Truth Be Told

Beyond Course Schedules: The Value of Academic Advising

dmagazu — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:32:16 +0000

dmagazu Wed, 10/21/2026 - 11:32

Posted On

October 21, 2026

Author

David Restrick

Tags

Academic Outcomes

Being a new college student can be daunting. New places, new people, new culture, new terminology: it all piles up quickly. I felt like a deer in headlights. Even though I was somewhere familiar, I was soon buried in coursework, unfamiliar expectations, and a vocabulary I didn’t yet speak.

Early on, my academic advisor emailed to offer his help. I could easily have ignored that message, and almost did. But that day, for reasons I still can’t explain, I replied and agreed to meet. It was one of the best decisions of my college career.

I had chosen a major that had no faculty at the time, so my advisor came from the math department. I never expected to connect with a math professor, but he seemed to recognize quickly that I was struggling to navigate the institution around me. Rather than jumping in to fix my problems, he got to know me: what I was studying, why I chose that major, where I was from, what I cared about. He shared his own story too, including how he found his field, why he chose math, and why he loved teaching. That was the first of many meetings.

Over time, he became the person who taught me how to navigate college. He helped me understand my degree path and supported me through a rough stretch when I decided to change my major. He stayed on as my advisor even though he didn’t have to. He connected me with campus resources and so much more.

All of it started with one small step: meeting with him during my first year.

Your advisor is reaching out for the same reason. What will you do?

Academic Outcomes

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Open House

dmagazu — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:26:47 +0000

dmagazu Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:26

Posted On

October 15, 2026

Author

Kirsten Hoey

Tags

Admissions Affordability Campus

Join us on October 24 or November 8

Choosing a college is a big decision, and there’s only so much you can learn from a website or a brochure. One of the best ways to decide whether a college is the right fit for you is to experience it for yourself! Attending an Open House at ��ϲ�� gives you the opportunity to explore campus, connect with members of the community, and picture what your life could look like as a ram! Thinking about attending one of our Open Houses? Here are five reasons why you should!

1. Explore Campus and Picture Yourself Here

Open House gives you the chance to explore campus, see classrooms and student spaces, and get a feel for the overall vibe of the university. Can you picture yourself studying in the library, grabbing lunch with friends in the Dining Commons, or sunbathing on Larned Beach? The only way to know is to visit campus for yourself.

2. Learn About Academic Programs

Open House is an opportunity to learn more about the majors and programs that interest you. Join us for our academic fair in the gym where faculty and students from all of our academic departments will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

3. Discover Student Life Outside of the Classroom

College is about more than just earning a degree. It’s also about discovering yourself and finding your community! At Open House, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the many ways you can get involved on campus. From student clubs and organizations, to athletics, to other extracurricular activities, there are so many ways to get involved. Our Campus Resource Fair in the McCarthy Center is where you’ll be able to connect with staff and students and learn about all we have to offer.

4. Get Your Questions Answered

It’s normal to have a lot of questions as you’re deciding which college you’d like to attend. Open House brings many of the people who can answer those questions together in one place. Join us for an Admissions, Financial Aid & Family Engagement presentation in the McCarthy Center where you can learn more about these areas and get your questions answered. And again, stop by our Campus Resource Fair where offices such as Residence Life and Dining Services will be in attendance if you have questions regarding housing and meal plans.

5. See Whether ��ϲ�� is the Right Fit for You

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine whether ��ϲ�� is the right fit for your individual needs, interests and goals. Open House will give you the opportunity to really explore everything the university has to offer and help you make the best decision for you. Take what you learn from the event to help you decide if ��ϲ�� is somewhere you can see yourself in the future. We’d love to have you join the fRAMily!

Ready to visit? Register for an Open House today. We hope to see you there!

Admissions Affordability Campus

Make College Affordable: 5 Tips as you Prepare to File Your FAFSA

dmagazu — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:26:15 +0000

dmagazu Tue, 09/29/2026 - 17:26

Posted On

September 29, 2026

Author

Caitlin Laurie, Director of Financial Aid

Tags

Affordability

5 Tips for Filling out the FAFSA

If you’re planning to attend college next year (2027-2028 academic year), completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in making college more affordable to you. With the 2027-2028 FAFSA now available, I’ve put together the five things you need to know before you get started. A little preparation can go a long way- you’ve got this!

Apply Early and Be Aware of Deadlines

Did you know you can file your FAFSA even before you receive an admission decision from a college? All FAFSA deadlines are not the same, so I recommend you check the financial aid deadlines for every school you are considering. ��ϲ��’s priority FAFSA deadline is March 1, while the Massachusetts state deadline is June 30.

