Fitchburg State University--Student Handbook

Student Handbook 2021–2022

Dear Fitchburg State Student:

The Student Handbook is a source of useful information and a presentation of the

policies we live by at Fitchburg State University. Underlying all of that is a special

falcon spirit that I hope you will discover and come to enjoy. That special falcon spirit

encompasses:

• A community of learners. We focus on learning and growing as members of

the campus community.

• An achievement-orientation. We set goals and then work hard and

consistently to meet them in all facets of the university experience.

• A blending of liberal arts education, preparation for professional life

and student development opportunities. We learn by exploring a broad

range of subjects and develop academic and life long skills through our work in

the classroom, involvement in organizations, participation in campus activities and

activism in the community.

• A sense of civility. We act in a civil way toward each other in our classes, at

meetings, at athletic contests, during activities and events, and in our living

environment. What you bring to Fitchburg State University is important as

well; your goals and aspirations, your special strengths and personality, and

your willingness to do all you can to be an active member of our community.

Participating fully in the life of the university, from the classroom and library to

student activities and special events, is the best way to learn how far you can go.

I’m glad you are here at Fitchburg State University, and I wish you all the best in the

coming academic year.

Sincerely,

Laura A. Bayless, Ph. D.

Vice President of Student Affairs

160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697

978.665.3130

Fax 978-665-4715

[email protected]

Contents

University History & Mission .......................................... 1

Mission Statement .....................................................................2

Vision ...........................................................................................2

Core Values .................................................................................2

Student Representation on Committees .................................. 2

Subject to Change Notice ..........................................................2

Student Rights and Responsibilities ...............................3

All University Committee ...........................................................3

Affirmative Action Statement ...................................................3

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities ........................3

Jury Duty ....................................................................................4

Bill of Rights ................................................................................4

Access to Higher Education .......................................................4

Affirmative Action Policy ...........................................................4

Financial Obligations ..................................................................5

Immunization Requirements .....................................................6

Insurance for Property ...............................................................6

Notification of Student Rights under FERPA ............................6

Campus Resources & Services ........................................9

List of Offices ..............................................................................9

Academic Affairs ........................................................................9

Academic Coaching and Tutoring (ACT) Center

& Placement Testing ........................................................ 10

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library ................................................ 10

Bookstore ..................................................................................11

The Career Services and Advising Center .................................11

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness ..................................... 11

Center for Italian Culture ..........................................................11

Chartwells Dining Services ........................................................12

Counseling Services.................................................................. 13

Disability Services ..................................................................... 13

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE) ............................. 14

Financial Aid .............................................................................. 14

Graduate and Continuing Education ....................................... 15

Housing & Residential Services ............................................... 15

Information Technology .......................................................... 17

International Education ........................................................... 18

Recreation Services .................................................................. 19

Registrar’s Office ......................................................................20

Student Affairs .........................................................................20

Student Accounts ..................................................................... 20

Student Conduct and Case Management ............................... 22

Student Development .............................................................. 22

Student Health Services ...........................................................23

Student Mail Center .................................................................24

TRIO SSS ...................................................................................24

University Police ....................................................................... 24

Veteran’s Center .......................................................................25

Student Organizations .................................................. 27

Student Government Association (SGA) .................................27

Student Clubs and Organizations ............................................28

Recognized Student Organizations ........................................29

Recognition of Student Organizations ...................................33

Criteria Organizations Must Meet to be Recognized ............. 33

Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities

of Recognized Student Organizations ............................34

Intercollegiate Athletics ................................................ 37

Overview ...................................................................................37

Intercollegiate Sports ..............................................................37

Academic Eligibility ..................................................................37

Facilities ....................................................................................38

Fitchburg State University Athletics Sportsmanship Code ....38

Athletic Department Policies ...................................................39

Academic Policies .......................................................... 41

Structure of Academic Deans .................................................. 41

Absences ................................................................................... 41

Advisors .................................................................................... 41

Attendance ............................................................................... 41

Course Registration..................................................................42

Withdrawing from Fitchburg State University .......................42

Academic Standing ..................................................................43

Major Changes ..........................................................................44

Transcripts ................................................................................44

Campus Policies .............................................................45

Academic Integrity Policy ........................................................45

Acceptable Use Computer Policy ........................................... 46

One Card Program Agreement ............................................... 46

End of the Spring Semester Event Policy ................................ 47

Good Neighbor Policy ..............................................................47

Human Studies Policy ............................................................... 47

Non-Discrimination Policy & Affirmative Action Policy ......... 48

Discrimination and Sexual Violence Policy ............................. 48

Policy Against Gambling ......................................................... 49

Policy Against Hazing .............................................................. 49

Poster Policy ............................................................................ 49

Privacy and Confidentiality Regulations .................................50

Raffle Policy ..............................................................................50

Smoking Policy .........................................................................50

Solicitation Policy .....................................................................50

Student Code of Conduct ....................................................... 51

Emergency Transports ............................................................. 51

Student Parking Policy ............................................................. 51

Use of the Quad ....................................................................... 51

Weapons Policy ........................................................................52

Defensive Sprays ...................................................................... 52

A Note on Hoverboards ........................................................... 52

Substance Abuse Policy ................................................. 53

Introduction .............................................................................53

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act................................53

University Alcohol Policy .........................................................53

Federal and State Drug Laws ...................................................55

Drugs and Other Substances ...................................................56

Disciplinary Process ..................................................................56

Parental Notification ................................................................56

AlcoholEDU for College ...........................................................56

Guidelines for Substance Abuse Counseling/Treatment ........56

Health Risks of Substance Abuse ............................................57

Controlled Substances—Uses and Effects .............................57

Phone Directory & Maps ...............................................59

Departments and Offices .........................................................59

Undergraduate Evening Programs ......................................... 60

Graduate Programs ................................................................. 60

Campus Buildings .....................................................................62

Index ...............................................................................63

Established in 1894 by an act of the

Massachusetts Legislature, the State Normal

School in Fitchburg opened in temporary

quarters in the old high school building

on Academy Street. Principal John G.

Thompson, aided by a teaching staff of three,

implemented a two-year teacher training

program for women that had forty-six

participants. In December 1896, the school

expanded into a new building, known as

Thompson Hall, and set up the State Schools

of Observation and Practice in city buildings

on Day Street and Highland Avenue.

In the next decade the school was a

trendsetter for programs in Education. The

Edgerly School opened, originally as an

eighth-grade model and practice school, and

then in 1910, it became one of the first junior

high schools in the United States. The following year the school

initiated the first practical arts teacher training course in the

country for men.

In 1930, the State Normal School was authorized to offer a

bachelor’s degree in practical arts, and in 1932, when it became

the State Teachers College at Fitchburg, four-year degrees were

offered in all areas of education.

Under the auspices of the State Division of University Extension

summer courses were first offered in 1915, marking the beginning

of the college’s commitment to Continuing Education programs.

In 1935, the college was also authorized to establish graduate

programs and in 1954 the first evening courses were offered.

In 1960, the college changed its name and expanded its mission.

The State College at Fitchburg diversified its programs to

include degrees in disciplines other than education. In 1965,

its name was officially changed to Fitchburg State College,

which today offers forty-nine undergraduate degree programs

in eighteen academic departments, over twenty-five Masters

Degree programs, five Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

programs, and nine Graduate Certificate programs, and four

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs. Enrollment is up to

3,100 full-time and 4,000 part-time students, which include

1,100 matriculated graduate students. The campus has expanded

from a single structure on High Street to thirty-two buildings

on ninety acres, becoming the educational center for the

Montachusett region. The college proudly offers traditional and

nontraditional programs to serve the educational needs of its

students as undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education

students.

On July 28, 2010, Gov. Deval L. Patrick signed legislation

establishing a State University system in Massachusetts,

and the institution’s current name—Fitchburg State

University—was enacted.

University History & Mission

Mission Statement

Fitchburg State University is committed to excellence in

teaching and learning and blends liberal arts and sciences and

professional programs within a small college environment. Our

comprehensive public university prepares students to lead, serve,

and succeed by fostering lifelong learning and civic and global

responsibility. A Fitchburg State education extends beyond our

classrooms to include residential, professional, and co-curricular

opportunities. As a community resource, we provide leadership

and support for the economic, environmental, social, and cultural

needs of North Central Massachusetts and the Commonwealth.

Vision

Fitchburg State University will be nationally recognized for

its excellence in teaching and learning in current and emergent

fields, for its commitment to transforming lives through educa-

tion, and for its dedication to public service.

In order to achieve this, we will:

• Prepare students for a global society through curricular

innovation and program development

• Achieve academic excellence by investing in our faculty

and librarians in their pursuit of knowledge, professional

competency, and scholarship

• Employ innovative uses of technology in the library and

across our campus to maximize student learning

• Create a culture of diversity to meet the needs of the

region and enhance the personal and academic lives of the

university community

• Build partnerships within our community to provide

real-world opportunities for our students and collaborative

solutions to community issues

The core values, mission and vision were approved by the All

College Committee, President Robert Antonucci and the Board

of Trustees. Approval from the Board of Trustees was December

8, 2009.

Core Values

Accessibility

Offering equitable access to high-quality programs and services

to people of varying cultural backgrounds living within and

beyond our diverse community of North Central Massachusetts

Affordability

Providing opportunities for students of varying socioeconomic

backgrounds to pursue an affordable, quality education

Community

Forging partnerships with businesses and community organiza-

tions within the region to enhance quality of life

Enrichment

Sustaining a supportive campus environment for students,

faculty, staff, and alumni in which all members can grow and

excel in their personal and professional lives

Excellence

Striving for excellence in academic programs and services

through innovative teaching and professional practices

Student Representation on Committees

The Student Government Association (SGA) appoints and/or

recommends students to serve on many other university groups

and committees including those listed below. Contact SGA for

more information.

• Campus Center Advisory Board

• Campus Safety

• University/Neighborhood Council

• Food Service

• Honorary Degrees

• Human Relations

• Library Advisory Committee

• Parking Committee

• SGA and its committees

• Student Conduct Board

• Student Organization Committee

• Technology Advisory Committee

• All University Committee

Subject to Change Notice

The rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study, and academic requirements that appear in this handbook

were in effect at the time of its publication. Like everything else in this handbook, they are published for informational purposes only,

and they do not constitute a contract between the university and any student, applicant for admission or other person.

Whether noted elsewhere in this handbook or not, the university reserves the right to change, eliminate, and add to any existing (and to

introduce additional) rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study and academic requirements. Whenever it does so,

the university will give as much advance notice as it considers feasible or appropriate, but it reserves the right in all cases to do so without

notice.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

All University Committee

The All University Committee (AUC) offers

students the opportunity to participate in

making the policies that govern student

conduct, determine academic progress

and graduation standards, and change and

develop curriculum. The AUC is composed

of three students, five faculty members and

three administrators, all with equal voting

power. Students may apply to serve on

the AUC or one of its subcommittees by

contacting the Student Government Associa-

tion (SGA).

Students may submit proposals to the AUC

individually or as members of recognized

student organizations. Any member of the

administration, staff or faculty may also

submit proposals to the AUC.

AUC Standing Subcommittees are as follows:

• Academic Policies

• Curriculum

• Student Affairs

Affirmative Action Statement

It is the policy and commitment of Fitchburg State University

not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed,

age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic informa-

tion, disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin

in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employ-

ment policies, and to comply with the requirements of Federal

Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 as amended, the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Act of 1972,

Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section

402, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of

1974, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Americans

with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Civil Rights Act of 1991,

and pertinent laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, direc-

tives of the Board of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other

applicable state and federal statutes.

• Inquiries concerning the application of, or compliance

with, the laws and regulations prohibiting such

discrimination should be addressed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate VP of HR (978) 665-3172

• For inquiries regarding sex, gender, disability, age, race,

color and/or national origin, you may also contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

33 Arch Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02119-1424

Telephone: (617) 289-01111

FAX: (617) 289-0150

TDD: 877-521-2172

Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Accommodations for

Persons with Disabilities

Disability Services

Students must initiate registration with Disability Services to

request academic/environmental accommodations.

The primary objective of Disability Services is to empower quali-

fied students with disabilities to engage in all facets of Fitchburg

State University’s academic, residential and student life.

Disability Services provides eligible students with

individually tailored support services, academic skill-building,

reasonable accommodations and training in the use of

adaptive technologies. Contact the office at 978-665-4020

or fitchburgstate.edu/disability.

Institutional Discrimination

Complaint Procedures

The Massachusetts State Universities have established specific

internal Discrimination Complaint Procedures to help resolve

claims and complaints of discrimination and sexual violence on

the campus. These Procedures will serve as a system of review

and resolution for both informal claims and formal complaints

of discrimination, including disability discrimination and

sexual violence. Any member of the university community

(including students), who believes she/he has been a victim of

discrimination, sexual violence, discriminatory harassment or

retaliation may initiate an informal claim or formal complaint as

outlined in the Discrimination Complaint Procedures.

Hard copies of the Discrimination Complaint Procedures are

available in the Human Resources and Affirmative Action

Office, and Office of Student Affairs. The Discrimination

Complaint Procedures are also available at:

fitchburgstate.edu/hr/affirmativeaction.

Further advice or information regarding the university’s

Discrimination Complaint Procedures may be obtained by

contacting Jessica Murdoch, Associate VP of HR (978) 665-3172

or Dr. William Cummings, Deputy Title IX Coordinator at

(978) 665-3130.

Jury Duty

According to the Office of the Jury Commissioner of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Every U.S. citizen 17 years

of age or older who is a Massachusetts resident or an inhabitant

for more that 50% of the time is eligible to serve as a juror. If you

are a resident of another state but a student at a Massachusetts

university, you are an inhabitant for more than 50% of the year

and, therefore, eligible to serve as a juror in Massachusetts.”

Students who must miss class in order to fulfill their jury service

requirement should notify the Office of Student Affairs to

arrange for their absence. Students are required to furnish their

summons notice or the certificate of service when making these

arrangements.

If you have any questions about jury duty, including confirming,

postponing, rescheduling, or limiting your service, please

consult the Student’s Guide to Jury Duty brochure, available

in the Office of Student Affairs, or contact the Office of the

Jury Commissioner (1-800-THE-JURY/1-800-843-5879).

Further information can be found on the Office of the Jury

Commissioner’s website at massjury.com.

Bill of Rights

The following enumeration of rights is not to be construed to

deny or disparage other rights retained by students in their

capacity as members of the student body or as citizens of the

community at large.

A. Free inquiry, expression and assembly are guaranteed to

all students.

B. Students are free to pursue their educational goals;

appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and

on the campus shall be provided by the institution.

C. The right of students to be secure in their persons, living

quarters, paper and effects against unreasonable searches

and seizures is guaranteed.

D. No disciplinary sanctions will be imposed upon any

student without notice to the accused of the nature and

cause of the charge.

E. A student accused of violating institutional regulations is

entitled, upon request, to a hearing before the appropriate

judicial body.

Access to Higher Education

Within the limits of its facilities, Fitchburg State University

is open to all applicants who are qualified according to its

admission requirements.

A. The institution will make clear with this document and

the Fitchburg State University Catalog the characteristics and

expectations of students which it considers relevant to its

programs.

B. Under no circumstances will an applicant be denied

admission because of race, religion, gender, sexual

orientation, ethnic background or disability.

Affirmative Action Policy

It is the policy and commitment of Fitchburg State University

not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age,

gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information,

disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin in

its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment

policies, and to comply with the requirements of Federal

Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 as amended, the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Act of 1972,

section 304 of the Violence Against Women’s Act, Sections 503

and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402, Vietnam

Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Civil

Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities

Act of 1990 (ADA), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and pertinent

laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, directives of the Board

of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

and other applicable state and federal statutes.

Of particular interest to students are the following:

A. Equal Opportunity: Fitchburg State University supports

the principles of equal opportunity for employment to all

qualified persons without regard to race, gender, religion,

color, national origin or age. Inquiries regarding compliance

may be directed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate VP of HR (978) 665-3172; or

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

33 Arch Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02119-1424

Telephone: (617) 289-01111

FAX: (617) 289-0150

TDD: 877-521-2172

Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov

B. Title IX and Violence Against Women’s Act (including

section 304): Fitchburg State University does not

discriminate on the basis of gender, in accord with Title

IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, in its educational

programs, admission policies, activities or employment

policies. This legislation provides that no person in the

United States shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded

from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be

subjected to discrimination under any education program

or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This

includes protection from sexual harassment and

sexual violence. Inquiries regarding compliance may

be directed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate VP of HR (978) 665-3172; or

Dr. William Cummings, Dean

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

(978) 665-3130

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

33 Arch Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02119-1424

Telephone: (617) 289-01111

FAX: (617) 289-0150

TDD: 877-521-2172

Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov

C. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Fitchburg State

University does not discriminate against individuals

with disabilities in its educational programs, admissions

policies, activities or employment policies. Section 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides that

no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall

be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits

of or be subjected to discrimination solely because of

their disability, under any program or activity that

receives federal financial assistance. The Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments

Act of 2008 provides comprehensive civil rights protection

to individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination

on the basis of disability in employment, places of public

accommodations, state and local government services and

telecommunications.

Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

signed into law on September 25, 2008, clarify and reiterate

who is covered by the law’s civil rights protections. The

“ADA Amendments Act of 2008” revises the definition

of “disability” to more broadly encompass impairments

that substantially limit a major life activity. The amended

language also states that mitigating measures, including

assistive devices, auxiliary aids, accommodations, medical

therapies and supplies (other then eyeglasses and contact

lenses) have no bearing in determining whether a disability

qualifies under the law. Changes also clarify coverage

of impairments that are episodic or in remission that

substantially limit a major life activity when active, such as

epilepsy or post traumatic stress disorder. The amendments

took effect January 1, 2009.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate Vice President,

Human Resources and Payroll Services.

(978) 665-3172; or

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

33 Arch Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02119-1424

Telephone: (617) 289-01111

FAX: (617) 289-0150

TDD: 877-521-2172

Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov

On-campus grievance procedures for alleged violations of the

non-discrimination regulations are the same as those employed

for challenging violations of the Family Education Rights and

Privacy Act of 1974.

Financial Obligations

Notice of Availability

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 clarified the

information that colleges must disclose to current students.

The following Notice of Availability describes the kinds of

information available and where you can gain access to it. You

may request a paper copy of any information referenced below by

contacting the office listed.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Description: FERPA affords students certain rights with respect

to the student’s educational records.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/registrar

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Registrar Phone: (978) 665-4196

FFEL/Direct Loan Deferments for Performed Services

Description: FFEL/Direct Loan deferments available for Peace

Corps or volunteer service.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Director of Financial Aid Phone: (978) 665-3156

Financial Assistance Available

Description: Federal, state and institutional need-based and

non-need-based financial assistance available to students. Rights

and responsibilities of financial aid recipients are also available.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

E-mail: [email protected]

Fitchburg State University Catalog

Contact: Director of Financial Aid Phone: (978) 665-3156

Cost of Attendance—Undergraduate Day

Description: Cost of attendance for undergraduate day students.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/studentaccts

Contact: Director of Student Accounts

E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (978) 665-4126

Cost of Attendance—SGOCE

Description: Cost of attendance for undergraduate evening and

graduate students.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/gce

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Dean of Grad. and Cont. Ed. Phone: (978) 665-3182

Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy

Description: Policy regarding recipients of federal Title IV

financial aid that withdraw from the university.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

E-mail: [email protected]

Fitchburg State University Catalog Phone: (978) 665-3156

Contact: Director of Financial Aid

Withdrawal Policy

Description: Policy regarding students enrolled at Fitchburg

State who officially withdraw from the university.

Location: Fitchburg State University Catalog

Contact: Office of Student Affairs

Phone: (978) 665-3130

Academic Programs

Description: Information regarding Fitchburg State’s academic

programs.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/academics

Fitchburg State University Catalog

Contact: Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Phone: (978) 665-3168

Accreditation/Approval/Licensure

Description: Entities that accredit, license, or approve the

university and its programs and procedures for reviewing

Fitchburg State’s accreditation, licensing, or approval

documents.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/community/aboutus/facts

Contact: Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs /

Dean of Arts and Sciences

Phone: (978) 665-3168

Special Facilities and Services

for Students with Disabilities

Description: Special services and facilities available for students

with disabilities.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/disability

Contact: Director of Disability Services Phone: (978) 665-4020

Study Abroad

Description: Federal Title IV financial aid eligibility for students

enrolled in a Study Abroad program.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Director of Financial Aid Phone: (978) 665-3156

Completion/Graduation Rates

Description: The percent of first-time full-time freshmen who

successfully complete a baccalaureate program at this university

within six years.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/planningandir

Contact: Director of Institutional Research

and Planning Phone: (978) 665-3171

Campus Security/Fire Report

Description: The Campus Crime Awareness Security/Fire

Report, which includes required policies and procedures and

crime statistics.

Location: fitchburgstate.edu/campuspolice

Contact: Chief of University Police Phone: (978) 665-3111

Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates

and Financial Support Data

Description: Data regarding athletic program participation rates

of students at Fitchburg State and related costs and revenues.

Location: Athletics Department

Contact: Director of Athletics Phone: (978) 665-3314

Immunization Requirements

In compliance with Massachusetts Public Law 105 CMR

220.600, the following are the immunization requirements for

Fitchburg State University:

• Full-time matriculated undergraduate, graduate, or other

category of residential student and international students

studying on campus:

1. Completed Fitchburg State University health

form,including a physical exam that has been

completed within the past year.

2. Two doses of MMR vaccine or serologic proof of

immunity.

3. Two varicella vaccines or serologic proof of varicella or

documented history of the disease.

4. One dose of Tdap vaccine

5. Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine or serologic proof

of immunity.

• Part-time matriculated undergraduate students in health

sciences:

1. Need the state-required immunizations as stated

above. A complete physical is not required for part-

time students.

• Part-time and full-time matriculated undergraduate and

graduate nursing students:

1. Annual physical;

2. Annual PPD (TB test) and proof of a negative chest

X-ray if the PPD test was positive;

3. Need the state-required immunizations as stated

above.

Failure to comply with these requirements will prohibit you

from registering for classes.

Insurance for Property

Compensation for lost, damaged or stolen personal property on

campus is not a university responsibility. Individuals desiring

such protection must make arrangements for the necessary

coverage at their own expense. Residential students are

encouraged to consider securing personal property insurance,

either through the homeowners’ policy of their parent/guardian,

separate renters’ insurance policy or college student property

insurance policy.

Notification of Student Rights under FERPA

“The Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 guarantees that

the academic records for students over 18 years old cannot be

discussed with anyone except the student or authorized univer-

sity personnel. However, certain information classified as “Direc-

tory Information” is available for public consumption unless the

student specifically directs that it be withheld. Public Directory

Information as defined by the act includes: Student’s name,

addresses (campus, home, e-mail), telephone listings, date and

place of birth, major field of study, class year, participation in

officially-recognized activities and sports, weight and height of

members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, status (full-time,

half-time, part-time), degrees, honors, and awards received, and

the most recent previous educational institution attended. The

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as

amended, affords students certain rights with respect to their

education records.” They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education

records within 45 days of the day the University

receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, vice president

of academic affairs, dean of enrollment management,

academic department chair, or other appropriate official,

written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to

inspect. The university official will make arrangements

for access and notify the student of the time and place

where the records may be inspected. If the records are not

maintained by the university official to whom the request

was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the

correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s

education records that the student believes are

inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask Fitchburg State University to amend a

record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They

should write to the university official responsible for the

record, clearly identify the part of the record they want

changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If

the university decides not to amend the record as requested

by the student, the university will notify the student of the

decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing

regarding the request for amendment. Additional information

regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the

student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally

identifiable information contained in the student’s

education records, except to the extent that FERPA

authorizes disclosure without consent.

Fitchburg State University will disclose information from a

student’s education records only with the written consent

of the student, except:

A. To school officials with legitimate educational

interests; A school official is a person employed by

the university in an administrative, supervisory,

academic, research, or support staff position; a person

or company with whom the university has contracted

to perform required functions (such as an attorney,

auditor, service provider, or collection agent); a person

serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving

on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or

grievance committee, or assisting another school

official in performing his or her tasks. A school official

has a legitimate educational interest if the official

needs to review an education record in order to fulfill

his or her professional responsibility.

B. To officials of other institutions in which the student

seeks or intends to enroll provided that the student

had previously requested a release of his/her record;

C. To authorized representatives of the U.S. Department

of Education, U.S. Department of Defense (under the

Solomon Amendment), U.S. Attorney General, INS,

the Comptroller General of the United States, state

education authorities, organizations conducting

studies for or on behalf of the university, and

accrediting organizations;

D. In connection with a student’s application for, and

receipt of, financial aid;

E. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued

subpoena;

F. To parents of dependent students as defined by the

Internal Revenue Code, Section 152;

G. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency;

H. To the alleged victim of any crime of violence of the

results of any disciplinary proceedings conducted by

the university.

I. The university may disclose the result of a disciplinary

proceeding to a parent or guardian as long as the

student is under the age of 21 at the time of the

incident and the proceeding has resulted in a violation

of university drug or alcohol policies, or any federal,

state, or local law.

J. To students currently registered in a particular class

section, the names and e-mail addresses of others on

the roster may be disclosed in order to participate in

class discussion.

Fitchburg State University has designated the

following items as Directory Information: a student’s

name, electronic mail address, local and permanent

mailing addresses, telephone numbers, date and

place of birth, major and minor fields of study, dates

of attendance, enrollment status (full or part time),

certificates, degrees, honors and awards received

(including scholarships), date of actual or expected

graduation, whether or not currently enrolled, most

recent educational institution attended, participation

in officially recognized activities and sports sponsored

by the university, weight and height of athletic team

members, and photograph.

The university may disclose any of these items

without prior written consent, unless the student

has submitted a written request to the Office of

the Registrar not to release directory information

pertaining to them. Requests will be processed within

24 hours after receipt.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of

Education concerning alleged failures by Fitchburg State

University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the Office that administers

FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.

Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Campus Resources & Services

List of Offices

Academic Aairs

Academic Success Center

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library

Bookstore

Career Services and Advising Center

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness

Center for Italian Culture

Chartwells Food Service

Counseling Services

Disability Services

Expanding Horizons

Financial Aid

Housing and Residential Services

Information Technology

International Education

Student Mail Center

Parking Services

Peer Assisted Student Support

Peer Services, Testing and Placement Center

Recreation Services

Registrar’s Oce

School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education

Student Accounts

Student Aairs

Student Conduct and Case Management

Student Development

Student Health Services

Student Mail Center

University Police

Academic Affairs

Sanders Administration Building, Suite 212

(978) 665-3168 fitchburgstate.edu/aao

Dr. Franca Barricelli, interim Associate Vice President for Academic

Affairs

The office of Academic Affairs is responsible for the

administration of all academic programs of the university. At

Fitchburg State University, each curriculum, or course of study,

has been conceived as a guide to help students develop the

intellectual skills needed to analyze, interpret and learn from

the accumulated knowledge of the past. The purpose of every

curriculum is to assist students in recognizing the possibilities

as well as the problems of their changing world, to instill

within them a moral awareness of their responsibilities toward

improving the quality of human life and to prepare them for

careers, which will enrich their lives as they enrich the lives of

others.

The Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr.

Cathy Canney, working closely with the Associate Vice Presi-

dent for Academic Affairs, leads a team of administrators whose

focus is to lead and support the fifteen academic departments

and library at Fitchburg State through the strategic plan. The

Academic team includes:

Dr. Sara Levine, Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Becky Copper-Glenz, Dean of the School of Graduate, Online

and Continuing Education

Dr. Margaret Hoey, Dean of Health and Natural Sciences /

Technology

Ms. Jacalyn Kremer, Dean of the Library

Ms. Pamela McCafferty, Assistant Vice President for

Institutional Research and Planning

Dr. Nancy Murray, Dean of Business and Education

Dr. Jason Smith, Assistant Dean for Retention and Student

Success

Academic Coaching and Tutoring (ACT)

Center & Placement Testing

Hammond Hall, Third Floor, Suite 306

(978) 665-3499

Dr. Kat McLellan, Director

[email protected]

Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Overview of ACT Services

The Academic Coaching and Tutoring (ACT) Center helps

students achieve excellence. Highly qualified and trained peer

tutors offer free individual, small group, and walk-in tutoring,

serving students in all majors. Professional Academic Coaches

offer individualized, workshop-based, or in-class support for key

student success skills, such as time management, motivation, and

concentration. Peer mentors are fellow students who provide

academic and social support. We promote a friendly, supportive,

non-judgmental approach to success.

Our mission is to help increase your academic achievement;

enhance your ability to learn, apply knowledge, develop study

habits, and become more self-directed learners; and build critical

thinking skills.

Individual and Group Tutoring

The ACT Center has tutoring for courses in all majors, and

our Writing Center supports all stages of the writing process,

including brainstorming, drafting (papers, presentations, proj-

ects, and more), revising, and interpreting faculty feedback.

Students can schedule an online or in-person tutoring appoint-

ment on SSC (fitchburg.campus.eab.com), come by 306 Hammond

during drop-in hours (M–Th: 10 am–7:30 pm, F: 10 am–4 pm),

or email [email protected] for help. To find an ongoing

tutoring group, students can fill out a form on our website

(fitchburgstate.edu/tutoring) and speak with our scheduler about

finding a group that fits their schedule.

During the academic year, drop-in schedules are posted on our

website (and instructions on accessing drop-in online tutoring

are also on our website) fitchburgstate.edu/tutor-schedules

All our peer tutors go through a rigorous application and

training process. They must demonstrate excellent communi-

cation skills, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, have

grades of 3.3 or higher in all courses they tutor, and have two

faculty members endorse their mastery of concepts and ability

to connect with their peers. All tutors complete requirements

for the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning

Association (CRLA) International Tutor Certification.

Academic Coaching

Our Academic Coaches individualized, workshop-based, or

in-class support for key student success skills, such as time

management, motivation, and concentration. Students can

schedule Academic Coaching appointments on SSC

(fitchburg.campus.eab.com/) or email [email protected]

for help.

Academic Success Seminars

Applying research-based college study methods save students

time studying and maximizes their learning. These one-hour

seminars provides students with specific step-by-step strategies

for academic success.

Peer Mentoring

Peer mentors are fellow students who provide academic and

social support. In the fall semester, they attend class alongside

new students enrolled in the First Year Experience seminars, and

in the spring semester, they provide Academic Success Work-

shops to support a wide range of student success skills. Peer

mentors lead a variety of activities throughout the year to help

fellow students learn about campus resources, participate in

campus social events, and develop effective study strategies.

Placement Test Center

The Placement Test Center administers the required placement

tests in math, writing and foreign languages for all first-year,

transfer, and current students.

Please visit the Web site at fitchburgstate.edu/tutor-placement for

further information regarding waivers, test dates, test registra-

tion and test preparation resources. Online testing is available in

2020–2021.

Graduate Student and Professional Programs Tutoring

The ACT Center also offers writing tutoring specifically geared

toward students in graduate and professional programs:

fitchburgstate.edu/tutor-writing

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library

Hammond Hall

(978) 665-3093 library.fitchburgstate.edu

Jacalyn Kremer, Dean

Regular Library Hours

Mon.–Thurs.: 7:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Sat.: Noon–5 p.m.

Fri.: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.: 1–11:30 p.m.

Contact the Library for changes in hours during holidays,

intersession, summer and final exams period.

Located in the Hammond Hall, the Library is a comprehensive

information center dedicated to enhancing the learning

experience of all Fitchburg State University students. Services

include research assistance, library instruction, course reserves,

and interlibrary loan.

During the fall and spring semesters, the Library is open 89

hours per week, seven days a week. It houses a collection of

approximately over 850,000 print and electronic books, and

students can conduct research in over 180 databases which

provide access to e-books, full-text articles, and streaming films

and music. All collections and services are available to Distance

Learning students and the library allows off-campus access to all

databases.

The Library has 61 computers, 18 study rooms that can be

reserved, individual and group tables and comfortable seating

throughout the building. The Library includes Archives &

Special Collections located on the street level of Hammond Hall.

The Archives & Special Collections are accessible to members of

the university community, alumni, scholars and the public.

Bookstore

Hammond Hall, Street Level

(978) 665-4026 bkstr.com/fitchburgstatestore/

Kimberly Manser, Store Manager

Fitchburg State University Bookstore is your one-stop

destination for all your campus needs. We carry all of your

course materials right here on campus to help you succeed in

your courses. Our textbook department provides a variety of

purchase options including new and used book copies, rentals,

and digital options and we have a price match program in place.

We carry an extensive collection of apparel and gift items

to show your campus pride. We feature a wide selection of

dorm supplies, art supplies, paper and presentation materials,

electronics, health and beauty supplies as well as snacks.

Follett Higher Education Group operates the Fitchburg State

University Bookstore; a family owned bookstore provider for

more than 137 years. Online shopping is available 24/7

at bkstr.com/fitchburgstatestore/.

Please see website for store hours (this changes weekly).

The Career Services and Advising Center

Hammond Hall, Third Floor, Suite 318

(978) 665-3151 fitchburgstate.edu/cca-center

Melisa Alves, Director

The Career Counselling and Advising Center provides both

career and academic direction for students seeking advice on

both a major selection and career path.

The Center provides extensive services:

• Career Advising

• Academic Advising

• Advising for Pre-Majors and transfer students

• Career Assessment

• Workshops, Career Fairs and other Special Events

• Mock Interviews

• Opportunities to connect with alumni

• On campus recruiting

• Daily drop-in hours

The Center is also a repository for academic information

including: Four-Year plans of study by major and the general

education (LA&S) curriculum.

All Fitchburg State University students have access to their own

personal account on Handshake, our career management system.

On Handshake students are able to apply for internships, part-

time and full-time employment, connect with employers, utilize

career resources and learn about virtual and regional events.

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness

Hammond Hall, Ground Level, Suite G04

(978) 665-3399 fitchburgstate.edu/cdi

Junior Pena, Director

Hours

Mon.–Fri.: 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness (CDI) lays the foun-

dation for Fitchburg State University to be a place that creates

and nourishes a culturally diverse community by educating

students, faculty and staff so that attitudes of racism, bigotry,

hate, prejudice, and intolerance, on any level, are overcome.

The center will provide the tools of understanding, sensitivity,

and acceptance to diversity in its many varied forms. It is CDI’s

charge to the Fitchburg State student and its community that

they:

• Be exposed to cultural diversity

• Learn to be accepting of people and ideas not their own

• Learn to be sensitive to cultural differences

• Learn how to best deal with diversity issues

• Develop personal skills and demonstrate competencies’ in

understanding diversity.

The members of the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, in

addition, will design, plan, and oversee the delivery of various

programs such as Heritage Month Celebrations, multicultural

education, and cultural activities designed to contribute to a

positive campus culture of appreciation and respect for differ-

ences. The center advices active, diverse student organizations

such as Black Student Union, Latin American Student Organi-

zation, World Integrated Nations, and Gay Straight Alliance

on topics such a program planning, leadership development,

heritage celebration, diversity, etc., including such multicultural

events as Latin American Heritage Month, Black History Month,

Native American Month, Asian Pacic Month, Woman’s History

Month and Gay Pride Week.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, a division of Student

Affairs, works diligently towards the goal of maintaining a truly

diverse and engaged campus environment, where students feel

comfortable, respected, appreciated and challenged. Anyone

is welcomed to be a member of the Center for Diversity and

Inclusiveness!

Center for Italian Culture

(978) 665-3031 fitchburgstate.edu/CIC

The Center’s mission is to encourage the understanding and

appreciation of all aspects of Italian language and culture,

including ancient and contemporary studies, and the Italian

experience in the New World. The Center assists in sponsoring

the Fitchburg State University Cultural Series, scholarships, and

various Italian language and culture initiatives.

Chartwells Dining Services

Holmes Dining Hall dineoncampus.com/fsu

(978) 665-3663 [email protected]

Jeff McVoy, Director

The food service at Fitchburg State University is provided by

Chartwells, a division of Compass Group.

Meal Plans

Students living in Aubuchon Hall, Herlihy Hall, Mara Village and

Russell Towers are required to purchase one of the following:

• Freedom Plan ........................................... $1,885 per semester

19 meals per week at Holmes Dining Commons, or any

other participating meal plan location. Plus: $125 Dining

Points on your OneCard and up to 5 guest meals per

semester.

• 15 Meal Plan .............................................. $1,830 per semester

Any 15 meals per week offering the same menu choices

as the 19 meal plan in Holmes Dining Commons or any

other participating meal plan location.

Includes: $100 Dining Points on your OneCard and up to

five guest meals per semester.

• 10 Meal Plan .............................................. $1,720 per semester

Any 10 meals per week offering the same menu choices

as the higher plans in Holmes Dining Commons or any

other participating meal plan location.

Includes: $75 Dining Points on your OneCard.

Dining Points

Dining Points can be used anytime in our North Street Bistro

located on the street level of the Hammond Hall—including

Subway, BYOB, Freshens Smoothies, Au bon Pain soups,

Outtakes grab and go items, Pierce Bros. Coffee.

Students living in the Townhouses, Cedar Street, Simonds Hall

and North Street apartments are not required to purchase a meal

plan; however, many resident students purchase one of the above

meals plans or:

• The Five ........................................................$943 per semester

Any 5 meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch in

Holmes Dining Commons or any other participating meal

plan location. Includes $50 Dining Points! This meal plan

option is only available to residents of the Townhouses,

Cedar Street, Simonds Hall or North Street apartments.

• Commuter ....................................................$250 per semester

Provides $250 in Dining Points, available to students living

off campus.

All dining points plan can be used at Holmes Dining Commons

and North Street Bistro.

Hours

Holmes Dining Commons is open as follows and is subject

to change:

Full Breakfast

Served Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m.–10 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Served Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Lunch

Full lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11:15 a.m. to

2 p.m. Lite lunch and cook to order is available Monday through

Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Brunch

Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dinner

Served Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and

on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Snow Days/Holidays

When classes are cancelled or delayed due to snow, a

Continental breakfast will be served in Holmes Dining Hall

from 8 a.m.–10:30 a.m. followed by our regular lunch and dinner

schedule. During scheduled holidays, Holmes Dining Hall will

operate on a weekend brunch/dinner schedule.

Special Dietary Needs

Students in need of a special diet should make an appointment

with the Chartwells dining director to discuss their dietary needs.

Chartwells has a special menu and program for students with

Celiac disease that offers a variety of freshly prepared items that

are made to order.

There are numerous Vegetarian, low fat, reduced sodium and other

health conscientious options available at our Balanced U station

on a daily basis.

Bag It

Students on the Nineteen, Fifteen or Ten meal plan with a class

or work conflict may obtain a “Bag It” meal to go by filling out

a request at least 24 hours in advance. A copy of the student’s

class schedule or work schedule from their employer must

accompany the initial request at the beginning of every semester.

These forms are available at the check-in desk at Holmes Dining

Commons.

Meal Cards

The meal plan is a non-transferable agreement between each

individual student and Fitchburg State University; therefore,

students may not share or let others use their OneCard. Students

must show their OneCards to access food service. Students

without their OneCard will not be allowed to use their meal

plan unless a replacement OneCard is obtained. Lost or stolen

OneCards must be replaced at the OneCard Office and cost $25.

Food Service Committee

The Food Service Advisory Committee is comprised of students

and staff interested in expressing their thoughts, concerns

and suggestions about the food service. The committee is

dedicated to open communication between the students and the

Chartwells staff. Anyone wishing to participate should contact

the Director of Dining Service or visit our website for details

regarding meeting times and location. dineoncampus.com/fsu

We hope our website provides you with what you are looking

for. From our daily specials, monthly events, to a variety of

menu options for you to choose from every day. Visit

dineoncampus.com/fsu to check out our daily menus, contact

information, dining locations and much more.

Community Health Connections

978-878-8100

Kelly Goncalves, PA-C, dedicated university provider

Hours of Operation

Mon.–Fri.: 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat. (walk-ins only) 9 a.m.–12 noon

Community Health Connections provides ambulatory care,

health education /promotion and maintains health records for all

students who are a patient of the practice.

Services include:

• Medical care of acute illness and injury

• Evaluation, treatment and/or referrals as needed

• Tuberculin testing blood

• Health education and health promotion

• Women’s health care, such as gynecologic exams,

contraception, STD testing and emergency contraception

• Men’s health care including STD testing and physical

exams

Health and Immunization Requirements

All incoming full-time undergraduate, graduate and international

students must provide all documentation to Maribel Pacheco

via an email attachment to [email protected] or fax

to: 978-665-4715. New and transfer students can also upload

through your Admissions Application Status Page and upload

under Health Forms. If you have any questions or concerns,

please email Maribel Pacheco at [email protected] or

call: 978-665-3889.

Completed Fitchburg State University Health Form which will

include the following:

• 2 MMR vaccines or proof of serologic immunity (not

required for graduate students)

• 3 Hepatitis B vaccines or proof of serologic immunity

• 1 Tdap within the past 10 years

• 2 Varicella vaccines or documented proof of the disease or

serologic proof of immunity

• Meningitis vaccine or a signed Massachusetts

Meningococcal Waiver

• Completed TB Risk Assessment—if you answered “Yes” to

any of the questions, you need to have a TB test. If the TB

test was positive, we will need a report of the chest x-ray.

We only accept TB test results that were performed in the

United States.

• COVID vaccine

Completed forms are due August 15th if you are entering the

university for the fall semester and December 15th for the spring

semester. Incomplete medical records will result in your inability

to register for classes.

Confidentiality

Fitchburg State University and Community Health Connections

are legally and ethically obligated to protect the patient’s right

to privacy. Your medical records are strictly confidential. All

Community Health Connections staff are required to follow

HIPAA regulations. No one else has access to your medical

records without your prior written permission. This restriction

includes your parents, faculty and staff or outside agencies. In

life-threatening emergencies, only pertinent information will

be released to appropriate parties. If a student is younger than

18 years of age, any care that is sought or provided related to

reproductive health is also a confidential matter and will not be

disclosed to a parent unless Community Health Connections has

prior written permission from the student.

In the event that a student reports abuse or there is suspected

abuse, the providers involved are mandated to report the abuse

to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. If

you wish to have your records released to yourself or another

facility, you must sign the Medical Release of Records form that

is available on the https://www.chcfhc.org/services/docs/.

Limited exceptions

Certain communicable diseases need to be reported to the

Department of Public Health and students will be informed of

any positive test results.

Absences Due to Illness

Community Health Connections may provide notes to excuse

students from class for an acute short term issue at the discretion

of the provider. It is your responsibility to contact your

professors and explain your absence. In the event of an extended

absence you will need to contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Counseling Services

Hammond Hall, Suite 317

(978) 665-3152 fitchburgstate.edu/counseling

Robert Hynes, Ph.D., Assistant Dean

The Counseling Services Office offers confidential short-term

counseling to all students at no charge. Clinicians are available

for individual, group and couples counseling, crisis intervention,

educational programming, outreach workshops, and community

referrals. The office maintains a website with substantial

information pertaining to wellness and mental health.

Counseling Services staff are also available to consult with

other members of the Fitchburg State University community on

matters pertaining to student well-being.

Clinicians are consulted for a number of reasons, including:

• Coping with loss • Stress

• Roommate conflicts • Sexual abuse

• Relationship concerns • Eating concerns

• Alcohol/drug abuse • Family problems

• Loneliness/homesickness • Self-esteem problems

• Academic concerns • Sexuality issues

• Feelings of depression or anxiety

Campus Resources and Services

Counseling Services offers a variety of programs to educate

students in the areas of sexual assault and violence prevention,

substance abuse, stress and time management, and mood and

anxiety disorders.

The Counseling Services Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made in person

or over the telephone at (978) 665-3152. Students may also be

able to see a clinician without an appointment during the daily

Urgent Hour, which is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. daily, however,

it is recommended that students schedule appointments in

advance when possible. Counseling Services provides 24-hour

emergency response to the university community during the

regular academic year. The counselor on call may be reached by

contacting the University Police Department (978) 665-3111, or

by contacting Housing and Residential Services staff.

Disability Services

Hammond Hall, Suite 303

(978) 665-4020 fitchburgstate.edu/disability

Rachel Graddy, Ph.D., Director

The primary objective of Disability Services is to empower quali-

fied students with disabilities to engage in all facets of Fitchburg

State University’s academic, residential and student life.

Disability Services provides eligible students with individu-

ally tailored support services, academic skill-building, reason-

able accommodations and training in the use of adaptive

technologies.

Services & Accommodations

Some examples of services and academic accommodations are

listed below. Please note that this is not a comprehensive

list of services.

• Adaptive software and computer equipment (such as

text-to-speech, dictation and magnification, screen

magnification software and CCTV)

• Testing accommodations (such as out of classroom testing

and extended time testing)*

• Alternate format materials

(such as Braille or electronic text)

• Alternate input devices

• Adaptive keyboards

• Ergonomic/Accessible work stations

• Sign language interpreters

(request at least 2 weeks in advance)

• Reduced course load waiver (below 12 credits)

• Academic skill-building workshops

• Academic coaching by professional staff

• Assistance/support with note taking in the classroom

• Support with the development of leadership, self-advocacy

and self-determination skills

*Please note: Students are responsible for scheduling out of

classroom testing (i.e. time and a half, non-distractive environ-

ment) at least one week prior to the date of the exam. If you have

already registered with the office and need to schedule a test

with Disability Services, email us at [email protected]

Please contact Disability Services with questions about how to

more detailed information, fitchburgstate.edu/disability.

Requesting Academic and

Environmental Accommodations

Step 1 Complete Disability Services Registration Form.

(available online at fitchburgstate.edu/disabilityapp)

All documentation received by the university is strictly

confidential and is held in accordance with the Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related

regulations.

Step 2 Make an appointment to meet with the Director

of Disability Services. Please bring the completed

registration form and your disability documentation to

this appointment. The Director of Disability Services will

highlight what support services and accommodations are

available based on your history, symptoms, and disability

documentation. An Accommodation Agreement will

be created for you (ADA/504 Plan) that outlines what

specific accommodations you are eligible for.

Students are strongly advised to meet with the director to

about disability documentation guidelines or this process can be

addressed via phone or e-mail.

Adaptive Computer Lab

This lab allows students registered with Disability Services

alternate access to a variety of technology resources, including:

• Text to speech software (screen readers)

• Screen magnification software

• CCTV (magnification of text)

• Organizational software

• Voice recognition software

• Alternate input devices

• Adaptive keyboards

• Ergonomic/Accessible work stations

For additional information please contact us at 978-665-4020 or

at fitchburgstate.edu/disability.

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE)

Hammond Hall, Suite 317

(978)665-3152

Amanda Sapienza, Coordinator

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE) is a campus-wide

effort to prevent interpersonal and relationship violence, and

sexual assault, and support those affected by violence. In

collaboration with all University departments and offices, FAVE

seeks to create a safe and respectful community for all members

by providing educational programming and training opportuni-

ties, promoting victim services, and reviewing policy.

Financial Aid

Anthony Building

(978) 665-3156 fitchburgstate.edu/finaid

Denise Brindle, Director

Eligibility

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by computing the

difference between a family’s available resources for college

and the total cost of attendance at Fitchburg State University.

A family’s available resources are determined by an analysis of

the information that is submitted by the student on the Free

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This analysis

considers such factors as income, assets, household size, and

number in college. The result of this analysis is an Expected

Family Contribution, or EFC.

Cost of attendance is based on a student’s housing and

enrollment status, and contains the following expenses: tuition,

fees, room, board and estimated costs for books, supplies,

transportation, personal expenses and loan fees. The difference

between a student’s cost of attendance and their EFC represents

a student’s financial aid eligibility.

In order to qualify for financial aid, a student must also meet the

following criteria: enroll at least half-time in a degree program

at Fitchburg State University, be a U.S. citizen or eligible

non-citizen, not be in default on a student loan, be registered

with Selective Service (if male and 18 years of age or older) and

maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Changes in Eligibility

Students must continue to meet all eligibility criteria in order

to qualify for financial aid. If at any time a student ceases to

be eligible, their financial aid will be canceled. Changes in

enrollment, housing, or residency status may affect a student’s

eligibility for financial aid and should be reported to the

Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

All financial aid recipients are required by federal and

institutional policy to be maintaining satisfactory academic

progress (SAP). Students are expected to be making measurable

progress towards the completion of their degrees and to be

maintaining an appropriate cumulative grade point average. SAP

standards apply to all students of Fitchburg State University:

full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and graduate.

Federal regulations require that SAP standards measure a

student’s academic progress in both qualitative as well as

quantitative terms.

Qualitatively, students must meet the following standards:

• Students with 0-29 attempted credits must maintain a

minimum 1.6 cumulative grade point average.

• Students with 30-59 attempted credits must maintain a

minimum 1.8 cumulative grade point average.

• Students with 60 or more attempted credits must maintain

a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Quantitatively, undergraduate and graduate students must

complete 67% of all attempted credits. Students that attempt

more than 150% of the credits required for their degree are not

eligible for financial aid.

Students are solely responsible for maintaining their academic

standing. Students who have not done so will be notified of

their ineligibility for financial aid by the Financial Aid Office.

Special circumstances may be heard by the Office of Student

Affairs. Students who have been denied financial aid due to

unsatisfactory academic progress may regain eligibility the

semester after attaining SAP.

Graduation Rates

Information regarding graduation and dropout rates can be

found in the Office of Institutional Research.

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial aid is awarded from three major sources: federal, state

and institutional funds. A student’s financial aid award is made

up of one or several of these sources depending on the student’s

calculated financial need.

Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid and do not need

to be repaid. Student loans are long-term, low interest loans

that come due once a student graduates, ceases to be enrolled, or

drops below half-time status.

Work programs are designed to supplement a student’s financial

aid package, allowing the student to earn money while attending

Fitchburg State University. A work-study award cannot be

used as credit toward a student’s bill. Other aid, scholarships

and grants received from outside sources must be reported to

the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices. The Financial

Aid Office may be required to adjust a student’s financial aid

package in order to prevent or correct an over award. A financial

aid package can never exceed the cost of attendance, nor can a

student’s need-based aid exceed the calculated financial need.

Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from Fitchburg State University prior

to the completion of the semester will have their financial aid

adjusted according to federal, state and institutional policies.

Return of Title IV Funds

Refund policy for students who receive federal financial aid.

Applicability

This refund policy applies to full-time and part-time students

enrolled at Fitchburg State University who are receiving federal

Title IV financial aid and withdraw from all classes. This policy

is mandated by federal regulation. This policy deals only with the

percentage of aid that is earned by a student. Charges incurred

by a student who withdraws from the university are determined

in accordance with the Institutional Refund Policy.

Withdrawal Requirements

All matriculated undergraduate day students that wish to

withdraw from the university must do so by contacting the

Office of Student Affairs. The official date of withdrawal for this

policy is the date that the student begins the official withdrawal

process or the date that the student officially notifies the

university of his or her intent to withdraw.

Refund Policy

Refund of federal Title IV financial aid will be based on the date

a student completely withdraws from the university as described

above. During the first 60% of the semester, a student earns Title

IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time that they

remained enrolled. A student who remains enrolled beyond the

60% point earns all aid for the semester.

The percentage of the semester that a student remains enrolled

is derived by dividing the number of days that a student remains

in attendance by the number of days in a semester. Calendar days

are used, but breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded

from both the numerator and denominator.

Unearned federal Title IV aid other than federal work study

must be repaid by the student in the following order:

• Federal unsubsidized direct loan

• Federal subsidized direct loan

• Federal Perkins Loan

• Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan

• Federal Pell Grant

• Federal SEOG

• Other Title IV financial aid

Students must repay 100% of unearned loans according to the

terms of their promissory note, and 50% of unearned grants must

be repaid within 30 days of withdrawal from the university.

An example of the Return of Title IV Funds Policy is available in

the Financial Aid Office.

