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Parent & Family Newsletter                                                           July 17, 2026

GEARING UP FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Justin McCauley
Director of Family Relations & Divisonal Communications

Here we are again.  Churning through those summer days and school breaks at maximum velocity.   As the new academic year approaches, there is plenty of excitement building. Whether your student is preparing for their first semester as a new Bear or returning to campus for another year of growth and success, now is the perfect time to help them get ready for the opportunities ahead.

One of the most important ways families can support their students is by encouraging them to complete all enrollment and pre-semester tasks as early as possible. From reviewing financial aid information and confirming course registration to submitting required forms and checking campus communications, taking care of these important items now can help students start the semester with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress later.

For new students, navigating the transition to college brings many exciting milestones and responsibilities. Your encouragement and guidance can help them stay on track as they complete onboarding requirements and prepare for life at BSU. Returning students also benefit from a reminder to review their accounts, confirm schedules, and make sure all required tasks are completed before classes begin.

As families, your support plays a vital role in your student's success. By helping your BSU Bear stay organized and prepared, you are setting the stage for a smooth start to the semester and an unforgettable year ahead. 

This edition of the BSU Family Focus is full of resources and information that will help you to be your student's biggest and best supporter.

THE NEW ONLINE BOOKSTORE SITE IS LIVE!

The new eCAMPUS.com website (linked here) is up and students can utilize it to order books for their courses.  eCAMPUS.com will match a lower price and will ship your books to the on-campus bookstore location for FREE!

Have you student take a look and start getting familiar with the website.

READY FOR THE SEMESTER?

Has your new BSU Bear completed these important steps?

Be sure to have your student verify that they have already completed these steps in preparation for the upcoming school year. Each item below is a clickable link that will bring you to helpful resources. 

1. View your eBill
2. Sign up for a payment plan
3. Waive or enroll in student health insurance
4. Apply for a parking decal
5. Sign up for Federal Direct Loans/Loan Entrance Counseling
6. Complete Military Education Benefits Form, if applicable
7. Complete the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

ADVICE FROM THE AAC TO YOUR STUDENT

Use this links to access the content noted in the graphic above.

1) Student Financial Responsibility Agreement Link
2) Placement Tests HERE
3) Registration Survey Link

JOIN YOUR STUDENT FOR BSU HOMECOMING!

Registration is now LIVE for all Homecoming 2026 Events!

Parents, siblings, family, and supporters of our BSU students are all welcome to join us for our Homecoming celebration.  Homecoming is a wonderful annual tradition with many fun events, activities, games, music, and food available for everyone.  This is a great time to come to campus and experience BSU with your BSU Bear.

Follow the link: bridgew.edu/alumni/events/homecoming to book your event tickets. GO BEARS!!!

THE COMMUTER CONNECTION

For many families, one of the biggest concerns about college is whether a student who commutes to campus will feel connected, supported and fully engaged in university life. At Bridgewater State University, that support comes through the Office of Off-Campus & Commuter Student Services (OCCSS), a dedicated resource designed to help commuter and off-campus students thrive from their first semester through graduation.

Commuter students are a vital part of the BSU community. In fact, nearly 70% of BSU students commute to campus, making them the heart of the university experience. Recognizing the unique needs of this population, Bridgewater State established OCCSS to provide advocacy, resources, programs and services that help students build connections, navigate off-campus living and become active members of the campus community. 

Today, OCCSS serves students from its expanded and newly renovated office and commuter lounge in the Rondileau Student Union. Open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the space is staffed by professional staff and student Commuter Ambassadors who are available to answer questions, connect students with resources and provide peer support. The office also helps first-year, transfer and first-time commuter students adjust to college life and become involved on campus. 

For students who arrive early, especially those traveling by MBTA commuter rail, BSU provides welcoming spaces before classes begin. Campus buildings such as the East Campus Commons and the Weygand commuter lounge are available as early as 6:30 a.m., giving students a comfortable place to study, relax or meet friends. Convenient resources such as microwaves located throughout campus also make it easier for commuters to spend a full day on campus between classes and activities.

