- Fitchburg State University will host a summer institute this August for K-12 and college educators to help them prepare students with lessons on news and information literacy. The free conference is also open to those interested in learning more about the role of quality journalism in a healthy democracy. The program will include a keynote address by Northeastern University School of Journalism Professor Dan Kennedy entitled “What Works: The Future of Local News” at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St. The address is free and open to the public. Kennedy’s teaching focuses on opinion journalism, media ethics and the future of local news. With Ellen Clegg, Kennedy hosts a website and podcast, “What Works: The Future of Local News.” The two have also co-authored a same-titled book on the subject. The journalism conference happening Aug. 12-14 is led by Associate Professors Kyle Moody and J.J. Sylvia of the Communications Media Department, Associate Professor Wafa Unus and Assistant Professor Collin Syfert of the English Studies Department, Head of Instruction and Information Literacy at the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, Renee Fratantonio, and Professor Paul Weizer of the Economics, History, and Political Science Department. This team of faculty members has jointly led various initiatives on news and information literacy over the past several years. Learn more about the conference and register at fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-schools/school-arts-and-sciences/communications-media-department/summer-institute-journalism-education. State educators who register for the conference are also eligible for a stipend. This includes K-12 educators, college and community college instructors, and emeritus faculty. In addition to the keynote with Dan Kennedy, sessions will include Fitchburg Access Television Executive Director Nathan Glenny, Sentinel & Enterprise Editor Brendan Lewis, Worcester Telegram & Gazette Editor Mike Elfland, Harvard Press Editor John Osborn and Dr. Zahed Arman of Framingham State University. “Our objective is to offer an advanced course in developing news and information literacy lessons and courses for educators,” said Moody, whose own scholarly work has included an exploration of “fake news” in the social media age. “We will provide teaching materials and networking opportunities for educators interested in addressing issues of news literacy within their institutions.” Unus, one of the co-creators of Fitchburg State’s political journalism minor, alongside Political Science professor Paul Weizer, has advocated for the importance of local journalism and the dangers of emerging “news deserts.” She said she is hopeful the institute will help foster an appreciation for the importance of journalism to healthy communities. “The success of local journalism is dependent on community support in more ways than subscriptions and cheerleading. In order for local news to survive, the community needs to better understand its value and the impact of its loss,” she said. “By helping grade school educators provide substantive news and information literacy instruction, we are hoping to reshape the way in which future consumers of news engage with information, thus allowing for the intended outcome - a better informed citizenry with the requisite knowledge to make decisions critical to the functioning of our democracy. “When I’ve given fake news talks across the Commonwealth, I’m struck by the extent to which media literacy needs to be taught and engaged with by our democratic citizens,” added Moody. “This summer institute gives us the opportunity to help our fine educators learn and apply those media literacy skills to the next generation of voters and news consumers.” Those interested in learning more about the conference should contact Moody at kmoody4@fitchburgstate.edu or Unus at wunus@fitchburgstate.edu.
- Registration opens Aug. 6 for ALFA fall 2024 coursesRegistration opens Tuesday, Aug. 6 for Fitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) fall courses, with offerings that will include an exploration of book bans and censorship, a look at the eventful 2023-24 term of the U.S. Supreme Court, and an introduction to the origin of the universe itself. There will also be a five-part, online series about artificial intelligence (AI), exploring its impact on our understanding of the world and its systems. Another online series will focus on Africa and its unique geography, history and culture. There are dozens of classes on the calendar, with the full program viewable online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. ALFA is a lifelong learning institute that serves adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities. ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State in collaboration with volunteer members of the community. It offers non-credit daytime classes, trips, special events, and a free speaker series. ALFA students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in program leadership and development, as well as social and recreational activities. Most courses are $45 (and free for students over age 90). A limited number of scholarships are available. The fall courses include fitness classes, nature hikes, and group trips. 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 students. Anyone with a specialty that they think others would be interested in should contact the program directors at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu for details about becoming an ALFA instructor. Also, direct any questions to the ALFA office at 978-665-3706, or email at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu.
