Welcome, Vikings!
We have a full lineup to help get you ready for a fantastic fall semester.
Welcome Week Events
Thursday, September 4
Good Morning Commuters! Welcome Booth
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 8-10 am
Staff and faculty volunteers, Community Service Initiative, and the Commuter Club welcome all students back to campus with coffee and key campus info. Register to vote, too, 8-10am on each campus for the first five days of class!
First Day of Class Welcome Tables
Location: North Campus
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Stop by the FYE First Day of Class welcome tables to commemorate this day with a photo booth, prizes, and to pick up your first-year planner!
Hosted by: First Year Experience
Adorable Animals Petting Zoo
Location: North Campus
Time: 11 am-1 pm
Come visit the petting zoo during your second day of classes for some adorable happiness and relaxation.
Sexapalooza
Location: Forten 123/ Starbucks Cafe
Time: 11 am-2 pm
Want a free Starbucks drink? Please join counseling and health services at Starbucks for SEXAPALOOZA to learn about sexual and reproductive health services on campus.
Make your own safer sex kit with SS2U, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, meet some of our offices on campus and student organizations, and win some amazing prizes! Prizes are better than ever, to see what prizes we have!
Hosted by: Counseling and Health Services
Frederick E. Berry Library Welcome Table
Location: Library Lobby
Time: 11 am-3 pm
Meet the library staff, pick up some free swag, win raffle prizes and learn more about how the library can support your academic needs!
Career Closet Kick-Off
Location: Career Closet – Ellison Campus Center
Time: 11 am-3 pm
Kickstart your semester in style! Join us for the Career Closet Kick Off to 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.
Hosted by: Career Services
Global Prints
Location: Alumni Plaza
Time: 11 am-4 pm
Looking to add some style to your space? Whether you live on campus or commute, stop by and check out Global Prints a visiting vendor offering a wide variety of posters, prints, and artwork for purchase. Come browse, shop, and bring a little personality to wherever you live or study.
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Backyard Bash
Location: Marsh Quad
Time: 3-7 pm
Join Residence Life on campus with inflatables, games and food for all to enjoy.
Hosted by: Residence Life
Cafe Connections: Back to School Karaoke
Location: Starbucks Cafe
Time: 7-9 pm
Stop by Starbucks Cafe for some karaoke fun while enjoying some treats.
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Friday, September 5
Good Morning Commuters! Welcome Booth
Location: various locations on campus
Time: 8-10 am
Staff and faculty volunteers, Community Service Initiative, and the Commuter Club welcome all students back to campus with coffee and key campus info. Register to vote, too, 8-10am on each campus for the first five days of class!
Frederick E. Berry Library Welcome Table
Location: Library Lobby
Time: 10 am-1 pm
Meet the library staff, pick up some free swag, win raffle prizes and learn more about how the library can support your academic needs!
Credit for Life
Location: Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
Time: 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!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Student Navigation Center
Sponsored by: Institution for Saving
First Friday Social: First Generation Student Mixer
Location: Forten 123/ Starbucks Cafe
Time: 12-2 pm
Meet other first-generation students and learn about the various supports and resources available to you through the First-Generation Student Success Center.
Hosted by: First Year Experience and First-Generation Student Success Center
Center for Justice and Liberation Welcome Back BBQ
Location: North Campus Library Quad
Time: 4-7 pm
The Center for Justice and Liberation (CJL) hosts a welcome back BBQ for our student-led clubs and programs. Open to those who are interested in getting involved in identity-based clubs and programs. Featuring food, live DJ, and yard games. Rain date: Tuesday, 9/9.
Hosted by: Center for Justice and Liberation
Blacklight Dodgeball
Location: Gassett Fitness Center Rec Courts
Time: Shirt distribution and pizza at 7:30 pm; tournament begins at 8:15 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.
Hosted by: Campus Life and Recreation
Saturday, September 6
Salem Trolley Tour
Location: Pick-up and Drop-off at the Marsh Bus Stop
Times: Tour 1: 11 am-12 pm; Tour 2: 1-2 pm
Enjoy discovering Downtown Salem and all it offers! Shuttle service to and from campus with the orientation team. Pre-registration required!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Center for International Education
Women’s Soccer vs. Maritime College
Location: O'Keefe Complex- Alumni Field
Time: 12-2 pm
Join us to show some Viking spirit and cheer on our women’s soccer team.
Hosted by: Athletics
Sunday, September 7
Salem Trolley Tour
Location: Pick-up and Drop-off at the Marsh Bus Stop
Times: Tour 1: 11 am-12 pm; Tour 2: 1-2 pm
Enjoy discovering Downtown Salem and all it offers! Shuttle service to and from campus with the orientation team. Pre-registration required!
Hosted by: Orientation Office and Center for International Education
Salem Literacy Festival: Interview with Author Julia Alvarez
Location: Sophia Gordon Theater
Time: 3 pm
You are invited for an afternoon with award-winning author Julia Alvarez. This free event promises to be a highlight of Salem’s cultural calendar. Don't miss it!
Hosted by the Salem Lit Festival and HSI-MSI initiatives.
Monday, September 8, 2025
Student Involvement Fair
Location: North Campus Quad
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Join us for the Student Involvement Fair, your one-stop opportunity to explore all the ways to get connected on campus!
Over 50+ student organizations, campus departments, and involvement opportunities will be on display. Whether you’re interested in joining a club, getting involved in leadership, or just seeing what Ãå±±½ûµØ has to offer, this is the place to start. Come meet fellow students, grab some free swag, and find the group or cause that inspires you!
Hosted by: Student Involvement and Operations
Ãå±±½ûµØ Mobile Apps
Download the apps below to get support, find activities, and more!
App Name | What it's For | IPhone Download | Android Download |
---|---|---|---|
Navigate | Advice, Support Appointments | ||
Canvas | Learning Management | ||
Modern Campus Presence | Student Organizations and Events | ||
GET app | Clipper Cash and Food Orders | ||
Rave Guardian | Campus Safety | ||
Viking Shuttle | Finding the Campus Shuttle | ||
Salem Skipper | Getting a Ride around Salem | ||
Bluebikes | Unlock bikeshares on campus and across Salem |
Contact Us
Questions for the orientation team? Get in touch with us!