Some financial aid programs have limited funding, so applying by the appropriate deadline is important. You don’t want to miss out on potential grants or scholarships simply because you waited too long to file.

Filing your FAFSA early can reduce stress, give you the best opportunity to be considered for aid, give you more time to compare offers between schools, and help you budget for college expenses.

Create Your StudentAid.gov Account

Before you can complete the FAFSA, you’ll need a StudentAid.gov Account. Students and required contributors must each have their own unique account. Think of your StudentAid.gov Account as your key to federal student aid. You’ll use it each year you complete the FAFSA, and you may also use it to sign federal student loan documents and keep track of your federal student loan history.

When creating your account, use a personal email address that you will have access to long-term. Avoid using a high school or college email address that you may lose access to after graduation.

Who needs a StudentAid.gov Account?

The student
Each parent listed on the FAFSA (If married parents filed taxes jointly, only one parent needs to create an account)
Student’s spouse if they filed taxes separately or didn’t file taxes

Have Your Contributor’s Information Ready

If you are a dependent student, you will need the following information for your parent to invite them to be a contributor on your FAFSA:

First and Last Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number if they have one, or their exact mailing address if they don’t have an SSN
Email Address

Your contributor will need to provide consent and approval for the FAFSA to access their federal tax information.

Know What Information You’ll Need

Gathering your financial information before you begin can make completing the FAFSA much easier.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

Federal income tax returns
Records of child support received
Current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts
Bank statements and Investment records
Records of net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you’re not a U.S. citizen

You must provide consent and approval for the FAFSA to access your federal tax information to be eligible for federal student aid. If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) may need to provide this information as well. If you are a married student who did not file a joint tax return with your spouse, your spouse may also need to provide financial information.

Create Your List of Schools

Be sure to include every college you are considering on your FAFSA. You can list up to 20 schools at a time, and you do not need to have applied to or been accepted by a school to include it on your FAFSA. Including a school on your FAFSA does not commit you to attending that school. It simply allows the school to receive your information and determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Ready to Get Started?

The FAFSA may seem overwhelming at first, but preparing ahead of time can make the process much easier. Create your StudentAid.gov Account, gather the information you’ll need, and keep track of important deadlines. Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you have questions about the FAFSA or financial aid, reach out to the financial aid office at the schools you’re considering. We’re here to help!

Affordability

Five things to know about studying abroad

espinney — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:06:24 +0000

espinney Mon, 08/24/2026 - 17:06

You may have heard from your professors, your family, your friends, and more that you should study abroad during college. But…they’re not telling you what it entails or how much it costs, and those are pretty important pieces of info! So here are five things that you should know about studying abroad at ��ϲ��.

Studying abroad is when you take classes at a college or university outside of the US. You can take classes for your major, minor, and gen eds, and you can also take classes for free elective credit. You can even do an internship abroad! As long as you get a C- or above in your classes, you can transfer the credit back to your degree plan at ��ϲ��.
You can study abroad for a short summer or winter term (3-8 weeks), a full semester, or even a full academic year! And you don’t have to figure out the best match all on your own – ��ϲ�� has a list of partners and providers, and we can help you find the best one for your specific degree plan.
You can use your financial aid! Here at ��ϲ��, we’re partnered with many study abroad programs that are equal to, or maybe even less than, the price of a resident student’s tuition. You are able to then use any of your financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans) to pay for studying abroad. There are also additional study abroad scholarships available!
It’s never too early to start the process. Some majors have a more difficult time fitting in an entire semester of study abroad, so talk to your academic advisor to work out your plan as soon as possible. If you decide not to go, that’s fine! But if you decide to go last-minute and all that’s left is your capstone and some super-specific ��ϲ�� courses, it will be harder to find a good location for you, and you will most likely have to go for a J-term or summer program.
Studying abroad will change you. We won’t get into the little details just yet, but you’re living in another country and experiencing another culture for an extended period of time. You will come back different, whether you are more independent, more open-minded, or more appreciative of your home.

Did we cover your questions? If you have more, make an appointment with Joanne or Cecilia on Starfish. If we’ve convinced you that it’s time to start planning for your time abroad, then same deal – make an appointment on Starfish.

Make sure to follow our office on Instagram @fsu_studyabroad to see what life is like for ��ϲ�� students abroad!

Student Life

There's a lot to love about Homecoming & Family Weekend

dmagazu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:56:43 +0000

dmagazu Thu, 09/10/2026 - 18:56

Posted On

September 21, 2026

Author

Jennifer DeFronzo

The 2026 Homecoming & Family Weekend is set for October 2nd and 3rd

There’s a lot to love about Homecoming and Family Weekend.

