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WELCOME BACK 20 Dear Viking Student, Welcome to the 2020-2021 academic year! Certainly, this will be a year like no other. I hope you recognize the resilience you have shown by making it through a uniquely challenging spring semester, whether you are returning to college or joining us for your first year. I know that for many, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought sorrow, financial challenges, disappointment over canceled plans, and more. I have been amazed, but not surprised, by the way Salem State University’s students have persevered under these circumstances. Salem State’s priorities since the outset of this pandemic have been safety and continued academic success for our students. We have been working all summer to plan for a fall that upholds this commitment. We are asking you to join us in this effort by completing an online training about safety best practices and protocols. More information about the care being taken as we partially repopulate campus is available here. I know that this semester will not look the way you had once envisioned, however, the value we offer—talented, expert faculty and committed support staff—will remain intact in our in-seat, remote, and hybrid courses and services. As we begin the academic year amid a pandemic, our country also reckons with the dire need to confront anti-Black racism and all forms of racism. At a time of increased physical separation this fall, we must continue bringing our community together to hold dialogues, look inward, and take actions that will advance racial equity on our campus. Salem State’s students have frequently advocated for campus reforms and we have improved because of them, but we still have much more work to do. I remain committed to making our campus as inclusive as we are diverse. Although events will be held differently from the past, it’s important for you to stay engaged. We have many in-person and virtual activities planned, including events around the presidential election this fall. These include non-partisan voter registration drives as we work to uphold our national record for high student voter engagement. The outcome of this election will perhaps be more impactful than any other in recent history. Please exercise your right to vote so that your voice is heard. Finally, please remember that our faculty, staff, and administrators, including myself, are here for one reason: you. We hope you will use the many resources available to you as a Salem State student. These are featured throughout this brochure, and I highlight just a few Key Resources on the next page. Success is rarely achieved alone. We are resilient Vikings, but part of that resilience is supporting one another. Thank you for choosing Salem State, and I look forward to being part of making this academic year one in which you learn, grow, and challenge yourself, all while remaining safe and healthy. Sincerely, John D. Keenan President
INDEX
Key Resources 2 Student Guide to On-Campus Safety During COVID-19 2-4 Residence Life Move-In Dates 4 Social Media 5 Welcome Back Commuters 5 First Year Experience 6-7 To Do 8 Student Accounts 8 Faculty Advisor 8 Add/Drop Registration 8 Educational Records 8 Book Advances 9 Health Insurance 9 Graduating this year? 9 Center for Academic Excellence 9 Academic Advisors 9 Peer Tutors 9 Disability Services 10 Connect to a Counselor 10 PEAR Program 10 Laptop Support 10 Center for Creative and Performing Arts 11 Parents and Family Council 11 Berry Library and Learning Commons 12 Salem State Bookstore 13 Sustainable SSU 13 Center for Civic Engagement 14 Community Service Initiative 14 Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center 15 LEAD 16-17 BEES and Brotherhood 16 Identify Specific Welcome Back 16 Bystander Intervention 16 Student Government Association 16 Food Pantry 16 Student Involvement Fair 17 Fraternity and Sorority Life 17 1 • WELCOME BACK