Welcome, Vikings!
We have a full lineup to help get you ready for a fantastic fall semester.
Welcome Week Events
Friday, August 29
Resident Student On-Campus Move-In Day 1
Location: your assigned residence hall
Time: follow arrival time assigned to you
Join us for move-in day as we welcome our resident students to campus for the upcoming semester. This important day marks the beginning of your journey to Salem State University. Staff and student leaders will be on-site to help guide you through the check-in process, direct you to your residence hall, and answer any questions.
Expect a vibrant, supportive atmosphere with music, welcome signage, and helping hands as you settle into your new space. Be sure to follow the specific arrival times provided by residence sife to ensure a smooth and organized move-in experience. Whether you’re a new student or returning Viking, we’re excited to help you make Salem State your home away from home!
First Year Day of Service
Location: Various Locations on and off campus.
Time: 8 am-7:30 pm
First-year and new transfer students who signed up to participate will be joining the teams from FYE and civic engagement to make a difference in the community, and participating in on-campus activities afterward.
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Target Take Over
Location: Pick-up locations at Marsh Bus Stop, Bowditch Bus Stop, and Target on Highland Avenue (Viking Shuttle Services)
Time: 5-9 pm
Need supplies? Missing something? Orientation got you! Meet us at the Marsh Bus Stop or Bowditch Bus Stop to get a trip on our Viking Shuttle, and we'll take you to Target! It's a VIKING TARGET TAKEOVER!
Hosted by: Orientation
Saturday, August 30
Resident Student On-Campus Move-In Day 2
Location: your assigned residence hall
Time: follow arrival time assigned to you
Join us for move-in day as we welcome our resident students to campus for the upcoming semester. This important day marks the beginning of your journey to Salem State University. Staff and student leaders will be on-site to help guide you through the check-in process, direct you to your residence hall, and answer any questions.
Expect a vibrant, supportive atmosphere with music, welcome signage, and helping hands as you settle into your new space. Be sure to follow the specific arrival times provided by residence sife to ensure a smooth and organized move-in experience. Whether you’re a new student or returning Viking, we’re excited to help you make Salem State your home away from home!
Women's Volleyball vs. Southern Maine CC
Location: O'Keefe Complex- Twohig Gymnasium
Time: 1 pm
Join us to show some Viking spirit and cheer on our women’s volleyball team.
Target Take Over
Location: Pick-up locations at Marsh Bus Stop, Bowditch Bus Stop, and Target on Highland Avenue (Viking Shuttle Services)
Time: 5-9 pm
Need supplies? Missing something? Orientation got you! Meet us at the Marsh Bus Stop or Bowditch Bus Stop to get a trip on our Viking Shuttle, and we'll take you to Target! It's a VIKING TARGET TAKEOVER!
Hosted by: Orientation.
Sunday, August 31
Gasset Fitness Center Open
Location: O’Keefe Complex- Gassett Fitness Center
Time: 12-5 pm
Located at the O'Keefe Sports Complex, our state-of-the-art fitness center is included in your student fees. Before your first visit, complete the online registration form and facility access waiver on our web portal.
Monday, September 1: Labor Day
Movie on Marsh Quad Lawn
Location: Marsh Quad
Time: 7-9 pm
Grab a blanket, bring your friends, and enjoy a movie under the stars! Join us on the beautiful Marsh Lawn for a relaxing night with free snacks, good vibes, and a favorite film to kick off your first week at SSU.
Hosted by: Residence Life and Orientation office
Tuesday, September 2: Opening Day
Required Program for First Year Students and Transfer Students
Class Photo
Location: O’Keefe Complex- Alumni Field
Time: 9:30-10 am
Be part of the tradition! All first year and transfer students are required to attend the official Salem State class photo. Don’t forget to wear your orientation t-shirt and show off your Viking pride as we capture this special moment together. This photo will be a lasting memory of the start of your Salem State journey. Don’t miss it!
Convocation Ceremony
Location: O’Keefe Complex, Twohig Gymnasium
Time: 10-10:45 am
New students and the SSU campus community are invited to attend the 44th annual Academic Convocation ceremony to celebrate the start of the new academic year. Wear your orientation t-shirt for the class photo at 9:30 am on the athletic field before the Convocation ceremony, which begins at 10 am. Hosted by Academic Affairs.
Student Academic Deans Welcomes
Location: Multiple Locations by Academic Area
Time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Meet your academic dean, faculty members, and the new students in your program, school, or college! Following Convocation, students will be guided to campus locations to connect and find out about resources. Sessions are organized by college or school and will be printed on the Convocation program.
Community Expectations and Safety: Title IX, Community Standards, and University Police
Location: O’Keefe Complex: Twohig Gymnasium
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm
Join us for this required session to learn about Salem State’s expectations around student conduct, Title IX, and campus safety. You'll hear from community standards, the Title IX team, and university police about your rights, responsibilities, and the resources available to support a safe, respectful campus environment. Hosted by the orientation office.
