First Year Student Orientation

Incoming first-year students will choose their first year seminar (a required spring course) prior to attending orientation.  The First Year Experience Office will email students with information about the sign-up process beginning in December.  

Students should review all seminar options before making their selection.  Seats are limited so it’s best to select early.  Students can view the list of seminars and their descriptions before making a choice. The First Year Experience team is also hosting information sessions to answer any questions.

The priority deadline to select a First Year Seminar is Monday, January 5, 2026.  Students who do not choose by then will select their seminar at orientation from the remaining available seats.

Questions? Contact First Year Experience!

Once you’ve paid your enrollment deposit and signed up for orientation, you can access your Salem State email. Log in 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.

Email is the official way we communicate at Salem State. Be sure to check your account regularly so you don’t miss important updates.

Log into your Salem State email

For assistance with logging into student systems, refer to our student access guide.

Need assistance? Submit a ticket to the IT help desk by emailing IT-helpdesk@salemstate.edu.

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 March 31, 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 May 31 or at least 48 hours after registering, email orientation@salemstate.edu for assistance.

Before starting classes at Salem State, you need to meet the university’s health insurance requirements and have your health information on file with counseling and health services. You can upload your immunization records through the health services portal in Navigator, or mail or fax them to the office.

Learn more about Salem State's health and immunization requirements and enrolling in/waiving out of a student health insurance plan.

All students must take the Writing Self Placement (WSP) survey prior to Orientation. Depending on their major or other requirements, some students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registering for classes. Students who are required to take the Accuplacer or ALEKS placement assessments at Orientation will receive an e-mail with specific information. If you do not receive an e-mail about an additional placement assessment, you are only required to complete the Writing Self Placement (WSP).