FAQs for New Students
First Year Experience
The First Year Experience office, located in the Dining Commons on North Campus, is here for first-year students to get the resources and support they need to help them successfully transition from high school to college.
First Year Seminar
The First Year Seminar is required of all incoming first year students and transfers with fewer than 15 credits as part of the general education requirements. These courses are designed to help students explore, and look at the world, specific topics and issues in a whole new way.
How are police officers trained?
Salem State University police officers possess the same power, authority and responsibilities as municipal police officers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Officers attend full-time police academies and undergo periodic in-service training, as well as specialized training on a variety of topics and current issues. Learn more at about university police.
How often is campus patrolled?
Patrols are conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on foot, by bicycle and in vehicles.
How do I find out about a campus emergency?
In the event of a campus emergency, students will be notified electronically via SSU Alerts. To enable alerts, log in to Navigator, select "full menu," then "personal profile," and "phone number." Then edit the "mobile" phone information for the devices that you wish to be notified on. Parents can be added to your list so they also receive notification.
How is the university handling the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please visit our COVID-19 site for information on university polices and procedures.
The ClipperCard is the official identification card of Salem State University and is required of all students attending Salem State. Find out how to order your ClipperCard online.
Your ClipperCard will serve as your:
- Meal plan card
- Access card to various labs, classrooms, offices, and residence halls
- Berry Library and Learning Commons access card
- Copy and printing card
- Gassett Fitness Center card
Your ClipperCard can also be used to make purchases on-campus (in dining areas and the bookstore) and off-campus (at designated local businesses).
I will require some assistance for my classwork. How do I register with disability services?
To register with disability services, please schedule an intake meeting with a disability services counselor. Learn about our services.
Contact our office to schedule your meeting:
disability-services@salemstate.edu
TTY: 978.542.7146
Video Phone: 866.881.7097
What kinds of services are offered?
Some of the services Salem State offers are priority registration, access to note takers, access to adaptive computer equipment, alternative textbook/ handout formats, interpreters, FM systems, scheduled access to Computer Aided Real Time (CART) services and testing accommodations.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is federal and state government money that helps you pay for your educational expenses. It comes in two basic types – gift aid, which is given to a student without obligation, and self-help aid, which is either loans to be paid back or a work grant to be earned.
Awards are based on factors including your grades, financial needs, talents, or other circumstances. Financial aid can come from several sources, including federal and state governments and institutional aid.
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Salem State offers a combination of need and merit-based aid. Types of aid include grants and scholarships, work-study, and loans. Your Cost of Attendance (COA) and Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FAFSA to determine the amount you receive. For detailed information on the FAFSA, types of aid, and eligibility criteria, please visit studentaid.gov.
For more information on financial aid at Salem State, please visit Financial Aid.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. In Massachusetts, it is required that all higher learning students who are enrolled in at least 75 percent of a full-time course load at an institution must participate in a student health insurance plan. However, if your parent/guardian already provides you health insurance, you can opt out of the university’s health plan.
I have health insurance through my parents' plan. How do I waive the university’s plan?
Students can go to the University Health Plans website to opt out of the university’s health plan. You can opt out once you have a bill posted in your Navigator account.
How are freshman students housed? Together, or around campus?
All first-year students will be assigned to either Marsh Hall (Harrington/Central Campus) or Peabody Hall (North Campus).
How does safety in the residence halls work?
Salem State is committed to your safety. Residence halls employ 24-hour desk attendants, as well as locked entryways to all dorms and alarm systems to help ensure your safety. Students must use their ClipperCard to enter their hall and dorm room. Students are also required to sign in guests at the front desk immediately upon entering a hall.
When do I find out my roommate?
You can learn more about roommates and the room selection process on the New Student Housing Information page. During the summer leading into your first year, you'll complete a roommate-matching questionnaire, so residence life can assign you a roommate who best matches your responses.
Many incoming students also find roommates in the Salem State "Class of..." Facebook group or New Student Orientation. If you meet someone you want to live with, you can request to live with each other during the housing selection process.
What if my roommate situation does not work out?
At the start of each semester there is a two-week room “freeze,” but once those two weeks have passed, feel free to reach out to the professional staff in your building to request a room change. We will do our best to work with you, but please note that all parties involved must agree in order to move. Residence life staff has the ability to make administrative moves if the need arises.
Are there health requirements before moving in?
Before moving in, you must complete your immunization requirements. Access the requirements and forms online. You can upload documents using the health portal located in Navigator, or mail/ fax to the counseling and health services office. Make sure the documentation has been received by checking the student health portal. Contact counseling and health services with questions at 978.542.6410.
View and download the 2022-2023 Health and Immunizations Form and Wellness Requirements PDF.
Are there resources for newly admitted international students?
Center for International EducationNewly Admitted International Students
Is orientation mandatory?
Yes. All new students are required to attend an orientation session. You will register for classes during this event.
Can I have a parking pass as a freshman?
No. Freshmen are not allowed to have vehicles on campus unless they receive special approval.
How does commuter parking work?
Commuter students are allowed to park in designated commuter lots on campus after they have purchased a parking decal from the university. To purchase a parking decal: log in to Navigator, go to "full menu," then "campus life," and go to "parking permit request" to purchase a parking decal.
My parents want to see my grades and bills. What do they need to do?
If you wish to share your grades and bills with your parents, students can elect to waive their rights to FERPA by submitting a waiver.
Since I won't have a car, how can I get around campus and the Salem area?
A campus shuttle offers free transportation between campuses on weekdays. In addition, the student run shuttle offers rides by request, and students receive free evening and weekend rides from the Salem Skipper rideshare app.
I took AP classes in high school. How can I get credit at Salem State?
Please have your official scores from the College Board sent to Salem State's registrar's office. Scores 3 or higher typically transfer as credit. Learn more on the registrar's webpage.
I took classes at a community college. How do I get credit at Salem State?
Courses at other institutions that are comparable to Salem State courses generally transfer. Transfer credit is based on accreditation, comparability of courses, faculty credentials, and other requirements. Transfer students can check out our Transfer Equivalency Viewer to see if the courses from your previous institution have been evaluated by Salem State.
When is first bill due?
Bills are due the second Wednesday in August (for fall) and the second Wednesday in January (for spring).
Where do I see my bill and how to do I pay it?
The bills are created electronically and will be sent to your Salem State email address. Upon registering for classes, a monthly eBill will be generated and available for viewing on the second Tuesday of the month. Payments can be made online through your Navigator account, in person in the Student Navigation Center or by mailing a check. Learn more about how to pay your bill.