I love seeing alumni rediscover a place that was once the center of their lives. I love the reunions (planned and not-so-planned!) and the stories that begin with, “Do you remember when…?” I love watching former teammates on the sidelines again and hearing a yell across State Street that means two people are seeing each other for the first time in years. And I love catching that moment when someone is instantly transported back to being 20 years old.

At ��ϲ��, Homecoming includes families, and there’s something poignant about watching them experience a campus that someone they love is beginning to call home. For a weekend, they get to see this new chapter up close.

This year, for the first time, I’m also the parent of an ��ϲ�� student.

Watching my child begin their first year, I’m seeing how the connections that bring alumni back to ��ϲ�� begin to take shape. Today’s students are having experiences that seem pretty ordinary: finding a favorite spot on campus, meeting new friends, discovering a class they love (or hate), going to a game, joining a club and, in the process, starting to figure out who they are.

They don’t know yet which of those moments will become the stories they tell years from now.

Make time to come back. Walk across campus. Go to a game. Take a photo with Sam the Ram. Find an old friend or make a new one. See what’s changed and what still feels familiar. Homecoming and Family Weekend is a chance to reconnect with a place that mattered, and with the ��ϲ�� community you’re still part of.

And while you’re here, smile at the students around you. Someday, they’ll be alumni coming home.

That’s Ram Pride.

Breathing New Life into a 185-Year-Old Motto

espinney — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:43:53 +0000

espinney Mon, 08/24/2026 - 16:43

Posted On

September 16, 2026

Author

Dan Magazu, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications

Tags

Community Diversity Student Life

How ��ϲ�� Is Reimagining “Live to the Truth” for a New Era

For nearly two centuries, ��ϲ�� has carried a simple yet profound call to action: Live to the Truth. First adopted in the mid-1800s by President Cyrus Peirce, the motto captured the spirit of a bold new institution - one founded to expand public access to education and prepare teachers of integrity for a growing nation. Though elegantly phrased for its time, its power endures. Today, it speaks more urgently than ever.

In an era marked by misinformation, uncertainty, and profound social change, truth is no longer something we can take for granted. It must be examined, defended, and lived with intention.

Live to the Truth now anchors a renewed institutional narrative that connects the University’s longstanding mission with the values that define our community today: equity, social justice, academic excellence, curiosity, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that education must serve the public good.

A Motto Reborn for This Moment

The language of truth resonates differently in the 21st century. For our students - many the first in their family to attend college - “truth” is personal: discovering who they are, finding their voice, and staying grounded amid competing pressures and expectations. For our faculty, truth is intellectual: teaching students to think critically, evaluate information responsibly, and engage with complexity rather than avoid it. And for our institution, truth is moral: confronting inequities, honoring the lived experiences of every member of our community, and upholding our responsibility as a public university to broaden opportunity and strengthen democracy.

Truth as a Commitment to Equity and Justice

As we began incorporating the motto more intentionally into our messaging this year, it quickly became clear that Live to the Truth naturally aligns with the foundational principles of social justice. To live to the truth is to acknowledge inequity, to listen to voices long unheard, and to work toward a more just and inclusive community.

At ��ϲ��, students see this in action every day:

In the Center for Inclusive Excellence, where community, identity, and belonging take center stage.
In classrooms where faculty challenge students to question assumptions, analyze bias, and consider the ethical dimensions of their fields.
In undergraduate research and creative projects that examine immigration, environmental sustainability, public health, racial justice, and educational equity.
In student leadership, volunteer service, and civic engagement that link truth to empathy.

The motto becomes a lens through which students understand their role in the world: not just to know truth, but to build truth, defend truth, and embody truth.

A Motto for the Next 185 Years

Reinvigorating Live to the Truth is not a branding exercise. It is a reaffirmation of who we are and who we aspire to be.

We honor our history not by standing still, but by evolving with clarity and conviction. Live to the Truth continues to guide us - rooted in the past, resonant in the present, and ready to shape our future.

Community Diversity Student Life

Public Universities Matter more than ever

espinney — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:51:49 +0000

espinney Mon, 08/24/2026 - 16:51

Posted On

August 24, 2026

Author

Nancy S. Niemi, President ��ϲ��

Tags

Community Outcomes Teaching & Learning

When national conversations turn to higher education, the spotlight often falls on a small group of elite private institutions. Headlines about college costs, campus culture, academic programs, and student outcomes frequently focus on schools that serve only a fraction of America's students.

But the reality of higher education looks very different.

