Programs

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is a national honor society for first year students. Its mission is to "encourage superior academic achievement...to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society." The Salem State University chapter of ALD coordinates social and service programs and provides students with opportunities to earn scholarships. Students are invited to join at the start of the spring semester based on being in the top 20% of the first year class and a minimum GPA of 3.5. Learn more about Alpha Lambda Delta.

The emerging scholars program brings together, supports and motivates rising potential first-year students. Participants are invited to join after a review of admissions materials and are connected with a success coach, participate in every other week check-in meetings, have the opportunity to attend special programs and events, and make new friends in a fun environment. Students who successfully complete the program and meet GPA requirements at the end of the year are eligible to be inducted into Alpha Omega Psi, a campus honor society. For more information contact emergingscholars@salemstate.edu or visit our FAQ page.

The first year advisory board (FAB) is an easy way for first year students to get involved at Salem State University in a fun and simple way during their first year. Founded in 2012, the First-Year Advisory Board actively looks for feedback from first year students in how to improve their experience at the university. Anyone can become a member of FAB, and since first year students are busy being involved with a lot during their first year there aren't an overwhelming number of meetings or events when serving on the board. Congrats to the members of our coordinating board. To find out more information, or to sign up to be a part of FAB, connect with the group on Facebook.

The Salem State First Year Arts Community (FYAC) is an opportunity for incoming first year and transfer students to connect with each other, collaborate on artistic initiatives, and become more inspired through creative endeavors.Every student, regardless of major, who is passionate about art, creative writing, dance, film, music, photography, theatre, and any form of visual or performing arts is invited to participate and express themselves. Learn more about the community, upcoming events and news by liking the FYAC Facebook Page.

The First Year Experience office and Center for Civic Engagement offer 200 first year students the opportunity to participate in the First Year Day of Service prior to classes beginning. Students volunteer in making a difference at over 30 sites in the North Shore community, creating long-lasting friendships with their peers. First Year Day of Service will be discussed in June during summer orientation and first year students will have the opportunity to register in late June. 

The Majors/ Minors Fair serves as an opportunity for students to interact with all academic departments on campus to learn about selecting a major or minor. Administrative offices are also present at the fair to allow for students to be educated about academic opportunities that exist in and out of the classroom during their collegiate careers. The fair is scheduled in October. See events for more details.

Meet Your Major is a required event for new first-year and transfer students to meet with their academic departments and faculty advisor while learning about academic requirements and opportunities. The event is scheduled annually the third Monday in September between 11-1 pm. Room assignments are posted in early September.

The Outstanding First Year Advocate Award recognizes faculty, staff and upper-class students staff/leaders who have made a positive impact on the first year experience. In support of the university’s focus on first-year student success and retention efforts, these awards allow the community to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a specific commitment to and impact on first-year student learning, development,and success. Nominees and recipients of the award are honored each year at a luncheon in April. The nomination process begins in December. You can check out previous year's recipients and photos from the luncheon on Facebook.