It is very possible that a student who receives federal financial

aid and withdraws from the university will owe a balance to

the university and may be required to repay funds to the U.S.

Department of Education. Students considering withdrawal

from Fitchburg State University are advised to contact the

Financial Aid Office.

Housing & Residential Services

Aubuchon Hall fitchburgstate.edu/housing

(978) 665-3219 [email protected]

Christopher L. Medley, Director

Hours

Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Housing & Residential Services works collaboratively with

campus partners and the greater community to support the

educational experience; maximizing the potential of each

residential student. The department strives to create an inclusive

climate by promoting diversity awareness and understanding.

We deliver and facilitate programmatic services within a holistic

approach, promoting engagement and personal development

through on campus living.

The building inventory consists of traditional, suite and

apartment style of housing supporting students from their

first year to graduation. There are 21 buildings within 8 areas

providing an on-campus living experience for more than 1,700

residents. All residence halls are conveniently located within

easy walking distance of classrooms, offices and other centers of

campus activity. Residents are providing through several offices

within the department including: Residence Education, Housing

Operations, Business & Parking Services and Communication

and Public Outreach.

Staff

The residence halls are supported through a live-in on staff

which includes Area Coordinators, Graduate Resident

Assistants, Senior Resident Assistants and Resident Assistants.

Community Hall Assistants rounds out the Residence Education

Team by providing support through the front desk operations

at selected buildings. These staff members serve as advisors,

programmers, building managers and resource/referral aides.

Resident Assistants have been trained in such areas as peer

counseling and referral, crisis intervention, celebration of

diversity, community development, programming and current

social issues. Their primary responsibility is to support the

resident to be successful as a student academically and engaged

with their community through positive involvement.

First Year Residential Program (FYRE)

Educational based program based in Russell Hall. Programs

occur bi-weekly and are centered around themes for traditional

age college students.

• Resource and Personal Development Programs

• Contemporary/Emerging Topical Issues

• Servant Leadership/Giving Back

The program has ongoing support to connect residents with life

and academic skills through the FYRE Class.

Residential Learning Community (RLC)

The RLCs allow for the integration of academic majors and

thematic interests into the residence halls. The Resident Assis-

tants assigned to the communities are also connected with the

academic interest to support this collaborative offering. The

RLCs include three major types: Affinity Housing Community,

Theme Housing Community and Living & Learning Community.

The current communities are as follows:

• Criminal Justice Police Concentration

• Health Sciences

• Honors

• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

Resident Development Model (RDM)

The RDM is the intentional process by which the Resident

Assistants (RA) integrate programs into their engagement with

residents. Programs can be through bulletin boards, newslet-

ters, socials and physical programs. Awareness and education

are the cornerstones that builds a community that is diverse and

inclusive of all.

Resident Assistants implement various small social touch points

with their residents to create a space of relatability and inclu-

siveness. The Resident Assistants are encouraged to alter their

programming to meet the needs of their residents as they emerge.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

The Residence Hall Association provides an opportunity for

residents to participate in the governance and leadership of

their community. The organization is a great opportunity for

individuals looking to establish and advance their skills. Involve-

ment can range from committee participation to serving on the

Executive Council. Connect with your Resident Assistant to find

our more information.

Maintenance

A team of maintenance staff workers are employed by Housing

and Residential Services in order to maintain the residence

halls in the best possible condition within the given resources.

To ensure a pleasant environment, students should treat the

buildings and their room with respect.

Each building is assigned a maintainer in order to help clean

the building. These individuals are highly visible as they spend

the bulk of their workday in the living environment of the halls.

They provide much more than cleaning services and can be a

great source of support. The trades staff is responsible for all

maintenance, such as repairing the heating and cooling systems,

changing light bulbs and unstopping clogged drains.

Students who need to request maintenance service in their room

can submit a work order online through the School Dude system

which is housed on the Capital Planning and Maintenance

website: fitchburgstate.edu/cpm.

In an emergency, students should contact a member of their

building staff or the Office of Housing and Residential Services

during weekdays. Emergencies that occur during evenings,

weekends or holidays should be reported to the RA on duty or

University Police at extension 3111.

Community Safety & Wellness

Housing & Residential Services strives to maintain a safe and

welcoming environment; this success is only possible when all

residents participate and fulfill their community responsibility.

Programs to address community safety and wellness are held in

the residence halls. In addition, fire drills and room health and

safety inspections are held each semester.

Fire Drill Procedures

Cooperation in following the procedures listed below may be

important in saving lives if a fire or similar disaster should occur.

It is the responsibility of every resident to be familiar with these

procedures and observe them if an alarm sounds:

• Leave lights on

• Wear a coat and shoes

• Close windows

• Close and lock room door/suite door/apartment door

• Proceed to the designated exit point

• Students not in their own rooms should follow the exit

procedures for the area they are in

• Assemble outside in the place assigned to the area

Students who fail to vacate the building during a fire alarm are

subject to disciplinary action.

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire alarm systems and fire safety equipment are provided for

the protection of the residents. The fire extinguishers, smoke

detectors, fire alarm horns, pull stations, and emergency exit

signs are critical safety equipment. Tampering with fire safety

equipment can result in criminal prosecution, disciplinary

action and/or housing occupancy agreement termination. Where

fire sprinklers exist all sprinkler heads must remain free of

obstructions to allow it to operate properly. Nothing may be

attached or placed against any part of the sprinkler system. This

includes piping.

All fire alarm systems are connected directly to the Fitchburg

Fire Department for immediate reporting.

Fitchburg State University residence halls may hold a fire drill

each semester and all occupants of the building are required to

participate. Failure to participate can result in disciplinary action.

Keys/Card Access

Students will be issued either keys or card access, depending

upon the building to which they are assigned, for their living

area upon arrival to campus during the check-in process. Keys

must be returned during the check-out process upon departure.

Students are responsible for the security of keys/access cards

issued to them. No key/Fitchburg State OneCard may be

duplicated, sold, passed on to others or used for any illegal or

prohibited purpose. Students found to be violating key/card

access security will be subject to disciplinary action.

Residents should immediately report the loss of an assigned

key to their building director and expect to be billed for any

associated cost pertinent to the replacement. The student may be

issued a temporary key. For the safety and security of the student

and their roommate, your lock will be changed if the student

does not return the temporary key within three (3) days. Once a

work request has been filed to change the key, the student will

be assessed for all related charges. Residents should immediately

report the loss of a OneCard to the OneCard Office (or Univer-

sity Police during nights/weekends/holidays) to prevent the

card from being misused. There is a charge of $25 for replace-

ment cards, and the lost card will be deactivated and no longer

considered valid.

Public Area Damages

At the start of the year, the physical condition of the public areas

(hallways, bathrooms, carpet, lounges, etc.) of each floor will be

recorded by residence hall staff. Because the university recognizes

the importance of the development of the community in each

living unit and each resident’s responsibility for that community,

any damages to the public areas for which the responsible

individuals cannot be determined will be assessed equally among

all members of that community. The process of community

assessment is the final option should all attempts by the

community to identify the responsible persons be unsuccessful.

For Further Information

For further information regarding these or other Housing &

Residential Services policies and procedures, please refer to the

Housing Handbook, the Housing Occupancy Agreement, the

Student Conduct Handbook, or the Fitchburg State University

Student Handbook. Any questions regarding this information

should be directed to Housing and Residential Services at (978)

665-3219.

Information Technology

Conlon Hall fitchburgstate.edu/technology

(978) 665-4500

Steve Swartz, AVP/CIO

Computer Labs

The hours and locations of open computer labs are listed on

the Information Technology Website and are updated each

semester. These hours are subject to minor changes due to

course additions/deletions and because of individual workshops,

training and special classes.

For questions regarding hardware/software support in the open

labs, contact the Information Technology Help Desk.

Printing

The open computer labs require all users to swipe their OneCard

at a print release station to enable printing of their documents.

Five multifunction machines installed across campus exist solely

for students’ use and each allow for speedy printing in color

or black and white, copying in color or black and white, and

scanning in color to your student Gmail account. Unlike the

other printers on campus, you release print jobs directly from the

Ricoh machines rather than a separate station.

Each semester you’ll be given a print/copy quota, and as you

use the different services on the machines, this amount will be

reduced. Once you have depleted your print/copy quota, you’ll

need to add additional money onto your OneCard Fitchburg

Gold account if you want additional prints/copies.

For print/copy machine refunds, please visit the OneCard Office

website to submit an online refund request

Hammond Open and Instructional Lab

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, First Floor

Hours for the Hammond Instructional Lab can vary depending

on holidays/vacations. The lab schedule follows the library

hours.

E-Mail

Conlon Hall, Room 236

Students are provided a student.fitchburgstate.edu account hosted

at Google. Login information is emailed to students’ personal

email accounts from the Admissions Office. Students who do not

know their account information or need assistance accessing it

can stop by the IT Help Desk.

Help Desk

Conlon Hall, Room 236

(978) 665-4500

The Information Technology Help Desk is available to all

students for a wide range of technical support services. Walk-in

hours can be found at fitchburgstate.edu/technology/help. Students

can also contact the Help Desk by calling (978) 665-4500 or Toll

Free (866) 830-0518. Tickets can be submitted online by logging

onto helpdesk.fitchburgstate.edu with your Falcon Key or by sending

an email to helpdesk@fitchburgstate.edu.

Services provided to students include:

• Falcon Key/Password Support

• Web4 Support

• Blackboard Support

• Internet Connectivity Issues

• Virus/Malware Removal

• Software Support—Windows/MAC/Office

• Laptop Warranty Issues

• Hardware Repair/Installation

• System Restores

• Printing from computers

• Cable TV

OneCard

Phone: (978) 665-3039 fitchburgstate.edu/onecard

Email: [email protected]

Hours

Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Anthony Building, Room 118

The OneCard is the official identification card of Fitchburg State

University and is issued to every student, faculty and

staff member. The OneCard is an essential key to campus life.

Apart from being your official form of identification, it can

be used for many other university services. The OneCard is

your library card, Recreation Center pass, meal card, door key,

campus event access and much more.

Online Card Management (My Accounts)

Deposits can be made onto your OneCard via the

Blackboard My Accounts Website by visiting

http://blackboard.fitchburgstate.edu

My Accounts provides you with a Web-based interface, acces-

sible anytime, for self-management of your OneCard account.

These are some of the features available through My Accounts:

• Quick balance checks of Fitchburg Gold, Falcon Dollars,

Dining Points and Book Advance

• Deposits with major credit cards, which are immediately

available

• Monthly statements (Including Meal Plans)

• Transaction history reports

• E-mail notifications

• Reporting lost or stolen cards

• Check Board Balance and Guest Passes

Parents, family and friends can also make deposits to a student’s

account using the OneCard Guest Deposit on the same website.

The OneCard also has a stored value account called Fitchburg

Gold. This account offers a convenient way to pay for items on

and off campus, thus eliminating the need to carry cash. The

OneCard works on a gift card principle; you can only make

purchases if you have funds available on your card. Funds can

be added to your OneCard account online or at one of the Card

Management Centers on campus. Be aware before adding funds:

cash withdrawals are not allowed from your OneCard account

until after your relationship with Fitchburg State University

ends. Refer to the OneCard Program Agreement for details at

fitchburgstate.edu/onecard.

Once you have stored money onto your OneCard, it can be used

to pay for products and services on campus such as:

• Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library

• CenterStage / Weston Box Office

• North Street Bistro

• Follett Book Store

• Hammond Hall

• Holmes Dining Commons

• Housing and Residential Services

• Laundry Machines

• Mail Center (Postage)

• OneCard Office

• Printing, Scanning, and Copying

• Recreation Center

• McKay Café

• Vending Machines

• and more!

Card Management Centers

Card Management Centers are located in the Hammond Hall

street-level, the Conlon Hall lobby, the Recreation Center lobby,

the office of Housing and Residential Services, Holmes dining,

Anthony building and at the McKay Café in the McKay C wing.

You can deposit funds and check account balances. CMCs

accept cash and credit cards for payments and deposits. The

CMCs do not make or give change.

International Education

Hammond Hall, Third Floor, Suite 316

(978) 665-3089 fitchburgstate.edu/intled

Nelly Wadsworth, Director

Nicole Salerno, Study Abroad Coordinator

Shaohua (Sandy) Yu, International Student Coordinator

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Office for International Education provides a number of

services including:

Study Abroad Opportunities

Fitchburg State University students have the valuable

opportunity to study in another country through three types of

programs:

• Short-term programs led by Fitchburg State faculty

members for groups of Fitchburg State students

• Direct enrollment at a foreign university with whom

Fitchburg State University has an exchange agreement

• Summer, semester, or year-long individual programs

Through these three types of programs, Fitchburg State offers

the opportunity to study in hundreds of locations throughout

the world, including programs designed for specific majors.

Scholarship support is available for some programs through

affiliation agreements, private philanthropic organizations, or

federally-funded scholarship programs.

International Student Services

Fitchburg State is a home to international students from more

than 25 countries in degree programs at the undergraduate and

graduate levels. The Office of International Education (OIE)

advises students on immigration matters, employment questions,

personal matters and issues of cultural adjustment through

orientation, briefings, workshops, educational programs and

individual advising. OIE supports international students from

the time they inquire about Fitchburg State through helping

them to get through graduation and assisting them in their

student-based employment after completing their degrees. OIE

is also a resource for international students on navigating their

lives in a new culture.

Global Responsibility

Several campus-wide events are offered throughout the

academic year to promote cross-cultural awareness on campus.

Through the discussion of international topics with experts on

international issues, students will learn about the challenges and

responsibilities for becoming global citizens.

Parking Services

Enforcement

University Police

32 Clinton Street

(978) 665-3111

Permit Sales/Citation Payments

Housing and Residential Services fitchburgstate.edu/parking

Aubuchon Hall, North side entrance

(978) 665-3219

University Police and Housing and Residential Services

jointly operate parking services functions for Fitchburg State

University. The Parking Committee reviews policy and planning

related to parking functions for the university, and includes

student, faculty and staff representatives. Parking lot maps and

the current parking rules and regulations guide are also available

at both offices and online at the Parking Services website. 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.

Parking Permits

Students who operate a motor vehicle on the property of

Fitchburg State University must obtain a parking permit in

order to use university regulated parking facilities. Permits are

available at the Housing and Residential Services office Monday

through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and may also be purchased online.

The individual’s status with the university determines the type

of permit assigned. Resident students with less than 24 earned

credit hours are not eligible to purchase a resident parking permit,

but may park at the Wallace Civic Center without a permit. To

obtain a permit, the individual must be a current member of the

Fitchburg State University. Commuter and resident students are

required to pay the permit fee before a permit is issued. Permit

fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable. Permits must

be properly displayed before the permit is considered valid. No

vehicle may display more than one current permit. Vehicles doing

so are subject to violation fines. Parking lot maps and the current

parking rules and regulations guide are also available.

Shuttle Bus Parking

Fitchburg State University has a limited number of parking

spaces on the main campus, and for this reason the university

offers additional parking at the Fitchburg State University

Wallace Civic Center serviced with shuttle bus transportation.

This parking is available 24 hours a day, with shuttle bus service

running between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to midnight Monday

through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, and 4:30 p.m.

to midnight on Sundays. The shuttle service is free of charge and

no permit is required to park at the Civic Center lot. You can

view the location of our campus shuttles on the mobile website

at m.fitchburgstate.edu

Citation Payments

The University Police Department is authorized to enforce

parking policies and to have the ability to issue citations and/or

order towing of vehicles found in violation of parking policies.

All citation fines are payable to Fitchburg State University

within 21 days after the date of violation. Payment may be made

online at citationpayment.fitchburgstate.edu,by mail, in person, or

by an authorized person. Payments may be made online using

a credit card or at the Housing and Residential Services Office

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by mailing a check or

money order to: Fitchburg State University, Parking Services, 160

Pearl St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Recreation Services

130 North Street

(978) 665-3683

Brad Cohrs, Director

Academic Year Hours of Operation

Monday–Wednesday: 6 a.m.–11 p.m.

Thursday: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Friday: 6 a.m.–7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: 3 p.m.–10 p.m.

For pool hours, contact extension 3683. Hours may change for

holidays and special events.

The Recreation Center is the hub for recreational activities at

the university. Students frequently take advantage of what the

Recreation Center has to offer, including a large gymnasium

with three basketball/volleyball courts, a modern fitness center

with cardio and weight equipment, a jogging track, dance studio

and racquetball courts. Also, you’ll be able to check out a wide

variety of equipment by simply showing your OneCard at the

front desk.

Intramural / Recreational Sports

For those students that prefer a more structured program,

the intramural program offers an opportunity for all students

to participate in a wide variety of sporting activities. The

intramural sports program includes: basketball, flag football,

soccer, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, table tennis

and many others. If you would like to learn more about

Intramural Sports or sign up, please contact Laura Pierce

directly at [email protected].

Fitness Programming

Throughout the year a number of group exercise classes are held

as well. The individual classes change from year to year, but may

include favorites like: boot camp, zumba, spin, water aerobics,

yoga or pilates. These classes are held throughout the week with

no charge for students. In addition, we now offer group exercise

classes via Fitness on Demand. With this feature, students may

select a class from a computer on the wall. Within seconds an

instructor will appear on a large screen and the class will begin!

General Policies and Procedures

for the Recreation Center

• All students are required to bring their Fitchburg State

University OneCard each time they visit the center.

• All students are required to use athletic footwear when

exercising recreationally, or when attending practices

or classes.

• Students are permitted to bring an unlimited number of

guests at a cost of $5 per visit (all guests must be 18, bring

clean footwear, and sign a release agreement).

• We have both daily use and long-term lockers available.

Please inquire at the front desk for more information.

• Food and gum are not permitted in activity areas.

Registrar’s Office

Anthony Building, Room 110

(978) 665-4196 fitchburgstate.edu/registrar

Barbara Cormier, Registrar

Hours of Operation

Mon.–Fri.: 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

As a member of the Academic Affairs team, the Registrar’s Office

is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of all

student academic records, for both graduate and undergraduate

students, including, but not limited to, registration, transcripts,

enrollment statistics and verifications, major/minor changes,

veteran status and support, degree evaluations, transfer course

equivalencies and clearing students for graduation and awarding

degrees.

School of Graduate, Online and Continuing

Education

Anthony Building, Room 112

(978) 665-3182 fitchburgstate.edu/gce

Becky Copper-Glenz, Dean, Graduate & Continuing Education

Hours

Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education

(SOGCE) provides a wide variety of graduate, undergraduate

and professional programs and courses, in collaboration with

academic departments and other constituents, as well as

non-credit and distance learning opportunities. Courses are

offered during the fall and spring semesters, an online winter

session, and a summer session that includes a variety of course

schedules, from one week institute courses to 7-week options.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including on-campus,

online, hybrid, and accelerated options. SOGCE is committed to

providing an accessible and affordable education of exceptional

quality.

Student Affairs

Sanders Administration Building, Suite 204

(978) 665-3130 fitchburgstate.edu/sal

Dr. Laura Bayless, Vice President of Student Affairs

Dr. William Cummings, Dean of Students

The Office of Student Affairs works to provide an optimal

campus environment to enhance students’ ability to learn both

in and out of the classroom. An active partner in the Fitchburg

State University education process, the office supports a

campus community dedicated to learning, cooperation and the

development of personal skills, goals and ethical standards of

behavior. The Office of Student Affairs coordinates the following

programs and services:

Emergency Student Loans

Students may apply for emergency student loans for

non-university, unanticipated expenses. The interest-free loans

are available for up to $100 and must be repaid within two

months. All requests are reviewed on an individual basis.

Withdrawing from Fitchburg State University

Students wishing to take a leave of absence or withdraw from

the university should begin the process at the Office of Student

Affairs. Students will meet with Student Affairs staff to discuss

options for returning and to complete necessary paperwork.

Refer to the Withdrawing from Fitchburg State University section of

this Student Handbook or the Fitchburg State University Catalog.

New Student and Family Orientation Programs

The orientation program at Fitchburg State University is

designed to assist students in making the transition to the

University. The orientation program addresses new students’

needs from a holistic point of view, taking into consideration the

intellectual, emotional, physical, social and spiritual dimensions

of the student. The program is divided into two parts. The

summer program focuses on testing, academic advising and

registration for classes. The fall program consists of a variety

of programs and activities designed to make students aware of

the broad range of services available to them, introduce them to

campus life and help them develop a feeling and identity with

Fitchburg State University.

Complementing the orientation program for students is the

family orientation program geared to providing family members

of students with valuable information about the University,

as well as tips for easing students’ and parents’ transition to

Fitchburg State University.

Student Academic Standing

At the end of each term, the office coordinates the listing and

notification of students named to the President’s List and

Dean’s List. The office also coordinates the review, listing and

notification of students placed on probation, suspension or

dismissal based on academic performance. Appeals regarding

academic standing are addressed to the Office of Student Affairs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requests

Each year, the financial aid office reviews credit and grade

point average compliance relative to financial aid regulations.

Letters are forwarded to students who are not in compliance

with current regulations. Financial aid compliance SAP waiver

requests are reviewed by the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Conduct and Case Management

The Student Conduct and Case Management in the Office

of Student Affairs educates and provides information about

community standards, protects student’s rights and encourages

student responsibility. The office provides students educational

opportunities for personal growth, community connections and

values clarification. Our aim is to educate the students, faculty

and staff about issues central to the mission of the institution,

and to react to inappropriate behavior in a fair, responsive,

educational and developmental manner. In addition, the staff

provides support and direction for campus education and

mediation opportunities outside of the classroom.

The Fitchburg State University conduct system is based on

established expectations and standards of behavior as described

in the Student Code of Conduct and other appropriate literature.

Student Accounts

Anthony Building

(978) 665-4126 fitchburgstate.edu/studentaccts

Heather Ruland, Director of Student Accounts

Bill Payment

Email notifications will be sent to the student email and the

Authorized Users email when eBills are available. Fall eBills are

available in early July and are due in early August. Spring eBills are

available in mid-November and are due in mid-December. Awards

from your completed financial aid package may be used as a credit

toward your balance. Tentative awards cannot be used toward

your balance. Please be sure your financial aid file is complete and

you accept your award online on your Web4 in a timely manner.

We encourage students and families to make their payments

online. We accept all major credit and debit cards, or ACH

checking or savings account. Checks, money orders, bank

checks, and traveler’s checks can be mailed to our attention.

Please put the student’s school ID on the memo line. Cash is

also accepted in our office. Any personal checks not honored

by a student’s bank will be assessed a $30 returned check

fee per occurrence. Students will be required to pay with a

banker’s check, cash or credit card after they’ve had three

checks returned. Funds received for educational purposes will

be applied on the basis of first funds received and will be the

first funds applied to the bill. Delinquent financial obligations

will have a Balance Due Hold placed on their account. This will

prevent the student from obtaining an official transcript or

registering for classes. Accounts may be placed with a collection

agency and/or State Intercept, and all additional costs associated

will be assessed to the student account. The collection company

will use all contact information provided by Fitchburg State and

may report delinquent accounts to a credit bureau.

Rights and Responsibilities

When a student registers for any class or receives any service

from Fitchburg State University they are accepting full

responsibility to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs

as a result of their registration by the published or assigned

due date. A late fee will be assessed to any account with a

balance after the due date. Student Accounts will use all contact

information provided by the student along with the student’s

Fitchburg State student email as a form of communication with

the student. Students are required to check their student email

daily/weekly. Students should ensure that the University has

their current contact information.

Payment Plan

In addition to the payment options listed above , Fitchburg State

University is pleased to offer students and families a monthly

payment plan.

• Payments are interest free

• $25.00 per semester enrollment fee

• Receive e-mail notifications if your payments are adjusted

due to changes in registration or your financial aid package

• Convenient online enrollment

• Automatic installment payments available.

Deposits and Refund Policy

New students, both freshmen and transfers, are assessed a

non-refundable $200.00 deposit. $85 of this deposit will be

credited toward their first semester bill. If a student withdraws

prior to the beginning of classes, a full refund, less the $85 tuition

deposit, is granted. Returning students who have paid their bills

prior to the opening of school and who have notified Fitchburg

State University that they will not be attending any classes will

be entitled to a full refund. After the commencement of semester

classes, the refund policy becomes effective.

Health Insurance Requirements

Since September 1989, Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.15A, § 18)

has required every full-time and part-time student enrolled

in a certificate, diploma or degree granting program in a

Massachusetts institution of higher learning to participate

in a Student Health Program or in a health benefit plan with

comparable coverage. The Student Health Program defines a

part-time student as a student enrolled in at least 75% of the full-

time curriculum. (CPS Undergraduate Students 12 credits, CPS

Graduate 7 credits, Part-time Graduate students 4.5 credits).

Students are required to waive or enroll in the student health

insurance each July (before the August due date). Students

starting in the Spring Semester will need to waive/enroll before

the December due date, and then each July moving forward.

Failure to complete this requirement will result in FSU to force

enroll the student in the insurance plan and the student will be

responsible to pay the insurance fee. The online waiver will be

available each semester when the eBill is ready.

Enrollment Period

The fall and spring terms are a 15-week schedule. The 50% point

is up to the seventh week of classes. The 60% point is up to the

ninth week of classes.

Institutional Refund Policy

The following Institutional Refund Policy is a reference for

all students withdrawing from the university from all state

supported day classes. Information on the Refund Policy for

Graduate & Continuing Education courses may be found at

fitchburgstate.edu/gce/refund

The information below reflects the percentage of charges the

student will be charged for, dependant on the official effective

week of withdrawal. If a student is using financial aid against

their total charges, please refer to the financial aid return of Title

IV refund policy.

Withdrawal prior to the start of classes ............................... 100%

Before the beginning of the second week ................................90%

From the second week but before the

fourth week ................................................................................. 50%

From the fourth week to the seventh week ............................ 25%

Withdrawal week eight to week fifteen ................................... 0%

Refund Policies

The above information is for informational purposes only.

Official Refund Policies appear in the Fitchburg State University

Catalog.

