Resource Spotlight
Office of Financial Aid 

Written By: Liz McLam, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant  

Bridgewater State University’s Financial Aid Office offers an array of tools that aim to help students afford the cost of college. BSU students have designated financial aid counselors that can assist them with developing a better understanding of their financial aid eligibility. In addition, the financial aid office offers financial literacy services, along with post-graduation guidance for paying back any funding students may have borrowed while in school. Their goal is to work with our BSU bears to obtain the necessary funds they need to attend Bridgewater State University. Even if you think you might not be eligible for financial aid, it is encouraged that you still schedule a meeting with your counselor.  

Bridgewater State University’s Office of Financial Aid has put together a Financial Aid Guide. Within this guide, it illustrates the different kinds of financial aid programs available at Bridgewater State University.  Distributing federal, state, and local funding is the most important function of the office to ensure that students can persist in their studies. As a Massachusetts public university, the Tuition Equity Agenda is a major focus for the office. BSU also offers a variety of financial aid programs that can assist in financial emergencies and completion grants.  To better understand the variety of aid sources for in-state and out of students, please click here.  

Students at BSU that have an interest in working on campus may be eligible for federal work-study. This is awarded to students who are determined eligible by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Student employment is also an option for students who may not be eligible for federal work-stud funds. Both of these employment options are part-time, and the hourly rate may vary depending on what position you are hired for. If you are interested in learning more about employment options, please click here.  

Student loan borrowing is sometimes the only option. We understand how daunting this is for students and their family members and supporters. The Office of Financial Aid is here to help. BSU has a variety of loan options and meeting with your financial aid counselor is a great way to get started on figuring out which loan is the best fit for you. For more information about Bridgewater State University’s student loan programs, you can click here. 

The Office of Financial Aid at Bridgewater State University is located in The Welcome Center in Room 209, and it is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. You can also reach the Office of Financial Aid through their email address, finaid@bridgew.edu, or you can call them at 508.531.1341. For more information, please visit their website.  

Event Highlight - Passover Seder Meal

You are inivted to join the Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity and the Middle East and North Africa Studies prgogram as we celebrate Passover with a Seder meal.

The service will be led by Dr. Margaret Black and Student Liam Halet on Tuesday, April 23rd from 2:00-4:00pm in the Maxwell Library, Heritage Room.

Bristaco's Bucket List 2024

Every spring semester, BSU's student-led Program Council hosts Bristaco's Bucket List! This sensational series of events is the talk of BSU. From the dazzling Drag Show to the thrilling Carnival, each moment is crafted for students to get the most out of their spring semester. Please encourage your student to not miss out on Big A$$ Bingo and the legendary Duck Hunt - it's the ultimate Spring Tradition lineup. Check out the full list of events on EngageBSU here. 

Event Highlight - Juneteenth Fish Fry

Join Us on Tuesday April 16th on the Boyden Quad for our Juneteenth Fish Fry!!! As we celebrate and acknowledge the history of Juneteenth, we will enjoy games, music, dancing, and an amazing food menu.

Tuesday, April 16th
Boyden Quad
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Resource Spotlight
Athletic and Recreation Opportunities  

Written By: Lexi Brassil, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant 

Athletics and Recreation at Bridgewater State University is dedicated to being an inclusive, fun, space for students to add to their learning experience by being student athletes. Bridgewater State University is a Division III school and offers 22 different sports teams for students to join (and see play!) 12 are women teams and 10 are men teams. Click here for more information.  

Recreation opportunities on campus include intramural teams & club sports, and the Thornburg Fitness Center in the Adrian Tinsley Center. Fitness center membership is free for all BSU students. There are 11 different fitness facilities available for students, including a brand-new outdoor fitness court. The Fitness Court was built with the generous support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts and in partnership with the National Fitness Campaign. The Fitness Court is free to use and available to the entire BSU community. Click here for more information.  

There are three different departments that facilitate all the opportunities for your student to get physically active on campus!  

• Athletics and Recreation (located in the Adrian Tinsley Center)

• Intramurals (Located in the Adrian Tinsley Center)

• Aquatics Office (Located in the Kelly Gym)

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BSU Votes
Take the Pledge to Vote Today!

Taking the pledge to vote online today! Studies show you’re more likely to take action when you make a public commitment to it. Hold yourself accountable by making a pledge to vote on Election Day.

Check out BSU Votes for more information on voter registration and other resources. 

