New and returning Florida State University students can expect a warm welcome and nearly two weeks of events and experiences to kick off the fall semester. “Welcome FSU”  begins Monday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 29.

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Through “Welcome FSU,” students can explore the numerous clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, intramural sports and other opportunities offered at Florida State. The university’s official welcome at the start of each semester, “Welcome FSU” features social, well-being, cultural and academic activities designed to help students connect with the FSU community.

“We want students to feel at home as soon as they arrive on campus and immediately know they belong,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “The events and programs during ‘Welcome FSU’ are designed to showcase the many ways students can get involved, build connections, form friendships and introduce students to all that FSU offers.”

For the complete list of “Welcome FSU” information and the full fall schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

Monday, Aug. 17

Seminole Dining Foodstock  

Open Hours | Seminole Dining Locations
(This event runs until Aug. 27) 

Grab your Festival Pass to Seminole Dining’s Foodstock at the FSUCard Office, Suwannee Room or Seminole Café and discover dining options across campus. Collect stamps from each stop. Every participating festivalgoer earns a prize; the first 100 to complete their Festival Pass will earn $10 Dining Dollars, and three lucky fans who complete it by Aug. 28 will win one of three grand prizes.

Fitness & Movement Clinic Opens 

11 a.m. | FMC 

Stop by the Health and Wellness Center to start your workout routine as the Fitness & Movement Clinic reopens for the semester.  

Play, Create, Connect 

7-9 p.m. | ASLC 

Get crafty or competitive. Create your own artistic masterpiece with the Art Center, grab a board game in the Cyber Café or challenge a friend to compete in the Garnet Gaming Lounge.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Bowling & Bingo 

7-9 p.m. | Student Union, Lower Level 

Stop by for an evening of bowling, bingo, billiards, board games and snacks.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Cosmic Kick-Off Gaming Event

4-7 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café 

Blast your way into the semester with Star Wars Battlefront, LEGO Star Wars, HALO, and free access to the Garnet Gaming Lounge. Make slime, origami stars and more in the Cyber Cafe.

Munch and Mingle

4-7 p.m. | Student Union Green 

Get the scoop on meal plans and campus dining and enjoy snow cones, popcorn, yard games and more. Discover valuable student resources and learn about programs and services that can help you make the most of your FSU experience. It’s the perfect chance to reunite with friends, meet new ones and start the semester right.

Karaoke with Inter-residence Hall Council (IRHC)

6-9 p.m. | Club Downunder 

Sing your heart out with friends, old and new, at Welcome FSU karaoke night.

Thursday, Aug. 20

RecFest

7-10 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Explore Campus Rec’s fitness, sports and outdoor adventure offerings at RecFest, featuring contests, express activities, sampler classes, snow cones and smoothies.

FSU vs. Florida Atlantic Women’s Soccer

7-9 p.m. | Seminole Soccer Complex 

Bring your FSUCard and cheer on the reigning national champion FSU women’s soccer team as it hosts Florida Atlantic in its home opener. Space is limited, so get there early.

ASLC Movie: Project Hail Mary 

7-9:30 p.m. | ASLC 

ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.

Stand Up Downunder

8–10 p.m. | Club Downunder 

Kick off your semester with a comedic standup show from Keegan Tindall. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21

Find Your Classroom Tours

9-11:30 a.m. | HCB Atrium
(Available through Aug. 23) 

Take a brief guided walking tour of campus to help you find your way to class. Tours start at 9 a.m. and leave every 30 minutes, with the final tour departing at 11:30 a.m.).  

Welcome Week Carnival

5-8 p.m. | Union Green

Join fellow students for an evening of carnival activities on Union Green.

FSU Women’s Volleyball: Garnet vs. Gold Match 

6-8 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium

Catch the action and meet the FSU women’s volleyball team after watching an open scrimmage. Admission is free to all FSU volleyball home matches. 

Saturday, Aug. 22

Lounge at the Lake

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | FSU Lakefront Park 

Enjoy the sun and swim, kayak, paddleboard, play sand volleyball or stay in the shade. Entry to the FSU Lakefront Park is always free for students with their FSUCard.

Last Call Before Fall Concert

8-10:30 p.m. | Union Green 

Wrap up summer with our annual fall concert on the Union Green. Enjoy the show, along with activities and food trucks.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Leach Unlocked: Learn the Gym

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Learn about the Leach through facility tours and equipment demos every hour starting at 10 a.m. Staff will show you around and help you find the best ways for you to get the workout you want at the Leach Center.