Dropping Courses Below Full-time

This is the refund policy for all students taking less than 12

credits who drop state-supported courses during the first three

weeks of school:

Dropping before the beginning of the

second week of classes: ............................................100% refund.

Dropping from the second week of classes,

but before the fourth week of classes: ................... 50% refund.

Dropping after the fourth week of classes: .................0% refund.

Refunds will only be generated if the total payments exceed total

charges after adjustments have been generated.

1098T Tax Forms

Students must provide their social security number in order to

receive this tax form (if eligible). Students can opt in to receive

this form electronically on their Web4. They can also give

permission to their Authorized Users to view and print this

form. Forms are available online by January 31st.

Student Development

Hammond Hall, Ground Floor, G13

(978) 665-3163

Hank Parkinson Ed.D., Associate Dean fitchburgstate.edu/osd

Hours of Operation

Mon.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat.: 12 noon–5 p.m.

Fri.: 8 a.m–6 p.m. Sun.: 12 noon–11 p.m.

The Office of Student Development is an integral and vital

part of the educational life at Fitchburg State University. The

Hammond Hall facility is organized to meet the co-curricular

needs of the university community and is dedicated to fostering

and promoting spirit by providing positive human development

through social, educational, cultural and recreational programs.

The building’s services include the campus Information Desk,

art gallery, bookstore, Game Room, library, various campus

departments, student organization offices, Northstreet Bistro,

Commuter Lounge, Falcon Hub, meeting rooms, ATM machine,

Volunteer Center, and Falcon Bazzar.

Facilities Reservations

Student Development works with Event Management to book

rooms within Hammond Hall for student organizations (inside

and outside of Hammond). For specific scheduling information,

please contact the Student Development Office or Scheduling

Office. Two weeks notice is needed for reservations.

Information Desk

(978) 665-4630

Located on the street level of the Hammond Hall, the

Information Desk is the place to go for tickets and information

about programs and events on the Fitchburg State University

campus. Tickets may be purchased using your OneCard.

Game Room

(978) 665-3350

Pool, ping pong and air hockey tables, video and board games are

available for student use in the Game Room, which is located on

the ground level of the Hammond Hall.

Hammond Hall Art Gallery

Located on the ground floor of Hammond Hall. The art gallery

hosts several displays of artwork each semester. These displays

include the work of many acclaimed regional artists as well as

the innovative talents of Fitchburg State University students,

faculty and staff. The annual spring semester highlight is

VISIONS, which features students’ work. Each opening features

a reception and artist lecture.

North Street Bistro

The North Street Bistro, located on the ground level of

Hammond Hall, is available for anyone wishing to have a quick

meal during the week. The Bistro offers Subway, Create, BYOB,

Au bon Pain soups, Outtakes to go items, Freshens Smoothies

and Seattle’s Best Coffee. A spacious dining area adjoins the

Bistro. This area serves as a meeting place for all members of the

Fitchburg State University community. The dining area remains

open at night and is a pleasant alternative to the library for

studying and having informal meetings and study groups.

Commuter Affairs Office

(978) 665-3657 fitchburgstate.edu/commuter

The Commuter Affairs Office is open to all students. The

Commuter Affairs Office is a great place to find out about

commuter student life, commuter services, resources, and getting

involved as a commuter student. The Commuter Affairs Office,

ground level of Hammond Hall, is also home to the commuter

lounge, which features a friendly environment for commuter

students to socialize with one another, study or relax.

Falcon Hub

(978) 665-3821

Many events are held in the Falcon Hub including comedy

nights, coffeehouses, musical performances and events on the

large screen TV. Proper identification is required for admission.

The Falcon Hub serves beer and wine for those of legal drinking

age (age 21 and older) and non-alcoholic beverages for those

under the age of 21. All students must show a valid OneCard and,

if of legal drinking age, a valid Massachusetts driver’s license

or Massachusetts Registry Alcohol Card for admission. With a

Fitchburg State University OneCard, Fitchburg State University

students are permitted to sponsor two guests in the Falcon

Hub. All guests must show a Massachusetts driver’s license or

a Massachusetts Registry Alcohol Card to be signed into the

Falcon Hub.

Fitchburg State University Vans

(978) 665-3162

The campus vans are available free of charge with two weeks

notice for the use of recognized clubs and organizations. Other

campus groups may request the van and provide their own gas.

This service is available through the Office of Event Management

Fitchburg State University has partnered with MART to

provide a comprehensive transportation system for the

university community. Fitchburg State University members

may ride regularly scheduled MART routes at anytime, free

of charge. Train station runs are scheduled on Fridays and on

Sunday evenings. The vans are also used for local excursions to

Boston, Sturbridge and other points of interest in the state of

Massachusetts.

Volunteer Center

(978) 665-3649

The Volunteer Center is located in the ground level, Hammond

Hall, Suite G16, is a perfect place to find out about volunteer

opportunities in the Fitchburg community. Updated listings

of social service agencies and non-profit organizations are

available at the center. Whether you are looking to volunteer on

a regular basis or looking for an opportunity to link your club

with a project, the Center for Volunteerism is the place to start.

The Volunteer Center also has become the home to the Falcon

Bazaar, an Economic Insecurity Pantry.

Leadership Development

(978) 665-3163

The Office of Student Development offers a comprehensive

leadership development program for students. This includes

retreats, workshops, speakers, and our most popular program, the

Leadership Conference. To take full advantage of these programs,

please contact the Office of Student Development.

Student Mail Center

Mara Commons Building, First Floor

(978) 665-4481 fitchburgstate.edu/mailcenter

Hours

Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m.–7 p.m. during the academic

year. Mailboxes are accessible between the hours of 7:00 a.m. –

7:00 p.m. including weekends and holidays.

Fitchburg State University on-campus resident students may

request a mailbox assignment at the Student Mail Center each

September. Commuters may request a campus mailbox, assigned

on a first come first served basis due to the limited number of

boxes available. Students may receive mail and packages at

Fitchburg State University in care of the following address:

Name of Student

Fitchburg State University

Campus Post Office Box #_____

319 Highland Ave.

Fitchburg, MA 01420-2679

Letters and packages can be mailed here. Please check your

mailbox regularly. A photo ID is required for combinations.

Packages will be distributed using either our parcel locker

system or from the student mail center.

Due to limited space large appliances and furniture should be

addressed to:

Fitchburg State University

167 Klondike Ave

Fitchburg MA 01420

Arrangements will then be made to deliver the item to the

student’s residence.

TRIO SSS

Hammond Hall, Third Floor, Suite 315

(978)-665-4613 fitchburgstate.edu/triosss

Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Beth Swartz, Director

TRIO SSS is a federally-funded TRIO Student Support

Services program designed to promote the academic success

of Fitchburg State University students who are from families

where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree, who are

from low-income backgrounds, and / or are students with

disabilities. This program is designed to approach student

learning and development utilizing holistic methods. Through

proactive advising modalities and individualized support plans,

students partner with TRIO SSS staff to fully realize their

innate propensity for academic, career, and personal growth. A

sense of belonging is the foundation of TRIO SSS’s structured

experiences which draw upon and enhance students’ connection

to the campus community, while illuminating individual

pathways to their potential and success.

Programs and services offered to participants include:

• Pre-semester orientation for eligible freshmen

and transfer students

• Support of peer mentors

• Academic counseling, including study skills, test-taking

and time management skills training

• Pre-advising for course selection

• Career counseling, including cover letter and

resume preparation

• Graduate school counseling

• Mid-semester progress reports from faculty

• Professional math tutor

• Social and cultural activities and events

• Use of EHP office and computer lab

• Financial aid advising and financial literacy education

University Police

32 Clinton St., across from the Recreation Center

(978) 665-3111 fitchburgstate.edu/campuspolice

Michael J. Cloutier, Chief of Police

Fitchburg State University, with its 5,500 plus members, is

like a small town within the larger city of Fitchburg. Although

many services and measures are devoted to the issues of safety

and crime prevention, responsibility also lies with each member

of the Fitchburg State University community. The University

Police Department provides many services to promote campus-

wide safety. University Police provides the campus community

with assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The University

Police headquarters is located at 32 Clinton St., across from the

Recreation Center. The department is responsible for enforcing

all the laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—criminal,

non-criminal, and motor vehicle. Fitchburg State University

police officers are also committed to community engagement

programs directed towards the student body and employees.

Emergencies

University Police responds immediately to emergencies on

campus, whether they are police, fire or medical. A state-of-the-art

emergency phone system has been installed on the campus in

strategic locations. Telephones marked by blue lights allow

students to contact University Police directly and at any time.

Student Security Team

The Student Security Team provides additional security and safe

personal escorts upon request to and from any point on campus

and the immediate neighborhood. Personal escorts are provided

by Officers any time outside of the Student Team’s operating

hours. All students, male and female, are strongly encouraged to

use this service.

Personal Safety Programs and Community Presentations

Community engagement focuses on developing relationships

between the community and the officers they come into contact

with. Because of these established relationships, community

members may feel a sense of loyalty to the officers and ultimately

each is more cooperative with the other. Over time, this type of

policing develops a more robust relationship between the police

department and the University community, which intern, helps

to enhance campus safety. Our Personal Safety Course offerings

include:

• Violence Identification Prevention and Reporting (VIPR)

• Community Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

• R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense)

• Until Help Arrives

• First Aid, CPR & AED

Fitchburg State Alert

Fitchburg State Alert will enable the university to notify

you of important campus announcements. Examples of such

announcements are:

• Campus and regional emergencies

• Snow closures/delays

• Faculty absences

Fitchburg State Alert is setup to send notifications to your

Fitchburg State University email by default. Mobile phones, land

lines, and additional email addresses must be entered by the user

by visiting http://alert.fitchburgstate.edu

Rave Guardian Campus Safety app

Fitchburg State University has partnered with Rave Guardian to

offer a free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal

safety device. By downloading this free safety app students can

enhance their personal safety both on and off campus.

With Guardian, users can create a profile of information about

themselves, and invite family and friends to their safety network.

When needed, the user can request one or more of their

Guardians to virtually walk with them on or off campus. It’s like

having an emergency blue light system and a trusted friend with

you at all times.

The Guardian app also features:

• Easy Emergency Communication: In an emergency, a one

button call to campus safety officials will display the users

Guardian profile and current location.

• Send Tips: See something, say something. The app allows

users to text suspicious activity to university police,

including photos.

The Rave Guardian App can be downloaded in the Apple or

Google Play stores by searching for “Rave Guardian.” Fitchburg

State users can also download it directly from the university’s

mobile app. More information on the program can be found at

fitchburgstate.edu/rave

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy

and Campus Crime Statistics Act

The Clery Act is a consumer protection law that aims to provide

transparency around campus crime, policies, and statistics. The

Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate

in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose informa-

tion about crime on and near their respective campuses. The

various reporting aspects of the Clery Act can be found on the

University Police website, which includes the Annual Security

and Fire Safety Report, Daily Crime and Fire Logs, Maps of the

University’s Clery Geography, as well as all Timely Warnings

and Emergency Notifications. Students can access current and

previous year’s reports at: fitchburgstate.edu/clery

Other Assistance

University Police provides a variety of additional services.

Tire compressors and snow shovels can be borrowed. Stop by

or call University Police anytime at (978) 665-3111. For more

information, visit the Website at fitchburgstate.edu/campuspolice

Veteran’s Center

Thompson Hall

Henry Parkinson, Director

The Veteran’s Center is located in the Thompson Foyer. Ques-

tions regarding campus events or issues, or the Veteran’s Center

should be directed to Dr. Henry Parkinson, Associate Dean of

Student Development

Student Organizations

Student Government

Association (SGA)

Hammond Hall

Ground Level

(978) 665-3300

Kerry Mcmanus, SGA President

Full-time undergraduate students are

members of the Student Government

Association (SGA). The SGA is the official

voice of the students and participates in

campus-wide committees and state and

national organizations.

SGA Senate Elections

Appointments are done in the fall semester

for the incoming freshmen. Senate elections

are held during the spring semester.

Referendum questions are a part of the

spring ballot.

SGA Officers

The Executive Board

Includes president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and

student trustee. Vacancies will be filled by special appointments

and take place during the first four weeks of each semester.

Senate

The Student Government Association offers eight senate seats

per graduation year.

What does SGA do?

SGA holds weekly meetings that are open to the entire

student body. SGA meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the G19

of Hammond Hall.

The function of SGA is to represent student interests regarding

all administrative, academic and social issues of concern to the

students of Fitchburg State University.

One of the main responsibilities of SGA is to supervise and

distribute the Student Activity Trust Fund. Recognized clubs,

organizations and committees are funded by SGA through

this fund.

SGA Services

SGA offers many services to the campus community including:

• Poster approval

• Copier for organization use

• Student support and referral

• Funding for student organizations

• Advocacy for changes in campus policies that affect

students

• Advocacy for student rights

• Student appointments to campus committees

• Leadership conferences and workshops

Bulletin Boards

SGA has sole responsibility for approving posters and flyers for

posting on SGA designated bulletin boards, which are located

around campus. Please see the Poster Policy in this Student

Handbook for specific information on posting.

SGA Guidelines for Student Organizations

The following guidelines must be met in order for a student

organization to receive funding from SGA:

• The organization must be recognized by the Student

Organization Committee (SOC)

• The organization must submit and maintain a current

organization constitution on file with the Office of

Student Development through OrgSync

• The organization may not discriminate on the basis of

race, religion, sex, color, age, sexual orientation, disability,

veteran status, martial status or national origin

• The organization must perform a valuable service to the

student body

• The organization must submit budget requests to the SGA

Finance Committee (FINCOM) on time

• The organization must not receive academic credit

• The organization must be nonprofit

Student Clubs and Organizations

Cultural & Spiritual

Black Student Union (BSU)

Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship (CACF)

First Love

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Latin American Student Organization (LASO)

World Integrated Nations (WIN)

Performance & Media

Dance Club

Filmmakers Society

Harmonic Velocity a Cappella

Improv Club

Musical Theater Club

WXPL

Governing

Greek Council

Interfraternity Council

Panhellenic

Student Government Association (SGA)

Service & Wellness

Environmental League of Fitchburg (ELF)

Falcon Friends

FAVE

Habitat for Humanity

Love Your Melon

Rescue Squad (EMS)

Sports & Recreation

Billiards Club

Cheerleaders

Chess Club

Fitchburg Finches

Lacrosse Club

Martial Arts Club

Outdoor Adventure Club

Rugby Club

Volleyball Club

Special Interest

American Sign Language (ASL) Club

Feminist Conversations

Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB)

Harry Potter Alliance

Model UN

Pokémon Society

Role Playing Guild (RPG)

Rubik’s Cube

Smash Club

Greek

Alpha Pi Delta

Alpha Sigma Tau

Phi Sigma Sigma

Sigma Pi

Sigma Sigma Sigma

Sigma Tau Gamma

Academic

Accounting Society

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

Associated General Contractors (AGC)

Biology & Chemistry Club

Business Society

Computer Science Club

Criminal Justice Club

Education Club

Entrepreneurship Club

Exercise & Sports Science Club

Game Design Student Association (GDSA)

Student Nurses Association (SNA)

Technology Engineering Education Collegiate

Association (TEECA)

Honor Societies

Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)

Delta Alpha Pi (Disability)

Epsilon Pi Tau (Industrial Technology)

Kappa Delta Pi (Education)

Lambda Pi Eta (Communications)

Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics)

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)

Psi Chi (Psychology)

Sigma Beta Delta (Business)

Sigma Tau Delta (English)

Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)

Order of Omega (Greek)

Restart Opportunities

Active Minds

Advertising Club

Anime Club

Asian Cultural Society

Economics Club

Falcon Theatre Company

Focus on Faith

Golf Club

Math Club

Political Science Club

Psychological Science Club

Sociology Club

Recognized Student Organizations

Fitchburg State University encourages active student

participation in the following recognized student organizations

on campus including fraternities and sororities, musical

programs, academic interest groups and special interest groups.

Academic Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

The purpose of the American Institute of Architecture Students

is to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and

practice, to foster an appreciation of architecture and related

disciplines, and to organize students to combine their efforts to

advance the art and science of architecture.

Active Minds

Increasing the awareness of the students, faculty, and staff at

Fitchburg State University about the following:

• issues surrounding mental health

• symptoms related to mental health disorders

• mental health resources available both on campus and in

the surrounding community

Alpha Lambda Delta

An honor society for freshmen students who maintain a grade

point average of 3.5 or higher and are committed to a high

standard of living and learning.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma honors and promotes academic excellence in

Criminal Justice students in addition to encouraging community

service, educational leadership and unity among students on

campus.

Alpha Sigma Lambda

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the premier international honor

society for adult learners. Membership is open to Graduate and

Continuing Education undergraduate degree seeking students.

The Fitchburg State University chapter is Pi Gamma.

Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority

Alpha Sigma Tau stands for active, self reliant and trustworthy

members of the university community. They believe strongly

in the values of sisterhood and friendship, and strive to make a

difference.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

The purpose of the American Institute of Architecture Students

is to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and

practice, to foster an appreciation of architecture and related

disciplines, and to organize students to combine their efforts to

advance the art and science of architecture.

American Sign Language

The ASL Club will give the students of the university the oppor-

tunity to learn, practice and appreciate American Sign Language

along with a group of individuals who share the same interest.

The club will sponsor events that will allow individuals to be

exposed to different aspects of manual communication.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Fitchburg State University sponsors a student chapter of the

ABC, which is a nationwide organization of men and women

involved in the construction industry.

Billiards Club

The Billiards Club will give students an opportunity to play

games and practice their skills in the game of pool along with

fellow students who share the same interest.

Biology Club

The Biology Club is a group of students interested in

applying that which is learned in the classroom to the outside

environment. The club participates in activities in which

different aspects of the field of biology can be explored. These

experiences may lead to valuable opportunities and lasting

relationships between peers and faculty.

Business Society

The goal of the Fitchburg State University Business Society is to

provide students with real business experience within a social

atmosphere through a variety of meetings, special projects, and

guest speakers.

Black Student Union

The purpose of the Black Student Union is to provide interaction

between various groups of students at Fitchburg State

University by holding special social and educational events.

Campus Ambassadors/Christian Fellowship

at Fitchburg State University

The Campus Ambassadors/Christian Fellowship group (CA/

CF) is an interdenominational group on campus. This group

is composed primarily of students whose goal is to promote

the spiritual life of the students, faculty and administration

of Fitchburg State University through worship, Bible studies,

fellowship and evangelical outreach events.

Criminal Justice Club

Our mission is to enhance the Criminal Justice major and the

Fitchburg State University community as a whole, by offering an

organization that supports and promotes the understanding of

the criminal justice system.

Dance Club

The Dance Club offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet and aerobic styles.

Classes are informal, meet weekly for one hour and are led by

students. Members of all genders and skill levels.

Delta Alpha Pi (Disability Honors Society)

The Fitchburg State University chapter of Delta Alpha Pi

International Honor Society presents an opportunity to change

negative perceptions of students with disabilities by recognizing

their academic accomplishments.

Honor Societies

Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)

Delta Alpha Pi (Disability)

Epsilon Pi Tau (Industrial Technology)

Kappa Delta Pi (Education)

Lambda Pi Eta (Communications)

Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics)

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)

Psi Chi (Psychology)

Sigma Beta Delta (Business)

Sigma Tau Delta (English)

Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)

Order of Omega (Greek)

Restart Opportunities

Active Minds

Advertising Club

Anime Club

Asian Cultural Society

Economics Club

Falcon Theatre Company

Focus on Faith

Golf Club

Math Club

Political Science Club

Psychological Science Club

Sociology Club

Education Club

The Fitchburg State University Education Club offers educa-

tion majors the opportunity to congregate with their peers and

to extend their collective learning beyond the boundaries of the

classroom. Additionally, the Education Club provides a forum for

members to discuss issues pertinent to the field of education.

Epsilon Pi Tau, Inc. (Technology Education and Industrial

Technology Honor Society)

Epsilon Pi Tau works to promote and provide professional status

for industrial arts and industrial vocational education, a medium

for the professional development and recognition of individual

members for leadership and achievement. The group fosters and

encourages the acceptance among its members of the ideals of

technical competence, social and professional proficiency and

research.

Exercise Sport Science Club

The Exercise Sport Science Club provides a space for Exer-

cise Sport Science majors to collaborate in order to create a

unique teaching and learning atmosphere. The objectives of

the Exercise Sport Science Club include facilitating learning

through workshops and lecturers and providing tutor services to

underclassmen.

Falcon Friends

The purpose of Falcon Friends is to promote social inclusion of

students with disabilities as well as form meaningful friendships

with age-appropriate peers.

Falcon Theater Company

The Falcon Players work to open the minds of members of the

Fitchburg State University community to art and culture by

offering performances, guest speakers, seminars and workshops.

Feminist Conversations

Feminist Conversations aims to encourage conversation of all

gender issues and inequality, explore progress, and empower

people of all genders on our campus and in our community.

First Responders

The Fitchburg State University First Responders provide Fitch-

burg State University with emergency medical care during the

regular school year and during special events year-round. The

squad is open to Fitchburg State University students interested

in the emergency medical field.

Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB)

FAB is responsible for much of the social programming on

campus. The committee plans events including major concerts,

coffeehouses, comedy nights, films, lectures and special events.

Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory are some of the artists

that have recently appeared.

Fitchburg Finches

The Fitchburg Finches aim to create and satisfy a niche interest

in the game of Quidditch as well as represent Fitchburg State

University in US Quidditch on a national scale. The Fitchburg

Finches will also promote gender inclusivity, leadership, chari-

table work, and teambuilding, which are the core values of US

Quidditch.

Fitchburg State University Cheerleading Club

The Fitchburg State University Cheerleading Club is open to

any person, male or female, who is interested in cheerleading to

support the football and basketball teams.

Fitchburg State University Film Makers Society

This club is dedicated to the study and appreciation of film and

video production along with the history of cinema.

Fitchburg State University Habitat for Humanity

Local Chapter

The Fitchburg State University Habitat for Humanity local

chapter is dedicated to the values and principals of the

national organization. Local chapter members will dedicate

themselves to projects that are ongoing in the local Fitchburg/

Leominster area. The group will participate in the Collegiate

Challenge and will work in tandem with the Alternative

Spring Break trip planning group.

Game Design Club

The Game Design Club establishes the provision for students

seeking academic decampment in the field of Game Design.

Gay Straight Alliance

Gay Straight Alliance offers support, acceptance, understanding

and education for all Fitchburg State University students. Gay,

lesbian and bisexual students, as well as allies and friends, are

welcome in this social setting.

Greek Council

The Greek Council was formed to improve relations among

members of sororities, fraternities, student body, administration,

and the Fitchburg State University community through social

events, philanthropies and community projects.

Harmonic Velocity A Capella Choir

Harmonic Velocity stimulates an interest in music and singing,

specifically in the area of a cappella music.

Inter-Faternity Council

We, the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) of Fitchburg State

University set forth this Constitution and Bylaws in a continued

effort to promote and maintain closer working relationships and

coordination amongst and between the member fraternities and

with Fitchburg State University.

Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honors Society)

Kappa Delta Pi recognizes outstanding student contributions to

the field of education.

Lacrosse Club

The Fitchburg State University Lacrosse Club sponsors student

lacrosse games and strives to promote teamwork, sportsmanship,

spirit, respect, and dedication.

Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Honors Society)

Lambda Pi Eta is the honor society of the National

Communication Association. This chapter of Lambda Pi Eta

exists to further the mission of the association and is subject to

the association’s policies and procedures.

Latin American Student Organization (LASO)

LASO represents Hispanic culture on campus through programs

and activities.

Live Action Role Playing (LARP)

The purpose of the Fitchburg State LARP Guild is to bring

together those in the community that enjoy any aspect of Live

Action Role Playing. Participation in club activities will expose

students to a wide range of skills and activities, including

improvisational acting, physical activity, game design, and

socialization.

Love Your Melon Fitchburg State University Campus Crew

The purpose of Love Your Melon Fitchburg State University

Campus Crew shall be to help give a hat to every child battling

cancer in America, fund childhood cancer research initiatives

and provide immediate support for children and their families

through the sales of Love Your Melon products.

Martial Arts Club

The Martial Arts Club is a group of male and female students

interested in Shotokan karate. Instruction is administered by

registered black belts. Beginners are welcome to join the club.

MASSPIRG (Massachusetts Public Interest Research

Group) at Fitchburg State University

MASSPIRG provides student involvement in environmental and

consumer issues such as toxic waste, recycling, safe drinking

water and voter registration. Students at 28 Massachusetts

universities participate and direct MASSPIRG campaigns.

On-campus internships for credit are available in a variety of

topics through the MASSPIRG Office.

Math Club

The Math Club is an academic club that is open to all students

that have an interest in numbers, equations, logarithms, and the

processes behind solving them.

Model United Nations

The Fitchburg State University Model UN is a political science

club that strives to promote the advancement of the study of

political science and active participation in the political process

by members of the Fitchburg State University community

through seminars, discussion forums, and academic symposiums.

Musical Theater

The purpose of this club is to provide a professional extracur-

ricular musical oriented organization where both students and

alumni may participate.

National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)

Fitchburg State University sponsors a local chapter of this

organization, formed for students with an interest in home

construction.

North Central Massachusetts Entrepreneurship

Association

The entrepreneurship association shall provide students

an avenue for student-led club that exclusively fosters a

dedicated focus on the appreciation for the art and science of

entrepreneurship education.

Order of Omega

The Fitchburg State University Order of Omega is an honor

society dedicated to members of Greek life who have compiled

an excellent academic record and have dedicated themselves to

the betterment of Greek life on campus.

Outdoor Adventure Club

The purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Club is to provide the

Fitchburg State University campus with fun and meaningful

opportunities for outdoor recreation. These outdoor adventures

promote the development of character, friendships, and physical

and mental well-being for those involved and enhance members’

awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the environment.

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council at Fitchburg State University is the

governing board of the three national sororities on campus.

Meetings take place on a weekly basis.

Phi Alpha Theta (International Honor Society

in History)

The Phi Alpha Theta Xi-Upsilon Chapter promotes an interest

in history among its members, the Fitchburg State University

community, and the greater Fitchburg area.

Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honor Society)

The Fitchburg State University chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon aims

to promote scholarly activity within the field of mathematical

sciences and to recognize those students who show exemplary

academic proficiency within the field of mathematics.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for political science

majors. It recognizes academic achievement of those students

who major in political science.

Phi Sigma Sigma National Sorority

Phi Sigma Sigma was founded in 1913 in New York. The Zeta Rho

Chapter was installed at Fitchburg State University in 1992. Phi

Sigma Sigma has three goals: service, scholarship and friendship.

Phi Sigma Sigma’s philanthropy contributes to various local and

national non-profit organizations.

Pokemon Society

The purpose of Pokemon is to bring together those in the

community that enjoy any aspect of the Pokemon franchise.

Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society)

Psi Chi’s purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain

excellence in scholarship and advancement of the science of

psychology.

Ski and Snowboard Club

The Ski and Snowboard club is dedicated to giving students

the opportunity to immerse oneself in the sport of Skiing and

Snowboarding.

Sigma Pi Fraternity, International

As stated in the creed of Sigma Pi, the Brothers strive for

promotion of scholarship, advancement of truth and justice,

encouragement of chivalry, diffusion of culture and development

of character among its members.

Sigma Beta Delta Honors Society

The purposes of this society shall be to encourage and recognize

scholarship and accomplishment among students of business,

management, and administration; and to encourage and promote

aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a

life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. It is orga-

nized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority

This national sorority seeks to ensure a perpetual bond of

friendship, develop womanly character and promote high

standards of conduct. The women strive to follow the university

mission and bring together a culturally diverse group of

individuals, each with her own talents, opinions and ideals.

The members are committed to play therapy for children and

community service.

Sigma Tau Delta

This organization grants distinction for high achievement to

students with a major in English.

Sigma Tau Gamma National Fraternity, Inc.

Sigma Tau Gamma believes that all men are social creatures and

that friendships of university men are lasting ones. The members

seek to promote these associations through a social fraternity,

which upholds the true standards of brotherhood.

Sigma Theta Tau, Inc., Epsilon Beta Chapter,

(Nursing Honor Society)

The purpose of this society is to recognize superior achievement,

encourage the development of leadership qualities and foster

high professional standards.

Smash Club

Smash Clubs purpose is to promote the Super Smash Bros

community, spread interest for the video game series, and to

establish a friendly, competitive, and social environment for fans,

new and old, to get the chance to make new friends, improve

their game skills, and overall, to have fun and enjoy themselves.

Student Nurses Association (SNA)

The NSA is a professional organization run by nursing

students to address nursing issues important to both the

students and the community.

Technology Education Collegiate Association (TEECA)

The Fitchburg State University Technology Education Collegiate

Association provides to students of the university an avenue to

foster an appreciation for the art of technology education and

a way to network with other students of similar interests. The

Association offers its members the opportunity to not only learn

more about their discipline but to also gain an understanding of

it through hands-on experience.

World Integrated Nations (WIN)

The purpose of WIN is to inspire Fitchburg State Students to

embrace their culture while learning about other cultures and to

develop a stronger identity of themselves.

WXPL

WXPL is the student run radio station at Fitchburg State

University. Complete with sophisticated broadcasting equip-

ment and an extensive album library, WXPL broadcasts at

91.3 FM.

Recognition of Student Organizations

There are more than 75 student organizations at Fitchburg

State University that provide the campus community with

many options for activities and programming. Fitchburg State

University encourages and promotes participation in student

organizations. It is hoped that by pursuing these co-curricular

programs and activities, students will develop leadership skills

and achieve goals.

Fitchburg State University recognizes, appreciates and supports

the contributions made by student organizations to enhance the

quality of student life at the university. The process of student

organization recognition is vital to provide continued services

by monitoring and accurately assessing the status of all student

groups. The recognition of student organizations is intended

to clarify the rights, privileges and responsibilities of student

organizations. All student organizations wishing to operate on

campus are required to complete this recognition process.

Contact the Student Development Office for more information,

or contact the Student Organization Committee (SOC).

Student Organization Committee (SOC)

All requests by student groups to become recognized student

organizations are coordinated by the Student Organization

Committee (SOC). The SOC includes the advisor to SGA, one

member of the faculty, one administrator, one SGA member, and

one member at large. This committee is chaired by an executive

board member of the SGA. A quorum of five out of seven

members is required for the SOC to vote. The chairperson is a

voting member of the SOC.

Criteria Organizations Must Meet

to be Recognized

Submit an application to the Office of Student Development

with the following:

• A letter of intent to organize signed by the student contact

and the advisor must be submitted

• The organization must have 10 founding members who

are full-time undergraduate Fitchburg State University

students or have the written support (signed petition) of

50 full-time undergraduate students

• The organization must have an advisor who is a full-time

faculty or full-time professional staff member

• Submission of completed hazing compliance forms from all

members

• Submission of a constitution in accordance with the sample

constitution format

• The organization may not discriminate on the basis of race,

religion, color, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran

status, marital status or national origin. Exceptions may be

made by gender as authorized by law

• The organization must agree to and abide by all federal,

state and local laws and university policies

• The organization’s purpose must be consistent with the

mission of the university

Step One: Organizing

In order to assist students in the process of forming a recognized

student organization, students may receive the following

guidance and assistance from the university:

• Students are encouraged to meet with the chairperson

of the Student Organization Committee (SOC) or a team

member from the Office of Student Development to learn

more about the recognition process.

• Once a letter of intent to organize is received and

acknowledged by the SOC, the organization will be

permitted to conduct limited organization business on

campus. Groups may, over a two month period, post

notices on campus when approved by SGA, reserve tables

in G-Lobby a total of five times and reserve a meeting

room three times. Groups may meet for organizing

purposes only. Groups may not sponsor any speakers from

off-campus or any other programs.

Step Two: Requesting Recognition

To be considered for recognition, the following materials must

be submitted to the SOC:

• Letter of intent to organize

• Hazing compliance form signed by the founding members

• Current constitution in accordance with the sample

constitution format

Once the letter of intent, application, hazing forms and

constitution have been received, the chairperson of SOC will

forward the request to the SOC or, if the organization is Greek,

will forward the request to the Greek Council.

Non-Greek requests

SOC will make a recommendation to SGA where a vote will

take place. A majority vote is needed to pass new organizations.

After SGA’s approval, the constitution will be sent to the dean of

Student Affairs for final approval.

Greek requests

SOC will forward the request to the Greek Council, which will

review the request and will meet with the organization. The

Greek Council will make a recommendation to SGA where

a vote will take place. A majority vote is needed to pass new

organizations. After approval, the constitution will be sent to

the dean of Student Affairs for final approval.

Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities

of Recognized Student Organizations

Rights and Privileges

• To reserve all on-campus facilities through the Office of

Student Development

• To be listed and publicized as an officially recognized club

or organization through the Office of Student Development

• To have approved events listed on the campus calendar and

other campus publications

• To have authorized publicity posted in approved posting

areas

• To use the Fitchburg State University name as part of the

club or organization name

• To apply for funding through the Student Government

Association

• To be assigned a university mailing address as well as a

mailbox in the SGA office

• To gain access to club and organization web space

• To participate in club and organization fairs

• To have an advisor

• To receive help, advice, and assistance from the Office of

Student Development

• To have access to lists from which you can print labels for

students, staff, and faculty

• The right to solicit (fund raise) on campus

• The use of SGA services

• To sponsor programs and activities

• Access to the discipline systems

• Use of the Financial Services office services

Responsibilities

• Clubs and Organizations must maintain a FalConnect

portal. Minimum requirements includes, updated

constitution, updated leadership and membership, use of

CORQ (event app), and use of treasury function.

• The Financial Services Office must be used for the

administration of all university-approved funds and funds

raised on-campus and off campus

• A current constitution must be on file with the Office of

Student Development via FalConnect

• Groups must have a statement of purpose, which is in

accordance with the mission of the university

• Organizations must have Fitchburg State University

undergraduate students as its members

• Organizations should have full-time undergraduate

students, in good academic standing, and all officers must

adhere to the GPA policy

• A current list of officers must be maintained in FalConnect

• All federal, state and local laws and university policies

must be followed

• Membership must not practice any physical or

psychologically abusive behaviors, either intentionally or

unintentionally

• All clubs and organizations must attend the mandatory

Club and organization Training (open to all officers,

mandatory for presidents and treasurers)

• Club and Organization leadership is required Council of

Clubs and Organizations (CCO) as requested by the Vice

President of SGA.

• All university policies and procedures, including

scheduling, posting and solicitation, etc., must be followed

• A full-time faculty or full-time professional staff member

must act as advisor; their role will be mutually determined

by the organization and advisor and is consistent with

expectations outlined in the Student Development

Handbook

• The club mailbox in the SGA office must be checked

regularly to ensure that all official correspondence is

received and answered

Making Revisions or Amendments to a Constitution

Any revisions or amendments to a constitution of a recognized

student organization must be approved by the SOC and SGA

prior to implementation. The following process will be followed:

Organizations must submit any revisions or amendments

with the rationale for making the changes to the chairperson

of SOC. The chairperson of SOC will forward the revisions or

amendments and rationale to the SOC or, if the organization is

Greek, will forward the request to the Greek Council.

Non-Greek Requests

SOC will review the revisions or amendments and rationale and

will meet with the organization to obtain additional information

if required. SOC will make a recommendation to SGA where

a vote will take place. A majority vote is needed to pass any

amendments.

Greek Requests

SOC will forward the revisions or amendments and rationale to

Greek Council, which will review the revisions or amendments

and rationale and will meet with the organization to obtain

additional information if required. Greek Council will make

a recommendation to SOC. SOC will review Greek Council’s

recommendation and will meet with the organization if required.

SOC will make a recommendation to SGA where a vote will take

place. A majority vote is needed to pass any amendments.

Re-recognition Once Recognition Has Been Lost

Student organizations that have been inactive for two years or

less, or have lost recognition previously as a result of a judicial

sanction, must re-apply for recognition in accordance with

the sanction received. Student organizations that have been

inactive for two or more years must go through the Student

Organization Committee, and submit the following to the

director of Student Development:

• Letter of intent to become a recognized student

organization signed by the officers and advisor, which

includes a statement of the activities and programs since

the organization lost its recognition

• An updated copy of the constitution

• Organizations are encouraged to submit supporting

documentation such as recommendations from SGA, Greek

Council and/or community service agencies

Refer to SOC process on page 29.

Annual Assessment

The SOC will conduct periodic assessments of each organization

to assist recognized student organizations in evaluating their

organizational development and activities. Through organization

self-assessment, SOC assessment and recommendations for

continued success, organizations will receive guidance and

support for achieving organizational goals.

Each year, the SOC will identify 15 to 20 recognized student

organizations for annual assessment. The organizations will

prepare an assessment report and meet with the SOC for an

assessment. The assessment is in no way a punitive process;

however, each student organization is to make a good faith

effort to comply with the process. Failure to exhibit good

faith participation in the assessment process may affect the

recognition status of the student organization.

Fund Raising

• Fundraising is allowed only by recognized clubs

and organizations

• No competing sales are allowed (e.g. multiple bake sales

cannot occur simultaneously)

• All fundraisers need to be registered and approved by

the Office of Student Development

• A completed [and approved] fundraiser request form must

be on file with the Office of Student Development for every

fundraiser

• The Office of Student Development reserves the right

to cancel and/or terminate a fundraiser if deemed to be

inappropriate or in competition with another fundraiser

• Requests for any solicitation that is to take place off

campus must be submitted in writing (see the Office of

Student Development for details) at least 1 month prior

to when the solicitation is desired to take place.

Please refer to the Solicitation, Raffle Policy and Student Club

and Organization Resource Guide for further information

regarding fund raising.

GPA Policy

To be a member of an executive board for any FSU club or

organization, a student needs to maintain a semester GPA of

2.00 and an overall GPA of 2.50. If a club has standards that are

above those of the university, those policies will supersede this

policy. If any e-board member falls below the GPA requirements,

they will be asked to step down from office. In a dispute, the

final decision responsibility lies with the Office of Student

Development.

Intercollegiate Athletics

(978) 665-3314

fitchburgfalcons.com

Matthew Burke, Director

Overview

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

offers each student an opportunity to

participate in intercollegiate athletic

programs. Participation in these programs

provides additional opportunities beyond

the classroom for student learning in a wide

range of situations.

Intercollegiate Sports

The 17 Falcon varsity teams have enjoyed

regional and national recognition as highly

competitive NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

Division III teams. Fitchburg State University is a member

of various intercollegiate athletic associations, which entitle

successful participants to compete in post-season tournaments

and championships. Fitchburg State University is a charter

member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic

Conference (MASCAC), which includes seven other state

universities.

The men’s varsity programs include competition in cross

country, indoor and outdoor track and field, football, soccer,

basketball, ice hockey and baseball. Women’s varsity programs

include cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, field

hockey, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball and lacrosse.

The fall season includes football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball,

and cross country. Practices start in late August and competition

runs from early September to early November. The hockey,

basketball and indoor track teams compete during the winter.

Practices start in mid-October for hockey and basketball. The

season of competition runs from November to early March. The

spring season includes track and field, baseball, softball and

women’s lacrosse. Practice for baseball, lacrosse and softball

starts in early February. The season of competition runs from

March through early May. The baseball, lacrosse and softball

teams often travel to Florida during Spring Break. The track

and field season begins immediately following indoor track.

Information regarding pre-season tryouts and team meetings

for all teams is available from the head coach. Email contact

information for coaches is available on the department website.

Academic Eligibility

For the purpose of athletic eligibility, satisfactory progress

toward a baccalaureate degree shall be defined as successful

completion by students of 24 semesters 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; and

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 hours of course work during their

previous two full-time semesters to remain eligible. In addition

students must meet the requirements of the NCAA, and

MASCAC. Refer to the Athletics Compliance Officer at (978)

665-4681 for further information.

Facilities

Fitchburg State University has a wide range of indoor and

outdoor athletic facilities including:

Recreation Center

The Recreation Center opened during the summer of 2000 and

includes:

• 1,000 seat NCAA basketball/volleyball arena

• Suspended jogging track (11 laps per mile)

• 25 yard, six lane swimming pool

• Dance/aerobics studio

• Fitness center

• Racquetball courts

• Classrooms

• Sport medicine center

• Teaching stations

• Locker rooms, laundry, and storage areas

• Athletic Department offices

• Recreation services offices

Note: The Director of Recreation Services schedules the use of

the various areas within the Recreation Center.

Robert Elliot Complex

Located on Pearl Hill Road, the complex is the site of the

outdoor athletic facilities. An artificial turf field, installed during

the summer of 2005, is the home site for field hockey, football,

soccer and women’s lacrosse. The track and field team competes

on an eight lane chem-turf track surrounding the field. The area

also includes the Michael Riccards baseball field, a practice field

and locker rooms.

Wallace Civic Center at Fitchburg State University

The ice hockey team practices and competes at the Civic Center,

located on John Fitch Highway.

Coolidge Park

Coolidge Park is the site of our home softball field.

Carmelita Landry Arena

The renovated Carmelita Landry Arena opened its doors to the

Fitchburg State community in January of 2018 and features

numerous strength and training equipment as well as an indoor

turf field for the Fitchburg State athletic teams to utilize

throughout the year.

Doyle Conversation (Cross Country)

Home to the men’s and women’s cross country team, hosts the

Jim Sheehan Memorial Invite each fall.

Fitchburg State University Athletics

Sportsmanship Code

All students who participate or intend to participate in the

intercollegiate athletic program are responsible for adhering to

this Sportsmanship Code.

Expectations and Responsibilities of the

Student-Athlete

Participants in Fitchburg State University athletic programs

should reflect valuable characteristics such as leadership,

honesty and integrity. Competing as an intercollegiate athlete

is a privilege, not a right, and comes with great responsibility.

Athletes are highly visible, and it is critical that they are

respectful, mature and well behaved. This sportsmanship

code has been developed to ensure that those standards are

understood and met. Student-athletes are held accountable for

complying with campus policies, local, state and federal laws

through the student conduct process. They are held accountable

for complying with the sportsmanship code through the

Athletics Department.

The Fitchburg State Athletics Department, the NCAA and the

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference all require

athletes to abide by their rules and regulations. All participants

are also subject to the policies, coaching philosophy and

techniques of their coaches.

Rights

All athletes, coaches, trainers, managers and staff have the

right to:

• Be treated with respect.

• Confidentiality.

• Be notified and offered the chance to participate in meetings

concerning their possible suspension from the team.

• Present any violation of their rights to the athletic director.

Expectations

Student-Athletes

• Treat professors and classmates with respect.

• Arrive for classes on time and prepared.

• Notify instructors in advance when requesting permission

to leave early or miss a class in order to travel to a contest.

• Treat opponents and officials with respect regardless of

their actions or decisions.

• Remember that it is a privilege to represent the university

on an intercollegiate team.

• Abide by all team rules and regulations.

• When traveling to a contest, dress neatly and appropriately

and present a positive image of the university and the

Athletic Department.

• Avoid using language and gestures that are not suitable.

• Be courteous and cooperative with spectators, game

management personnel and media.

Coaches

• Set the standard for leadership and sportsmanship.

• Serve as a role model.

• Treat all team members, opponents, officials, spectators,

game management personnel and media with respect.

• Set discipline standards and enforce them consistently and

fairly.

• Demonstrate an interest in the development of all members

of the team.

• Respect the game and the rules of the game.

• Adhere to all department, university and conference rules

and regulations.

Student-Athletes and Coaches as Spectators

• Respect all participants and team members.

• Respect the judgment and decisions of coaches and

officials.

• Refrain from criticism of athletes, coaches or officials.

• Respect the authority of game management personnel and

comply with their requests.

Athletic Department Policies

Any student-athlete charged with inappropriate behavior

covered under the university’s Student Code of Conduct shall

be subject to disciplinary action by the university, which may

include suspension or dismissal from the university. The Student

Code of Conduct may be found in the Student Handbook and on

the university Website. Student-athletes who violate Athletics

Department policies may be subject to additional sanctions by

the Athletics Department.

Alcohol, Illegal Substances and Other Drug Abuse

The Fitchburg State University Athletic Department does not

condone the use of alcohol, regardless of age, or drugs by any

student-athlete or game management personnel in connection

with any team function, or by any prospective student-athlete or

their host during a university visit or a team function. Student-

athletes are required to sign the NCAA Drug Testing Consent

Form prior to participation, and thereby accept the penalties

that may result from violating this policy. Violations of this

policy may be referred to student conduct.

Tobacco

NCAA regulations prohibit the use of tobacco, including

smokeless tobacco, by any student-athlete, coach or game

management personnel during any practice or at the site of any

competition.

Gambling

The NCAA prohibits student-athlete involvement with gambling

activities related to intercollegiate athletic teams. Violations of

this policy may be referred to student conduct.

Hazing

Hazing is prohibited by state law and university policy. Student-

athletes are required to sign the Fitchburg State University

Athletic Department Student-Athlete Agreement Concerning

Hazing prior to participation. As part of the agreement, the

student-athlete acknowledges that they understand that

disciplinary action will be taken against those individuals or

teams that violate the hazing policy. Violations of this policy

may be referred to student conduct.

Sanctions

Student-athletes who do not conform to the expectations of the

Sportsmanship Code or the Athletic Department policies will

be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not

limited to, a warning, a written reprimand, suspension from the

team or dismissal from the team. Violations of team rules will

result in sanctions imposed by the head coach. Student-athletes

may appeal those sanctions to the athletic director within one

week of notification from the head coach. The athletic director

will decide to uphold imposed sanctions and/or determine the

need to impose additional sanctions beyond those imposed by

the head coach within one week of the appeal. The decisions of

the athletic director are final. Sanctions will remain in effect until

served.

The athletic department reserves the right to impose sanctions

independently and in advance of any campus disciplinary and/or

civil/criminal actions.

Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee includes a

representative from each intercollegiate team and is charged

with coordinating activities for all student athletes in the areas

of community service and life skills development. Activities

include workshops on study skills and career development,

speakers on personal development, leadership and diversity,

clean-up projects in the community, coordinating a campus

blood drive for the American Red Cross and assisting various

campus groups with projects. The committee also promotes

school spirit and support by student-athletes for all other

intercollegiate teams.

Academic Policies

The following academic policies have been

included in the Student Handbook for easy

reference. Please refer to the Fitchburg State

University Catalog, which is the definitive

guide to academic policies.

Structure of Academic Deans

Dean of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Franca Barricelli, Dean (Behavioral

Sciences; Communications Media;

Economics, History, Political Sciences;

English Studies; Humanities; Interdisci-

plinary Studies; Liberal Arts and Sciences)

Dean of Business and Technology

Dr. Keith Williamson (Business Adminis-

tration; Computer Information Systems;

Computer Science; Industrial Technology;

Occupational Education; Technical Education; Vocational

Education)

Dean of Education

Dr. Bruno Hicks, Dean (Early Childhood Education; Elementary

Education; Middle School Education; Special Education)

Dean of Health and Natural Sciences

Dr. John Schaumloffel, Dean (Biology; Chemistry; Earth Systems

Science; Exercise and Sports Science; Geographic Science and

Technology; Mathematics; Nursing; Physics; IRB, IACUC)

Dean of School of Graduate, Online and Continuing

Education

Dr. Becky Copper Glenz

Dean of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Ciro Library

Ms. Jacalyn Kremer

Absences

Students who will be absent for an extended amount of time due

to illness, death in the family, etc., should contact the Office of

Student Affairs at (978) 665-3130. Students who will be absent for

brief periods of time should speak directly with their instructors.

Students are strongly encouraged to reach out to their instructor

and work directly with them regarding missed classes/assign-

ments. Please note that the Office of Student Affairs cannot

specifically excuse a student from class, nor from missed work.

Advisors

All students are assigned a faculty member advisor by the

department chairperson for your major. Pre-majors are advised

by the full time professional staff in the Advising Center as part

of the Focus on the Future program. Students are encouraged

to consult with their advisors at any time during the semester

regarding any problem involving their academic program. By

agreement, all faculty must be available to their students for

class and other advising at least three hours a week. These office

hours are posted at the department offices. In addition, students

are required to meet with their advisors during the registration

period because only advisors can arrange and approve course

enrollment.

Student Attendance Policy /

Registrar Requests for Attendance Checks

There is no university wide attendance policy at Fitchburg

State University. Faculty may establish reasonable attendance

policies for their own classes and must explain those policies

in their syllabi. In the event that illness or some other emer-

gency prevents a student from attending class, the student

should contact the instructor directly. This matter is left to the

individual instructor, who may or may not view irregularities in

attendance as serious enough to affect the student’s grade.

Students should follow the instructor’s attendance policies on

the course syllabus and whenever possible, notify instructors by

email when they will be absent from class or other class-related

activities. Students are encouraged to reach out to their instruc-

tors in order to determine the process for making up any missed

assignments.

If there is anticipated prolonged absence, such as a medical

procedure or activated military duties, the Office of Student

Affairs should be contacted at 978-665-3130 or studentaffairs@

fitchburgstate.edu.

Whatever an instructor’s attendance policy, Institutional

Research will ask the instructor for an attendance check right

after the add/drop period to determine whether a student has

ever attended each of his/her classes. This is used to determine

that the registrar’s record of class rosters is correct. You will

receive an email with instructions on how to submit your atten-

dance through SSC Navigate.

Classroom Decorum

Fitchburg State University expects students to act in a mature

and responsible manner. Respect for the rights of others,

openness to new and challenging ideas, civility and courtesy are

examples of these expectations. They extend to the classroom

as students are expected to positively contribute to the teaching

and learning environment by demonstrating appropriate

classroom behavior.

The Student Code of Conduct establishes that obstruction or

disruption of teaching, administration, disciplinary system,

the university or community or other university activities

shall constitute a violation of the code of conduct (Item 2.01).

Examples of inappropriate classroom behavior shall include

but are not limited to: using derogatory, vulgar, or insulting

language that has no academic merit to the discussion, sleeping

in class, use of cellular devices, use of laptop for non-class

related purposes, arriving or leaving while class is in session,

and unsolicited talking in class. If a student exhibits these

disruptive behaviors, the faculty member may ask the student

to stop the behavior and comply with the expected behavior

of the classroom or leave the classroom. A faculty member may

address the issue informally with the student to ensure that

appropriate standards of behavior are met or pursue formal

disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct and

Case Management.

Class Cancellations

Faculty absences are posted at the Hammond Information Desk

and are available on a recorded telephone message system.

Students may telephone the faculty absences/school closings

recording at (978) 665-3580.

In the event of inclement weather, the cancellation of classes will

be reported on the following radio stations: Boston television

stations WBZ (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5) and WHDH

(Channel 7). The campus radio station WXPL (91.3FM)

broadcasts after 8 a.m. Commercial radio stations include the

WEIM (AM 1280), WBZ (AM 1030). Cancellations are listed

as Fitchburg State University only; any other Fitchburg listings

do not pertain to the university. Student may choose to be

notified of important campus announcements by signing up with

Fitchburg State Alert at alert.fitchburgstate.edu.

Course Registration

At the 11th week of classes, students will receive notification via

email of the registration period and instruction for registering for

the following semester. Three weeks prior to registration is the

university advising period. Students must meet with their advisors

to review their academic progress and develop schedules for the

upcoming semester. After agreeing on a selection of courses, the

advisor will give the student their alternate pin, which will allow

the student to register online in Web 4.

Courses taken through Graduate & Continuing Education above

a full-time load of 12 credits, or during winter or summer, carry

additional tuition and fees, payable at the time of registration.

Add/Drop

During the first six class days of the semester, students may drop

or add courses. Add/drop is done on line if the course still has

seats or at the Registrar’s office. This process, designed to save

time and effort, holds the student responsible for any changes

from the advisor-approved schedule. Students should confer

with their advisors, as well as review their degree evaluation

in Web 4, prior to making any changes that may affect regular

progress toward graduation.