Event Highlight
"The Aftermath of Fast Fashion" 

The MRISJ Civic Speaker Series presents, "The Aftermath of Fast Fashion" on Thursday, April 18th from 4-5:30pm!

The minds behind the "Aftermath" sculpture join us for a panel discussion on the power of art as advocacy, putting "buycotting" into action, the environmental impact of textile pollution from throwaway consumption and fast fashion, and how it all connects to social justice.

Panelists include Dr. Laura Steinberg of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society as well as Aftermath co-creators, Dr. Julia DeVoy (developmental psychologist) and Mark Cooper (internationally acclaimed artist).

"Aftermath" is a multi-media art advocacy collaboration that uses art to illustrate the global impacts of textile pollution forcing consumers to face the monster in their closets. The sculpture is on exhibit at BSU through May 17th and can be viewed in the RSU Lower Foyer.

This event is free and open to all who are interested! Registration required online here. at The MRISJ Civic Speaker Series presents, "The Aftermath of Fast Fashion" on Thursday, April 18th from 4-5:30pm!

The minds behind the "Aftermath" sculpture join us for a panel discussion on the power of art as advocacy, putting "buycotting" into action, the environmental impact of textile pollution from throwaway consumption and fast fashion, and how it all connects to social justice.

Panelists include Dr. Laura Steinberg of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society as well as Aftermath co-creators, Dr. Julia DeVoy (developmental psychologist) and Mark Cooper (internationally acclaimed artist).

"Aftermath" is a multi-media art advocacy collaboration that uses art to illustrate the global impacts of textile pollution forcing consumers to face the monster in their closets. The sculpture is on exhibit at BSU through May 17th and can be viewed in the RSU Lower Foyer.

This event is free and open to all who are interested! Registration required here. 

Guests are encouraged to join us immediately following the event for our Meet & Mingle reception with the panelists. Please be sure to RSVP by adding this option to your registration!
 

Event Highlight
"Let's Build" Networking Event

Join Us on Thursday, April 25th, for the first annual "Let's Build" Networking Event. This event promises to be an evening of valuable connections, insightful conversations, and new opportunities. You will get the opportunity to learn how to effectively promote yourself to recruiters, you will be given tools and resources that will prepare you for future employment and opportunities. Last but not least, you will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.

This is your opportunity to meet a future employer, a mentor and or a reference!

Business Casual is the dress code, come have fun, Let's Build!

FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED
Thursday, April 25th
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Weygand 1047

If you have questions or concerns, email Akeem at a2lloyd@bridgew.edu. 

Event Highlight
BSU Education Career Fair

BSU Education Career Fair
Wednesday, May 1st
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Rondileau Student Union Ballroom

BSU's Education Career Fair is open to current students, alumni, and the general public. Network with principals, superintendents, and hiring managers from 65+ public school districts, charter schools, independent schools, and educational non-profit organizations!

Opportunities will be available in teaching, administration, counseling, social work, speech, ABA, and more for part-time and full-time roles available now and for the 2024-2025 school year.

As one of the largest Education Career Fairs in the state, this is a can’t miss event! That face to face meeting could be the difference between you getting an interview and being passed over for the job!

To make the most of the Education Career Fair, Career Services recommends that you research participating organizations in advance, practice your networking pitch, dress professionally, and bring copies of your most updated and critiqued resume.

STUDENTS & ALUMNI CAN PRE-REGISTER HERE. 

CHECK OUT PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS HERE. 

Questions? Contact Katie Vagen, Associate Director of BSU Career Services at kvagen@bridgew.edu

Resource Spotlight
Wellness Center  

Written By: Lexi Brassil, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant  

The Wellness Center at Bridgewater State University provides all active students with a variety of services to support their overall health throughout their time at BSU.

Health Services offers many services such as same-day sick visits, treatment of minor illness or injury, women's health, flu shots, STI screenings, physical exams and sports physicals, and more. Students do not have to enroll in the university-sponsored insurance plan to use Health Services, but appointments are required.

The Wellness Center is also home to Counseling Services, which has a variety of mental health resources such as one on one counseling and mobile applications designed to support your mental health journey.

Finally, the Wellness Center is also home to Health Promotion which supplies the campus community with a variety of educational resources and programming related to all aspects of health.

You can find the Wellness Center on the ground floor of Weygand Hall, or you can call at 508-531-1252.  

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Commencement Updates