Welcome to Salem State!
Transfer students will have the option to choose their orientation experience! Choose either an in-person orientation or a fully online orientation.
Spring 2026 Orientation
In-Person Orientation Details
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Program Begins: 8 am
Program Conclude: 5 pm
Student Sessions Topics:
· Orientation Check-In
· University Welcome and Orientation Team Introduction
· Viking to Viking
· Your Guide to Campus Technology Resources
· Business of Being a Student
· Campus Connections: Student Support and Services Expo
· Get to Know your Campus
· Lunch
· Viking to Viking
· Dean of Students
· Advising Presentation
· Departmental Advising Student By Major Dismissal
· Departmental Advising
· Student Class Registration Labs
· Transfer Student Check-Out from Orientation: Pick Up Your ClipperCard and Orientation Team Wrap-Up
Location: Classroom Building (Bertolon School of Business) First Floor
Parking: Available at the Canal Street/Loring Avenue lot (Lot 15, 285 Canal Street). Consider green transportation options!
Sign Up for Orientation
Spring Orientation 2026 Registration is Now Live on Your Navigator Account
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.
Online Orientation
Join Us for Virtual Drop-In Hours!
Get Ready for Your Semester
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 Monday, 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.
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.
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.
Viking Family and Supporters Orientation (Transfer Students)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Program Begins: 8 am
Program Conclude: 5 pm
Sessions at Viking Family and Supporter Orientation:
· Orientation Check-In
· University Welcome and Orientation Team Introduction
· Viking to Viking
· Viking Leadership Meet and Greet
· Success at Salem State
· Viking Family Hub
· Center for Accessible Academic Resource
· Campus Connections: Student Support and Services Expo
· Lunch
· Viking Regathering
· Viking to Viking
· Dean of Students
· Business of Being a Student: Family Edition
· Partners in Your Students' Journey: Info Session 1
· Partners in Your Students' Journey: Info Session 2
· Salem Tour
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).
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
Orientation
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970