- Hodge reports for duty as 12th presidentPresident Lapidus and incoming President Hodge greeted faculty, librarians, staff and students at an ice cream social on June 25. Donna Hodge, PhD, officially began her tenure as the 12th president of Fitchburg State University on Monday, July 1. Dr. Hodge was selected by the university’s Board of Trustees this April following a national search. She comes to Fitchburg from Colorado State University Pueblo, where she was Vice President of Operations & Advancement since 2021. Her experience at the institution also included service as chief strategy officer and tenured faculty member. Dr. Hodge succeeds Richard S. Lapidus, who retired last week following nine years at Fitchburg State. “I am honored to serve this vibrant and dynamic institution and am deeply committed to continuing the Fitchburg State legacy of excellence,” Dr. Hodge wrote in a welcome message to the campus on Monday. “First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Rich Lapidus, who has served our campus with dedication and vision since 2015. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Fitchburg State through significant growth and development. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his unwavering commitment to our university.” Dr. Hodge met with a variety of campus and community constituents during President Lapidus’ final week on campus, and is already preparing for the coming academic year. “As we look ahead, state public institutions face numerous challenges and opportunities,” she said. “We must navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring that we provide accessible, high-quality education to all our students while fostering innovation and inclusivity. Make no mistake, while our work will require the best of all of us, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of Fitchburg State University. Together, we will address these challenges head-on and seize the opportunities to enhance our institution and positively impact our community.”
- Police program hosts family orientationWhile the 10 members of Fitchburg State University’s seventh police program cohort continue their summer academy training, campus leaders welcomed family members this week to give them insights into what their sons and daughters are experiencing. The members of the 7th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) completed their bachelor’s degrees in May and days later began a rigorous 17-week academy that includes skills training, physical conditioning and additional coursework. In September, they will cross the stage at Weston Auditorium as certified police officers ready to report for duty at municipal departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states. Most of them have already been hired. The orientation program allowed family and friends of the recruits a chance to meet the academy staff and other university leaders who described the program and its blend of academic and tactical development. Auburn Police Sgt. Dan Lamoreaux said the academy’s drill instructors include police officers with an average of 18 years’ experience, and a combined 129 years of service to the profession. He said the solid educational foundation the members of Fitchburg State’s program have received is apparent. “They are the smartest recruits I have ever seen,” Sgt. Lamoreaux said. Academy Director Ola Wysocki thanked the family members for the support they continue to offer their students, and reminded them they will need it as they enter a stressful but rewarding profession. “Thank all of you, because their (career) choice affects all of you for the rest of their lives,” she said. “Thank you for supporting them and their goals for the betterment of all of us.” Among the family members in attendance were Richard and Susan Lee of Billerica, whose son, Robert, is a member of the 7th ROC. He will be the fourth generation of his family to serve the profession. “He’s wanted this since he was 14,” said Richard Lee, a retired police officer from UMass Boston and Northeastern University police departments. His father and grandfather were members of the Boston Police Department. “We’re proud of him,” said Susan Lee, who was also a police officer at UMass Boston before raising her children. The 7th ROC will graduate on Friday, Sept. 13.
- University, Fitchburg Public Schools renew Honors CompactFrom left, Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jonathan Thompson, Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus and Fitchburg Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Glenda Colon discussed continuing collaborations at the Honors Compact signing. Leaders at Fitchburg State University and the Fitchburg Public Schools renewed the Honors Compact that gives students enrolled at Fitchburg High School’s Honors Academy priority admission to the university as well as access to campus courses, facilities and scholarships. “Fitchburg State’s core principles include access and affordability, and collaborations like the Honors Compact allow Fitchburg students to achieve college credit while still in high school and to see the opportunities for excellence Fitchburg State can offer them,” said University President Richard S. Lapidus, who is retiring this month after nine years at the institution. “I am proud that this program will continue to benefit Fitchburg’s students for years to come.” “Fitchburg Public Schools is thankful to Fitchburg State University for continuing the Honors Compact,” said Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jonathan Thompson. “Over the last 11 years we’ve partnered to provide students with expanded early college opportunities, access to Fitchburg State resources and priority admission to the university. We are looking forward to providing our students with increased college opportunities in the incoming years.” “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fitchburg State University for their continued partnership with Fitchburg Public Schools,” said Fitchburg Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Glenda Colón. “Through the early college program, they have provided our high school students with invaluable access to college-level courses and numerous scholarship opportunities. This collaboration has been instrumental in realizing our vision of expanding access and opportunities for our students, and we deeply appreciate their commitment and support.” The agreement extends a compact first signed in the fall of 2013 and repeatedly renewed. Since its last renewal in 2020, 43 Honors Academy students have enrolled at Fitchburg State, including 16 who entered its Honors Program. The students have been awarded a total of $160,000 in scholarships thanks to the Honors Compact, completing 870 credits of coursework at the university with a cumulative 3.61 grade point average. Through the compact, Honors Academy students are granted priority admission to Fitchburg State as well as access to university resources and expanded early college opportunities. Students who go on to enroll in the Fitchburg State Honors Program are guaranteed the annual $2,000 Honors Scholarship and an additional $1,000 scholarship each year because of the Honors Compact.
