Youngstown State University's partnership with the Jed Foundation (JED) holds immense benefits for its students, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for mental health and overall well-being. As a JED Campus, YSU is committed to prioritizing the emotional health of its student body, recognizing the significance of mental health in academic success and personal growth. By implementing comprehensive programs and resources, promoting early intervention, and cultivating a culture of openness and understanding, the university aims to empower students, reduce stigma, and provide a robust support system that equips them with the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Through this collaboration with JED, YSU demonstrates its dedication to creating a campus that values the holistic well-being of its students, ensuring that their collegiate experience is marked by resilience, connectedness, and individual fulfillment.

What is a JED Campus?

Being a JED Campus means that YSU has partnered with the Jed Foundation (JED) to prioritize and enhance the mental health and well-being of its students. JED is a leading nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting mental health, preventing suicide, and supporting students' emotional well-being. As a JED Campus, the University is committed to implementing evidence-based strategies and programs that address mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. It involves creating a supportive campus culture, providing accessible resources and services, training staff and faculty, and fostering collaboration between various departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to student mental health.

JED Task Force Members

  • Dr. Nicole Kent Strollo, Dean of Students and Ombudsperson
  • Dr. Jennifer Pintar, Vice Provost
  • Dr. Claire Berardini, Associate Provost for Student Success
  • Dr. Jeffery Allen, Dean, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services
  • Dr. Victoria Kress, Professor, Psychological Sciences & Counseling
  • Dr. Kristin Bruns, Associate Professor, Psychological Sciences & Counseling
  • Dr. Nicolette Powe, Associate Professor, Graduate Studies in Health & Rehabilitation
  • Joy Polkabla Byers, Associate Vice President for Student Experience
  • Shawn Varso, Chief, Youngstown State University Police Department
  • Dr. Francine Packard, Director, Student Counseling Services
  • Dana Lantz, Director, Equal Opportunity, Policy Development & Title IX
  • Tory Lindley, Deputy Athletics Director for Performance Excellence
  • Erin Hungerman, Assistant Dean of Students for Community Standards, Advocacy, and Conduct
  • Jennifer Gray, Social Services and Development Officer, COMPASS Family and Community Services
  • Julie Gentile, Director, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
  • Julie Seitz, Director, Dual Enrollment and Student Support Services, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Anne Lally, Assistant Director, Student Counseling Services
  • Katie Stephen, Clinical Counselor, Student Counseling Services
  • Stephanie Baker, Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students
  • Allie Adler, Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students
  • Dina Fabry, Coordinator, Wellness and Fitness, Campus Recreation

JED Campus Timeline

Fall 2022: Assessment 

  • YSU builds an interdisciplinary team to steer efforts across campus
  • YSU’s JED team completes the JED Campus self-assessment

Spring 2023: Strategic Planning and Implementation

  • JED reviews assessment responses and provides feedback
  • JED consultant visits YSU to discuss feedback with the team and strategies for consideration
  • YSU’s team and JED collaborate to develop a strategic plan
  • JED Campus advisor provides ongoing assistance to support the implementation of the strategic plan
  • JED Campus Playbook serves as an easy reference guide for YSU’s team
  • YSU tracks and communicates team progress against the strategic plan

Fall 2023+: Evaluation and Sustainability

  • JED provides a summary analysis report on YSU’s progress
  • JED offers guidance on continuing the work of YSU’s JED team
  • The team sets goals for future growth and improvement
  • YSU joins JED campus alumni

Ongoing: Learning Community/Cohort Participation 

  • JED campus newsletters inform the YSU team about resources
  • Discussion board conversations and connection calls to network with JED Campus participants nationwide
  • Webinars provide deeper insight into best practices

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