Grit N’ Wit
Location: Marsh Quad and Fire Pit
Time: 2-5 pm
Campus life and recreation is partnering with Grit N' Wit to bring you an obstacle course where "brain meets brawn"! Compete in teams of 3 or 4 to conquer the obstacles and puzzles in the best time possible. Shirts and prizes will be given out. Drinks and ice cream available until supplies last. No need to pre-register.
Hosted by: Campus Life and Recreation/Orientation
Emerging Scholars/ STEP Welcome Event and Carnival
Location: Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
Time: 3-5 pm
First-year students involved in STEP and Emerging Scholars Program meet with their assigned success coaches after meeting the rest of their cohort group during the Carnival event.
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Non-STEP and Emerging Scholars Students Meeting with Success Coaches
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 3-4 pm
First-year students in the RISE program and who are assigned a general success coach will meet with their assigned coach during this time to connect, prepare for the first day of classes, and get the year started on a positive foot!
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Wednesday, September 3
Good Morning Commuters! Welcome Booth
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 8-10 am
Staff and faculty volunteers, Community Service Initiative, and the Commuter Club welcome all students back to campus with coffee and key campus info. Register to vote, too, 8-10am on each campus for the first five days of class!
Hosted by: Academic Affairs and Center for Civic Engagement
First Day of Class Welcome Tables
Location: North Campus
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Stop by the FYE First Day of Class welcome tables to commemorate this day with a photo booth, prizes, and to pick up your first-year planner!
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Meet the Minis
Location: North Campus Quad
Time: 11 am-1 pm
The mini therapy ponies will be on campus to provide you with a moment of relaxation and peace during your first day of classes.
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Global Prints and Vendor Fair
Location: Alumni Plaza (Global Prints) and North Campus Quad (Vendor Fair)
Times:
- Vendor Fair: 11 am-3 pm
- Global Prints: 11 am-4 pm
Looking to add some style to your space? Whether you live on campus or commute, stop by and check out numerous visiting vendors offering a wide variety of posters, prints, and room decor for purchase. Come browse, shop, and bring a little personality to wherever you live or study.
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Super Fan Tailgate
Location: O’Keefe Complex/Alumni Field
Time: 3-8 pm
We are bringing this campus tradition back, and you don’t want to miss it! We’ll have a photo booth, novelties, food, games, and giveaways. Stay and support our varsity women’s field hockey team at 4 pm and varsity women’s soccer at 7 pm.
Hosted by: Campus Life and Recreation
Women’s Field Hockey vs. Rivier University
Location: O'Keefe Complex- Alumni Field
Time: 4-6 pm
Join us to show some Viking spirit and cheer on our women’s field hockey team.
Hosted by: Athletics
Women’s Soccer vs. Keene State College
Location: O'Keefe Complex- Alumni Field
Time: 7-9 pm
Join us to show some Viking spirit and cheer on our women’s soccer team.
Hosted by: Athletics
Thursday, September 4
Good Morning Commuters! Welcome Booth
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 8-10 am
Staff and faculty volunteers, Community Service Initiative, and the Commuter Club welcome all students back to campus with coffee and key campus info. Register to vote, too, 8-10am on each campus for the first five days of class!
First Day of Class Welcome Tables
Location: North Campus
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Stop by the FYE First Day of Class welcome tables to commemorate this day with a photo booth, prizes, and to pick up your first-year planner!
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Adorable Animals Petting Zoo
Location: North Campus
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Come visit the petting zoo during your second day of classes for some adorable happiness and relaxation.
Sexapalooza
Location: Forten 123/ Starbucks Cafe
Time: 11 am-2 pm
Want a free Starbucks drink? Please join counseling and health services at Starbucks for SEXAPALOOZA to learn about sexual and reproductive health services on campus.
Make your own safer sex kit with SS2U, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, meet some of our offices on campus and student organizations, and win some amazing prizes! Prizes are better than ever, follow us on Instagram to see what prizes we have!
Hosted by: Counseling and Health Services
Career Closet Kick-Off
Location: Career Closet – Ellison Campus Center
Time: 11 am-3 pm
Kickstart your semester in style! Join us for the Career Closet Kick Off to shop for free attire and gear up for the Student Employment Fair.
Everything is free and yours to keep. Don't miss out on this opportunity to add a few new items to your wardrobe and dress to impress your next employer.
Hosted by: Career Services
Global Prints
Location: Alumni Plaza
Time: 11 am-4 pm
Looking to add some style to your space? Whether you live on campus or commute, stop by and check out Global Prints a visiting vendor offering a wide variety of posters, prints, and artwork for purchase. Come browse, shop, and bring a little personality to wherever you live or study.