Course Load

The normal course load for each semester is 15 semester hours

of credit. The minimum academic load for each semester for

full time students is 12 semester hours of credit. A course load

surpassing 18 semester hours is an overload and, as such, must

be approved by the student’s advisor and the dean associated

with the student’s major of study. Students with a cumulative

grade point average lower than 3.0 will usually not be granted

authorization for an overload.

Withdrawal from Courses

After the drop/add period but prior to the end of the 11th week of

the semester, students may withdraw from courses and receive

a W for a grade in each course. Course withdrawals are initiated

by the student, who is solely responsible for completing the

necessary paperwork. The student must obtain the appropriate

form from the Registrar’s Office and have it signed by their

advisor. After the 11th week of classes, a grade of 0.0 is recorded.

A waiver may be given for documented, critical extenuating

circumstances.

Full time enrollment status requires that a student carry a

load of 12 or more credits. Dropping below this level, either

by dropping or withdrawing from courses, jeopardizes the

student’s eligibility for veteran’s benefits, the Dean’s List, honors,

scholarships, varsity athletics, health insurance coverage and

financial aid.

Withdrawing from

Fitchburg State University

Students who leave Fitchburg State University, either during

a semester or between semesters, must complete a withdrawal

form, which may be obtained at the Office of Student Affairs

located in the Sanders Administration Building, Room 204.

Students who withdraw within the first eight weeks of the

semester will receive a W in each course. Students who leave the

university after eight weeks will receive a grade of 0.0 in all their

courses.

Documented illness, injury or personal emergencies are

considered extenuating circumstances that may allow students

to withdraw from the university after the eighth week of classes

without penalty. Students who withdraw from the university for

one of these reasons should contact the Office of Student Affairs.

The decision to grant Ws will be made by the Dean of Students.

Financial aid recipients who are considering withdrawal from

the university are urged to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Withdrawal may result in the student owing a balance to the

university and/or owing a repayment to federal or state aid

programs. Please contact the Financial Aid office for details prior

to withdrawal.

Voluntary/Involuntary Withdrawal Policy

This policy defines the withdrawal procedures for medical

and/or mental health related concerns. The University reserves

the right to initiate an involuntary withdrawal of a student from

the University under limited circumstances as defined within

the policy.

Returning After Withdrawal

Students withdrawing from Fitchburg State University in

good standing without completing a baccalaureate degree may

return to the university by applying online at fitchburgstate.edu/

readmission. Students should submit requests to the Registrar’s

Office before May 1 to return for the fall semester or before

November 1 to return for the spring semester.

Readmission is not guaranteed. The Registrar’s Office will

consider academic, financial and discipline records, in addition

to space available, in granting or denying readmission. Students

who are re-admitted will follow the current catalog program

requirements.

Academic Standing

To be in good academic standing at Fitchburg State University,

students must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative (cum) grade

point average (GPA).

Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 will be placed

on probation.

Academic Warning

Students whose cumulative GPA falls in the range of 2.0 to 2.2

will be placed on academic warning.

Students on probation and academic warning must:

• Meet with their academic advisor/s before the start

of the second week of the relevant semester to review

their current course load and arrange periodic meetings

throughout the semester;

• Meet with an academic coach for the number of times

stipulated in the probation or academic warning contract;

Students who maintain the University’s academic standards for

probation must also meet the financial aid and athletic eligibility

requirements for satisfactory academic progress. (Financial Aid

and Athletics offices have additional academic requirements for

probationary students. Students should consult the appropriate

office to determine their eligibility.)

Students placed on probation for the first time will remain

eligible to participate on athletic teams. Any additional

probations will disqualify a student from eligibility.

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the university while

on probation will remain on probation if they are readmitted.

Suspension

Students will be suspended if:

• They have a cumulative GPA below a 2.0 for more than two

successive semesters;

• And/or they do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA,

as stipulated below:

Attempted Credits Separation Below GPA

0-30 1.0

31-60 1.6

61-90 1.8

>90 2.0

Suspended students are not eligible to enroll in any course

in any division of Fitchburg State University for at least one

semester. Following suspension, students must submit a letter,

before the deadline established by the Registrar, requesting

readmission. Students who are readmitted after suspension

do so under an academic contract. Suspension status is not

changed by a voluntary withdrawal.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from the University if, after having

been readmitted following a suspension, they do not meet

probationary standards as laid out in a contract.

Dismissal status results in the student’s dismissal from all

divisions of Fitchburg State University. A dismissed student may

not enroll in any courses in any division of the University for a

period of five years.

Grades

Final grades assigned for completed course work carry a

corresponding point value. This point value, along with the

credit hour value, determines a student’s GPA each semester.

Grades are awarded on a numerical scale as follows:

4.0 A 95-100

3.7 A- 92-94

3.5 A-/B+ 89-91

3.3 B+ 86-88

3.0 B 83-85

2.7 B- 80-82

2.5 B-/C+ 77-79

2.3 C+ 74-76

2.0 C 71-73

1.7 C- 69-70

1.5 C-/D+ 67-68

1.3 D+ 64-66

1.0 D 60-63

0.0 F 0-59

IN Incomplete

IP In Progress

W Withdrawn

AU Audit

S Satisfactory

U Unsatisfactory

All grades except 0.0, U, W, Inc and AU are passing grades

and earn credit toward the baccalaureate degree, with the

exception of Basic Math and Basic University Writing.

Sample Semester GPA Calculation

Using the point values of assigned grades and the credit

hour values of courses taken, the following process is used to

determine a semester grade point average.

Class Grade Hours Points

ENG 2000 2.0 x 3 = 6

PSY 1100 2.5 x 3 = 7.5

MATH 2300 2.0 x 3 = 6

SPAN 1000 3.0 x 3 = 9

HIST 1000 4.0 x 3 = 12

Totals 15 40.5

40.5 total grade points ÷ 15 total credit hours = 2.70

Grade point average for the semester is 2.70.

Repeating Courses and Grade Substitutions

Repeating Courses after a Failing Grade

A student may repeat a course in which the assigned grade is a

0.0 or U (Unsatisfactory). In these cases, the new grade will be

substituted for the original grade in calculating the student’s

cumulative GPA. The original grade, however, will continue to

appear on the transcript. A new passing grade earned as transfer

credit also eliminates the original failing grade in calculation of

the cumulative GPA, although only transfer credits, not grades,

are recorded on the official transcript.

Repeating Courses after a Passing Grade or Audit

A student may repeat once any Fitchburg State University

course for which a 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7 or AU is earned. Courses must

be taken at Fitchburg State University and, if at all possible,

should be taken within the following year.

The grade for a repeated course (except in the case of second

grade option*) will be computed along with the original grade

in the cumulative GPA, but no additional credits will be applied

toward graduation requirements.

The repeated course will be indicated as such on the student’s

transcript.

*Second Grade Option

The Second Grade Option allows only the grade earned when a

course is repeated to be used in the calculation of a grade point

average. Only the credits earned for the repeated course will

apply toward graduation.

All grades earned for a given course will remain on a student’s

permanent academic record, which will indicate those courses

repeated under the second grade option.

To take advantage of the second grade option, students must

obtain approval from their advisor and file the appropriate

paperwork with the Registrar’s Office prior to midterm of the

semester in which the course is being repeated.

Grade Changes

Students who believe they were given an incorrect grade

should contact the instructor and bring the inaccuracy to their

attention. If the instructor agrees that a mistake has been made,

the instructor the instructor will email the change to

[email protected].

Student Grievance

A student who is dissatisfied with a grade received or with any

other aspect of instruction in a particular course is to confer

with the instructor, who will explain the reasons for awarding

the grade. If such a conference fails to achieve a satisfactory

resolution, the student may then appeal to the department

chairperson. If the matter is still not resolved, the student may

appeal in writing to the appropriate academic dean to adjudicate

the situation.

Transfer Credit

Credit received for courses completed at other regionally

accredited institutions of higher education may be transferred

to Fitchburg State University and applied toward degrees if

the courses are equivalent to courses offered by Fitchburg State

University or appropriate to programs at the university and the

grade received was a 1.7 (C-) or higher.

Credit for courses transferred with passing grades below 1.7

(C-) may be approved if the credits are included as part of an

Articulation Agreement/Associates Degree program covered by

the Commonwealth Transfer Compact. Approval of transfer

credit is authorized by the Registrar’s Office.

Honors

The President’s List honors students for consistently high

academic achievement. Students are named to the President’s

List when they have attained a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher for

three successive semesters while maintaining full time status.

The Dean’s List honors students who have attained an average of

3.2 or better for the semester while maintaining full time status.

Incompletes do not count toward the Dean’s List.

Major Changes

Students who want to change their majors or declare a second

major should consult with the appropriate department

chairperson for specific information about application for

admission. Departments and programs have individual

requirements and procedures, including minimum GPAs, formal

application forms and designated admission dates. Access into

some majors is also numerically limited. A change of major form

must be completed first by the department chairperson of the

student’s new major and then by the department chairperson

of the student’s former or double major. When completed, the

change of major form must be submitted to the Registrar’s

Office. The change of major form can be found at

fitchburgstate.edu/registrar.

Transcripts

Official Transcripts are available on line at parchment.com.

Unofficial transcripts can be printed from Web4 student

self-service.

Campus Policies

Academic Integrity Policy

Every member of the university community is

expected to maintain the highest standards

of academic integrity. A student shall not

submit work that is falsified or is not the

result of the student’s own effort. A student

who is in doubt regarding standards of

academic integrity in a course or assignment

should consult the faculty member

responsible for that course or assignment

before submitting the work. A student’s lack

of understanding of the academic integrity

policy is not a valid defense to a charge of

academic dishonesty.

A student’s name on any written or creative

exercise (e.g., examination, report, thesis,

theme, laboratory report, computer program,

artistic production, etc.), or in association

with an oral presentation, declares that the

work is the result of that student’s own thought and study.

Any work that the student declares as his or her own shall be

stated in the student’s own words and produced without the

assistance of others. Students must make clear through accurate

citations when they make use of other sources. Talking during

an examination, or possession or use of unauthorized materials

or equipment during an examination constitutes an infringement

of the academic integrity policy. Aiding and abetting academic

dishonesty also constitutes a violation of the academic integrity

policy.

Unless permission is received in advance from the faculty

member in charge of the course involved, a student may not

submit, in identical or similar form, work for one course that has

been used to fulfill any academic requirement in another course

at Fitchburg State University or any other institution. A student

who perceives the possibility of overlapping assignments in

courses should consult with the appropriate faculty members

before presuming that a single effort will fulfill requirements

of both courses. Students should consult course syllabi for

additional guidance on matters of academic integrity.

When an alleged offense of the Academic Integrity Policy has

occurred, the following process will apply:

1. If the accuser is a faculty member, and s/he decides to

make a formal accusation of a violation of the academic

integrity policy, the faculty member will provide the

student with a letter describing the case for academic

dishonesty within fourteen days of discovering the

alleged infringement. This letter may be presented to

the student in person or delivered to the student’s home,

local or campus address or mailbox, or Fitchburg State

University email account. The student will either a)

agree with the accusation of academic dishonesty and the

sanction as imposed by the faculty member or b) disagree

with the accusation of academic dishonesty. (A student

cannot agree with the accusation of academic dishonesty

but disagree with the sanction. Disagreement with a

sanction, in other words, is not grounds for an appeal.)

If the student has agreed with the accusation and signed

the letter accordingly, the sanction identified by the

faculty member will be imposed, and the matter will

be considered closed. If the student disagrees with the

accusation and again signs the letter accordingly, the

student may appeal the matter to the university conduct

board. With all formal accusations of a violation of

the academic integrity policy, the faculty member will

forward the letter with the student’s signature and other

relevant information to the Office of Student Affairs.

(Proceed to No. 3 below.)

2. If the accuser is not a faculty member, and s/he decides

to initiate the formal process, the accuser must submit

a report and/or relevant information to the Office of

Student Affairs within fourteen days of discovering the

alleged infringement of the academic integrity policy.

3. Once a case is forwarded by a student or as an appeal (in

the form of a report, signed letter and/or other relevant

information), the Office of Student Affairs, or designee,

will review all relevant information and either a) dismiss

the incident due to lack of merit or timeliness or b)

contact the accused student to schedule a conduct board

hearing or when a board is not available an administrative

hearing may be scheduled.

4. If the case goes to the conduct board, the board will

determine whether the student is responsible or not

responsible for violating the academic integrity policy.

If the student is found responsible, the board will

recommend sanctions to the appropriate academic dean.

These sanctions will include those identified by the

faculty member and, in the event a student has a prior

disciplinary record, may also include the additional

sanctions of:

• a grade of zero on the assignment;

• a failing grade in the course;

• suspension from Fitchburg State University;

• dismissal from Fitchburg State University;

• or other sanctions.

5. In cases of undergraduate student violations of the

academic integrity policy, the appropriate academic dean

will either impose the sanction recommended by the

conduct board or determine that the sanction is excessive

or inadequate and alter it accordingly.

6. The student may make a final appeal only for a sanction of

suspension or dismissal.

Note: If the student agrees with the academic dishonesty finding by the

faculty member, the case will not go before the conduct board; however, if s/

he has a prior disciplinary record, the Office of Student Affairs may pursue

other charges and sanctions once the academic integrity issue has been

resolved.

Acceptable Use Computer Policy

The Information Technology Department supports computing,

networking and information resources for the students, faculty,

and staff of Fitchburg State University. Computer facilities

and services are offered in support of teaching and learning,

research and public service. Access to the computer systems

and networks owned and operated by Fitchburg State imposes

certain responsibilities upon users, in accordance with existing

university policies and local, state and federal law. Users accept

the responsibility for utilizing services in ways that are ethical,

that demonstrate academic integrity and respect for others who

share this resource. This policy is established in an effort to help

users understand what is expected of them. It sets guidelines

regarding the issues of privacy and respect for property,

ownership of data, system security, and misuse of the system.

The complete Acceptable use Computer Policy can be found on

our website at fitchburgstate.edu/technology/policies/acceptableuse/.

One Card Program Agreement

Terms and Conditions

The Fitchburg State University OneCard identifies the card-

holder as a student, faculty, staff or invited guest of the Univer-

sity. Upon receiving the card the individual agrees to the

following terms and conditions:

1. Authorization for Personal Use Only

Every student is required to have a valid Fitchburg

State University OneCard (University identification).

The OneCard is property of Fitchburg State University.

Use of the OneCard constitutes acceptance of the terms

and conditions identified herein. The authorized holder

of the Fitchburg State University OneCard has the

responsibility to follow the procedures described in this

agreement.

2. Penalties for Unauthorized Use

You are responsible for safeguarding your OneCard

against loss or theft, for maintaining it in proper working

condition, and for keeping your online account password

confidential. The Fitchburg State University OneCard

shall not be loaned or otherwise transferred to another

person. You may not use your OneCard for any illegal,

improper or unlawful purpose. Using someone else’s

OneCard, or altering, falsifying or selling a OneCard or a

copy of a OneCard, is prohibited and subject to sanctions,

pursuant to applicable University policies and procedures

and may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.

3. Obligation to Report Lost or Stolen Card

The cardholder is obligated to report a lost or stolen

Fitchburg State University OneCard as soon as possible.

This report must be made to the OneCard Office during

normal business hours, after hours please contact

Fitchburg State University University Police. You will

be held responsible for any use of your card until it is

reported lost or stolen, at which time the card is declared

inactive and a new card is issued. It may be necessary at

certain times to communicate with the OneCard Office.

Correspondence should be addressed to: Fitchburg State

University, OneCard Office, 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg,

MA 01420

4. Lost or Stolen Card Policy

If a OneCard should be lost or stolen, the student shall be

charged a $25.00 replacement fee. Lost or stolen cards are

not subject to the one free replacement card per academic

year policy.

5. Damaged Card Policy

Currently enrolled students are eligible for one free

card replacement per academic year if the damaged card

is surrendered to the OneCard Office. All subsequent

damaged card replacements will cost $15.00 as long as the

card is surrendered. Worn cards with a missing name or

photo must be replaced.

6. Limit of Responsibilities

The cardholder may have unlimited responsibility for

unauthorized purchases.

7. Availability of Periodic Statements

Upon the request of the cardholder, and with

presentation of proper identification, information about

the cardholder’s account balance or transaction record

is available at the Fitchburg State University OneCard

Office. Statements can also be generated using the

MyAccounts Card Office website.

8. Fitchburg Gold Account Balances and Receipts

Only the cardholder’s account balance will display

on cash registers and certain machines accepting the

Fitchburg State University OneCard for financial

transactions. All other account balances can be accessed

through the My Accounts website or a Card Management

Center (CMC).

9. Carry-Forward Balance

Funds deposited to either the Fitchburg Gold or Falcon

Dollar accounts will carry forward from semester to

semester. However, Falcon Dollars are non-refundable.

Dining Points do not carry forward from one semester to

the next. Dining Points must be used during the semester

they are purchased.

10. Fitchburg Gold Inactive Account Charges

If a Fitchburg Gold account with a positive balance has

sustained no financial activity for a period of 365 days

or more, the account will be determined to be inactive

and a monthly inactive account maintenance fee of $10

will be assessed against the account monthly until

the account is returned to active status or the account

balance reaches $0.

11. No Interest Earned on Account

No interest or other earnings will be paid to the

cardholder or credited by Fitchburg State University to

his or her Fitchburg State University OneCard account.

12. Refund Account Balance

Refunds are available by written request to the Fitchburg

State University OneCard Office when your relationship

with Fitchburg State University is terminated (either

through graduation, withdrawal, expulsion, or leaving

employment). A refund request form must be completed

and received by the Fitchburg State University OneCard.

A $25 account balance refund processing fee will be

charged to the account. Refunds take 4–6 weeks.

Cardholders with a balance of $25 or less in their account

are encouraged to spend the balance on campus.

13. Door Access

The Fitchburg State University OneCard can be used

to operate certain campus security points such as

doors much in the same manner as a key. The campus

representative authorized to make decisions regarding the

appropriate access for the card user approves the profile

of each cardholder. A profile may be changed, without

notice, by the Campus Card Office when it is deemed

necessary or appropriate.

14. Library Card

The Fitchburg State University OneCard operates as

the Fitchburg State University Library Card for the

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library. Privileges to take

material out on loan from the library are granted to all

Fitchburg State University students, staff and alumni.

Information regarding the use of materials at the

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library may be found at the

following URL: library.fitchburgstate.edu.

15.

The Fitchburg State University OneCard will allow

access to almost all campus vending. If there is a problem

with a vending machine using your OneCard, it is the

responsibility of the cardholder to report the problem

to the Fitchburg State University OneCard Office.

Vandalism to any vending machine will result in the

immediate denial of the cardholder’s vending privileges

and possible judicial action.

16. Meal Ticket

The Fitchburg State University OneCard allows

cardholders to participate in meal plans provided by

Chartwells. Failure to present your OneCard at Holmes

Dining Hall will result in denied admission to the dining

hall. Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to

use Falcon Dollars at the North Street Bistro or McKay

Cafe without presenting the Fitchburg State University

OneCard. Worn cards with a missing name and photo will

be denied entry to a dining facility and must be replaced.

17. Purchases

The purchase of alcohol, cigarettes, gift cards, and lottery

tickets via the OneCard is prohibited.

End of the Spring Semester

Event Policy

After the last day of classes, campus-wide social events may not

be scheduled with the exception of Finals Frenzy (study break)

activities.

Good Neighbor Policy

Students who reside in or visit the university neighborhood are

expected, as members of the Fitchburg State University commu-

nity, to demonstrate respect and concern for all members of the

local community. As such, Fitchburg State expects students to

demonstrate responsible citizenship in the local neighborhood.

Several community service opportunities exist for students.

Contact the Center for Volunteerism and Leadership 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:

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 minors; disorderly conduct;

public drinking; public intoxication; possession of open

containers; use, sale or distribution of illegal drugs; harassment

of neighbors; defacing or damaging property; interfering with

the city of Fitchburg police or utility agencies in the perfor-

mance of their duties; public urination; throwing objects out of

apartment windows; and the use, sale, manufacturing or distri-

bution of fake IDs. Students are expected to abide by Fitchburg

General Ordinances, and all state and federal laws.

Fitchburg State University students may be charged through

the student conduct process for violating this policy and

for misconduct, which arises off-campus, if the student is in

violation of federal, state or local laws or university policy that

brings into question one’s suitability as a member of the univer-

sity community. If found responsible, students will be subject

to sanctions up to and including loss of residence or suspension

or dismissal from the university.

Human Studies Policy

The university has established a Human Studies Policy and a

Human Studies Committee, which reviews and approves the

adequacy of protection provided for human subjects serving as

research subjects. The university is cognizant of its responsi-

bility to protect the privacy, safety, health, and welfare of such

subjects. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the Office of

Academic Affairs.

Non-Discrimination Policy

& Affirmative Action Policy

It is the policy and commitment of Fitchburg State University

not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age,

gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital

status, or national origin in its educational programs, activi-

ties, admissions, or employment policies, and to comply with

the requirements of Federal Executive Orders 11246 and 11375

as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title

IX of the Educational Act of 1972; Sections 503 and 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Section 402, Vietnam Era Veterans

Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; the Civil Rights Restora-

tion Act of 1988; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the

Civil Rights Act of 1991; and pertinent laws, regulations, and

executive orders, directives of the Board of Higher Education of

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts, and other applicable state and federal statutes.

Inquiries concerning the application of, or compliance with, the

laws and regulations prohibiting such discrimination should be

addressed to:

• Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Payroll

Services, Affirmative Action, ADA/Section 504, Title II

(978) 665-3172; or

• Office of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, U.S.

Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Customer

Service Team, 550 12

Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-

1100, (800) 421-3481

Discrimination and Sexual Violence Policy

The Massachusetts State Universities set forth policies prohib-

iting: discrimination, discriminatory harassment and retaliation,

sexual violence (including sexual harassment, gender-based

harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking),

which is located in the Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affir-

mative Action Plan. This plan also defines terms and sets forth

the procedures to be followed when the University receives

notice of such conduct. Questions regarding this plan should be

directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coor-

dinator, Jessica Murdoch, or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator,

William Cummings.

The Universities are committed to a policy of non-discrimina-

tion, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. The

Universities are dedicated to providing educational, working

and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds

of all people.

The Universities do not unlawfully discriminate in admission

or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion,

national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender

identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or

parental status, or veteran status. The Universities prohibit

unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment on all

of those bases. Such behaviors violate the Universities’ Non-

Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy, will not

be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and

including termination or expulsion.

It is also the policy of the Universities to provide each student,

employee, and other person having dealings with the institutions

an environment free from unlawful sexual violence and all forms

of misconduct on the basis of gender. The Universities prohibit

rape, statutory rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, incest,

sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence,

dating violence and stalking, and retaliation. These behaviors

violate the Universities’ Sexual Violence Policy, will not be toler-

ated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including

termination or expulsion.

The Universities’ Non-Discrimination, Discriminatory Harass-

ment and Retaliation Policy and Sexual Violence Policy apply

in all University programs and activities, including, but not

limited to, athletics, instruction, grading, housing, and employ-

ment. They apply to all members of the campus communities,

including, but not limited to, students, faculty, librarians, staff,

visitors, contractors and applicants for employment or admis-

sion. They also apply to off-campus conduct that negatively

affects a community member’s experience in the University

environment.

Each University has appointed an Equal Opportunity Officer

(“EO Officer”) to oversee its compliance with this Plan, as well

as the state and federal non-discrimination and equal opportu-

nity laws. Details regarding the EO Officer’s specific duties and

responsibilities can be found at

Anyone with questions, concerns or complaints regarding

discrimination, discriminatory harassment or retaliation may

contact the EO Officer.

Fitchburg State University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title

IX Coordinator is:

Jessica Murdoch, AVP HR. (978) 665-3720

[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

William Cummings, Ed.D., Dean of Students

(978) 665-3887

[email protected]

Any person with questions or concerns about any form of sexual

violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic

violence, dating violence and stalking and/or retaliation may also

contact: The U.S. Department of Education Office for

Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424

(617) 289-0111 Fax (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.

[email protected]

Policy Against Gambling

Code (Item 2.06) Illegal gambling is not permitted at Fitchburg

State University. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but

are not limited to, the following activities:

• Betting on or selling “pools” pertaining to athletic or other

events

• Card-playing, either “in person” or in an online

environment, for money

• The use of university property, including phones and

internet servers, for illegal gambling activities

• Involvement in bookmaking activities

• Online gambling, which the United States Government has

deemed to be illegal.

The university recognizes that, for some individuals,

gambling can become a destructive pattern of behavior.

Resources are available on campus to assist individuals that may

be experiencing problems related to gambling. The Counseling

Services Office (978-665-3152) or the Massachusetts

Council on Compulsive Gambling (1-800-426-1234,

masscompulsivegambling.org) can provide such resources

as appropriate.

Policy Against Hazing

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269 Sections 17 through 19

prohibit hazing and requires Fitchburg State University to certify

that the university has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard

to the organizers and participants in hazing. Accordingly, the

following policy has been adopted:

Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into

any student organization, team, group, etc., whether on public

property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical

or mental health of any student or other person no matter how

good the end result or intent. Such conduct includes but is not

limited to:

• Applying any substance to a person’s body or belongings,

such as whipped cream or paint

• Forced listening to loud, repetitive music or recordings

• Whipping, paddling or other beating

• Personal servitude

• Pranks such as streaking, panty raids, scavenger hunts, etc.

• Forced or coerced wearing of conspicuous clothing not

normally in good taste, such as togas

• Extended deprivation of sleep, adequate study time, rest or

extended isolation

• Forced or coerced branding/tattoos

• Deprivation of food or water

• Forced calisthenics

• Exposure to settings or conditions that adversely affect the

physical health or safety of any student or which subjects

such student or other person to extreme mental stress

• Individual or group interrogations

• Involuntary consumption of any food, liquor, beverage,

drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or

forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect

the physical health or safety of any student or other person

Hazing is banned in any form as a practice by an organization,

group or team, etc. using the Fitchburg State University name,

or claiming to act in any way under the supervision of Fitchburg

State University. Any individual or organization found respon-

sible of practicing hazing, in any form, is subject to penalty,

including dismissal from Fitchburg State University, and, in the

case of a recognized student organization, loss of recognition. An

individual in an alleged violation of the Hazing Policy may not

use consent as an acceptable reason for participation. Anyone

with knowledge that another person is the victim of hazing shall

immediately report such act to the Dean of Student Affairs or

designee.

