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).
Dear Penguins,
Serving as the Dean of Students and Ombudsperson at YSU is a true privilege. As a proud alumna, I am honored to utilize more than 30 years of experience in higher education, student affairs, healthcare, and intercollegiate athletics at a place that means the world to me! As the University’s primary student advocate, my role is to assist all students while fostering a culture of respect across our campus community. I am here to listen, offer advice on how to handle a situation, and provide referrals to campus and community resources when necessary. I promise to work tirelessly to keep you and all of our campus healthy and safe. Please reach out to me at nkentstrollo@ysu.edu or 330.941.4721 if I can provide assistance at any point along your journey.
Thanks, and GO PENGUINS! - Dr. Nicole Kent-Strollo