Office of Student Affairs

Welcome to the Office of Student Affairs

At the heart of the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Affairs serves as a central hub for leadership, coordination, and support. We guide the annual cycle of programming, communication, budgeting, and professional development across departments and staff, ensuring a cohesive and impactful student experience. Through strategic planning and collaborative engagement, we empower our teams to cultivate environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging, are encouraged to explore their passions, and are supported in developing autonomy through meaningful experiences and connections within the YSU community.

Projects Coordinated by the Office

Division of Student Affairs Programming Calendar
The Division of Student Affairs Programming Calendar highlights events, programs, and engagement opportunities for students throughout the year. Stay connected and make the most of your YSU experience by exploring upcoming activities on the calendar and following us on Instagram @ysu_experience. For questions or to connect with the Communications team, please email dsacommunications@ysu.edu.

Student Events Digest
Student Events Digest is your weekly guide to what's happening on campus. Sent every Sunday at 8 p.m., this email from Student Affairs highlights upcoming student events, activities, and opportunities. If you're part of a student organization and want to promote an event, you can submit your details to be featured in the Digest and on the Student Affairs Calendar.

Hazing Prevention Education & Compliance
Youngstown State University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. This initiative provides education, resources, and reporting tools to prevent hazing and support student well-being. Learn more about our efforts and how to get involved by visiting the Hazing Prevention and Education page.

Student Trustee Application Process
The Office of Student Affairs coordinates in conjunction with the Student Government Association the application process for the Student Trustee position on the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees. This unique leadership opportunity allows two students to serve as non-voting members of the Board, contributing to discussions on academics, student life, and university operations. Qualifications and the application for Student Trustee are available here.

Penguins Student Handbook
As part of our ongoing outreach, the Penguins Student Handbook serves as a key resource for outlining student expectations, available support services, and essential university policies—especially the Student Code of Conduct. Promoting awareness of this handbook reflects our commitment to student wellbeing, accountability, and maintaining a safe, inclusive campus environment.

Division of Student Affairs Annual Awards
Each year the Division of Student Affairs recognizes those individuals for their outstanding service by presenting the Gillespie-Painter Award, the Edna K. McDonald Cultural Awareness Award and the Student Service Award. For a list of previous award winners, please visit our Awards Archive.

Penguin Huddle
The Penguin Huddle is a divisional staff training initiative designed to keep Student Affairs team members informed and connected. This regular gathering provides important updates from across the division and offers professional development opportunities through focused educational sessions. The Huddle fosters collaboration, alignment, and continuous learning to support our shared mission of enhancing the student experience.

Student Affairs Annual Report
The Division of Student Affairs is proud to share its Annual Report, highlighting key accomplishments, strategic initiatives, and student-centered outcomes from the past year. The report showcases the division’s commitment to enhancing student wellbeing, engagement, and success across campus.