Out-of-State Student Mixer

3-5 p.m. | Club Downunder  

Mingle with students from outside Florida and meet our Noles Everywhere student ambassadors during this casual, drop-in event with light snacks. 

Opening Floor Meetings 

Times Vary | Your Residence Hall Floor 

Meet your RA and other members of your community at your Welcome Home floor meetings.

FSU Nite Pep Rally

8-9 p.m. | Langford Green (Unconquered Statue)

Celebrate the start of a new academic year. This high-energy FSU tradition features performances and appearances by the Marching Chiefs, FSU Golden Girls & Company Dance Team, FSU Cheer and other spirit groups, with guest host DJ Demp. Enjoy interactive games, trivia, photo opportunities, free merchandise and giveaways. Admission is free, and complimentary student parking is available.

Monday, Aug. 24

Ask A Nole

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Various Campus Locations
(Also available Aug. 25) 

Ask A Nole stations across campus will offer directions and answer questions during the first day of classes.  

First Day Photos

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Landis Green
(Also available Aug. 25) 

Mark the first day of classes with a photo on Landis Green and share it with your family and friends. #WelcomeFSU #FSUFirstDayPhoto  

Get the Scoop about Health Care on Campus

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Health and Wellness Center 
(Available through Aug. 26)

Enjoy free ice cream and the scoop on services to support your health and well-being at FSU.

Branch Out: Leadership Speed Friending 

3-5 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard

Mash the fun of speed friending with interactive leadership development with this high energy, walk-up social event that bypasses awkward small talk to help you dive right into making connections. Meet new people through quick, fun challenges and activities and discover your unique leadership potential.

Multi-Player Monday

5-9 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café 

Enjoy board games galore in the Cyber Café.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Study Season Kickoff

4-6 p.m. | Strozier Library 

Join us at Strozier Library for free food, resources, prizes and more (while supplies last).

Game On with Intramural Sports

7-10 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium 

Jump into pickup games, grab a snack, win prizes and learn about Intramural Sports. Preview our fall schedule of leagues and events and find the perfect sport for a fun, active and social experience.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Part-Time Job Fair

1:30-4:30 p.m. | Union Ballrooms 

Connect with employers for on and off-campus jobs so you can balance work while taking classes.

Engage TLH: Connecting and Serving in Tallahassee

2-3:30 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center 

Connect your interests and skills with student organizations, campus service opportunities and ways to serve the Tallahassee community. This interactive program will also highlight local festivals, campus spaces and things to do in Tallahassee.

Find Your Focus: Campus Resource Tour

4-6 p.m. | WJB Ground Floor 

Explore the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to see how our academic support teams have your back. You don’t have to study alone.

Welcome Back BBQ

7-10 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard 

Enjoy an evening of BBQ as you gather and connect with your fellow Noles. University Health Services will also be holding an open house.

Second-Year Social Lounge

7-10 p.m. | Global Center for Engagement 

Stop by and connect with other second-year students and enjoy sweet treats, mocktails, music and conversation.

Thursday, Aug. 27

S’mores on Landis

3-5 p.m. | Landis Green

Check out this fall’s outdoor adventure trips and activities with Outdoor Pursuits while you make your own s’mores (while they last).

Fall Involvement Fair

5-8 p.m. | Tucker Civic Center

Explore more than 300 student organizations, meet with student leaders, learn about our registered student organizations and find ways to get involved.

Party on the Plaza

7-9 p.m. | Westcott Fountain 

Get a sunset photo at the fountain, grab a snack, enjoy music and connect with members of our FSU community.

Friday, Aug. 28

First Week Unwind

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard 

Relax and recharge with activities celebrating the end of the first week of the semester.

Cosmic Bowling

9 p.m. – Midnight | Union Lower Level 

Bowl under black lights and a cosmic glow for $18 per hour for a lane with up to five bowlers or enjoy the billiards tables and game simulator.

Friday Night Racquet

8-11 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Grab your paddle (or borrow one of ours) for pickleball and table tennis. The Leach Center is open late only for this special event so bring your FSUCard and stop by and play.

ASLC Movie Night: 22 Jump Street 

Midnight – 2 a.m. | ASLC 

ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.