Fitchburg State University shall issue to every student organiza-

tion, team, group, etc. which is recognized by Fitchburg State

University or is known to exist as an unaffiliated student group,

student team or student organization a copy of the Fitchburg

State University Hazing Policy and Chapter 269, Sections 17

through 19.

Poster Policy

Only organizations recognized by the Student Government

Association (SGA) can promote events. An individual cannot

promote an event using a poster, flyer or promotional items on

an SGA bulletin board. Example: a local concert or party at a

club cannot be advertised by an interested person or employee

who attends Fitchburg State University. The individual may be

referred to student conduct for this offense.

The organization’s name must appear on the poster, flyer,

notice, table tent or handout. The advertisement will be

removed if the sponsoring organization’s name does not appear

anywhere on the item.

No poster may contain any advertising for, reference to or

theme of alcohol. For example: names of beer brands, pictures

of alcohol, Booze Cruise, Get Wrecked Party, Free Drinks, 2 for

1, Open Bar; or any numerical prices for drinks, such as 0 cents

suds, $1 for a drink or $4 a pitcher. These will not be approved.

Mass posting in parking lots is not allowed.

Only SGA bulletin boards can be used to display posters.

Administrative and departmental bulletin boards are not to

be used.

All posters/flyers must be SGA approved with the official stamp

and signed by a current SGA member. Those not stamped and

signed will be removed. In the event of multiple flyers, one flyer

must be stamped and kept on display in the SGA Office. No more

than 40 flyers or notices will be approved unless requested in

writing to the Public Development Committee.

All posters/flyers will be approved for a maximum of 14 days.

Items must be removed by the sponsoring organization by the

expiration date.

No poster larger than 3 feet by 3 feet will be approved. Larger

ones will be removed.

All flyers and notices of wanted, for sale, for rent and services

such as typing must also beapproved by the Office of Student

Development. A maximum of two copies for each posting of this

type are allowed.

All flyers must be placed in specific bulletin board space. If the

flyer is found outside this space for any reason or is not SGA

approved, the poster will be removed and no poster for the same

individual, address or phone number will be approved for the

remainder of the semester. Please refer to the bulletin board

locations at the end of this section.

Posters found covering other posters or in violation will be taken

down. Posters in violation will be kept in the SGA Office for 24

hours. The organization in violation will then be notified of the

offense. Poster privileges of the organization will be revoked

until it meets with the Student Organization Committee (SOC).

After two violations in one semester, the SOC will decide

on appropriate disciplinary action or may refer it to student

conduct.

Unauthorized persons found taking down posters may be

referred to student conduct. Authorized persons are members of

the SOC, the Office of Student Development, or any official SGA

member.

Any specific concerns should be submitted to the SGA in

writing two weeks in advance.

Posters from outside vendors are approved in the Student

Development Office.

SGA Bulletin Boards are located as follows:

• Thompson Hall lobby

• Edgerly Hall on the left when entering either door

from Quad

• Condike Science Building front door

• Anthony Building hall bulletin board

• Conlon Fine Arts Building front lobby

• Three specified SGA bulletin boards in the Conlon

Industrial Arts Building;

• Designated area in Hammond Hall

• North Street Bistro

• Percival Hall lobby

Off-campus advertisements must be approved in the Office of

Student Development; posting will be done by office staff. Poster

size is limited to 8.5 inches by 11 inches and posting is limited to

designated G-lobby bulletin boards.

Privacy and Confidentiality Regulations

A Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

administrator directs the Privacy and Confidentiality

Regulations. Copies of the regulations as part of FERPA are

posted on bulletin boards at the university and kept on file at

the Registrar’s Office. Students should note that if any of these

regulations should conflict with applicable provisions of the

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 as amended,

or with any regulations promulgated pursuant to said act, the

provisions of said federal act or federal regulations shall control.

Raffle Policy

Recognized student organizations may sponsor raffles when

authorized by the associate dean of Student Development and

coordinated with the Financial Services Office. All raffles must

be conducted in compliance with the Massachusetts General

Laws Chapter 271, Section 7A.

Smoking Policy

Effective July 1, 1994, Fitchburg State University became a

smoke-free environment. Smoking and vaping are not allowed

inside any university building including residence halls. Smoking

and vaping not permitted within 25 ft of any building entrance.

Those members of the university community who have special

difficulties in complying with a smoke-free environment are

urged to seek the assistance of either the Human Resources or

the Health Services offices.

Solicitation Policy

Each year the university receives requests from students,

community and national agencies to sell products or services on

the campus. To ensure student privacy, the university adheres

to the following policy: no individual solicitation of any kind

will be permitted except when students wish to market a

product or service which is unavailable through present campus

agencies and which is needed by the campus community

as determined by the Office of Student Affairs. Recognized

campus organizations may, however, solicit for worthy projects.

Permission for solicitation must be obtained from the Office

of Student Development. All organizations or individuals not

affiliated with the university who wish to distribute printed

materials must work with the Office of Student Development.

Student Code of Conduct

Fitchburg State University expects its students to act in a

mature and responsible manner. Respect for the rights of others,

openness to new and challenging ideas, civility and courtesy

are examples of this expectation. The student conduct process

has been established to address alleged violations of the Code

of Conduct. Allegations of discrimination, discriminatory

harassment and retaliation, and sexual violence (sexual

harassment, gender based harassment, domestic violence,

dating violence, and stalking), are addressed through the State

Universities’ Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative

Action Plan, adopted March 15, 2015.

The goal of the student conduct process is to support the

educational mission of the university by ensuring that an

atmosphere of acceptance, curiosity and integrity is maintained

on the campus.

Specific information about the Student Code of Conduct can be

found in the Code of Conduct and Discipline Process Handbook.

Emergency Transports

The University will make all reasonable efforts to notify the

emergency contact on file whenever a student is transported to

the hospital via ambulance, except under limited circumstances.

Students transported to the hospital via ambulance may be

required to check back in with University Police upon their

return to campus. Further, students may be required to meet

with a University official and provide appropriate documenta-

tion, which may include discharge paperwork, upon their return.

Student Parking Policy

All individuals must obtain a parking permit to use university

regulated parking facilities, with the exception of the Wallace

Civic Center parking lot. Permit holders must adhere to all

parking regulations, which are available from either the Housing

and Residential Services or University Police offices. Permits are

available at Housing and Residential Services. The university is

not responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles while parked

in lots on the main campus or at the Civic Center.

Shuttle Bus Parking

Fitchburg State University has a limited number of parking

spaces on the main campus and for this reason the university

offers additional parking at the Fitchburg State University

Wallace Civic Center to provide satellite parking serviced by

shuttle bus transportation. This parking is available 24 hours a

day, with shuttle bus service running between the hours of 6:30

a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, Friday 6:30 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to midnight on Sundays during the

school year. The shuttle service is free of charge and no

permit is required to park at the Civic Center lot. You can view

the location of campus shuttles via our mobile website at

m.fitchburgstate.edu.

Parking Permits

Students who operate a motor vehicle on the property of

Fitchburg State University must obtain a parking permit in

order to use university regulated parking facilities. Permits are

available at the Housing and Residential Services Office from 8

a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The individual’s status

with the university determines the type of permit assigned.

To obtain a permit, present a valid Fitchburg State University

OneCard at the office and pay the permit fee. Permit fees must

be paid in full and are non-refundable. Permits must be properly

displayed before the permit is considered valid. No vehicle may

display more than one current permit. Vehicles doing so are

subject to violation fines.

Students may also obtain parking lot maps and a parking rules

and regulations guide at the Housing and Residential Services

Office.

Snow Removal

The university has established a snow removal policy in order to

facilitate the removal of snow from parking areas. When school

has been cancelled due to inclement weather, all motor vehicles

must be removed from all staff and commuter student parking

area within one hour of the official closing of school.

Resident students are responsible for checking for snow removal

and lot closure information by calling (978) 665-3006. Snow

removal may take place over a period of days, and staying

aware of parking policies during this time is the permit holder’s

responsibility. Vehicles will often be required to be moved to

between lots or to the Civic Center parking lot to allow for

plowing operations. Shuttle transportation will be provided to

transport students back and forth from campus.

The complete snow removal policy is outlined in the parking

rules and regulations guide. All vehicles found to be impeding

snow removal operations will be ticketed, towed and stored at

the owner’s expense.

Excessive Violations

Students who have five or more unresolved violations regardless

of the age of the violation will have a hold placed on their Fitch-

burg State University records, which can prevent such functions

as registration, issuance of transcripts and financial transac-

tions. Students who have 10 or more parking violations, resolved

or unresolved within an academic year, may be towed and/or

referred to Student Conduct for disciplinary action, which could

include the loss of parking privileges.

Use of the Quad

The Quad is a public area of campus to be used casually by

members of the university community in a safe manner. The

Quad area should be used for study, leisure and relaxation, and

not as an athletic/recreation venue for non-university sponsored

events. The exception to this policy is an organized, sponsored

activity that is coordinated through the Office of Student

Development.

Weapons Policy

Weapons and weapon replicas are prohibited on campus.

The possession or concealment of any type of firearm or

other dangerous weapon, including but not limited to replica

weapons, other devices capable of launching projectiles, stiletto,

dagger or dirk knife, any knife having a double-edged blade or

a switchblade, or any knife having an automatic spring release

device by which blade is release from the handle, having a blade

of over two and one-half inches, or a sling shot, knuckles, black

jack, metallic buckles or any item which could be used as a

weapon is strictly prohibited on Fitchburg State premises or off

campus where Fitchburg State jurisdiction applies.

In addition, no paintball guns are allowed on Fitchburg State

property including the residence halls.

The use or storage of fireworks or other explosives and

hazardous chemicals except under controlled circumstances in a

supervised classroom or laboratory setting is strictly prohibited.

Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate legal and/or

Fitchburg State disciplinary action, including immediate removal

from campus.

Defensive Sprays

Fitchburg State University requires that all students, employees,

and visitors to register defensive sprays (including pepper

spray or chemical mace) with University Police. Defensive

sprays must be maintained in the possession of the registrant

or secured in such a manner that it not accessible by or usable

by other persons. No defensive spray container may exceed two

and one-half ounces in size or be labeled “for law enforcement

use only.” Unlawful possession or any misuse of a defensive

spray may be grounds for criminal prosecution and referral for

disciplinary action.

A Note on Hoverboards

Recent information has revealed that the batteries in the devices

are dangerous and prone to explosion, creating a safety and fire

risk. The matter is currently under investigation by the U.S.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Until a time

that the safety standards of these devices are improved, the

University has prohibited them from being in any of our campus

managed housing facilities. Effective immediately, the use,

possession, or storage of Hoverboards, Swagways, IO Hawks,

Skywalkers, and similar devices, is prohibited on campus until

safety standards for them can be developed and implemented,

and the prohibition lifted.

Substance Abuse Policy

Introduction

Only in an environment free of substance

abuse can the university fulfill it mission

of developing the professional, social,

cultural and intellectual potential of each

member of its community. The use of illegal

substances and abuse of legal substances

and alcohol impairs the safety and health of

students and employees, inhibits personal

and academic growth and undermines the

public’s confidence in the university. For

these reasons, it is the policy of Fitchburg

State University that all university activities

and university property shall be free of the

unlawful use or abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Drug-Free Schools

and Communities Act

Amendments of 1989 Public Law 101-226

Fitchburg State University, in accordance with both federal

legislation and existing university policy, is committed to

providing a drug free, healthful, and safe environment for

all faculty, staff and students. The unlawful manufacture,

distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled

substance, and the unauthorized possession or use alcoholic

beverages on campus or as part of any university activity or

business off university premises is prohibited. If it is determined

that a violation of this policy has occurred, disciplinary action up

to and including, dismissal (expulsion) of students, and referral

for prosecution may result as deemed appropriate. Applicable

legal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of

drugs and alcohol are summarized in the following section.

This information appears here to meet the requirements of the

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. In addition to this

policy, other university policies remain in place. These policies

are outlined in detail in this section of the handbook.

General Provisions

The students and employees of Fitchburg State University

shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess

or use controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or alcohol.

Any individual who violations this prohibition will be subject

to disciplinary action. Sanctions may include dismissal

(expulsion) or termination of employment from the university,

mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug abuse assistance or

rehabilitation program, as well as referral of the matter to law

enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Students and employees are required to notify the university’s

director of human resources (or designee), and, in the case of

students, the director of financial aid (or designee), within five

days of being convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the

workplace.

University Alcohol Policy

Fitchburg State University is a community dedicated to

the academic, professional and personal development of its

members and is committed to educational and social programs

that promote such development. Personal and communal

responsibility with regard to the university’s alcohol policy

is essential in ensuring that Fitchburg State’s environment is

conducive to student learning and development. This alcohol

policy assumes that any student who consumes alcohol accepts

responsibility for their conduct. Being intoxicated will not be

accepted as an excuse for conduct that violates the Code of

Conduct. Any student found to allegedly violate this alcohol

policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

General Provisions

Fitchburg State University enforces all state laws and city

ordinances regarding the possession, use and sale of alcoholic

beverages, including those prohibiting drinking by individuals

under 21 years of age. The law also forbids falsifying age and

identification cards. University policy restricts when, where

and how alcohol may be served on campus or at university-

sponsored activities or events and the amount of alcohol that a

resident student or guest may bring into the residence halls.

Use or possession of alcohol beverages in public areas (campus

grounds, athletic events, parking lots, academic buildings,

dining hall, campus center) is prohibited, except where a license

to serve alcoholic beverages has been obtained. In such cases

alcohol is only permitted within the confines of the license

and at the discretion of the permitee. Open containers of any

alcoholic beverage (any beverage where the seal is broken) is

prohibited, except when permitted by law.

Public intoxication while on university property or at university

sponsored activities or events are prohibited.

Hard liquor is prohibited on the Fitchburg State University

campus. Hard liquor includes rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and

other similar liquors as well as mixed drink coolers.

Drinking funnels are prohibited on university property or at

university sponsored activities or events. Any activities that

promote and/or encourage drinking such as drinking games are

prohibited.

Prevention & Awareness Programs

Abuse prevention programs are coordinated through several

campus departments. The programs provide training and direct

services to the university community and offer preventative

educational and outreach activities.

Counseling Services is available for consultation concerning

individual students with alcohol and/or drug problems.

Individual or group counseling is available to any student who

seeks assistance for a personal drug and/or alcohol problem.

Please Note: Counseling Services is not able to accommodate

court-ordered (required) drug and alcohol counseling. Students

may also be referred for an alcohol evaluation session (BASICS)

as part of a disciplinary action.

Human Resources, Counseling Services, and Health Services

have established working relationships with area hospitals,

community mental health centers and other social service

agencies to facilitate referrals when treatment is needed.

Off Campus Functions

If a function is held off-campus, the contracted server must agree

in writing that it agrees to assume all responsibility for serving

alcoholic beverages. It is up to the sponsoring organization

whether they will provide transportation to the function.

The sponsoring organization will make every effort to reduce

liability to the institution and ensure a safe and orderly function.

Additionally, if sponsored by a student organization, the event

must be registered and approved through applicable processes.

Alcoholic beverages may not be served in common sources, such

as kegs, beer balls, boxed wines, punch bowls, pitchers, carafes,

cases, tubs, etc.

Alcohol in the Residence Halls

Residents who are occupants of the space and who are of age

to consume alcohol are permitted to do so within reason. To

consume alcohol in your assigned space within the residence

halls is a privilege, not a right, and may be removed at any time.

At all times the quantity of alcohol is limited to amounts deemed

appropriate for personal consumption and shall not exceed the

amounts provided below. Residents are expected to establish

community guidelines with roommates within assigned spaces

about alcohol within the space.

Residents are permitted multiple types of alcohol as long as it

does not exceed the occupant count for residents who meet the

alcohol consumption of age. Limits apply to full, partially full or

empty containers:

• Beer/Seltzer/Malt Beverages: One 6 pack (limit 72 oz)

• Wine: 750 mL bottle (limit 2 bottles)

• Liquor: 375 mL of Liquor (100 proof or less),

(one pint of liquor)

Guests in your space do not increase the amount of alcohol

permitted. Guests who are of age are permitted to consume.

Common sources of alcohol, such as boxed wines, beer balls,

beer kegs, cases and punch bowls of any amount of alcohol over

the limits specified are prohibited in the residence halls.

The commercial delivery of alcoholic beverages to the residence

halls is prohibited.

On-Campus Functions

Recognized student organizations must register all on and off

campus events through applicable processes. Failure to register an

event where alcohol is served is additionally considered a violation

of this alcohol policy. Recognized student organizations in good

standing are permitted to have alcoholic beverages at on and off

campus functions when authorized through applicable processes.

The Falcon Hub holds a license through the city of Fitchburg

to serve beer and wine to individuals age 21 or older upon

presentation of proper identification. For events in locations

other than the pub, beer and wine service must be provided by

Chartwells, which holds a separate liquor license. Service of

alcoholic beverages at on-campus functions is done so at the

discretion and approval of the person whose name the liquor

license is held in. The permitee and sponsoring organization will

make every effort to reduce liability to the institution and ensure

a safe and orderly function. The permitee shall be responsible

for establishing applicable policies and procedures regarding

the approval, sale, and service of alcoholic beverages on campus.

University administration reserves the right to cancel the service

of alcohol on campus for any reason.

Safeguards must be taken to ensure an orderly function, to

protect the rights of other members of the community against

undue interference, noise and other disturbances. The hiring of

a university police officer for an event where alcohol is served

is at the discretion of the permitee. If the permitee decides that

a university police officer should be present during an event,

the cost to hire the officer must be borne by the sponsoring

organization.

To prevent underage drinking at events where students age 21

and younger are present, the serving of alcoholic beverages will

be limited to one drink per person age 21 or older.

University funds and/or student fees may not be used to

purchase alcoholic beverages for student use (with the exception

of stock). Recognized student organizations may not offer

alcoholic beverages free of charge to any event participant.

Alcoholic beverages may not be provided as awards. Participants

may not bring their own alcoholic beverages to any event.

When alcoholic beverages are served, food and nonalcoholic

beverages (other than water) must be made available. The cost of

these refreshments must not be prohibitive. Alcoholic beverages

may not continue to be served if nonalcoholic beverages run out.

When alcoholic beverages are served, the function must be

supportive of best practices regarding service and alcohol

education programs that encourage responsible decisions about

the use or non-use of alcoholic beverages.

Advertising Guidelines

All posters, banners, and other advertising materials must be

approved by SGA prior to being distributed on campus. All

advertising must conform to applicable policies.

Advertising promoting alcoholic beverages must not encourage

any form of alcohol abuse or place any emphasis on quantity and

frequency of use. The consumption of alcoholic beverages must

not be portrayed as the focus of any function.

Advertising of alcoholic beverages on campus may not portray

drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems, or as

necessary for social, sexual or academic success.

Advertising of alcoholic beverages and other promotional

beverages may not associate alcoholic beverage consumption

with the performance of tasks that require skilled reactions such

as driving or playing sports.

Federal and State Drug Laws

The following is a summary of legal sanctions for the unlawful

possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol provided in

compliance with the drug free schools and communities act.

Local, state and federal laws make illegal uses of drugs and

alcohol serious crimes. Conviction can lead to assigned

community service, fines and/or imprisonment. A felony

conviction for such an offense can prevent an individual from

entering many fields of employment and licensed professions.

Cities and towns in Massachusetts, specifically Fitchburg,

prohibit public consumption of alcohol and impose fines for

violation. The Metropolitan District Commission and the State

Division of Forest and Parks also prohibit public consumption of

alcohol in parks.

Massachusetts’s laws prohibit sale or delivery of alcoholic

beverages to persons under 21 with a fine of up to $2,000 and six

months imprisonment, or both for violations. Misrepresenting

one’s age or falsifying identification to obtain alcoholic beverages

is punishable by a fine of $300. A first conviction of driving

under the influence of alcohol has a penalty of a $1,000 fine, one

year revocation of driver’s license, up to two years in prison, and

mandatory participation in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Massachusetts has criminal penalties for the illicit use of

controlled substances (or drugs), with penalties varying with

the type of drug. In general, narcotics, addictive drugs, and drugs

with a high potential for abuse have heavier penalties.

A law enacted in Massachusetts in August 1990 imposes a

mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment for causing,

inducing or abetting a person under 18 years old to distribute,

disperse or possess with intent to distribute controlled

substances, or to deliver or possess money in conjunction with

such controlled substances.

Possession of drugs is illegal without a valid authorization (E.g.

a prescription). While penalties for possession are generally not

as great as for manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession

of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution.

Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession,

manufacture and distribution are much greater for second and

subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison

terms and the full minimum must be served.

It is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be in a

place where heroin is kept and to be in the company of a person

known to possess heroin. Anyone in the presence of heroin at a

private party risks serious drug conviction. Sale and possession

of drug paraphernalia is illegal in Massachusetts.

Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal law

may be ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to

one year after the first conviction five years after the second. The

penalty for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five years

after the first, 10 years after the second and permanently after the

third conviction.

Under federal law, distribution of drugs to persons under age 21

is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory one

year in prison, and a third conviction punishable by mandatory

life imprisonment. These penalties apply to distribution of

drugs within 1,000 feet of a university or school. Federal law sets

greatly heightened prison sentences for the manufacture and

distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results from the

use of the substance.

Drugs and Other Substances

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale,

possession or use of illegal substances or of drugs (e.g. narcotics,

stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens) for which a required

prescription has not been obtained is prohibited. The misuse

or abuse of any prescription medication or over the counter

drug is prohibited. It is also a violation of policy to be under the

influence of and/or in the presence of illegal and/or the misused

prescription medications.

Marijuana is prohibited by Federal Law. In compliance with the

DFSCA, marijuana is prohibited on-campus.. The manufacture,

distribution, dispensation, sale, possession or use of marijuana

on campus is prohibited. It is also a violation of policy to be

under the influence of and/or in the presence of marijuana. No

accommodations will be made for any student in possession of a

medical marijuana registration card.

Disciplinary Process

The Office of Student Conduct, under the direction of the

assistant Office of Student Affairs, oversees the student conduct

process and handles incidents involving students and complaints

against students on a case-by-case basis.

The procedures and sanctions for violations of the Code of

Conduct are outlined in the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary

Process Handbook. Sanctions may include anything from a

warning up to and including dismissal from the university.

Typically, the severity of sanctions will be increased based upon

the number of offenses or based upon the severity of the incident.

Questions regarding sanction should be directed to the Office of

Student Affairs.

Parental Notification

As recommended by the Massachusetts Board of Higher

Education and permitted by the Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA), Fitchburg State University may notify

parents/guardians when Fitchburg State students under the

age of 21 have been found responsible through the disciplinary

process for violating the university’s alcohol, drug, and good

neighbor policies.

AlcoholEDU for College

Because Fitchburg State cares about your health and safety,

Fitchburg State University is one of hundreds of institutions

nationwide taking a new approach to alcohol prevention.

The University will be requiring every member of the first-year

class to complete AlcoholEDU for College—a science–based

course taken by tens of thousands of students each year. This

course aims to educate students about alcohol and its effects on

the mind and body. More information about this course will be

posted on the Fitchburg State University Website and commu-

nicated via email.

Whether or not they drink, AlcoholEDU for College empowers

students to make well-informed decisions and better cope with

the drinking behavior of peers. More information about this

program can be obtained by contacting the Office of Student

Affairs.

Guidelines for Substance Abuse

Counseling/Treatment

Students are encouraged to reflect very seriously upon their own

attitudes and actions with regard to alcohol abuse and to seek

out information and counseling assistance through the Fitchburg

State University Counseling Services, Health Services, the Office

of Student Affairs, or other appropriate personnel. All currently

enrolled students are eligible to receive counseling through

the Office of Counseling Services. Please note, Counseling

Services is not able to accommodate court-ordered (required)

drug and alcohol counseling. To make an appointment to see a

clinician, please call (978) 665-3152. Referrals to resources in the

community can also be provided.

Additional Assistance

Help concerning drug and alcohol—related problems is available

from several sources. Individuals needing personal assistance,

individuals who know of someone who needs help, or individuals

with questions concerning alcohol and drug abuse may contact

in confidence any of the following:

• Counseling Services

• Health Services

• Human Resources

• Department of Public Health, Substance

Abuse Division, (800) 327-5050

Additional Relevant Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who

share their experience, strength and hope with each other that

they may solve their common problem and help others to recover

from alcoholism. For a listing of local meetings you may visit aa.org

Adult Children of Alcoholics

A listing of local meetings may be found at adultchildren.org.

Narcotics Anonymous

This self-help group can be reached locally at (508) 756-2284.

Additional information can be found at na.org

Health Risks of Substance Abuse

The use of alcohol and other drugs, even infrequently, may

seriously damage one’s health. The University’s health service

or an individual’s health care provider can provide more

extensive information on the effects of specific substances on

an individual’s health. Risks include, but are not limited to the

following:

• Excessive use of alcohol is associated with liver damage,

hypertension, brain damage and a weakened immune

system.

• Cocaine or crack use may be fatal, depending upon the

cardiovascular response of the user. This drug is highly

addictive and withdrawal results in severe depression.

• Tranquilizers and sedatives are also highly addictive,

even in low doses. Use of these drugs in conjunction with

alcohol is extremely dangerous and may result in the user

becoming comatose.

• The intravenous use of drugs carries the additional risk

of infection due to shared needles. HIV and hepatitis are

transmitted in this way.

• Marijuana has properties of both depressants and

stimulants and is considered a psychoactive drug.

