First Semester Roadmap Newsletter - Impact Awards, BSU Votes, and More!

Resource Spotlight
Athletics 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 to get physically active on campus – contact them for more information today!  

• Athletics and Recreation (located in the Adrian Tinsley Center or call 508-531-1352) 
• Intramurals (Located in the Adrian Tinsley Center or call 508-531-2966) 
• Aquatics Office (Located in the Kelly Gym or call 508-531-2327) 

For more information, click here and don't forget to follow Athletics and Recreation on social media! 

FSL @ BSU
Introducing Makala Nelson

Written By: Lexi Brassil, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant  

FSL at BSU, also known as “Fraternity and Sorority Life”, is made up of the organizations of Greek Life that we have on Bridgewater State University’s campus. It is now advised by a new head, Makala Nelsen. Makala started her higher education journey at Bowling Green State and continued by going to graduate school at Clemson University. It was at these campuses that she fell in love with the FSL community. She cites the “commitment to service”, “inclusivity”, “leadership development”, and “relationship building” as essential ways that FSL involvement helped her become the professional she is today. Makala started at Bridgewater State University in November, and she credits her beginnings of being a part of the FSL community to bringing her to work in higher education, dealing directly with FSL and student life.  

Currently at Bridgewater State we have 9 active Greek Life organizations on campus. Makala explained that each organization is different through “the values they are founded on”. She admits that some of these values have overlap between organizations, but a huge part of being an FSL community member includes philanthropy or community service. All organizations have a special philanthropy or cause that they continuously work for and raise funds for. For example, at Makala’s sorority, they specialized in funding Alzheimer's research, as well as had many outings at the community’s nursing homes in order to spend time with residents affected by the disease. 

If working on leadership skills, getting involved in philanthropic efforts, or gaining a group of friends that you can call brothers/sisters for life, you should look into FSL at BSU. Makala shared that informal recruitment is going on now, since it is the spring semester. Although, once fall semester comes, formal recruitment/intake starts, and that's when things really kick up. The fall semester is filled with informational meetings and events. You can also find out more about Greek Life organizations at BSU’s involvement fairs, and other mass tabling opportunities. Makala is also a resource and is happy to answer any questions you may have - you can find her in the FSL lounge in RSU 111! 

Do you have a plan to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary Election? Part of planning for Election Day is knowing when and where you can cast your vote. Click here to find your polling place’s location, hours, and expectations.

Impact Awards 2024

Resource Spotlight
Office of Study Abroad  

Written By: Lexi Brassil, CSE Digital Engagement Assistant & Kyla Rae, Study Abroad Student Marketing Coordinator  

The Office of Study Abroad at Bridgewater State University is committed to helping students secure the right study abroad experience for them and determine how to fund their experiences abroad. There are a variety of affordable programs, and financial aid and scholarships are available. They are also committed to our mission of ensuring that there is a study abroad program for every student, no matter their circumstances.   

Studying abroad is a great way to experience a new culture. There is no better way to learn about yourself, acquire marketable skills, and expand your worldview.  Bridgewater State’s Study Abroad Office offers more than 200 study abroad programs in 50+ countries all over the world, allowing an opportunity for all students to study abroad. Students can study abroad in the fall, winter, spring, or summer and choose programs that span as few as 10 days to a full academic year. Offerings include short-term travel courses, semester and academic-year options, National Student Exchange programs, summer programs, internships abroad, and international student teaching placements. Students can earn credits towards their major, minor, or CORE curriculum requirements. There are programs at every budget and for every student, no matter their major, if they are an undergraduate, graduate, or continuing studies student, whether they commute or live on campus, identify as LGBTQ+, are a veteran, or a student of color. There truly is a program for everyone.  

Have questions about studying abroad? Check out EngageBSU for upcoming information sessions or attend a Study Abroad 101 session with the Study Abroad Office during the times and days listed below: 

• Mondays 2:00pm-2:30pm 
• Tuesdays 1:00pm-1:30pm 
• Wednesdays 4:30pm-5:00pm 
• Thursdays 10:00am-10:30am 
• Fridays 12:00pm-12:30pm  

The Office of Study Abroad can also be contacted by phone at 508-531-6183 or emailed at studyabroad@bridgew.edu. Click here for more information.