Saturday, Aug. 29

Garnet and Gold Tailgate

4-6 p.m. | Union Green 

Enjoy inflatables, games, free food and water at our first Garnet & Gold Tailgate of the season.

FSU vs. New Mexico State Football 

7-10:30 p.m. | Doak Campbell Stadium 

Cheer on the Seminole Football team as they take the field for the home opener game. Get your student tickets in advance. Ticket registration starts Monday, Aug. 24 at noon; details at seminoles.com/feature/students.

About ‘Welcome FSU’

“Welcome FSU” supports the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round “Hello FSU!” campaign that works with campus partners to highlight key campus events, programs, activities and services for undergraduate students:

• The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)

• How To FSU – Connects students with how-to resources and online guides to help navigate various campus processes.

• Success Tips – Identifies resources and tips for succeeding in and out of the classroom.

• Spotlight FSU – Feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.

• ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides an extra reminder for upcoming events, deadlines or other important actions.

• Always On – Highlights the many events that are always happening on campus.

• Ready For – Provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of FSU experiences from getting ready for the first week of class to attending an FSU Noles Athletics event.

To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.

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As part of Florida State University’s Careers in Student Affairs Month, students from three area colleges had the chance to attend a panel with leading student affairs professionals. During the event, these panelists discussed their career journeys, the obstacles they’ve overcome and future opportunities in the field.

The leadership panel featured Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs at Florida State University; William Hudson Jr., vice president for Student Affairs and enrollment manager at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU); Christen Givens, dean of Enrollment Services at Tallahassee State College; and Amelia Parnell, president and CEO of NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

The unique networking event with distinguished alumni was among several activities organized by the FSU Division of Student Affairs in support of Careers in Student Affairs Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to acknowledging and promoting the student affairs profession throughout October. The event was filmed in a special episode of Connect with VP Amy Hecht, FSU’s Student Affairs podcast, shared on YouTube and Spotify.

Parnell moderated the 90-minute discussion before addressing the audience’s questions. Panelists were asked to speak about their career paths and what motivates them, as well as any advice for those considering a role in student affairs.

Givens, who holds a master’s in counseling psychology, said she “fell into student affairs and fell in love with it,” finding that she can apply and use her previous training when speaking with parents and students.

Hudson, who earned his doctorate in rehabilitation counseling from FSU, said he originally wanted to be a guidance counselor. He recognized he had a heart for CARE — FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, which offers multiple programs that support student success.

The FAMU Vice President for Student Affairs of 15 years said, “Seeing the impact you have on students — we have students whose family are below poverty level — and by one degree, it changes that family. It touches my heart and rejuvenates it.”

Hecht earned her undergraduate degree in mass communications and television production from FSU, then went on to earn her Ed.D. and MSEd in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She shared that as an undergraduate, she never imagined she’d come back to FSU.

In addition to encouraging “a love and willingness to learn,” Hecht emphasized the importance of balancing the role of administrative duties and leadership and not losing touch with students, a lesson from a course she took in 2002 that she still remembers to this day.

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Florida State University has had a 100% tobacco/nicotine-free policy since 2014, and with the help of a new two-year grant from Truth Initiative’s Tobacco/Nicotine-Free College Program, FSU’s Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness (CHAW) can amplify their prevention efforts.

CHAW, which operates under FSU’s University Health Services, was awarded a $20,000 grant to support the vaping prevention program. The university will implement a two-year strategic initiative to strengthen policy awareness and compliance, enhance cessation support through the EX^® Program and expand student engagement and peer advocacy.

“This grant allows us to deepen our commitment to a healthier campus by empowering students with the tools and support they need to make informed choices and create a culture of wellness,” said Amy Magnuson, director of University Health Services.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that nicotine content in U.S. e-cigarettes has increased by nearly 250% since 2020, with the sharpest increases found in disposable e-cigarettes. One-third of all young people are at risk of addiction.

“FSU is committed in protecting the health and well-being of our students, employees and visitors,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “This grant helps our mission to advocate for health and wellness through our healthcare services and health education programs and courses to promote a healthy lifestyle.”

“This grant allows us to deepen our commitment to a healthier campus by empowering students with the tools and support they need to make informed choices and create a culture of wellness.”

– Amy Magnuson, director of University Health Services.

