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We describe the optical spectropolarimetric monitoring program at StewardObservatory centered around gamma-ray-bright blazars and the LAT MonitoredSource List planned for Fermi Cycles 2-4. The large number of measurements madeduring Cycle 1 of the Fermi mission are available to the research community andthe data products are summarized (seehttp://james.as.arizona.edu/~psmith/Fermi). The optical data includespectropolarimetry at a resolution of ~20 A, broad-band polarization and fluxmeasurements, and flux-calibrated spectra spanning 4000-7600 A. These dataprovide a comprehensive view of the optical variability of an important sampleof objects during the Fermi Era. In addition to broad-band flux and linearpolarization monitoring, the spectra allow for the tracking of changes to thespectral index of the synchrotron continuum, importance of non-synchrotronemission features, and how and when the polarization varies with wavelength, animportant clue as to the structure of the emission region or the identificationof multiple nonthermal components. As an illustration, we present observationsof 3C 454.3 obtained in 2009 September during an exceptionally bright gamma-rayflare. The blazar was optically bright during the flare, but except for a fewshort periods, it showed surprisingly low polarization (P < 5%). Opportunitiesexist within the Fermi research community to coordinate with our long-termoptical monitoring program toward the goal of maximum scientific value to boththe Fermi and associated radio VLBI monitoring of blazars.

Coordinated Fermi/Optical Monitoring of Blazars and the Great 2009 September Gamma-ray Flare of 3C 454.3