The vast majority of college students attend public universities, state colleges, and community colleges. These institutions prepare future teachers, nurses, business leaders, scientists, public servants, and countless other professionals who strengthen their communities and contribute to the nation's economy every day.

At ��ϲ��, we see this impact firsthand. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to teaching, mentoring, and supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We witness their growth in the classroom, their contributions to research and service, and their success after graduation.

Yet public institutions are often underrepresented in discussions about the future of higher education. When only a handful of highly selective colleges are treated as the standard for excellence, it can obscure the important work happening across thousands of campuses that serve most students.

The value of a university should not be measured solely by its selectivity or prestige. It should also be measured by the opportunities it creates, the lives it transforms, and the communities it strengthens.

Public universities have long been engines of opportunity and economic mobility. As conversations about higher education continue to evolve, their voices, contributions, and impact deserve to be part of the national dialogue.

Community Outcomes Teaching & Learning

Strengthening the Connection Between ��ϲ�� and Its Community

ldinh — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:29:27 +0000

ldinh Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:29

The old saying is that you can't go home again. My experience coming back to ��ϲ�� to assume the role of Director of External Affairs would suggest otherwise.

If I'm being honest when I first saw this position listed, I actually didn't pay much attention to it aside from the fact that it was in Framingham, the community I had called home for the latter half of my childhood. It was a nudge from a dear family friend, and my personally held belief that sometimes you're shown the right path even if you don't realize it at first, that had me revisit it. I'm so glad that I did.

When I graduated from Framingham High School (Go Flyers!) in 1999 I lived at 200 State Street - where my mother still resides today. I grew up in the shadow of what was then ��ϲ�� College but had almost no interaction with the institution that was just up the street. The most direct interaction that I had with the college was working alongside students at the Stop and Shop at the corner of Route 9 and Temple Street. While this was my story it was by no means a unique one for so many of us who grew up here in Framingham, with a feeling that the school was physically in, but not truly of, the community.

Ironically it was this distance from the institution that made this position so much more appealing to me. How had the school changed since I had been gone, beyond the new buildings and the new designation as a university? What would it mean for ��ϲ�� to engage with the community in a deeper and more intentional way? How could I apply the lessons that I had learned through years in public service, and observations of missed town/gown opportunities from even more years coming back to this community to visit family and friends, to help turn that vision into a reality?

The decision to come to Framingham for this role was a homecoming in ways beyond the geographic. As much as Framingham had a role in shaping my life so has public higher education in Massachusetts. It was at one of our peer institutions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), where I not only received an education, but also found my calling in public service and civic engagement. It probably didn't hurt that I also met my wife, who I've spent nearly 25 years with building a life together, as a fellow English/Communications major. I owe so much to the doors that were opened, the connections that were created, and the opportunities that were given because of Massachusetts’ public higher education system – in particular our state colleges/universities. How could I not give back?

When I look at the path I have been on, from childhood coming to Framingham from Cincinnati, Ohio; to my days as a student at MCLA experiencing some of the very best of what public higher education can be; to Beacon Hill, Boston City Hall, and so many other stops in my professional journey; being here at ��ϲ�� at this critical moment for our school and the larger enterprise of higher education, and with the opportunity to help students have the kind of transformative experience I was blessed to have, is more than just a job. Having worked over these first few months with truly dedicated faculty, staff, and others across campus, the thing that makes me feel so good about the decision to step into this role is that I see the passion for this work, this place, and most importantly our people reflected all around me. While our work is rarely easy the community that exists here – and the incredible & inspirational personal stories of the students we are privileged to serve – make it worth every moment of effort.

Maybe you can’t truly go home again, but you can come back to the old neighborhood to build a new one as you pay it forward. I know it to be true because I get to live it every day, and I am so glad that I do.

Applying to College Does not Have to Be Stressful: 5 Tips to Make It Easier

ldinh — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:08:57 +0000

ldinh Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:08

Applying to college is a big step, but it does not need to be overwhelming. With ��ϲ��’s application for Fall & Spring 2027 now open, here are a few of my tips to make applying to college less stressful:

Set Mini Goals
Rather than trying to complete everything in one week or weekend, break your application into smaller tasks. Complete the personal information section of the Common Application one day, request to have your transcripts sent another day, and work on your essay separately. Celebrate each milestone along the way. Small accomplishments help you achieve the larger goal.
Visit Campus (or take a virtual tour)
Nothing compares to a campus visit. Walking through academic buildings, dining halls, and residence halls can help you picture yourself as a student there. If you can't visit in person, many colleges have virtual tours as the next best thing. (Check out our NEW virtual tour!)
Organization is Key
Create a checklist or spreadsheet with application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, login information, and required documents. Staying organized will help you avoid stress and makes the process feel more manageable.
Ask Questions
Your Admissions counselor is ready to help. Whether you're confused about a question on the application, wondering if your transcript has arrived, or curious about financial aid, don't hesitate to reach out. No question is too small.
Celebrate
Once you hit “submit”, take a moment to celebrate. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee, play a favorite song, or enjoy your favorite ice cream. You did it!