The grant will help cover training and the addition of several peer educators who will help lead student-driven initiatives and host seminars and tabling events.

“What is most exciting about this grant is that our students are at the center,” said Juan Abril, prevention coordinator for CHAW. “We’ll be working closely with student peer leaders to shape messaging, lead events and create change that is relevant and real to the student experience.”

Abril said he is grateful for the opportunity to provide vaping education and valuable resources to the FSU community. He said that while the grant is aimed to help students, FSU faculty and staff will be encouraged to engage with the programs and resources as well.

“Our goal isn’t to shame people or tell them what to do, but to offer evidence-based facts, support and resources in a way that connects with people,” he said. “Whether you’re thinking about quitting or wanting to understand more about the substances, we’re here to support your journey without judgment.”

The Tobacco/Nicotine-Free College Program has provided funding to more than 235 colleges, universities and college systems to advocate for and adopt a 100% tobacco-free policy since 2015. This is FSU’s first time applying for the grant.

University Health Services is a part of FSU’s Division of Student Affairs. For more information about FSU’s University Health Services, visit uhs.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, visit studentaffairs.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University welcomed more than 90 student affairs professionals from all 12 State University System (SUS) institutions on June 12–13 for the SUS Hazing Prevention Summit. It was FSU’s first time hosting the event.

The summit focused on using organizational change models to prevent hazing and create safer campus environments. Attendees explored strategies, shared best practices and collaborated on cross-campus solutions.

“It is such an honor and privilege to host the other SUS institutions at Florida State University,” said Amy Hecht, FSU vice president for Student Affairs. “With the passing of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this summit is vitally important. Through collaborative dialogue, we can collectively challenge the status quo and ask how we might cultivate environments where a proactive approach is needed to address and prevent hazing on our campuses.”

FSU partnered with the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD), an academic center at Ohio State University, to develop the content for the summit. HECAOD provides training, tools and assistance to higher education professionals nationwide who work to address collegiate substance misuse.

“Through collaborative dialogue, we can collectively challenge the status quo and ask how we might cultivate environments where a proactive approach is needed to address and prevent hazing on our campuses.”

– FSU Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht

Attendees represented many areas of campus, including fraternity and sorority life, campus recreation, student engagement, student conduct and health promotion services. The institute-style summit, facilitated by FSU Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Freddy Juarez and HECAOD Outreach and Engagement Manager Logan Davis, focused on student profiles, upstream prevention strategies and how to evaluate their current structures on campus to combat hazing.

“The summit gave our colleagues across the SUS an opportunity to spend intentional time developing a plan to address the complexities of hazing prevention,” Juarez said. “This time was enhanced by the collective ingenuity found within the professionals of the SUS. Together, we can create safer communities that work to cultivate student success.”

Through small groups, participants left with shared content and tangible ideas on how to combat campus hazing.

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After the tornadoes passed, the damage came into focus.

In just half an hour, three twisters tore through Tallahassee on May 10, 2024, flattening trees, tearing roofs and shredding one of Florida State University’s most beloved landmarks: the Flying High Circus tent.

Since the mid-1960s, the FSU Flying High Circus has been the only collegiate circus to boast its own big top tent. The tornadoes left the circus without its iconic tent that had been visible for decades as a symbol of school spirit and tradition.

For nearly a year, the circus team trained in tight corners and made do without their signature space.

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The Florida State University Men’s Rugby Club will play against Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, Aug. 23, in the club’s first European match in its 52-year history.

Twenty-three players and two coaches will travel to Ireland to partake in this significant milestone, which comes a day before the FSU Seminoles football team plays in the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This is only the second time the Rugby Club has traveled abroad since a match in the Bahamas in the 80s.

Trinity, a sister institution to colleges at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, is one of the most prominent clubs in Europe. Rugby has been on its campus since 1854, making it the oldest continuous rugby club in the world.

“This is a historical opportunity and will prove to be an unforgettable experience for those involved,” said Head Coach Michael Gomez. “I would like to extend my sincerest thank you to the parents, alumni and supporters who have made this possible, and to Liam Horne and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (OVPSA) for all of their efforts in organizing this trip.”

Horne, now the engagement coordinator for OVSPA, played on the team for three years, serving as vice president of the club in his senior year. He connected with the Irish delegation and former Mayor of Dublin when they came to FSU last year. Horne reached out to Trinity’s rugby coach and once the teams came to an agreement on the match, he worked with FSU Rugby Club alumni to begin fundraising.

