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 Is Orientation mandatory?
Yes. Orientation is an integral part of your success as a student at Fitchburg State College whether you are a resident or a commuter. We ask that you make arrangements so that you can attend all three fall orientation dates (Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 for residents and Sept. 1-2 for commuters). You will be learning important information about the college and meeting other new students.
Will I stay overnight?
If you are a resident student planning to live on campus,
yes. You will be moving in for the 2008/2009 school year on
Sunday, Aug. 31. This is your chance to ease into life at Fitchburg
State College through the guidance of the orientation Leaders.
If you are a commuter student, overnight accommodations are
not provided.
What if I plan to commute from home during the
school year?
Even if you plan to commute, we encourage you to come to all
of the fall orientation sessions. There will be entertainment
as well as informal sessions with your orientation leaders
throughout the day and evening that you won't want
to miss!
Where do I park when I arrive on campus?
For resident students, when you first arrive on campus you
will go directly to the Wallace Civic Center on John Fitch
Highway for check-in. The orientation leaders will direct
you where you should park your car after check-in.
For commuter students, you can park in the lots on North
Street and proceed to check in at the Hammond Campus Center.
What if I am shy?
The orientation staff is here to help anyone
and everyone. If you're a very outgoing person or very
shy, we're here to assist in making the students comfortable
with their new surroundings. Everyone at Fitchburg State
College is here for the same reason: a great college education. The orientation leaders, fellow students, faculty, staff,
and administration want to make sure that is what everyone here
receives.
 Who are the Orientation Leaders?
Orientation Leaders are carefully selected from some of Fitchburg
State College's best students. They are there to answer any
question you may have and to aid you through the orientation
process. The students range from sophomores to seniors. Some
are new to the program this year, while others are returning
for their second and third years. These students have gone
through rigorous training since Feburary 2008 and are excited
to welcome you into the Fitchburg State College community.
Are overnight guests allowed during orientation?
No, only Fitchburg State students are allowed in the campus
residence halls during orientation. All unauthorized guests will be asked to leave. The overnight guest
policies will be in effect after orientation concludes.
How much money should I set aside for books?
According to the college bookstore, the average
cost of books for one class can be upwards of $75-$100. Some classes have higher costs than others. Depending
on the course load and major, books for a semester can average
from $300 to $600. Students receive their
schedules at summer orientation and advising sessions, and can view textbook information online at www.fsc.bkstr.com/.
Do I need my One Card ID on the first day?
Yes, your One Card is your key to everything
on campus. You'll need it for the residence halls, the
library, the dining hall and just about everything else on
campus.
Who will help me with my computer?
If you are having difficulties with setting
up your computer, you can call IT Help Desk at
ext. 4500 from any on campus phone or off campus at (978) 665-4500.
Is it safe on campus?
It is indeed safe on campus. We operate our
own police force with state trained officers to serve and
protect the students and members of the college community. If a student or member of the college community has the desire
to go off-campus, we suggest using a form of the buddy system
to reinforce strength in numbers and promote safety. There
is also a nightly Student Security Escort Service so students
do not have to walk alone on or around campus. Call boxes directly connected to the Campus Police are located
all throughout campus. Security cameras are in the process
of being installed as well. For more information, you
can visit the Campus Police site at www.fsc.edu/campuspolice/.
What about health emergencies?
In case of emergency, there is a trained first
response Student Rescue Squad on call 24 hours a day during
the school year. If there is an emergency, the rescue squad
is dispatched by Campus Police. You can reach them by calling
ext. 3111 or
(978) 665-3111. If it's not
an emergency, students can go to the Health Services clinic on campus
in the Anthony Building. For more information on Health Services, go to www.fsc.edu/healthserv/
Fitchburg State also distributes emergency messages through the ConnectEd system through the phone and e-mail. To sign up, go to www.fsc.edu/it/connected, and add your phone and e-mail information. The campus uses Connect Ed for campus announcements such as:
- Campus and regional emergencies
- Snow closures/delays
- Campus opening and closing activities
 When will I find out about my roommate(s)?
The information for students living on campus
is scheduled to arrive at students' homes early in August.
Do I really need a car?
No, having a car on campus is not necessary. Fitchburg State has parternered with MART (the regional bus system) to provide free transportation throughout Fitchburg and the surrounding towns with your One Card ID. Additionally there is a van service that makes trips on Monday through Thursday to destinations within the area of the college. The van stops at just about any place that a college student would
need to go. Destinations consist of but are not limited
to: movie theaters, The Mall at Whitney Field, local grocery stores, local banks,
WalMart, Target, and more. The van service also picks up and drops off students
at the Fitchburg train station on weekends. The MBTA commuter
rail station is right at the end of North Street,
less than a half mile from campus.
What is there to do after orientation?
Once the orientation program has ended there will be many events for students to attend on campus, as well as bus trips to events off campus. Students see an update of what's going on by checking out Student Development's upcoming list of events.
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