- Spring 2024 dean's and president's listsFitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List and President's List for the Spring 2024 semester. A student is placed on the Dean’s List for the semester if an average grade of 3.20 or better is attained, and the student is attending the university full time. View the Spring 2024 Dean's List. The President’s List honors students for consistently high academic achievement. A student is named to the list after achieving a 3.75 average in each of three successive semesters. View the Spring 2024 President's List.
- New interdisciplinary creative arts majors launch this fallTwo new undergraduate majors launching this fall at Fitchburg State University will open career pathways in the arts and healthcare fields, providing students with strong interdisciplinary skills to respond to high-needs sectors of the statewide and regional economies. The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education recently approved the university’s new bachelor’s degree programs in creative arts therapies and creative arts enterprise, making Fitchburg State the first public institution in the commonwealth to offer such degree paths. “These innovative programs have been designed to respond to evolving career trajectories for university graduates and will foster skills development spanning disciplines,” University President Richard S. Lapidus said. “We are grateful to the Board of Higher Education for recognizing the value of these unique programs that will allow Fitchburg State graduates to engage fully and meaningfully in emerging fields.” The professional major in creative arts therapies (CAT) is designed for students interested in learning how modalities of drama, music, and visual art are utilized in working with children and adults in a variety of settings. The major combines the student’s chosen arts focus with pre-professional coursework in human services and psychological science, preparing them for graduate study as well as entry-level positions as recreational therapists, activities directors, and assistant/technician roles in education and mental health counseling. The creative arts enterprise (CAE) program equips individuals to be active and engaged artist entrepreneurs and practitioners across a variety of contexts. Its coursework allows students to develop a personalized and flexible set of skills, preparing them to meet the diverse demands of arts organizations and audiences in a shifting global economy. Students in the major will expand their knowledge of administration, publicity, and entrepreneurship through coursework in business, professional writing, and marketing communications while simultaneously honing their artistic skills as musicians, visual artists, or theatrical artists. This twofold approach prepares students for careers as active artists who are equipped to meet the administrative, promotional, and business needs of various types of arts organizations, including theaters, orchestras, choirs, galleries, museums, studios, churches, and more. The new programs will be offered as Fitchburg and the North Central Massachusetts region is experiencing a renaissance in its cultural economy, with partner agencies including the Fitchburg Art Museum and NewVue Communities. Major projects in development include the Fitchburg Arts Community on Elm Street that will include 68 units of artist live-work space in the heart of downtown, as well as Fitchburg State’s plans to revitalize the long-vacant theater at 717 Main St. into state of the art performance and rehearsal space.