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Backyard Bash
Location: Marsh Quad
Time: 3-7 pm
Join Residence Life on campus with inflatables, games and food for all to enjoy.
Hosted by: Residence Life
Cafe Connections: Back to School Karaoke
Location: Starbucks Cafe
Time: 7-9 pm
Stop by Starbucks Cafe for some karaoke fun while enjoying some treats.
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Friday, September 5
Good Morning Commuters! Welcome Booth
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 8-10 am
Staff and faculty volunteers, Community Service Initiative, and the Commuter Club welcome all students back to campus with coffee and key campus info. Register to vote, too, 8-10am on each campus for the first five days of class!
Credit for Life
Location: Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
Time: 12-3 pm
Join us for a free and interactive event designed to help you build real-life money skills! Learn how to budget, manage your finances, and plan for the future all in a student-friendly and welcoming environment. Open to all incoming students. Free to attend!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Student Navigation Center
Sponsored by: Institution for Saving
First Friday Social: First Generation Student Mixer
Location: Forten 123/ Starbucks Cafe
Time: 12-2 pm
Meet other first-generation students and learn about the various supports and resources available to you through the First-Generation Student Success Center.
Hosted by: First Year Experience and First-Generation Student Success Center
Center for Justice and Liberation Welcome Back BBQ
Location: North Campus Library Quad
Time: 4-7 pm
The Center for Justice and Liberation (CJL) hosts a welcome back BBQ for our student-led clubs and programs. Open to those who are interested in getting involved in identity-based clubs and programs. Featuring food, live DJ, and yard games. Rain date: Tuesday, 9/9.
Hosted by: Center for Justice and Liberation
Blacklight Dodgeball
Location: Gassett Fitness Center Rec Courts
Time: Shirt distribution and pizza at 7:30 pm; tournaments begin at 8:15 pm
Teams of 6-10 players compete under the glow of the blacklights to determine a champion! Pile up wins to advance your way through the tournament bracket. Neon t-shirts and glow materials are provided. Guests over 18 are free with valid photo ID.
Hosted by: Campus Life and Recreation
Saturday, September 6
Salem Trolley Tour
Location: Pick-up and Drop-off at the Marsh Bus Stop
Times: Tour 1: 11 am-12 pm; Tour 2: 1-2 pm
Enjoy discovering Downtown Salem and all it offers! Shuttle service to and from campus with the orientation team. Pre-registration required!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Center for International Education
Women’s Soccer vs. Maritime College
Location: O'Keefe Complex- Alumni Field
Time: 12-2 pm
Join us to show some Viking spirit and cheer on our women’s soccer team.
Hosted by: Athletics
Sunday, September 7
Salem Trolley Tour
Location: Pick-up and Drop-off at the Marsh Bus Stop
Times: Tour 1: 11 am-12 pm; Tour 2: 1-2 pm
Enjoy discovering Downtown Salem and all it offers! Shuttle service to and from campus with the orientation team. Pre-registration required!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Center for International Education
Salem Literacy Festival: Interview with Author Julia Alvarez
Location: Off-Campus: Salem Academy Charter School
Time: 3 pm
You are invited for an afternoon with Julia Alvarez at Salem Academy Charter School. This free event promises to be a highlight of Salem’s cultural calendar. Don't miss it!
Hosted by: Office of Inclusive Excellence
Monday, September 8, 2025
Student Involvement Fair
Location: North Campus Quad
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Join us for the Student Involvement Fair, your one-stop opportunity to explore all the ways to get connected on campus!
Over 50+ student organizations, campus departments, and involvement opportunities will be on display. Whether you’re interested in joining a club, getting involved in leadership, or just seeing what Salem State has to offer, this is the place to start. Come meet fellow students, grab some free swag, and find the group or cause that inspires you!
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Salem State Mobile Apps
Download the apps below to get support, find activities, and more!
| App Name | What it's For | IPhone Download | Android Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigate | Advice, Support Appointments | Download Navigate for iOS |
Download Navigate for Android |
| Canvas | Learning Management | Download Canvas for iOS | Download Canvas for Android |
| Modern Campus Presence | Student Organizations and Events | Download Modern Campus Presence for iOS | Download Modern Campus Presence for Android |
| GET app | Clipper Cash and Food Orders | Download GET App for iOS | Download GET App for Android |
| Rave Guardian | Campus Safety | Download Rave Guardian for iOS |
Download Rave Guardian for Android |
| Viking Shuttle | Finding the Campus Shuttle | Download Viking Shuttle for iOS |
Download Viking Shuttle for Android |
| Salem Skipper | Getting a Ride around Salem | Download Salem Skipper for iOS |
Download Salem Skipper for Android |
| Bluebikes | Unlock bikeshares on campus and across Salem | Download Bluebikes for iOS | Download Bluebikes for Android |
Contact Us
Questions for the orientation team? Get in touch with us!