Perhaps most importantly, OCCSS creates opportunities for students to connect with one another. Throughout the academic year, the office hosts commuter-focused programs, social events and engagement opportunities specifically designed to help commuter students meet peers, build friendships and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Signature initiatives such as Commuter Appreciation Week celebrate the contributions of commuter students and offer a week of activities tailored to their experiences.

Since its launch in 2019, OCCSS has continued to expand its impact. The office has highlighted resources such as the university's off-campus housing database, partnered with departments across campus for programs like therapy dog visits and wellness events, and promoted commuter-friendly spaces that help students feel connected even when they are not living on campus.

Please encouarge your student to take advantage of these opportunities by staying informed and getting involved. One of the best ways for students to stay connected is by following @BSUCommutes on Instagram, where OCCSS shares important deadlines, event announcements, campus reminders and giveaways. Recent promotions have included parking permit giveaways and commuter meal plans, helping students save money while staying engaged with campus life.

At Bridgewater State University, commuting does not mean missing out on the college experience. Through dedicated staff, peer mentors, welcoming spaces and a robust calendar of programs, the Office of Off-Campus & Commuter Student Services helps ensure that commuter students have every opportunity to succeed academically, socially and personally.

Follow: @BSUCommutes on Instagram
Location: Rondileau Student Union, Room 007
Mission: Supporting off-campus and commuter students through graduation while fostering independence, engagement and student success.

YOUR STUDENT COULD JOIN OUR TEAM!

BEST PLACES TO GRAB LUNCH WITH YOUR BEAR

One of the best parts of visiting campus is the opportunity to spend quality time with your student away from the demands of classes, studying, and extracurricular activities. Whether you're stopping by for a quick visit or making a day of it, taking your Bear out to lunch is an easy and meaningful way to reconnect.

The good news? You don't have to travel far to enjoy a great meal together. From convenient on-campus dining locations to local Bridgewater favorites, there are plenty of options just minutes from where your student lives, learns, and thrives.

Dine Right on Campus

For the ultimate in convenience, consider meeting your student at one of BSU's on-campus dining locations. These spaces offer a variety of menu choices and provide a chance to experience a part of your student's everyday campus life.

Campus Favorites Include:

• Flynn Dining Commons
• East Campus Commons
• Crimson Café
• Bear's Den

Whether your student is craving a full meal, a sandwich, a salad, or a full sitdown meal, these locations offer something for everyone.

Explore Local Off-Campus Favorites

Looking to get off campus for a bit? Several family-friendly restaurants are located just minutes from BSU.

Fiesta Taqueria
A local favorite serving fresh Mexican cuisine, Fiesta Taqueria is perfect for families looking for flavorful tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more in a relaxed atmosphere.  Also a great option to takeout to go!

Emma's Pub & Pizza
Nothing brings people together quite like pizza. Emma's offers classic pizza, pub favorites, and a welcoming environment that's ideal for a casual family lunch.

Barrett's Alehouse
With a large menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food favorites, Barrett's is a great choice when everyone wants something different.

Bridgewater House of Pizza
A longtime community staple, Bridgewater House of Pizza serves pizza, grinders, pasta dishes, and other quick and satisfying options close to campus.

99 Restaurant & Bar
Known for its extensive menu and family-friendly atmosphere, the Ninety Nine Restaurant provides plenty of options for groups, making it an easy choice for lunch with your Bear.

Best Takeout Option: BridgeMart Deli

Short on time but still want to treat your student to a meal? BridgeMart Deli is a fantastic takeout option. Pick up freshly made sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks, then enjoy lunch together outdoors on campus or at a nearby park. It's a convenient, affordable way to spend quality time with your student without the wait of a sit-down restaurant.

A lunch date may seem simple, but it can mean a great deal to your student. Sharing a meal provides an opportunity to catch up, celebrate accomplishments, offer encouragement, and enjoy some uninterrupted family time. The next time you're planning a visit to BSU, consider adding lunch to your itinerary. With so many convenient options both on and off campus, it's easy to turn an ordinary visit into a memorable one.