Counseling and Health Requirements for New Students

Massachusetts law requires immunization and vaccination documentation to be on file in the counseling and health services office for students attending Salem State University. The Salem State University policy requires all new students to submit immunization records and be in full compliance with Massachusetts state law and the Salem State University immunization policy two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Residential students must submit their forms and be in full compliance with the immunization policy two weeks prior to moving into the residence halls. This policy applies to all new students entering in the summer, fall or spring. Full–time non-residential students continue to need to be in compliance with the immunization policy prior to starting their semester. See our full list of required immunizations. 

Consider these optional vaccine recommendations. 

Salem State University requires every incoming student to complete three online prevention programs – one for alcohol, one for cannabis, and one regarding sexual violence prevention. These programs are confidential, online educational courses. Follow these easy steps to complete your mandatory training requirements:

Safe Colleges: Sexual Violence Prevention

This is an online, video-based program that provides critical information about consent, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, bystander intervention, and Salem State policies.

1. Go to the SafeColleges website for Salem State Students. 
2. You will enter your Salem State student ID (with the “S”) and proceed with the SSU single sign-on process.
3. Once you log in, click on the course titled ‘Sexual Violence Prevention for Undergraduates,’ to begin the training. The course will be listed under 'Mandatory Training.'
4. Each course has audio, so be sure to turn up your speakers.
5. The course will take approximately 75 minutes. You must complete each section of the course in order to receive full credit, but you do not have to complete the entire training in one sitting.
6. You need to achieve a quiz score of at least 80% to complete the program. You can retake the test as many times as needed.

e-Checkup To Go: Alcohol and Cannabis

This is an online educational program about alcohol and cannabis. It is an assessment and personalized feedback program that includes Salem State-specific information. Please note: You must take each online program listed below – they are separate online programs. Each takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Begin the Alcohol online e-Checkup program now

Begin the CANNABIS online e-Checkup program now

Follow the instructions below for both programs: 

1. Once on the e-Checkup website, select ‘I have NOT completed the e-Checkup To Go previously’, then select ‘begin’.
2. Complete all sections of the program and review feedback. Remember, this is confidential and only the verification of completion is recorded.
3. After reviewing all information, select ‘Verify completion of your e-Checkup To Go’, input your information and select ‘New Student Requirement’ and submit.

Viking Plunge

In addition to the above courses, there are requirements for Viking Plunge. Log into Canvas to complete the new assignments in your First Year Orientation or Transfer course. These courses are called:

• “Empowering U to Make Informed Decisions”
• “Bystander Intervention – Step Up!”

Failure to complete any of these required courses (including eCheckup to Go and SafeColleges) will result in a note in your Student Life file.

Questions?

If you have questions or concerns about any of these trainings, including if you are a survivor of interpersonal violence and are having trouble completing it, please contact prevention@salemstate.edu.

If you have problems with the Safe Colleges website, please contact Customer Service at support@safecolleges.com.

Access and Accommodation

To request an accommodation, please contact Disability Services at 978.542.6217 or email disability-services@salemstate.edu.

The health care system in the United States is probably very different from what you have experienced in your own country and can be challenging to understand. Counseling and health services is here to assist you with illnesses, injuries, and maintaining and improving your health and well-being. We are staffed with psychologists, mental health counselors, nurse practitioners, and a part-time doctor.

The counseling and health services staff has provided some answers to common questions that many international students have regarding immunizations, healthcare, and health insurance in the United States.