First Year Student Services provides purposeful and comprehensive support to first year students, transfer students, and their families here at YSU. We want to help you be successful in your academic and social transition to Youngstown State by offering one-on-one peer connections, campus wide events, and resources to guide you through your first year. Our programs are designed with your success in mind and our goal is to help you thrive in your first year and beyond. Come join us to learn about the many opportunities we have to offer you!

  • You’ve been accepted
    • What to do once you have been accepted - Student Checklist!
    • First Year Student Orientation
      Orientation is a student-centered experience which will introduce you to our diverse campus life, connect you with new friends, and provide you with a strong foundation for academic success. Orientation is a requirement for all first year undergraduate students.
    • Transfer Student Orientation
      We are glad that you have chosen to come to YSU! Attend Orientation so you can learn about our campus resources and feel more prepared for your transition to the University.
  • You’ve attended Orientation!
    • IGNITE
      Celebrate your passion for being a penguin at our IGNITE Program! Just before fall semester begins, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow future penguins, faculty, and staff. The day will be dedicated to building connections with your university, meeting new people, and celebrating this next step in your life! Check our our IGNITE page above to learn more. 
    • FreshGuins
      Are you interested in gaining leadership skills in your first year at YSU? Would you like to have an upperclassmen mentor who can guide you through getting involved on YSU’s campus? Then the FreshGuin Leaders program is for you!
  • You’re in your first year at YSU
  • Work for Us
    • Work for Us
      Working in First Year Student Services is unlike any other leadership position on the Youngstown State University campus. These positions will increase your leadership skills, help you grow personally and professionally, and bring a variety of new experiences. Click above to learn more!
  • Parent and Family Programs
    • Parent and Family Programs
      We are here to offer you guidance and support in your student's YSU journey! Our Penguin Parent Newsletter will provide up-to-date information about our office and services that can help your student succeed here at YSU. Click on the link above to learn more.
  • About Us

    The Office of First Year Student Services provides guidance and support for first year students through a successful transition to the Youngstown State University community. We help our first year students find their path in the Penguin community, focusing on the key moments where students begin to see our campus as their new home. We offer programs and services that will enable students to be successful and provide opportunities to help them pursue their passions.

    First Year Student Services provides:

    • Programs that welcome, inform, and engage participants
    • Timely guidance and mentorship from knowledgeable and experienced student leaders
    • Intentional opportunities to develop peer relationships
    • Initiatives that connect students to campus resources
    • Activities to foster a sense of university pride
    • Leadership positions that impact the student experience

    We also have a focus on other key elements to first year student success, including parent and family programs, student leadership, and professional development, just to name a few. Visit the many areas of our website to learn more about the services, events, and initiatives we provide to the Youngstown State University campus community.