- Hodge confirmed as Fitchburg State's 12th presidentThe Massachusetts Board of Higher Education formally approved the appointment of Donna Hodge as the 12th president of Fitchburg State University at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. The board’s action followed a vote by the Fitchburg State Board of Trustees on April 30 to appoint Dr. Hodge to succeed President Richard S. Lapidus, who is retiring this month after nine years leading the institution. Dr. Hodge will join Fitchburg State from Colorado State University Pueblo, where she was most recently its Vice President of Operations and Advancement. Her tenure at that campus includes service as chief strategy officer and tenured faculty member. She was appointed to the Fitchburg State post following a national search. “I am excited to join the Fitchburg State community and support its vital mission,” Dr. Hodge said. “As I witnessed firsthand during my time on campus, Fitchburg State has been a cornerstone of the city and region for 130 years. I look forward to working with the talented team of faculty, librarians, staff and administrators to support our students as they pursue their educational and personal goals, and I am honored to help the University chart its future path.” "Dr. Hodge will bring exceptional experience to Fitchburg State University," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. "I commend Fitchburg State and the presidential search committee for identifying the best candidate to meet the opportunities ahead for the University, and I look forward to welcoming Dr. Hodge to our outstanding public higher education system here in Massachusetts." Established in 1894, Fitchburg State enrolls day and evening students in more than 50 programs of undergraduate and graduate study. Learn more at fitchburgstate.edu.
- Falcons abroad in Summer 2024More than 30 Fitchburg State University students are visiting Europe this summer on faculty-led voyages that span numerous academic disciplines. Much of the cost to students has been covered by over $82,000 in scholarships provided by the Fitchburg State University Foundation. The foundation is also sponsoring $18,000 in faculty stipends for the trips. Professor Eric Budd of the Economics, History and Political Science Department departed with students for Ireland on May 19 for a course on peace studies. The 10-day visit marks the culmination of a semester-long course that was taught on campus. Another group departed for Verona, Italy on May 21 with Professor Daniel Sarefield of the Economics, History and Political Science Department and Professor Rala Diakite of the Humanities Department. Students there will be studying Italian history, language and culture in classroom space at the University of Verona as well as excursions to other sites. On June 7, students are scheduled to go to Greece with Professor J.J. Sylvia IV and Professor Kevin McCarthy of the Communications Media Department, where coursework will explore the relationship between the art of persuasion, truth, and democracy in ancient Greece, along with an introduction to travelogue filmmaking. Fitchburg State’s faculty-led study abroad courses are held during Spring break, after graduation in May or over the summer, ranging in duration from one to three weeks. Each faculty-led program is unique, but generally meets on campus before the trip, and once or twice after returning from traveling. Thanks to generous donor support, the university is able to offer a number of scholarships to defray costs to students seeking to study abroad. The university will be sharing posts from the Summer 2024 travels on its social media channels, including Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about study abroad at Fitchburg State, including faculty-led and third-party opportunities, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/studyabroad.
- Future teachers talk cell phone safety with elementary studentsDuring a recent assembly of third-graders at McKay Elementary School, visiting teacher candidates from Fitchburg State University asked for a show of hands about who had access to internet-connected personal devices. Almost every hand shot upward. That made them an attentive audience for the afternoon’s presentation, which was centered on lessons in Professor Katharine Covino’s co-authored guide “You Got a Phone! (Now Read This Book)” designed to help kids and families navigate the promise and perils of electronic devices. Vivienne Charpentier, majoring in educational studies, read an excerpt about the challenge of feeling like the last person on Earth to have their own phone. “Your phone is really convenient, but sometimes it can cause problems,” she read. “Friends can misunderstand each other or get mad about something probably wouldn’t be a big deal in person. Sometimes it seems like the wrong emoji can start the next world war.” Alyssa St. Cyr, studying elementary education, shared the importance of following rules that parents set about phone use. “Homework first, chores second, and screens third … maybe,” the book states. “If your parent calls or texts, answer them. That’s just basic respect.” Caitlin Moriarty, studying English and secondary education, cautioned that misunderstandings can be common with texting, where important context - like facial expressions or a sarcastic tone - may be missing. Julia Grace Ducharme, also studying English and secondary education, talked about the importance of consent in taking or sharing photos of friends. Following the presentation, after each attending pupil was given a copy of the book to take home, the university students said they were surprised at the prevalence of devices among even young students. “It’s the reality of our world,” Ducharme said. “We have to work as a team, with parents and schools.” The lessons represent an important foundation for healthy device use, said Assistant Principal Katrina Murray. She expressed appreciation for the time the university students spent with the third-graders, and said a similar parent-facing program would also be valuable. Covino said her next book will target that audience. “If that leads to a conversation at home, that’s what we’re looking for,” Murray said. The program was supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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