New Student Guide to Opening Day Activities

Resident Student Breakfast

Breakfast begins at 7 am

Marsh Dining Commons and North Campus Café

Bring your ClipperCard and begin your day with friends at one of two dining locations. Marsh Dining and the North Campus Café both offer signature brands and a wide variety of fresh food menu selections. If you haven’t registered for a meal plan, you may pay at the door.

Academic Convocation

10 – 11 am

Twohig Gymnasium, O’Keefe Complex

New first year and transfer students, and the Salem State campus community are invited to attend. Students are requested to arrive at 9:45 am to pick up their university t-shirt before the Convocation ceremony.

*This event is mandatory for first-year students.

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, Student Government Association President Saturn Wands, and Convocation keynote address will be given by School of Nursing Professor Anne DeFelippo, JD, PhD. Students, this event will also include information about Welcome Week.

Student Class Photograph

Twohig Gymnasium, O’Keefe Complex

Join your new classmates in a Salem State tradition—the class photo! Immediately after Convocation, fill the gym floor for the photographer and smile when you say, "Class of ’28 Can't Wait!" This annual event immediately follows Convocation, and students are asked to please wear your Class of 2028 t-shirt from orientation for the photo! If you don't have your class t-shirt with you, extras will be available at Convocation.

Session I: Deans Welcome

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Various campus locations

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 four campus locations to connect, find out about resources, and/or go together to lunch in the dining hall. Sessions are organized by college and then by major and will be printed on the Convocation program.

BBQ Lunch with Vegetarian Options

11:30 am – 2 pm

North Campus Café or Marsh Dining Hall (location depends on Deans Welcome assignment)

Get to know your campus community better while eating a delicious lunch! Commuter students and employees, who do not have a meal plan, will be given tickets for a free lunch!

Session II: Deans Welcome

12:30 – 1:15 pm

Various campus locations

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 four campus locations to connect, find out about resources, and/or go together to lunch in the dining hall. Sessions are organized by college and then by major and will be printed on the Convocation program.

Field Games and Other Outside Activities

1 – 4 pm

North Campus Quad

Join your new classmates for some outdoor fun, including cornhole competitions, frisbee, volleyball, and other activities. There will also be an information station nearby to answer your questions about navigating campus and finding your classrooms and other spaces.

Ice Cream! Make Your Own Sundae

2 – 4 pm

McKeown Plaza, outside of the Berry Library and Learning Commons

End your afternoon with a creative activity—building your own sundae—while reuniting with your orientation leaders.

Emerging Scholars and STEP Welcome Carnival

3 – 4:30 pm

Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center, North Campus

All first-year students who are a part of the emerging scholars program or student transition and engagement programs (STEP), join your fellow students and the program staff for a required welcome carnival – play games, win goofy prizes, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about the semester ahead as part of one of these fantastic programs! This is a required event for all participants. 

The fun continues all through September! Find the latest updates here.

Please visit the website calendar often to learn about other events and activities happening--including Welcome Week--to welcome all students to the fall semester!