Welcome to Salem State!
We can't wait to welcome you personally. All first-year students are required to attend an orientation program where you will:
- Register for classes
- Learn about campus programs and services
- Meet friends and begin your journey as a new student
Get Ready for Next Semester
- Choose your First Year Seminar.
Incoming first-year students will select their First Year Seminar, a required course, before attending orientation. The First Year Experience office will email students with instructions for the sign-up process beginning in March. - Review your options and select early.
Seats are limited, so review all seminar options and descriptions before making your selection. Information sessions will also be available to help answer questions. - Keep the priority deadline in mind.
The priority deadline to select a First Year Seminar is Tuesday, May 26, at 12 pm. Students who do not choose by then will select their seminar at orientation from the remaining available seats. - Questions?
Contact the First Year Experience office for assistance.
- Access your Salem State email.
After paying your enrollment deposit and registering for orientation, you can log into your Salem State email using the same username and password as your Navigator account. Orientation details will be sent to your Salem State email within 72 hours of signing up. - Check your email regularly.
Email is the university’s official form of communication, so check your account often to stay up to date on important information and next steps. - Need help accessing your account?
Refer to the student access guide for instructions on logging into student systems. For additional support, submit a ticket to the IT help desk by emailing IT-helpdesk@salemstate.edu.
- Complete the online orientation course.
All new students must complete an online orientation course in Canvas, Salem State’s online learning platform, before attending their in-person orientation. The course introduces university resources, academic life, support services and co-curricular opportunities. - Look for the course in Canvas starting March 31.
The orientation course will appear on your Canvas homepage beginning March 31, 2025. Please allow up to 48 hours after registering for orientation for the course to appear. - Need help finding the course?
If the course is not visible on your Canvas homepage after May 31 or at least 48 hours after registering, email orientation@salemstate.edu for assistance.
- Submit your health and immunization records.
Before starting classes, you must have your health information on file with counseling and health services and meet the university’s health insurance requirements. Upload your immunization records through the health services portal in Navigator, or mail or fax them to the office. - Review health insurance requirements.
Learn more about Salem State’s health and immunization requirements, including how to enroll in or waive the student health insurance plan.
- Complete the Writing Self Placement (WSP) survey before orientation.
All students must complete the online WSP survey before attending orientation. Instructions will be sent to your Salem State email before your orientation date. - Additional placement assessments may be required for some students.
Depending on your major or other requirements, you may need to complete an additional placement exam before registering for classes. Students who must take the Accuplacer or ALEKS placement assessments will receive an email with instructions. - No email about additional testing? You are all set.
If you do not receive an email about another placement assessment, you only need to complete the Writing Self Placement survey.
Summer 2026 Orientation
First Year Orientation
First Year Orientation Dates:
- Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- Friday, June 12, 2026
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Program Begins: 8-8:30 am
Program Concludes: 5 pm
Location: To Be Announced
Parking: To be Announced
Signing up for Orientation
Registration opens Monday, March 9, 2026.
Students entering in summer/fall 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 Enrollment Deposit Waiver form.
Contact Us
Questions about Orientation? Get in touch!
Dyanna Moreira, Director of Orientation
978.542.5229
Tuong Vi Diane Thai, Orientation Coordinator
978.542.5150
Contact Us
Mailing Address:
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970