Marijuana contains more tar than tobacco and causes lung

and bronchial disease, a chronic dry cough and respiratory

irritation. Continued marijuana use has also been

connected with memory loss and a motivational syndrome.

• Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide and may

cause cancer and bronchial disease, a chronic cough and

respiratory irritation. Smoking by pregnant women may

result in fetal injury, premature birth and low birth weight.

Chewing of tobacco may cause cancer.

Controlled Substances—

Uses and Effects

Narcotics

Possible Eects: Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea

Eects of Overdose: Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome: Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability

Dependence

Drug Name Trade/Other Names Medical Uses Physical/Psychological

Opium Dover’s Powder, Parepectolin Analgesic, antidiarrheal High/High

Morphine MS-Conen, Rosanol, Rosanol SR Analgesic, antitussive High/High

Codeine Tylenol x/codeine, Robitussin A-C Analgesic, antitussive Moderate/Moderate

Heroin Horse, Smack None High/High

Hydromorphone Dilaudid Analgesic High/High

Mependine Demerol, Mapargan Analgesic High/High

Methadone Methadose, Dolophine Analgesic High/High-Low

Depressants

Possible Eects: Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol

Eects of Overdose: Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma,

possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome: Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death

Dependence

Drug Name Trade/Other Names Medical Uses Physical/Psychological

Chloral Hydrate Noctec Hypnotic Moderate/Moderate

Barbiturates Amytal, Seconal, Nembutal Anesthetic, sedative hypnotic, High-Mod./High-Mod.

anticonvulsant

Benzodiazepines Dalmane, Xanax, Librium, Valium Antianxiety, sedative Low/Low

Methaqualone Quaalude Sedative, hypnotic High/High

Giutethimide Doridan Sedative, hypnotic High/High

Stimulants

Possible Eects: Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate, insomnia, loss of appetite

Eects of Overdose: Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation

Dependence

Drug Name Trade/Other Names Medical Uses Physical/Psychological

Cocaine Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack Local anesthetic Possible/High

Amphetamines Dexadrine, Obetrol, Delcobese Attention decit disorder, Possible/High

weight control, narcolepsy

Phenmetrazine Preludin Weight control Possible/High

Methylphenidate Ritalin Attention decit disorder Possible/Moderate

Hallucinogens

Possible Eects: Illusions and hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance

Eects of Overdose: Longer, more intense “trip” episodes, psychosis, possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome: Withdrawal syndrome not reported

Dependence

Drug Name Trade/Other Names Medical Uses Physical/Psychological

LSD Acid, Microdot None None/Unknown

Mescaline/Peyote

Mesc, Button, Cactus None None/Unknown

Amphetamine DMA, MDMA, STP, MDA None Unknown/Unknown

Phencyclidine PCP, Angel dust, Hog None Unknown/High

Cannabis

Possible Eects: Euphoria, reduced inhibitions, increased appetite, disorientation

Eects of Overdose: Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis

Withdrawal Syndrome: Insomnia, hyperactivity, loss of appetite

Dependence

Drug Name Trade/Other Names Medical Uses Physical/Psychological

Marijuana Pot, Acapulco Gold, Grass, Reefer None Unknown/Moderate

Hashish Hash None Unknown/Moderate

Hashish Oil Hash Oil None Unknown/Moderate

Phone Directory & Map

Departments and Offices

Information Technology Help Desk .......................................4500

International Education/Study Abroad .................................3089

Institutional Research ............................................................. 3126

Journal of Technical Writing & Communication ................... 3548

Leadership Academy ...............................................................3218

Library (fitchburgstate.edu/library) .......................................3196

Access Services ............................................................ 3062

Circulation Desk ........................................................... 3063

Director .........................................................................3194

Hours 4478

Interlibrary Loan .......................................................... 3065

Periodicals Department ............................................... 3067

Reference Desk .............................................................3223

Technical Processing.....................................................3310

Mathematics ............................................................................3263

Math Center............................................................................ 3579

McKay Arts Academy .............................................................. 3187

Child Development Center ....................................343-9149

Curriculum Resource Center ........................................3725

Library ...........................................................................3322

Family Liaison ................................................................3192

Nursing..................................................................................... 3221

OneCard .................................................................................. 3039

Parking Services ...................................................................... 3219

Payroll ...................................................................................... 3177

Planning ....................................................................................3171

President ...................................................................................3101

Print Services .......................................................................... 3394

Psychological Science .............................................................3355

Recreation Center .................................................................. 3683

Fitness Center ...............................................................3061

Racquetball/Volleyball Reservations .......................... 3566

Recreation Center Manager .........................................3561

Registrar ..................................................................................4196

Social Sciences (Economics, History and Political Science) ..... 3397

Special Education ................................................................... 3308

Student Accounts/Billing ........................................................4126

Student Development .............................................................3163

Information Desk ........................................................... - 0 -

Reservations .................................................................3163

Center for Volunteerism and Leadership ...................3649

Student Affairs ........................................................................3130

Student Conduct and Case Management ............................. 3887

Student Mail Center ................................................................4481

Academic Affairs .....................................................................3168

Academic Success Centers............................................4136, 3499

Adaptive Lab ........................................................................... 4029

Admissions ...............................................................................3144

Affirmative Action .................................................................. 3697

Alumni ......................................................................................3355

AmeriCulture Arts Festival .................................... (978) 345-4862

Assessment Center .......................................................3499, 4136

Athletics ...................................................................................3314

Behavioral Sciences (Criminal Justice, Human Services

& Sociology) ........................................................................ 3241

Biology .................................................................................... 3246

Bookstore ............................................................................... 4026

Box Office (Weston) ...............................................................3347

Business Administration ...............................................3378, 3203

Capital Planning and Management ...............................3115, 3230

Career Services and Advising Center .......................................3151

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness .................................. 3399

Center for Italian Culture ........................................................3031

Chartwells Dining Services ..................................................... 3663

Communications/Media ......................................................... 3260

Computer Science .................................................................. 3290

Counseling Services................................................................. 3152

Cultural Affairs ........................................................................ 3709

Development .......................................................................... 4555

Disability Services ................................................................... 4020

Education/ECEMS .................................................................... 3193

English ............................................................................ 3267, 3393

Exercise Sport Science ........................................................... 3304

Expanding Horizons ...............................................................3064

Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence ................................. 3341

Financial Aid .............................................................................3156

Geo/Physical Sciences ............................................................ 3248

Graduate & Continuing Education ................................3182, 3280

Grant Center ........................................................................... 3368

Hammond Hall .........................................................................3163

Health Services ........................................................................3216

Housing and Residential Services ........................................... 3219

Work Order Requests ...................................................4014

Human Resources ................................................................... 3172

Humanities

Art, Music, Philosophy, Foreign Languages ................3276

Band Director ................................................................3278

Choral Director .............................................................. 3713

Industrial Technology ..............................................................3255

Information Desk .................................. (978) 345-2151, 4002 or 0

Student Organizations

Campus Activities Hotline ...........................................4480

Fitchburg Activities Board ........................................... 3645

Point (Newspaper) ...................................................... 3647

Student Government Association ............................... 3300

Student Organization Room ........................................ 3351

Center for Volunteerism and Leadership ...................3649

WXPL Radio Station (FM 91.3) ..........................3692, 4848

Teacher Certification ...............................................................3239

Tech Prep ................................................................................ 3295

Technology Education .............................................................3255

Tutor Center (Peer) .......................................................3499, 4136

University Police (Emergency) ................................................ 3111

Non-Emergency .............................................................3110

TTY ................................................................................ 3588

Upward Bound ....................................................................... 3439

Vocational Education .............................................................3049

Writing Center ........................................................................3499

Weston Box Office ..................................................................3347

WXPL ............................................................................. 3692, 4848

Undergraduate Evening Programs

Business Administration ........................................................ 3526

Interdisciplinary Studies ......................................................... 3386

LPN to BS in Nursing ...............................................................3222

Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing ..................................................3222

Vocational Education .............................................................3049

Graduate Programs

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

Educational Leadership

and Management ................. (call SOGCE at 3182)

Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrations in:

Applied Communication ...................................................4856

Individualized .................................................................... 3386

Counseling/Psychology ..................................................... 3603

Reading Specialist ............................................................. 3899

Master of Arts and/or Master of Arts in Teaching (MA/MAT)

English ..................................................................................... 3445

History.....................................................................................4804

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA ........................................................................................ 3567

Master of Education (MEd)

Arts Education .........................................................................3461

Curriculum and Teaching ....................................................... 3502

Early Childhood Education ..................................................... 3539

Elementary Education ............................................................. 3717

Educational Leadership

and Management ..................................... (call SOGCE at 3182)

Occupational Education .........................................................3049

Science Education .................................................................. 3334

Special Education

Moderate ............................................................................3770

Severe ................................................................................ 3309

Guided Studies .................................................................. 3309

Reading Specialist ..................................................................3899

Master of Science (MS)

Applied Communication ........................................................4856

Computer Science .................................................................. 3434

Clinical Mental Health Counseling. ............................................ 3603

Criminal Justice (4+1) ............................................................. 3582

Nursing (Forensic) .................................................................. 3426

Graduate Certificate Programs

Applied Communications Studies ..........................................4856

Autism Spectrum Disorders ....................................................3770

Behavior Analyst ......................................................................3511

Forensic Nursing ..................................................................... 3426

Reading Specialist ..................................................................3899

Quick Reference Guide

Questions about Direct to Ext.

Adding and Dropping Classes ... Registrar’s Office ................4196

Academic Probation .................. Career Services

and Advising Center........... 3321

Admissions Open Houses ......... Admissions ..........................3144

Alcohol & Other Drug Use ........ Health Services ................... 3216

Ambulance ................................. University Police .................. 3111

Art Gallery .................................. Student Activities ............... 3163

Auto Assistance ......................... University Police .................. 3111

Book Loans ................................ Student Accounts ............... 4126

Change of Address .................... Registrar’s Office ................4196

Change of Major ........................ Academic Dept.

Class Cancellations .................... Information Desk............... 3580

Class Schedules ......................... Registrar’s Office ............... 3670

Counseling ................................. Counseling Services ............ 3152

Computer Problems .................. IT Help Desk .......................4500

Copy Machines .......................... Library or Conlon IA

Course Load/Complaints ........... Student Affairs ...................3130

Emergencies .............................. University Police .................. 3111

Emergency Student Loans ........ Student Affairs ...................3130

Escort Service/Student Safety ... University Police .................. 3111

Evening Advisors ....................... SOGCE ............................... 3280

Evening Courses ........................ SOGCE ................................ 3182

Faculty Absences .................................................................... 3580

Faculty Advisors ........................ Academic Departments

Falcon Booster Club .................. Athletics .............................. 3314

Falcon Hub ................................. Hammond Hall .................... 3162

FAVE ........................................... Grant Center ....................... 3218

Fraternities & Sororities ............ Student Development ........3164

Fitchburg State

University Today................... Public Relations .................. 3177

FAT Trips .................................... Student Development ........3160

Graduate Courses & Programs .. SOGCE ................................. 3182

Health Service ............................ Health Service ..................... 3216

Honors Program ........................ Leadership Academy .......... 3215

I.D. Cards .................................... ACMS ...................................3262

Internet/E-mail ........................... Computer Center ...............4500

Intramural Sports ...................... Recreation Center .............4648

Jobs (on-campus) ...................... Financial Aid ........................3156

Jobs (off-campus) ..................... Career Services

and Advising Center............3151

Judicial Board ............................ Student Conduct ............... 3887

Leave of Absence ...................... Student Affairs ...................3130

Legal Assistance ........................ SGA Lawyer ........................ 3300

Lockers ....................................... Info Desk .............................3165

Lost & Found ............................. University Police .................. 3111

Mediation .................................. Student Conduct ............... 3887

Questions about Direct to Ext.

Multicultural Experiences ......... CDI ...................................... 3399

On-campus Housing .................. Housing & Res. Services ...... 3219

OneCard ..................................... OneCard Office .................. 3039

Orientation ................................ Student Development ........3163

Parking Permits/Information .... Parking Services ................. 3219

Parking Ticket Payments ........... Parking Services ................. 3219

Paychecks .................................. Treasurer’s Office ...............3107

Posting Policy & Bulletin Boards .. SGA ..................................... 3300

Readmission After Withdrawal ... Registrar .............................3139

Recycling .................................... Capital Planning

.............................................. and Maintenance. ................3115

Reserving Space on Campus ..... Student Center ...................3163

Residence Hall

Maintenance Request .......... Housing & Res. Services ......4014

Ropes Course............................. Recreation Services ........... 3683

Scholarships ............................... Financial Aid ........................3156

Shuttle Parking Information ..... University Police .................. 3111

Student Absences

(Extended Periods) .............. Student Affairs ...................3130

Student Activities Events .......... Student Development ........3163

Student Billing ........................... Student Accounts ...............4126

Student Health Insurance ......... Student Affairs ...................3130

Student Organizations .............. Student Development ........3163

Student Payroll .......................... Payroll ......................... 3120,3122

Student Rights

and Responsibilities ............. Student & Academic Life ...3130

Study Abroad ............................. International Ed. ................3089

Summer Conferences ................ Housing & Res. Services ...... 3219

Summer Courses ....................... SOGCE ................................. 3182

Substance Awareness ............... Counseling .......................... 3152

Testing (Placement) .................. Assessment Center............3499

Transcripts ................................. Registrar ............................ 3359

Tuition Payment Plan ................ Student Accounts Office ... 3294

Tutoring (Peer) .......................... Academic Success Center .3499

Vehicle Lockouts/Jump Starts .. University Police .................. 3111

Veterans Info ............................. Registrar ............................ 3359

Volunteering .............................. Volunteer Center ...............3649

Winter Session Courses............. SOGCE ................................ 3182

Withdrawing from a Course ..... Registrar .............................4196

Withdrawing from

the University ....................... Student Affairs ...................3130

Withdrawing from a

Graduate Program ............... SOGCE ................................ 3280

Work Study ................................ Financial Aid ........................3156

Campus Buildings

1. Conlon Hall CNIC

2. Conlon Fine Arts CNFA

3. Institutional Research and Planning

4. Weston Auditorium

WEST

5. Antonucci Science Complex SCI

6. Sanders Administration SAND

7. Anthony Student Service Center ANTH

Admissions

Financial Aid

Graduate and Continuing Education

OneCard (ID)

Registrar

Student Accounts

8. Guglielmi Mazzaferro Center MAZZ

9. Dupont Facilities DUP

10. Holmes Dining Commons HOLM

11. Edgerly Hall EDG

12. Percival Hall PERC

13. Thompson Hall THOM

14. Miller Hall MIL

15. Hammond Hall HAMM

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library

Bookstore

Campus Center

16. Exercise and Sports Science EXSS

17. Healey Guest House

18. University Police Station

CPST

19. Athletics and Recreation Center REC

20. Intermodal Transportation Center

Center for Professional Studies PDC

21. Theater Block (717 Main Street)

22. McKay Complex MCK

23. Wallace Civic Center WALL

24. Landry Arena

25. Athletic Complex & Elliot Field

Residence Halls

A. Aubuchon Hall

Housing & Residential Services

Parking Services

B. Russell Towers

Health Services

C. Herlihy Hall

D. Townhouse Apartments

E. Mara Village

F. North Street Apartments

G. Cedar House

H. Simonds Hall

160 Pearl Street Fitchburg, MA 01420

(800) 705-9692 www.fitchburgstate.edu

Updated 7/19

Key

Shu�le Stop

Building

Code

Rindge Road

Pearl Street

John Fitch Highway

Holman Street

North Street

Highland Avenue

Cedar Street

Myrtle Avenue

Clinton Street

Snow Street

Ross Street

Congress Street

Orange Street

Pearl Street

See Inset A

Pacific Street

North Street

Lunenburg Street

Summer Street

Willow Street

Main Street

Pearl Hill Road

Blossom Street

Day Street

See Inset B

Main Street

Boulder Dr.

Grove Street

Index

Absences ..........................................................41

Due to Illness ....................................................23

Academic Affairs Office .................................9

Academic and Environmental

Accommodations ................................. 13

Academic Integrity Policy .......................... 45

Academic Policies .........................................41

Academic Probation .................................... 43

Academic Programs ........................................6

Academic Progress Requirements

Financial Aid ..................................................... 14

Academic Standing ................................ 20, 43

Acceptable Use Computer Policy ............ 46

Accommodations

Persons with Disabilities ............................ 3, 6

Accreditation ...................................................6

Active Minds ................................................. 29

Adaptive Computing Lab ........................... 13

Add/Drop Procedure ................................... 42

Advertising Club .......................................... 29

Advisors ........................................................... 41

Affirmative Action Policy ........................3, 48

AlcoholEDU for College ..............................56

Alcohol Policies .............................................53

Alert, Fitchburg State ................................. 26

All University Committee.............................3

Alpha Lambda Delta .................................... 29

Alpha Phi Sigma ........................................... 29

Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority ........ 29

Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library .............. 10

American Sign Language ............................ 29

Art Gallery ..................................................... 22

Associated Builders and

Contractors (ABC) ............................. 29

Athletics ..........................................................37

Academic Eligibility .......................................37

Facilities .............................................................38

Program Data ...................................................... 6

Attendance ......................................................41

Availability Notice .......................................... 5

Billiards Club ................................................ 29

Bill of Rights .....................................................4

Bill Payment................................................... 20

Biology Club .................................................. 29

Black Student Union ................................... 29

Bookstore ........................................................10

Breakfast ........................................................... 11

Campus Buildings ........................................ 62

Campus Resources & Services ....................9

Campus Security Report ............................... 6

Career Center .................................................10

Career Services and Advising Center .........9

Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness....10

Center for Italian Culture ............................11

Center for Volunteerism ............................ 22

Chartwells Dining Services .........................11

Cheerleading Club ........................................30

Christian Fellowship .................................. 29

Citation Payments ........................................ 19

Class Cancellations ......................................41

Communication Honors Society

(Lambda Pi Eta) ............................................... 31

Community Safety & Wellness ................ 16

Commuter Affairs Office ............................ 22

Computer Use Policy .................................. 46

Confidentiality Regulations ...................... 50

Contraception ................................................23

Controlled Substances .................................57

Costs ................................................................... 5

Counseling Services Department .............. 12

Course Load Requirements ....................... 42

Course Registration .................................... 42

Criminal Justice Club ................................. 29

Dance Club .................................................... 29

Defensive Sprays ........................................... 52

Delta Alpha Pi ............................................... 29

Department Directory ................................. 59

Deposits ...........................................................21

Dietary Needs, Special ..................................11

Dinner ...............................................................11

Direct Loan Deferments ................................5

Disability Services ..................................3, 6, 12

Discrimination and Sexual

Violence Policy .................................... 48

Diversity and Inclusiveness,

Center for ........................................................... 10

Drug-Free Schools and

Communities Act ............................................53

Education Club ............................................. 29

Education Honors Society

(Kappa Delta Pi ) ............................................ 30

E-Mail .............................................................. 17

Emergencies ................................................... 25

English Club ...................................................30

Enrollment Period ......................................... 21

Epsilon Pi Tau, Inc. .......................................30

Equal Opportunity .........................................4

Evening Programs, Undergraduate ......... 60

Event Management ...................................... 22

Event Policy, End of Spring ........................47

Facility Reservations ................................... 22

Falcon Friends ...............................................30

Falcon Hub .................................................... 22

Falcon Theater Company ............................30

Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA) ....................................... 5

Family Orientation ...................................... 20

Feminist Conversations ..............................30

FERPA ...............................................................6

Film Makers Society .....................................30

Financial Aid ...............................................5, 13

Financial Obligations ..................................... 5

Fire Safety

Fire Drill Procedures ...................................... 16

Residence Halls ................................................16

First Responders ...........................................30

First Year Residential Program ................. 15

Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB) ............30

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education

(FAVE) ................................................... 13

Fitchburg Finches .........................................30

Fitchburg State Alert .................................. 26

Food Service (Chartwells) ...........................11

Game Design Club ........................................30

Gay Straight Alliance ...................................30

Geo Club .........................................................30

Good Neighbor Policy .................................47

Grades ............................................................. 43

Changing ........................................................... 44

Grievance ..........................................................44

Graduate and Continuing Education ...... 15

Graduate Programs ...................................... 60

Graduation Rates ...................................... 6, 14

Greek Council ................................................30

Habitat for Humanity Local Chapter ......30

Harmonic Velocity A Capella Choir ........30

Hazing Policy ................................................ 49

Health and Immunization

Requirements........................................23

Health Services ..............................................23

Help Desk ........................................................ 17

Higher Education, Access .............................4

Honors ............................................................44

Housing Maintenance .................................. 16

Housing & Residential Services ............... 15

Hoverboards .................................................. 52

Human Studies Policy ..................................47

Illness

Meals during ......................................................11

Treatment for ....................................................23

Immunization Requirements ................. 6, 23

Industrial Technology Honor Society

(Epsilon Pi Ta) ................................................ 30

Information Desk ......................................... 22

Information Technology .............................. 17

Insurance for Property ...................................6

Integrative Health and Wellness ..............30

Intercollegiate Sports ...................................37

International Education Office .................. 18

International Honor Society in History

(Phi Alpha Theta) ........................................... 31

Italian Culture,

Center for ............................................................11

Jury Duty ...........................................................4

Kappa Delta Pi ...............................................30

Keys/Card Access .......................................... 16

Lacrosse Club ................................................. 31

Lambda Pi Eta ................................................ 31

Latin American Student Organization

(LASO) ................................................... 31

Library ..............................................................10

Live Action Role Playing (LARP) ............. 31

Living on Campus ......................................... 15

Loans (Emergency) ...................................... 20

Love Your Melon Fitchburg State

University Campus Crew .................. 31

Lunch ................................................................11

Mail Center .................................................... 24

Major Changes ..............................................44

Maps ................................................................ 62

Martial Arts Club .......................................... 31

MASSPIRG ..................................................... 31

Math Center ................................................... 18

Math Club ....................................................... 31

Meal Cards ......................................................12

Meal Plans ........................................................ 11

Mission Statement, University .................... 2

Model United Nations ................................. 31

MTEL Test Preparation ............................. 25

National Association of Homebuilders

(NAHB) .................................................. 31

New Student Orientation .......................... 20

Non-Discrimination Policy........................ 48

North Central Massachusetts

Entrepreneurship Association ......... 31

North Street Bistro ...................................... 22

Nursing Honor Society ................................32

Nursing Student Association (NSA) .......32

Offices Directory .......................................... 59

Offices Listing ..................................................9

OneCard .......................................................... 17

One Card Program Agreement ................. 46

Online Card Management .......................... 17

Order of Omega ............................................. 31

Organizations, Student .............................. 29

Orientation Programs ................................. 20

Overseas Study .............................................. 18

Panhellenic Council...................................... 31

Parental Notification ................................... 54

Parking ............................................................. 51

Parking Permits ........................................ 18, 51

Parking Violations ........................................ 51

Payment Plan................................................. 20

Phi Alpha Theta ............................................. 31

Phi Sigma Sigma National Sorority .......... 31

Phone Directory ............................................ 59

Pi Sigma Alpha ............................................... 31

Placement Test Center ............................... 25

Placement Testing ....................................... 24

Pokemon Society ...........................................32

Policies, Academic ........................................41

Poster Policy .................................................. 49

Prevention & Awareness Programs ........ 54

Printing ............................................................ 17

Privacy and Confidentiality....................... 50

Psi Chi ..............................................................32

Psychology Honors Society (Psi Chi) ......32

Public Area Damages .................................... 16

Quad usage...................................................... 51

Quick Reference Guide ............................... 61

Raffle Policy ................................................... 50

Rave Guardian Campus Safety app ......... 26

Readmission

After Withdrawal .......................................... 42

Recognition of Student Organizations....33

Recognized Student Organizations ........ 29

Recreation Center ................................... 19, 38

Recreation Services ......................................19

Reduced Course Load .................................... 3

Refund Policy .................................................21

Registrar’s Office ...........................................19

Repeating Courses .......................................44

Rescue Squad (EMS) .................................. 26

Residence Hall Association ........................ 15

Residence Hall Living .................................. 15

Resident Development Model ................... 15

Residential Learning Community ............ 15

Safety & Wellness ........................................ 16

Satisfactory Academic Progress ............... 20

Security Team, Student .............................. 25

Shuttle Bus Parking ................................. 19, 51

Sigma Beta Delta Honors Society..............32

Sigma Pi Fraternity, International ............32

Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority .....32

Sigma Tau Delta ............................................32

Sigma Tau Gamma National

Fraternity, Inc. ......................................32

Sigma Theta Tau, Inc.,

Epsilon Beta Chapter ..........................32

Ski and Snowboard Club ............................32

Smoking Policy ............................................. 50

Snow Removal ............................................... 51

Society of Motion Picture and

Television Engineers (SMPTE) ........32

Solicitation Policy ........................................ 50

Sportsmanship Code ....................................38

Student Accounts Office ............................ 20

Student Affairs .............................................. 20

Student Code of Conduct ........................... 51

Student Conduct and Case

Management ......................................... 21

Student Development ................................. 22

Student Education Association of

Massachusetts (SEAM) .....................32

Student Government

Association (SGA) ...............................27

Student Grievance .......................................44

Student Loans ............................................... 20

Student Organizations

Listing ................................................................. 29

Recognition Procedures ................................ 33

Student Organization

Committee (SOC) ...............................33

Student Parking Policy ................................ 51

Student Representation on

Committees ......................................... 2, 3

Student Rights under FERPA .....................6

Substance Abuse

Health Risks ......................................................57

Policy ...................................................................53

Suspension ..................................................... 43

Swim Club ......................................................32

Technology Education Collegiate

Association (TEECA) .........................32

Transcripts.....................................................44

Transfer Credit ............................................. 44

Tutor Center and Placement Testing ..... 24

University Police .......................................... 25

Veteran’s Center ........................................... 26

Weapons Policy ............................................ 52

Withdrawal

Financial Aid Requirements ........................14

From the University ............................ 6, 20, 42

World Integrated Nations (WIN) ...........32

WXPL Radio ..................................................32