BSU Family Hub Newsletter - Finals, Upcoming Events, and More!

The Center for Transformative Learning Presents the
Mid-Year Symposium  

Written By: Liz McLam, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant 

The Mid-Year Symposium (MYS) is a hybrid showcase of student research and creative work. All BSU undergraduate students are invited to present. First- and second-year students were especially encouraged because MYS is an inclusive and welcoming opportunity to develop highly valued presentation skills. Many MYS presenters go on to present at regional and national conferences, building their resumes and networking with professionals in their field of study. This semester’s event was held in-person and online, with on-campus presentations happening last week.  

As a reminder for all parents, family members, and supporters, you can still view the online, asynchronous presentations from this semester’s event through December 21 here.  Enjoy!  

For more information about Undergraduate Research opportunities we have for students, please click here.  

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.

Don't forget - your student must file a FAFSA each academic year they are enrolled. The 2024-2025 FAFSA will open online on December 31, 2023. Be sure to complete it by the priority deadline of May 1, 2024 to be eligible for the maximum amount of aid your student qualfies for!

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 - whether they are eligible for aid or not. 

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-study funds. Both of these employment options are part-time, and the hourly rate may vary depending on what position your student is hired for. If you are interested in learning more about work-study, 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 student's financial aid counselor is a great way to get started on figuring out which loan is the best fit for your student and your family. 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.  

MRISJ Upcoming Blood Drive 

The Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive here at BSU on Tuesday, February 13th! Appointments are available from 12-5pm in Dunn Conference Suite and all are welcome to sign up - including first time blood donors.

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Time: Appointments available from 12-5pm
Location: Dunn Conference Suite
Audience: Everyone
Register For An Appointment Here