“This match gave an opportunity for the team to further reconnect with the generations of FSU rugby players that have come before it,” Horne said. “We have received donations from the first rugby alumni class to the most recent 2024 class.”

FSU alumni and fans helped raise more than $56,000 to send students to Ireland for the match against Trinity. For many of the players, this will be their first time abroad.

“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of one of our club sports teams on a global stage,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “These teams are some of the hardest working groups on campus, putting an incredible amount of effort into their training while attending class, fundraising for the club’s travel and expense, and taking on leadership roles.”

The FSU Rugby Club has won the Florida Collegiate Conference two of the past three years and placed second in the College Rugby Association of America in 2023.

“Traveling to Dublin to face Trinity College is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Dillon Brewer, FSU senior and rugby player. “We cannot thank our alumni and supporters enough for their help in putting this trip together. I know I can speak for our entire squad when I say that we cannot wait to represent Florida State and uphold the Garnet and Gold! I am confident that this experience will be monumental to the continued growth of not only our program, but rugby in the state of Florida. Go Noles!”

The match is at 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23, at Trinity’s College Park field. Admission is five euros at the gate (livestreaming at 1 p.m. ET). The event will also be live streamed on the BF Sports Analysis YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/live/3Nc-hBZTIjM.

Rugby Fast Facts

Rugby is a highly physical, competitive team sport where players can carry, pass or kick the ball to the opponents’ goal line to score. The team scoring the most points in the given time of play wins the match.

Originating in England, legend has it that rugby was formed in 1823 when William Webb Ellis used his hands to pick up a ball in a soccer match and ran with it to the goal. usa.rugby/rugby101

There are two primary forms of rugby union: rugby fifteens and rugby sevens.

The main objective of the game is to touch the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area (like a touchdown) for a score worth five points. Unlike American football, the ball must be touched to the ground for the points to be awarded.

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Amy Hecht, Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs, has been recognized with the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Read more …

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Amy Hecht, Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs, has been recognized with the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

This prestigious national award is named after Scott Goodnight, NASPA’s founding chair of the Board of Directors from 1919 to 1920 and the former dean of men at the University of Wisconsin. The accolade is presented to a “Dean” or the lead student affairs officer on campus who has demonstrated sustained professional achievement in student affairs work, innovative response in meeting the varied and emerging needs of students, effectiveness in developing staff, and leadership in community and college or university affairs. The award recipient must also have earned the support of and stature among students, faculty and fellow administrators on campus, and made significant contributions to the field through publications or involvement in professional associations.

“Vice President Hecht is truly deserving of this honor,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “She is a national leader among student affairs professionals, and she is dedicated to the success of Florida State University students, the development of her staff and the advancement of the field. We are so proud of her accomplishments.”

Last fall, Hecht was also recognized by NASPA with the Pillar of the Profession Award. The Pillar of the Profession award honors leaders who demonstrate distinction in the higher education field, have served in leadership roles in NASPA either regionally or nationally, and are recognized by colleagues for their significant contributions to the field of higher education.

Hecht began serving as the VP for Student Affairs at FSU in 2017, where she has focused on student success and empowering and supporting all students to achieve their full potential. During her tenure as VP, FSU has received multiple recognitions for student engagement and success. Most recently, FSU ranked No. 1 in Florida for Best Student Life by Niche.com based on the university’s positive, fun and friendly student culture and vibrant campus community.

Before joining FSU, she served in several Student Affairs leadership roles, including VP at the College of New Jersey, Assistant VP at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Associate Dean at Temple University in Philadelphia, and Assistant Director of Student Activities at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

A proud FSU alumna, Hecht earned her bachelor’s degree from the FSU College of Communication and Information and completed her master’s degree and doctorate in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

She has served on numerous NASPA boards and committees and has helped with several of the organization’s initiatives. Hecht’s NASPA service includes institute director and faculty member for the New Vice Presidents Institute, chair of the AVP Steering Committee, co-chair for the Student Leadership Program Knowledge Community and board member for the James E. Scott Academy and the Public Policy Advisory Board.

Hecht will be honored with the Scott Goodnight Award and the Pillar of the Profession Award at an awards celebration at the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference on March 12 in Seattle.