Stay organized, ask questions, and don't be afraid to lean on the people who are standing by to help. Good luck!

Helping Students Navigate an AI world

ldinh — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 04:09:37 +0000

ldinh Tue, 08/11/2026 - 00:09

Are universities helping students to navigate an AI world? Every day, we hear versions of this question. And it’s crucial for institutions like ��ϲ�� – mission-driven universities prioritizing student career readiness and environmental stewardship – to answer.

For ��ϲ�� the answer is definitively yes.

Let’s talk about how we’re doing it.

To start, every section of our first-year student experience course RAMS 101 includes a dedicated module on responsible and ethical use of AI. This positions our students to start their college journeys on solid footing around this technology.

Next, numerous ��ϲ�� professors have revised their courses to incorporate curriculum relevant to AI. This includes updates to many of our general education courses which continue solidifying the footing of large numbers of our students. It also includes major-specific courses, which are crucial to helping students learn about AI in contexts that position them for success in their disciplines and future careers.

Given the energy demands of AI, how does ��ϲ�� balance this integration of AI with its commitment to environmental stewardship? The answer is balance. Most courses that have integrated AI have done so with an eye toward efficient prompt crafting (AKA, prompt engineering) to reduce the number of queries required to obtain a desired result, which reduces the energy consumption of each project. Some courses that include AI-focused curriculum do so with a healthy skepticism, working to help students to understand the local-to-global consequences of AI (over)use. And many of our courses simply do not integrate AI, focusing instead on other learning strategies. This balance ensures that students are also prepared not to use AI when appropriate.

What about concerns around academic honesty? Many students worry about being accused of cheating with AI, whether or not they’ve actually done so. To address this, numerous faculty members include clear statements in their syllabi and assignments about acceptable use of AI. We anticipate more and more faculty members will do this as we provide more support and resources.

To this end, ��ϲ�� is working hard to support faculty as they work to adapt their teaching. This includes focused support for RAMS 101 instructors and other faculty groups working together to undertake course revisions following research-informed bast practices. (Hat-tip to ��ϲ��’s Academic Affairs Division, Center for Digital Humanities, CELTSS, Educational Technology Office within the Information Technology Services Division, and others who are leading and supporting these initiatives.)

These are just a few of the many ways ��ϲ�� is leading when it comes to AI as we seek to prepare our students for an ever-changing world. In the words of President Niemi, “Let’s go!”

Truth Be Told

Beyond Course Schedules: The Value of Academic Advising

Beyond Course Schedules: The Value of Academic Advising

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Open House

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Open House

Join us on October 24 or November 8

Make College Affordable: 5 Tips as you Prepare to File Your FAFSA

Make College Affordable: 5 Tips as you Prepare to File Your FAFSA

5 Tips for Filling out the FAFSA

Apply Early and Be Aware of Deadlines

Create Your StudentAid.gov Account

Have Your Contributor’s Information Ready

Know What Information You’ll Need

Create Your List of Schools

Five things to know about studying abroad

Five things to know about studying abroad

There's a lot to love about Homecoming & Family Weekend

There's a lot to love about Homecoming & Family Weekend

The 2026 Homecoming & Family Weekend is set for October 2nd and 3rd

Breathing New Life into a 185-Year-Old Motto

Breathing New Life into a 185-Year-Old Motto

How ���ϲ����� Is Reimagining “Live to the Truth” for a New Era

A Motto Reborn for This Moment

Truth as a Commitment to Equity and Justice

A Motto for the Next 185 Years

Public Universities Matter more than ever

Public Universities Matter more than ever

Strengthening the Connection Between ���ϲ����� and Its Community

Strengthening the Connection Between ���ϲ����� and Its Community

Applying to College Does not Have to Be Stressful: 5 Tips to Make It Easier

Applying to College Does not Have to Be Stressful: 5 Tips to Make It Easier

Helping Students Navigate an AI world

Helping Students Navigate an AI world

How ��ϲ�� Is Reimagining “Live to the Truth” for a New Era

Strengthening the Connection Between ��ϲ�� and Its Community

Strengthening the Connection Between ��ϲ�� and Its Community