Fitchburg State University Launches Direct Admissions Initiative
Fitchburg State University has introduced a new initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for local high school students. During her State of the University address on September 27, 2023, President Donna Hodge announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate direct admissions to the university for students from Fitchburg who meet specific academic criteria.
Starting in the fall of 2024, any student from one of the four designated high schools in Fitchburg who maintains a GPA of at least 2.25 will be guaranteed admission to Fitchburg State University. Furthermore, these students will be able to attend tuition and fee-free, provided they remain in good academic standing. This initiative aims to remove barriers to college access and promote educational equity in the region.
“It’s a clear, supported pathway to college,” said Hodge, the first woman to serve as president at Fitchburg State University. She emphasized that the initiative not only provides certainty to families but also establishes a partnership with school counselors. “This is equity in action. This is economic development in action,” she added.
The agreement has been established with several local educational institutions, including Fitchburg High School, which encompasses Goodrich Academy, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, St. Bernard’s High School, and Sizer School. Hodge expressed her commitment to ensuring that every Fitchburg student understands that college is not just a possibility but a guaranteed opportunity for those who are willing to commit to their education.
School leaders participated in a ceremonial signing of the MOU with President Hodge. Jon Thompson, Superintendent of Fitchburg Public Schools, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Whatever opportunity we can give kids to succeed in college, we’re going to do it. This is just the beginning of our partnership.”
The initiative was welcomed by other educational leaders. Thomas Browne, Superintendent of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, remarked that the proximity of Fitchburg State University and the provision of free education represent a significant opportunity for local students. “This program is going to be fantastic and have a big impact,” he said.
The excitement surrounding the initiative extends to Sizer School. Principal Andrew Lay expressed optimism that this program will broaden horizons for students. “It makes things real for them,” he stated. Meanwhile, Marc Gosselin, Executive Director of Sizer School, noted that many students in the North Central region do not envision themselves as college students. “This totally unlocks that for them in a powerful way,” he said.
In her address, President Hodge also reflected on the university’s growth, highlighting nearly 6,000 total students enrolled for the current academic year, including 740 new undergraduates and 44 international students from 19 countries. She underscored Fitchburg State’s role as a significant educational institution, stating, “We are not just a regional campus. We are a statewide solution. A national asset.”
During the event, Hodge recognized a new group of Presidential Ambassadors, who represent the university’s spirit and commitment to service. These students play a crucial role in engaging with alumni, legislators, and prospective students. “These students represent the best of who we are and the best of where we’re going,” she said.
In other announcements, President Hodge shared that Dr. Travis Chambers, currently the Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance at the Georgia State University College of Law, will become the university’s new Chief Financial Officer starting December 1, 2023. The event also celebrated faculty members who received tenure and promotion, as well as inaugural recipients of the President’s Mission in Action Staff Awards, recognizing exceptional staff contributions.
The day concluded with a Matriculation Ceremony, formally welcoming incoming students into the Fitchburg State community. The keynote speaker, Stephany Infante, a 2016 graduate and current vice president of the Lawrence City Council, shared her inspiring journey from student to civic leader. “I want you to embrace the opportunities that await you at Fitchburg State,” Infante advised, encouraging students to get involved and build their own paths.
This initiative marks a significant step towards increasing educational opportunities for students in Fitchburg, creating a tangible pathway to college that aims to transform lives within the community.