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With a rich history of supporting learning and scholarship in programs around the world, Florida State University has earned top-five rankings in multiple categories in a new report from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

FSU is ranked fifth among institutions overall and third among public universities for study abroad enrollments in the IIE Open Doors 2023 Report, with 2,469 students studying abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year. FSU also ranked third overall in enrollment for short-term study abroad programs (1,731 students) and fourth overall in enrollment for long-term study abroad programs (216 students).

“We are pleased to once again be ranked so highly among our peers in the number of students we send abroad,” said Jim Pitts, director of International Programs at FSU. “These rankings demonstrate FSU’s continued institutional commitment to provide meaningful education abroad opportunities for our students. We know from independent research that education abroad provides transformative learning experiences, which have a positive impact on academic, education and professional outcomes.”

Open Doors also ranked the top three leading destinations for study abroad as Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain. FSU’s International Programs maintains a year-round presence in all three countries with study centers in Florence, London and Valencia. FSU also has a branch campus in the Republic of Panama in Panama City.

Other study abroad opportunities offered by FSU International Programs include programs in Grenada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France and Switzerland. This summer FSU International Programs is launching a new two-week program in Kosovo titled “Human Rights in Europe’s Newest Democracy.” The program intensively focuses on human rights victim issues that emerged from the Balkan Wars in the 1990s.

“International Programs has both deep roots and an entrepreneurial spirit, positioning us well to continue to support the university’s mission and goals,” said Louisa Blenman, associate director of International Programs at FSU. “We have ‘tried and true’ broad curricular offerings, as well as innovative discipline-specific programs. Regardless of the program or discipline, we help prepare students to address current and future global challenges.”

Over the summer, FSU President Richard McCullough and First Lady Jai Vartikar visited FSU’s study centers in London, Florence and Valencia with FSU Board of Trustees Chair Peter Collins and his wife, Jennifer Collins, an FSU alumnus and member on the Board of the FSU International Programs Association, Inc. They had the opportunity to personally see FSU’s incredible facilities abroad and speak to students about their life-changing experiences.

“The foresight of previous presidents to buy these buildings and create these programs is incredible,” McCullough said. “I think there are additional opportunities for us to create sabbaticals for faculty members to go overseas and expand FSU’s international presence and reputation.”

In addition, Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht taught a Leadership and Change course focused on global perspectives at the FSU London Study Centre this past summer.

“Study abroad at its core is experiential learning,” Hecht said. “Our students are living in a new country and navigating transportation, grocery shopping, nightlife, culture and schoolwork. My course used the city as a teaching tool, and it’s something the program encourages. Why would a student want to be lectured in a classroom when they go study abroad? They want to explore and have these unique experiences that London (or Florence or Valencia) can provide.”

Stories about experiences like these can be found on Noles Abroad, a blog and podcast aimed at celebrating the people, places, and moments that have contributed to the growth of FSU International Programs on FSU’s main campus and beyond.

For more information on study abroad opportunities, visit international.fsu.edu. For more details on the Open Doors 2023 Report, visit opendoorsdata.org.

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Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht has been recognized with the Pillar of the Profession Award for her outstanding work by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, or NASPA, the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

Each year, NASPA recognizes individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in the field of higher education and student affairs. To earn the Pillar of the Profession Award, honorees must demonstrate distinction in the higher education field, have served in leadership roles in NASPA either regionally or nationally, be recognized by colleagues and contribute significantly to the field of higher education. This award shines a light on leaders who have created a lasting impact on their institution, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service.

“What an honor to be recognized by NASPA for this prestigious award for my work in student affairs,” Hecht said. “NASPA has been my professional home since I entered the field over 20 years ago. It has enabled me to grow and connect and has provided so many inspirational leaders for me to learn from.”

Hecht has served on numerous NASPA boards and committees and has helped with several of the organization’s initiatives. Her service includes serving as the institute director and faculty member for the New Vice Presidents Institute, chair of the AVP Steering Committee, co-chair for the Student Leadership Program Knowledge Community and board member for the James E. Scott Academy and the Public Policy Advisory Board.

A professional in the field of student affairs since 2001, Hecht has extensive experience leading and managing in higher education. Prior to joining FSU as vice president for The Division of Student Affairs, she served in several leadership roles including vice president for student affairs at the College of New Jersey; assistant vice president for student affairs at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.; the associate dean of students and assistant dean of students at Temple University in Philadelphia; and assistant director of student activities at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa.

