Welcome Week

Welcome, Vikings! We have a full lineup to help get you ready for a fantastic year ahead.

Thursday, August 29

First Year Day of Service (Move-in and Activities)
All Day/Varies by Group
Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement and First Year Experience
(advance registration required to participate)

Friday, August 30

Women’s Soccer vs. Rhode Island College
7 pm
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Complex

 

First Year Day of Service
All day/varies by Group
Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement and First Year Experience
(advance registration required to participate)

Saturday, August 31

Residential Student Move In
All Day/varies by building
Hosted by Residence Life and campus partners

 

Men’s Soccer vs. Lasell
12 pm
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Complex

Sunday, September 1

Residential Move In
All Day/varies by building
Hosted by Residence Life and campus partners

 

Target Take-Over
Hosted by Orientation
5-9 pm 
Shuttle pickup and drop off at Marsh, Bowditch and Target

Need supplies? Missing somethings? Orientation's got you! Meet us at the Marsh Bus Stop or Bowditch Bus Stop to get a trip on our Viking Shuttle and we'll take you to target! It's a VIKING TARGET TAKEOVER!

Monday, September 2

Elevated Thought with Marquis Victor 
(Mandatory for all first-year students)
Orientation 
10 am, 2 pm, 5 pm - choose one session
Sophia Gordon Theater

Let's give a big welcome to CEO of Elevated Though and Salem State Alum Marquis Victor in welcoming first year students to how they can make a difference using their art and creativity in impacting our diverse university!

Community Expectations
(Mandatory for all first-year students)
University Police, Title IX, and Community Standards
12 and 4 pm - choose one session
Sophia Gordon Theater

Learn about your rights and responsibilities of being part of the Salem State Community.

Tuesday, September 3

Gassett Fitness Center Opens
Campus Life and Recreation
6:30 am-9 pm

Join us as we open for the Fall 2024!

Academic Convocation
Hosted by the Provost’s Office
9:45-11 am
O'Keefe Center Twohig Gym

Please wear your Class of 2028 t-shirt from Orientation for the Class Photo! If for any reason you don't have your shirt, you will also receive a t-shirt at Convocation

Academic Convocation marks the ceremonial start of the university’s 170th academic year. Remarks will be shared by President John Keenan, Provost and Academic Vice-President David Silva, SGA President Saturn Wands and Convocation speaker is Dr. Anne DeFelippo, Professor in the School of Nursing. This event is mandatory for first-year students.

 

Class Photo 
11am 
Twohig Gym

Join your new classmates in a Salem State tradition - the class photo! Immediately after convocation, fill the gym floor for the photographer on the balcony and smile when you say, "Class of '28 Can't Wait!"

 

Dean's Welcome 
11:30 am and 12:30 pm

Meet your Academic Dean, faculty, and the new students in your program, school, or college! Following Convocation, students will be guided to one of four campus locations to connect, find out about resources, and/or go together to lunch in the dining hall. Check your Convocation program for timing and locations.

 

Lunch with Faculty and Students
Hosted by the Opening Day Committee
11:30 am–2 pm
North Dining Cafe

Meet more of your classmates plus faculty and staff over lunch!

 

Ice Cream and Games
1-4 pm 
McKeown Plaza near the Berry Library

Come reunite with your orientation leader! Grab some ice cream and compete with your orientation leader with the variety of field games like cornhole or volleyball! 

 

Emerging Scholars and STEP Welcome Carnival
Ellison Campus Center
3-5 pm

If you’re a first-year student who is part of the Emerging Scholars or STEP Program, join your fellow students and the program staff for a welcome back mini-Carnival – play games, win goofy prizes, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about the semester ahead as part of one of these fantastic programs!  (Sponsored by First Year Experience)

 

Games and Grub
Esports Lounge – ECC 010
5:30-8:30 pm

Start the semester off at the Esports lounge! Make sure to stop by to pick up food before it's gone! Game demos and competitions will be held throughout the evening. No pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, September 4

First Day of Classes! 
Need assistance? Welcome stations with faculty and staff volunteers will be on each campus the first five days of classes (September 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10) from 8-11 am to help you find classes or answer your questions.

