In support of YSU’s commitment to “place students at its center,” the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) provides support, education, guidance, and advocacy to students by addressing extenuating situations and concerns that may impede their success, all while maintaining campus safety and fostering a culture of civility, character, and respect.

Reasons to refer a member of the campus community include:

• Food/housing insecurity
• Safety concerns
• Illness, injury, and/or hospitalization
• Drug/alcohol misuse
• Change in usual behavior
• Marked change in academic performance
• Marked change in personal hygiene
• Depressed or lethargic mood
• Excessive absence or tardiness
• Isolation from friends, family, and/or classmates
• Mental/physical health concern
• Personal/social issue
• Identity-based discrimination and/or harassment
• Complaint about a faculty or staff member
• Dating violence or other sexual misconduct
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• References to suicide, homicide, or assault
• Other extenuating circumstances or situations

IMPORTANT: All members of the YSU community have a responsibility to report any situation that could possibly result in harm to self or others. However, the Penguin of Concern Referral Form should not be used to report crisis situations in which a person poses an active or immediate risk of harm. In these situations, contact YSU Police immediately at 330-941-3527 (or 911 from a campus phone).