Hecht earned her bachelor’s degree at Florida State University in mass communications and completed her master’s degree and doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Pennsylvania. She has published a book on the role of assistant/associate vice presidents in student affairs and book chapters and articles focused on organizational learning, change and executive transitions. Her research interests include organizational culture, organizational learning and the effective use of business practices within the field of higher education.

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As vice president for Student Affairs at Florida State University, Amy Hecht is usually on campus interacting with students and overseeing a division with more than 1,000 employees.

This summer, though, Hecht fulfilled her dream of having a study abroad experience by teaching a course at the FSU London Study Centre.

“Having a global perspective is essential in educating the next generation of leaders,” Hecht said. “We live and work in a global society and having the opportunity to live in another country with a different history, culture and way of being opens a person’s eyes to new ways of thinking. It provides an appreciation and respect for differences.”

The course, Leadership and Change (LDR 3215) is an advanced undergraduate leadership course that examines the change process and prepares students to be effective in leading change. It helps students understand their unique role in leadership on campus, in their profession and within the larger global society.

“Student Affairs plays an integral part in the experience of every student at FSU, providing the resources, tools and personnel to help them make the most of the opportunities available to them,” said Kathleen Paul, director of the FSU London Study Centre. “As true in London as in Tallahassee, there are yet challenges and rewards unique to studying abroad. VP Hecht’s presence in London created the space for an experiential discussion of student life abroad and, in so doing, both deepened the relationship between DSA and International Programs and ensured that whilst the London experience remains unique, the administrative support and encouragement remains wholly Nole.”

Using London as the context and content for the course, LDR 3215 allows students to engage in hands-on, direct experiences with current British leaders and leadership issues. The class of 16 students took excursions to iconic sites like the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, Churchill’s War Rooms, the Imperial War Museum, the Museum of London, Docklands, the Royal Mews and the Hinde.

“The students loved engaging with the city and museums,” Hecht said. “It was surreal to walk to work each day alongside buildings and monuments, many of which are older than the United States.”

During the first week, the class enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament from Right Honourable Nigel Evans, member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley and deputy speaker of the House of Commons. The class also listened to the prime minister address the House of Commons about the recent NATO meeting. Hecht’s class was connected with this tremendous opportunity by Justin Roth, an FSU alumnus (‘97) and FSU Board of Trustees member. Roth interned for Evans when he was a student at FSU London.

This experience highlighted the opportunities that alumni can offer students through their relationships and insights.

“Study abroad at its core is experiential learning,” Hecht said. “Our students are living in a new country and navigating transportation, grocery shopping, nightlife, culture and schoolwork. My course used the city as a teaching tool, and it’s something the program encourages. Why would a student want to be lectured in a classroom when they go study abroad? They want to explore and have these unique experiences that London (or Florence or Valencia) can provide.” 

Tracey Dowling is the program director for Experiential Learning at The Career Center, which is housed in the Division of Student Affairs. She also traveled to FSU London this summer to teach Experiential Learning Abroad (SDS 3940), which engages students to “try on” a professional environment through an internship abroad at the FSU London Study Centre.

Students in SDS 3940 at FSU London interned at places like Breaking Barriers, a specialist refugee employment charity, and Penta Group, a stakeholder solutions firm. The course uses a combination of site visits, museum tours and career talks from alumni to help students process their internship as a global, cross-cultural experience and to translate that experience onto their resume.

Alumni who spoke to students in SDS 3940 include Jenny Valfre (‘17, marketing), marketing coordinator, Taco Bell UK; Kate McMahon (‘19, international affairs, political science and creative writing), policy and parliamentary advocacy officer at RESULTS UK; Dana Chinitz (‘07, merchandising), talent manager for Lululemon; and Takamasa Tokuda (‘09, human resource management) head of online and technical marketing at Sony Europe.

These alumni underscored the importance of professional branding, specifically demonstrating how to highlight transferable skills through resume reviews, cover letter critiques, LinkedIn profile pointers as well as mock interviews.

“A hallmark of Florida State is our very loyal alumni base, so it was a no-brainer to reach out to those Seminoles currently living in London in order to harness their expertise in working cross-culturally,” Dowling said. “These alumni provided our students with invaluable tips on articulating their completion of an internship abroad as a differentiating experience for future career successes.”

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