graduates for impactful careers in social services, advocacy, community organization, and mental health support. For more information about the Human Services program at Fitchburg State University, please visit Fitchburg State Human Services. About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students.

The Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees affirmed the university's progress and direction Wednesday, pointing to stronger enrollment, renewed campus culture, expanded support for students, deeper community connections, and a greater organizational focus as the institution enters the third year of President Donna Hodge's leadership. The discussion came during the Board's annual evaluation of the president, which took place during its first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year and was held at the Fay Club in downtown Fitchburg. Trustees reflected on Hodge's leadership during the past year as well as the broader changes they've seen across the university since she took office in July 2024. "What we've seen over the past two years is clear advancement across Fitchburg State," said Board Chairman Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. "We're seeing stronger teamwork and collaboration, continued attention to affordability and student success, and a university that's increasingly connected to its community and confident in its direction. The Board recognizes President Hodge's leadership in building a strong team, confronting difficult challenges, and creating the conditions for this work to move forward." Trustees cited progress across a range of areas, including enrollment, student experience, organizational culture, academic and operational leadership, and the university's engagement with Fitchburg and the broader North Central Massachusetts region. Among the initiatives highlighted was the Fitchburg Promise, which guarantees tuition and fees for qualifying Fitchburg students attending one of the city's five high schools. Trustees also pointed to investments in student supports, military and veteran learners, campus housing and residential life, and efforts to strengthen the university's leadership and operations. Board members repeatedly emphasized the increasingly collaborative culture across the university, crediting Hodge and her leadership team with strengthening communication, rebuilding trust, and maintaining a consistent focus on students. Hodge said the Board's affirmation reflects work taking place across the entire university. "I'm grateful for the Board's confidence, but what they're affirming is the work of an entire university community," Hodge said. "Our faculty, librarians, staff, students, leadership team, trustees, alumni, and community partners have all helped move Fitchburg State forward. We haven't solved every challenge before us, but we're more focused, more disciplined, more connected to our region, and increasingly more confident about what we can become." Hodge has described the work of her presidency through a progression of stabilizing, healing, and ultimately transforming the institution. In remarks to trustees Wednesday, she reflected on the university's movement from service and stabilization in her first year to greater momentum in the second. "My first year was grounded in service. My second year was about building momentum," Hodge said. "As we enter year three, I find myself thinking more and more about possibility. That means refusing to assume that the current condition of something has to determine its future. We've seen what can happen when a university community puts its shoulder behind something together, and I believe there's much more ahead for Fitchburg State." Trustees pointed to the reopening of Herlihy Hall as one example of that collective work. The residence hall had been taken offline before Hodge's arrival and was reactivated during her first year through collaboration across multiple university divisions, adding residential capacity and helping restore vitality to campus. The university has also advanced a long-planned redevelopment of the downtown Theater Block through a public-private partnership with GFI Partners. The project will transform the site into mixed-use market-rate housing and retail space, while allowing the university to focus its resources and expertise on its core academic mission. Hodge credited those efforts and others to a leadership model grounded in strong teams and shared responsibility. "No piece of this university can flourish if we're not thinking about the whole," Hodge said. "I'm extraordinarily proud of the people leading this institution. They bring expertise, judgment, and commitment to this work every day, and they've had a hand in every measure of progress we're seeing." Fiorentino said the Board remains mindful of the significant pressures facing public higher education and the importance of sustaining that focus. "We've come a long way, and it's encouraging to see where Fitchburg State is today," Fiorentino said. "There are real challenges ahead for higher education, but this university is approaching them from a stronger position. Our responsibility is to stay focused on what's most important: our students, the quality of their education, and the communities we serve." The Board also elected its officers for the coming year Wednesday. Fiorentino was re-elected chair, Trustee Eric Gregoire was elected vice chair, and Trustee David Tiernan was re-elected board clerk.

Registration opens Tuesday, Aug. 11 for Fitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area ( ALFA) fall courses, with offerings that will include an introduction to podcasting, botanical illustration using watercolor, an exploration of musical theater, a review of the role of recent Supreme Court cases, a birding class and rock walk in North Central Massachusetts. There are more courses available, including a look at the impact of economic inequality, the history of Mars exploration, cinematic portrayals of fascism and resistance, and an introduction to ukulele. There are dozens of classes on the calendar, with the full program viewable online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. Most of the classes are taught at the McKay Complex at 67 Rindge Road on the Fitchburg State campus, while others are offered online or at community sites. Registration begins Tuesday, Aug. 11 at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA. ALFA is a lifelong learning program that has served adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. The program provides opportunities for local residents with similar interests to meet in an informal setting and pursue learning for enrichment and personal growth. ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State. Participants are encouraged to provide input and recommendations. Classes are taught by community members and full-time Fitchburg State faculty. Most courses are $45 (and free for students over age 90). A limited number of scholarships are available. See the complete course listing and register online at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. ALFA is always on the lookout for new instructors and new subject matter to share with its participants. Anyone with a specialty that they think others would be interested in should contact the ALFA Office at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu for details about becoming an ALFA instructor. The ALFA office is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any questions call 978-665-3706, or email at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu.

