The Gatepost Editorial: Show up for yourself this school year

By The Gatepost Editorial Board

Fall at Framingham State is an exciting time for new and returning students alike. 

The Gatepost Editorial Board sends well wishes to students, faculty, and staff for a rewarding and exciting semester.

Whether you are a new or returning student, this upcoming academic year represents a fresh start - both academically and personally. 

While many students might believe you have to be self-sufficient to complete college successfully - you don’t. The Framingham State community is a vibrant and inviting place with support systems on campus designed to assist students. 

Academics can be daunting for any student, regardless of whether they are new or returning. The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), located behind Peirce Hall, provides academic assistance to students who seek support outside of the classroom. 

CASA facilitates tutoring for math and writing, as well as subject-specific peer tutoring. Additionally, CASA handles all academic and personal accommodations for students with disabilities. Their staff will work with you to determine what accommodations will help you succeed during your time at FSU and inform your professors about your required accommodations. 

CASA’s staff is a vibrant group of student workers and professionals who are available by appointment or for drop-ins daily. Students can also email them at academicsupport@framingham.edu or disabilityservices@framingham.edu for more information.

The Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE), located on the second floor of O’Connor Hall on State Street, is an energetic and welcoming space on campus that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

They have a committed and knowledgeable staff who promote discussions regarding diversity and inclusion on campus and the MetroWest area through events such as Diversity Dialogues and Safe Zone Workshops.

They also host celebrations for heritage months throughout the year. The campus ministry and LGBTQIA+ resources are also available at the CIE. The CIE is a space for our campus affinity student organizations to hold events aimed at promoting inclusivity and cultural competence among students.

You can reach the CIE through its director, Jerome Burke, at jburke13@framingham.edu. 

The Counseling Center is located in Foster Hall on the corner of State Street and Maynard Road. Their services are free to all matriculated students, meaning all actively enrolled students are eligible to take advantage of their services.

Counseling appointments can be made by contacting counselingcenter@framingham.edu. In addition to scheduled appointments, the Counseling Center offers same-day, walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Counseling Center can also connect you with crisis resources. However, in the case of a psychiatric emergency, the Counseling Center encourages students to call 911 or 988. 

The Health and Wellness Center, which also occupies Foster Hall, is a resource for students who need medical attention. 

They offer screening for sexually transmitted infections, free Pap smear exams, and emergency contraceptives. Trained medical professionals are available to meet with students on weekdays to prescribe pain medication, make diagnoses, and refer them to outside medical professionals if need be.  

Appointments can be made through the Medicat Health Center portal, which can be found on the Health Center website or by emailing healthcenter@framingham.edu. They also offer same-day, walk-in appointments.

In addition to these offices, Residence Life and their resident assistant and professional staff are available 24/7 for resident students for issues in the residence halls as well as to provide students with resources to help them get involved and be successful on campus. 

In addition to teaching your classes, your professors are also here to support you. Their office hours are in place so they can listen to your concerns and help you be proactive about your education. 

These offices and professionals are here to help students succeed. Faculty and staff on campus are incredibly welcoming, and they are here to support you if you are willing to show up. 

Additionally, students on campus are the leaders of some amazing student organizations whose purpose is to bring students together and promote inclusivity. Try to get to those first meetings of the semester and talk to club members about their organizations and what their goals are on campus.

As you begin to find your place on campus, don’t be afraid to try new things and explore events held throughout the year.

Fall sports including volleyball, men's and women's soccer, football, field hockey, and cross country are all in season to start the fall semester and their home games are typically held at Maple Street Fields. 

Keep an eye on your email for weekly Campus Currents and Arts & Ideas emails outlining exciting speakers, workshops, and community building events. 

The Framingham State Student Activities Board (FSAB) plans events for students throughout the year. They host yearly excursions to New York City and Boston Red Sox games. They also hold regular BINGO nights with prizes and host the end-of-year Sandbox event. 

While our community is small, it is a strong, tight-knit environment where you can make a real impact and foster true connections. 

As we all find our footing this semester, The Gatepost Editorial Board encourages our peers to get involved and take advantage of everything Framingham State has to offer.

Have a great semester!