First Year Student Orientation

Orientation and student life leaders with an orientation speaker on stage

Welcome to Salem State!

We can't wait to welcome you personally. All first-year students are required to attend an orientation program where you will:

Register for classes
Learn about campus programs and services
Meet friends and begin your journey as a new student

Orientation Details

Available dates (choose one session): June 4, 5, 11, 12, 17 and 18
Check-in: 8-8:30 am
End time: 5 pm (please plan to stay for the entire day)
Location: Sophia Gordon Center for the Arts, 352 Lafayette Street
Parking is available in the North Campus Parking Garage, or consider green transportation options!

Download a campus map

Signing up for Orientation

Summer Orientation will open on March 3.

Students entering in fall 2025 must pay their $150 enrollment deposit before signing up for orientation. Please allow two business days after you submit your deposit for orientation signup to open in Navigator.

If you require additional financial assistance and need to defer your enrollment deposit, please send a completed deposit deferral form to admissions@salemstate.edu.

Families and student supporters are invited to attend orientation. Families and supporters will follow a different schedule track than their student, but on the same day. Students can bring a maximum of one guest with them for the Viking Supporter and Family Orientation.

Reservations for guests can be found in the Canvas course under the "Orientation Day" module, and is required if the student would like to bring a family member/supporter.

Continuing Education (CE) Students

Continuing Education students should not sign up for orientation. Instead, please contact Samantha "Sam" Cosentino, student success specialist, at scosentino@salemstate.edu.

Sign up for First Year Seminar

Incoming first-year students (freshmen) will select their first-year seminar (required fall course) through a process outlined by the First Year Experience office via email beginning in March.

Students will select the seminar they are interested in from what is available at the time they review the options. Seats are limited in each course, so students are encouraged to make their selection early. Students can review the list of seminars and descriptions online before following the email instructions.

The deadline to select your First Year Seminar is Tuesday, May 27, 2025. However, we recommend students make their selection as soon as they receive their email.

Questions? Contact First Year Experience!

Log in to your Salem State Email

Once you pay your enrollment deposit and sign up for orientation, you can access your Salem State email. To log in, you should use the same username and password as your Navigator account. All orientation details are sent to your Salem State email address within 72 hours of signing up.

Email is the official method of communication at Salem State. We recommend you check your account regularly to ensure you don't miss anything.

Log into your Salem State email

For more information about logging into our student systems, see the student access guide.

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

Complete the Online Pre-Orientation Modules

Upon signing up for orientation, you will be placed in an online pre-orientation module course that must be completed prior to your in-person orientation date.

Please allow up to 48 hours after signing up to see the course ion your Canvas homepage. More information is sent directly to your Salem State email and Navigate360.

Hotel Accommodations

Salem State has a few different options for overnight stays
Stay Connected

Join the Class of 2028 Facebook Group
Salem State Student Email

Access your SSU email after you pay your deposit