Get up to speed on what’s happening around campus this week! From can’t-miss events to key dates and deadlines for the month of September, stay informed and ahead of the game all month long.
Don’t forget to check out the Important dates for September.
Monday, September 1 – Labor Day
Check out our Welcome Week Schedule.
We have a full lineup to help get you ready for a fantastic fall semester.
Fall Payment Plan Installment 2 is Due.
Visit the Student Navigation Center for more information.
Spring and Summer 2026 Graduation Applications Open.
Please be sure to apply to graduate as soon as the application for your expected graduation term becomes available. Applicants who apply early will receive an earlier graduation review.
Tuesday, September 2
Visit our New Student Guide to Opening Day
9:30-10 am
Join your new classmates in a Salem State tradition—the new student photo! Before Academic Convocation, new transfer and first-year students are invited to fill the Viking logo in the center of the Athletic field for an aerial drone photo.
This annual event immediately precedes Convocation, and students are asked to wear their t-shirt from orientation for the photo!
10-11 am
Academic Convocation marks the ceremonial start of the university’s 171st academic year. Remarks will be shared by President John Keenan, Provost and Academic Vice-President David Silva, Student Government Association President James Mahoney, Student Trustee Matthew Beckett, and the Convocation keynote by alumna Virginia Lyons ’16.
Student and Staff Vaccine Clinic
10 am-2 pm
Counseling and Health services recommends everyone update your annual flu vaccine! Receiving your annual flu vaccine reduces your personal risk for illness and reduces the risk of illness to those in your personal community and in our campus community. Let's protect one another and get vaccinated- No Flu @ SSU!
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Welcome to our newest Vikings: new transfer and first-year students! Meet your academic dean, faculty members, and the new students in your program, school, or college!
Following Convocation, students will be guided to one of several campus locations to connect, find out about resources, before going to lunch together in one of two dining halls.
Sessions are organized by college or school and will be printed on the Convocation program. Find your major or program in the column on the left to see when and where to meet your Dean.
2-5 pm
Campus Life and Recreation is partnering with Grit 'N Wit to bring you an obstacle course where "brain meets brawn"! Between 2-5 pm at the Marsh quad, compete with other Salem State participants in teams of three or four to conquer the obstacles and puzzles in the best time possible. Shirts and prizes will be given out. Complete the registration process which includes your waiver.
Wednesday September 3 – First Day of Fall Classes
11 am-3 pm
Join Student Involvement and Operations as we host a number of local vendors on campus! Still need to add some flair or decor to your room or apartment? Looking for a gift to purchase or to just shop around? We're bringing the vendors to you!
11 am- 1 pm
Swing by Alumni Plaza to meet and pet some adorable mini ponies from Minis with a Mission! Don’t miss this chance to de-stress and add a little joy to your day.
3-8 pm
We are bringing this campus tradition back and you don’t want to miss it! We’ll have a photo booth, novelties, food trucks, games, and giveaways. All items are available while they last, so we do encourage you to come early. Stay and support our Varsity Women’s Field Hockey team at 4 pm and Varsity Women’s Soccer team at 7 pm. We can't wait to see you there!
Thursday, September 4
11am- 3 pm
Kickstart your semester in style! Join us for the Career Closet Kick Off on Thursday, September 4, where you can shop for free attire and gear up for the Student Employment Fair. Everything is free and yours to keep. Don't miss out on this opportunity to add a few new items to your wardrobe and dress to impress your next employer.
11 am- 1 pm
Add a little joy to your life with the New England Party Animals Petting Zoo! Bunnies, Guinea pigs, hamsters, baby chicks and more! Stop by the area outside the first year experience office (North Campus, Library Quad) and spend some quality time with these cuddly critters.
11 am-2 pm
Want a free Starbucks drink? Join counseling and health services for Sexapalooza! Learn about campus sexual health resources, make safer sex kits, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, meet some of our student organizations, and win some amazing prizes! Students who participate can win raffle prizes, free Starbucks drinks, sweets and treats, safer sex supplies, and more!
Friday, September 5
12-3 pm
Join us for a free and interactive event designed to help you build real-life money skills! Learn how to budget, manage your finances, and plan for the future all in a student-friendly and welcoming environment. Open to all incoming students. Free to attend!
7:30-11:30 pm
Teams of 6-10 players compete under the glow of the blacklights to determine a champion! Pile up wins to advance your way through the tournament bracket. Neon t-shirts and glow materials are provided. Guests over 18 are free with valid photo ID.
Check-in begins at 7:30 pm and games will begin at 8:15 pm.
Sunday September 7
An Afternoon with Award-winning Author Julia Alvarez.
Award-winning Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez will join us to discuss her latest work, “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” (El cementerio de los cuentos sin contar), in a conversation with Professor of English Keja Valens of Salem State University. The event will feature Spanish interpretation, ensuring accessibility for our diverse community.
Other News For The Week
Viking Dining is extremely excited to have everyone back on campus! They have a lot of good news and dining activities planned for this fall semester. Visit our website for all the latest information.
Stay up to date with the Salem State Campus