What is First Year Day of Service?
The First Year Day of Service is an opportunity for 150-175 new students to spend the day engaging in one of several service projects that give back to the North Shore community. Day of Service occurs on Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30, 2024.
What does the schedule of the day look like?
If living on campus for the fall, students will move in on Thursday, August 29 in the morning/early afternoon. In the late afternoon/evening, all students (residential and commuter) will meet on campus to engage in activities, learn about their assigned projects, and prepare for the next day. On Friday, August 30, students will be welcomed by the university and local officials and then travel to their assigned site. (Please note: residential students must meet the Move In Policy in order to move into the residence halls OR participate by having all their immunizations loaded and approved in their Health Portal and have their bill fully settled before Friday, August 23.
Do I have to provide my own food?
No, all meals are provided on both days! If you have dietary or allergy restrictions you will be able to indicate that on the registration form.
What attire should I wear for the day?
Participants receive a Day of Service t-shirt to wear while volunteering. It is recommended that students dress for the weather (as it could be very hot or it could rain) and in something that you can move around in easily and don’t mind getting dirty. Many of the sites require CLOSED TOE SHOES (i.e. sneakers) instead of flip-flops or sandals. We also recommend you bring a water bottle with you especially if it’s hot out!
Will I be able to interact with upper-class students?
Yes! Each volunteer group will be led by one or two upper-class student volunteers known as the O-Team. These students work for the Office of Student Success and the First Year Experience. First years will be able to talk with their O-team member(s) and learn more about the campus while they are at their site.
What type of community partners are we able to serve?
In past years, students have worked with the Girls Inc., NAGLY, Lifebridge Homeless Shelter, New England Animal Shelter, Family Promise North Shore, various public schools, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Each year the list of sites changes. Students will find out their assigned site when the event begins on on Thursday, August 29 when they arrive to campus.
How do I sign up for First Year Day of Service?
The link to sign up for First Year Day of Service is sent via email (to your Salem State University email address) and posted on the Class of 2028 and Transfer Connections pages. It opens on Tuesday, June 25 at noon.
Can I put this on my resume?
Yes! Many employers look for volunteer work on resumes that come in for jobs. It demonstrates your willingness to engage in hard work and be passionate about issues outside of your normal class load. Some of our volunteers have also landed internships and part-time jobs after they completed the Day of Service!
Are there opportunities to hear more about First Year Day of Service and ask questions?
Absolutely! The First Year Experience office and Center for Civic Engagement will be sharing videos about the experience on the Class of 2028 and the Transfer Connections page on Facebook as well as Instagram.
Once I complete the sign-up process, how will I get more information?
Students are able to successfully sign up for one of the spots will see the following dates included on the sign-up form (and were asked to screenshot/print/save the page for their records):
- Friday, July 5, 2024: Students will receive email confirmation (to their Salem State email) of Day of Service participation.
- Friday, August 9, 2024: Students will receive move-in information related to Day of Service through their Salem State email.
- Friday, August 16, 2024: Students who have not yet met the Move In Policy will receive a warning email that they are in danger of having their participation cancelled if their fall bill and immunizations are not resolved by Friday, August 23.
- Friday August 23, 2024: Students who have not met the Move In Policy will be contacted and their participation in Day of Service/early move-in cancelled.
- Thursday, August 29, 2024: Early move-in for residential students participating in Day of Service (morning/early-afternoon) and Day of Service activities for all students, commuter and residential (late afternoon/evening)
- Friday, August 30, 2024: First Year Day of Service activities (all day) with an optional bonfire in the evening to close out the experience
How do I find out more information?
Contact the Office of Student Success and the First Year Experience at 978.542.2618 or dayofservice@salemstate.edu.