Incoming residential students got a chance to check out their residence hall rooms at Aubuchon Hall and Russell Towers during Fitchburg State’s “First Look Friday” on Aug. 7. Organized by our residence life and admissions staff, the First Look Friday program lets students and families tour amenities, measure rooms, and view their actual living spaces before move-in begins Sunday, Aug. 30. The program launched in 2023 to a great response from future residential students. Attendees got to catch up with friends and roommates, and many hit the Bookstore to load up on Fitchburg State swag in anticipation of the coming semester. University President Donna Hodge and Chief of Staff Matt Bruun also came by to meet students and families. "It was great welcoming our incoming students and their families to campus for First Look Friday,” said Hodge. “Watching students check out their rooms, meet up with roommates, and get a feel for campus life is always a highlight. We're glad this program helps families prepare for the upcoming move-in, and we look forward to seeing everyone back here at the end of the month."

Fitchburg State University recently welcomed community members, educators, and families to the Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge for the annual Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) Experiential Learning Student Showcase. The interactive event celebrated the hard work, creativity, and academic growth of local high school students following an intensive five-week summer initiative. The showcase served as the capstone for participants in the program’s six-week Summer Academy Residential Program. Funded through a federal grant, UBMS serves 62 potential first-generation college students from low-to-moderate-income backgrounds across local partner schools, including Fitchburg High School, Leominster High School, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech), and St. Bernard’s High School. While living on campus at Fitchburg State this summer, participants engaged in STEM enrichment, community service, and academic advising designed to mirror the college experience. At the center of the exhibition was the College Readiness Project. Over the past five weeks, students moved from project conception to final creation, working within a small budget on a passion project of their own choosing. Each student-driven project required integration across core disciplines – English, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Presenters researched and wrote formal APA-style papers, built tangible products, and delivered professional presentations to showcase attendees. "Our goal is to offer students opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have, giving them insight into careers and experiences they will encounter in college," said Fitchburg State University Director of UBMS Nate Obin. "The project timeframe mimics what they will experience as college students. They learn APA formatting, time management, financial literacy, and presentation skills, while building resilience and critical thinking." Now in its second year, the College Readiness Project model challenges students to balance study time with personal commitments, while building confidence in higher-education expectations. When Fitchburg High senior Iian Dumlao first joined Upward Bound Math & Science three years ago, public speaking and self-advocacy felt nearly impossible. Through self-directed STEM projects – like teaching himself computer science, coding, and electronics – and stepping out of his comfort zone, he underwent a dramatic personal transformation. “Not everything about computer science and teaching yourself how to code has to be serious,” said Dumlao, whose project focused on the development of a raspberry pi-based graphical user interface inspired by the video game and television series, Fallout . “Literally, you can take any concept and turn it into this. Everyone else is doing academic projects – that’s wonderful – but I took a non-academic thing and turned it into academic by teaching myself how to code, teaching myself math principles within code, and how to work with electronics.” Dumlao said that when he first started in the program, he was quiet all the time. “But my first summer here helped me realize that there’s more to life than just being quiet,” said Dumlao. “People love it when you interact with them. It helped me become a new person and it helped me build my confidence with making friends with other people.” That confidence showed up in his presentation skills. “Years ago if I did this, I would have been sweating, stressing and crying the entire time,” said Dumlao. “Now I’m here and able to do public speaking like nobody’s business. The benefits of this program are it helps you build your confidence, it prepares you for college readiness. I recommend this program to anybody and everybody.” Leominster High junior Nalia Rivera initially walked through the doors convinced that this program wouldn't be for her. However, the supportive atmosphere quickly reshaped her expectations, introducing her to a strong community and new wellness habits. “My experience has honestly been amazing,” said Rivera, who presented the benefits of yoga. “I came into this with a very small mindset that I wasn’t going to like it here, but I walked in and met some amazing people. I’m so grateful for this program because I’ve met some of my lifelong friends.” A three-year veteran of the Upward Bound Math & Science program, Jayden Jones – a senior at Leominster High – has used his time to blend creative problem-solving with meaningful personal connection. Whether tackling everyday challenges like the rising cost of fishing lures by engineering cheaper alternatives or engaging with his peers, his focus remains on growth. “I love the overall community that you build here,” said Jones, who presented his fishing tackle company, J. Jones Lures. “You get to understand different people and how they live and learn their backstories, which makes you grow as a person.” While many students dream of attending college, navigating the path to higher education can feel overwhelming. For Michoki Kabaya, Upward Bound Math & Science bridged the gap between ambition and action by providing real-world exposure to campus life and college preparation. “The Upward Bound Math & Science program has really just broadened my learning on what university is and what it means to me,” said Kabaya, a junior at Fitchburg High. “Obviously I want to get into a good college, but I didn’t know how. The staff has helped me with college trips, being on campus, and being able to live on campus to see what it’s like.” Kabaya’s showcase project examined the effects of demographic exclusion on sunscreen development and inclusivity. “I hope they understand the importance of sunscreen,” said Kabaya. “I want them to take away how important using sunscreen is.” Guests spent the afternoon circulating through the Main Lounge, engaging directly with student presenters, asking questions about their experiments, and viewing their creative displays firsthand. "Each of these projects was completely unique and centered on the student's personal interests," said Obin. "We look forward to continuing this impactful model as we enter year five of our grant." Upward Bound Math & Science is a federally funded TRiO program designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating high school students. The program’s goal is to encourage students to recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science, inspiring them to pursue postsecondary degrees and careers in STEM fields. For additional information, visit the Fitchburg State Upward Bound Math & Science Program website.