BCC to Hold New Student Orientation

07:49AM / Tuesday, August 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a New Student Orientation on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The free session, open to all registered students, will be held on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/orientation.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Koussevitzky Arts Center. The schedule for the day is as follows:

8–9 a.m.: Check-in, Breakfast and Resource Fair. Start your day with a warm welcome. Check in, grab a light breakfast and ease into the morning. Meet friendly representatives from campus offices who are here to support your success.
9–10 a.m.: Welcome Address. Hear from campus leaders and get inspired as you begin your journey at BCC.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions. Choose from a variety of engaging 30-minute sessions designed to help you start strong at BCC. Topics include:
- Meet your BCC Faculty and Deans
- Navigating Your First Week of Classes
- Time Management Tips for Success
- You may also customize your experience based on what matters most to you.
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Lunch and Connections. Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with BCC faculty and fellow students in relaxed, small-group conversations.
1:30 p.m.: Formal Program Ends. Not ready to leave? Stick around for a campus tour, get your student ID and explore.

For more information, email studentengagement@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-1603.

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the POST Commission.

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub.

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission.

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted. On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April.

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday.

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads.

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline."

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