 

Meet the Minis (Mini Horses)
11 am – 1 pm 
North Campus Quad
Are you looking for a little happiness on your first day of classes?  Meet the Minis…horses that is! Stop by the area outside the First Year Experience Office (North Campus, Library Quad) and spend some time with the most adorable mini-horses you’ve ever seen. 
Sponsored by First Year Experience

 

Womens Volleyball vs. UMass Boston 
6 pm 
O’Keefe Center
 

Men's Soccer vs Regis 
7 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Thursday, September 5

Center for Justice and Liberation Luncheon
12-1:30 pm 
MLK Room, Ellison Campus Center

Interested in getting involved on campus? Looking to learn more about identity-based student clubs? Join the Center for Justice and Liberation (CJL) at our Meet & Greet Lunch! Connect with CJL staff and student leaders, learn about our program offerings, and find community at SSU! Lunch will be provided. We hope to see you there!

 

Adorable Animals Petting Zoo
11 am-1 pm 
North Campus Quad

Add a little joy in your life with the New England Party Animals Petting Zoo!  Bunnies, Guinea pigs, hamsters, baby chicks and more!  Stop by the area outside the Frist Year Experience Office (North Campus, Library Quad) and spend some quality time with these cuddly critters. 
Sponsored by First Year Experience

Friday, September 6

First Fridays First Gen Social
First Year Experience

 

Blacklight Dodgeball
Campus Life and Recreation
8 pm-midnight, Gassett Fitness Center Rec Courts

Teams of 6-10 people will compete under the glow of the blacklight to determine the champion. Neon t-shirts and glow materials will be provided. Guests over 18 are free with valid photo ID. You don’t want to miss this annual campus tradition! Register in advance.

Saturday, September 7

Trolley Tour of Salem
Hosted by Orientation
Leaving at 11 am and 1 pm from Marsh bus stop

New to Salem? Come and join our Orientation Leaders for a tour of Salem on the Salem Trolley!

 

Student Involvement and Center for Justice and Liberation Leader Training
Required training for student organization leaders

 

Womens Volleyball vs. Norwich
11 am
O’Keefe Center

 

Womens Field Hockey vs. Salve Regina
12 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

 

Women’s Soccer

4 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Monday, September 9

Student Involvement Fair
Student Involvement and Operations 
11 am-1 pm 
North Quad

Join Student Involvement and Operations for a fun afternoon of music, giveaways, and getting to know How to get involved! All 50+ Student organizations and offices on campus will be available to connect with you and show you about various engagement opportunities

 

ECC Open House
Offices in Ellison campus Center
9/9-9/13 
11 am-4 pm

Come see what the ECC has to offer! Meet the staff from each office and get to know all the services in the building.

 

Group Ex Fitness Classes Kickoff
All day
Gassett Fitness Center

The Gassett Fitness Center offers weekly group exercise classes as a benefit of your membership which is covered by student fees for registered students. Our nationally certified instructors are here to welcome you to class and to motivate, encourage, and challenge you – helping you achieve much more than on your own. Full class schedule and class descriptions can be found here.

Tuesday, September 10

Backyard Bash
Sponsored by Residence Life
3-6 pm 
Marsh Quad

Join us for a BBQ, a mechanical bull, inflatable obstacle course, inflatable Hungry Hungry Hippo, lawn games, and music for you all to enjoy, hosted by Residence Life. We look forward to seeing you there! 

 

Student Employment Fair
Career Services
3-5 pm
Ellison Campus Center

Opportunities include on-campus work-study and part-time employment, local off-campus part-time employment, volunteer and internship opportunities. We have partnered with Residence Life via a raffle that can only be retrieved from the fair and redeemed at the Bash.

 

Womens Field Hockey vs. Anna Maria
7 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Wednesday, September 11

Inclusive Excellence Welcome Mixer
4-6 pm
Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
Join Inclusive Excellence for free food, music, games/activities and giveaways! The event is free and open to all.

 

Mens Soccer vs. Plymouth St.
4 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Thursday, September 12

Ask a Dietitian
Gassett Fitness Center
Campus Life and Recreation
3:30-5:30 pm

Campus Life and Recreation/Gassett Fitness Center is partnering with your campus Dietitian to offer advice! Stop by at the time most convenient for you between 3:30-5:30 pm to ask about any diet and health related questions. No need to pre-register.

