Orientation

Spring Orientation 2026 registration will go live in mid November. 

Students entering in spring 2026 must pay their $150 enrollment deposit before signing up for orientation. Allow two business days after submitting your deposit for orientation signup to open in Navigator.

If you require additional financial assistance and need to defer your enrollment deposit, please complete the Application to Defer Enrollment Deposit and email it to our admissions team at admissions@salemstate.edu.

Continuing Education Students

Continuing education students follow a different orientation process. Please email Samantha “Sam” Cosentino, student success specialist, for your next steps. You can also book an appointment with Sam online or call 978.542.4923.

The orientation office offers designated virtual drop-in hours to help incoming students and their families with any questions or concerns. Our team is available to assist with orientation registration, answer questions about the orientation process, and support your transition to university life. Whether you’re a student or a family member, we’re here to help you prepare for a successful start to your academic journey.

Virtual Office Hours

Orientation will be hosting virtual office hours November 12, 2026, through January 7, 2026.

• Wednesdays: 2-5 pm
• Fridays: 9: am-12 pm

Register for Virtual Office Hours 

• Wednesday Virtual Office Hours Registration
• Friday Virtual Office Hours Registration

Viking Supporter and Family Orientation

We are thrilled to welcome you to the Salem State community. As your student embarks on their transition into campus and academic life, we know you’ll play a vital role in supporting their journey. To help you navigate this exciting transition, we invite you to join us for our Viking Family and Supporters Orientation—a special one-day program designed just for you. This orientation will provide essential information to help you support your student as they settle into campus life.

Each student is allowed one registered supporter to attend the orientation program. Please complete the registration process to secure your spot.

Register for Family and Supporter Orientation

Click the date that aligns with your student's orientation to register. Registration for Family and Supporter Orientation will go live in mid-November.

• First Year Family and Viking Supporter Orientation - Tuesday, January 13
• Transfer Student Family and Viking Supporter Orientation - Thursday, January 15

Complete the Online Orientation Course

All new students must complete an online orientation course on Canvas, Salem State’s online learning platform, before attending their in-person orientation. This course covers important information about university resources, academic life, support services and co-curricular opportunities.

The orientation course will be available starting November 24, 2025, on your Canvas homepage when you log in. Please allow up to 48 hours after registering for orientation for it to appear.

If the course isn’t visible on your Canvas homepage after November 24 or at least 48 hours after registering, email orientation@salemstate.edu for assistance.