 

Big Prize Bingo
Program Council
6-8 pm 
Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center

Join Program Council and Student Involvement and Operations as we welcome students back for the year! Play varying rounds of bingo to win prizes like a Nintendo Switch! This event is FREE for all Salem State students! Please be aware that this event is first-come, first-served.

Friday, September 13

Exploratory Welcome and Meet the Puppies

First Year Experience
1-3 pm
Alumni Plaza

Saturday, September 14

Visit Downtown Salem!
Hosted by Orientation
10 am-4 pm 
Shuttle pickup and drop off at Marsh, Bowditch and downtown

Enjoy discovering downtown Salem and all it offers with shuttle service to and from campus.

 

Womens Soccer vs. Wentworth
12 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

 

Mens Soccer vs. Suffolk
3 pm
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Monday, September 16

Meet your Major
First Year Experience
11 am-1 pm
First-year and new transfer students will meet with their academic department as part of the annual Mett Your Major event.  This mandatory event for all new students is an opportunity to meet their faculty advisor, review major requirements, meet upperclass students in the major, discuss minors/concentrations/internships, and more
*Mandatory for all NEW students (Undergraduate Day program) 
Hosted by First Year Experience

 

Karate with the Dean
Campus Life and Recreation and Dean of Students
Gassett Fitness Center

Discover the art of traditional karate. With over 37 years of experience, Dean Newton has a 2nd degree Black Belt and will guide you on an empowering journey. Join our class to learn self-defense techniques, enhance self-discipline, and build unshakable self-confidence. This traditional art form will not only strengthen your body but also nourish your mind and soul. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for personal growth and empowerment. Register here.

Tuesday, September 17

"Who We Are" LASO (Latin American Student Association) Meet & Greet
4:30-6pm
Ellison Campus Center Underground

Get to know the LASO E-board and what exciting programming we have planned for the next few weeks! 

Wednesday, September 18

Career Services Walk-In Career Closet Hours Begin
11-3 pm
Ellison Campus Center Room 108

Starting September 18 and 19, the Career Closet has walk-In hours from 11 am-3 pm every Wednesday and Thursday during the academic year. Students can visit the Career Closet and take home 5 articles of career-ready attire. Clothing is free to keep.

 

Womens Volleyball vs. Fisher
6 pm
O’Keefe Center

 

Womens Field Hockey vs. Johnson and Wales

4:30 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Thursday, September 19

Career Services Walk-In Career Closet Hours Begin
11-3 pm
Ellison Campus Center Room 108

Starting September 18 and 19, the Career Closet has walk-In hours from 11 am-3 pm every Wednesday and Thursday during the academic year. Students can visit the Career Closet and take home 5 articles of career-ready attire. Clothing is free to keep.

Cafe Connections Karaoke
Student Involvement and Operations
6:30-8:30 pm 
Forten Cafe

Come belt out your favorite songs or grab a snack while watching a friend!

 

Craft Night
Campus Life and Recreation
6-8 pm
Gassett Fitness center

We are partnering with Hammer & Stain North Shore to bring craft night to you! Participants will have their choice of designs to decorate their living space. Register today to choose your design.

Friday, September 20

LASO's "Rep Your Flag Party" in honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
5-9 pm
Marsh Quad

Raise your flag to the sky at our Flag Fever party! Let's celebrate our identity and culture, in the most Latino way possible, with good music and a lot of fun. 

Saturday, September 21

Mens Soccer vs. Fitchburg St.
1 pm 
Alumni Field, O’Keefe Center

Monday, September 23

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month Keynote 

11 am-12:30 pm
Veterans Hall
featuring Alejandra Campoverdi, author of "First Gen: A Memoir"

Join us for the 2024 Hispanic and LatinX Heritage Month Keynote featuring Alejandra Campoverdi, Advocate and National Bestselling Author of FIRST GEN, in which she examines the emotional toll of social mobility on those she refers to as “First and Onlys.”

Thursday, September 26

Chocolate Chat and Bonfire
Hosted by Residence Life
7-8:30 pm 
Marsh Lawn