Accepted Student Checklist

Log In to the Penguin Portal and Activate Your Student Account.

  1. YSU’s Penguin Portal offers students secure and personalized access to Office 365 email, campus announcements, and channels of information. Students are able to register for classes, check their grades, pay their bill, access Blackboard, and purchase their parking permit.
  2. Check out here how to log in to your Penguin Portal to set up your account for the first time.
  3. For directory assistance, contact the Tech Desk by phone at 330-941-1595 or email at servicedesk@ysu.edu.

Send in Final Transcripts

  • Applicants must have all of their sealed high school transcripts sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Final high school transcripts showing a graduation date must be received prior to the first day of the semester in which the student is enrolled. If you have questions, you can the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.

Pay for your tuition; here are some suggestions on how to earn more financial aid

  1. Apply for federal aid; complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information on how to complete your application can be found on the Financial Aid website.
  2. Accept your financial aid by using the step-by-step guide found on the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships website.
  3. You will need to pay your bill, when due, in order to attend classes. Important information about billing dates and how to pay your bill can be found on the University Bursar website.
  4. If you have any questions or concerns regarding finances, please contact the Penguin Service Center, the single place to receive essential information, find guidance, and resolve enrollment-related concerns in the areas of financial aid, records and registration, and student billing.

Sign Up for Penguin Alert

  • Penguin Alert is the emergency notification system for Youngstown State University. It is used by YSU as a way to instantly reach mobile devices when an urgent situation needs to be communicated. Sign up today for Penguin Alert!

YSU Police

  • The Youngstown State University Police Department serves as a resource by providing security to our campus. They can also assist students to class and are available in case of an emergency. The YSUPD is here for you. Check out the YSU Police website and add their contact information and number (330-941-3527) to your phone.

Download the YSU App

The Youngstown State University App can help you:

  1. Access all your campus information on the go
  2. Keep your classes, assignments, and events organized
  3. Join the campus discussion and connect with your peers
  4. Chat with your friends and see their timetables
  • Download the app on your apple or android device.

Living on Campus

  1. Complete the online Housing Application
  2. Immunizations
    • Under Ohio Law, all students residing in residence halls are required to inform the University of their meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccination status. Consult immunization information to find out more.

Meal Plan

  • Students who live on or off campus can purchase a Meal Plan for the many dining options available on YSU’s campus as well as using Pete’s Points off campus! Check out all there is to offer and learn more about what options are available to you at the Y Card site.

Attend Orientation, Register for Classes and Get Your Student ID

  • The Orientation dates can be found here. At First Year Orientation, you will register for your classes with an Academic Advisor within your college, register for classes, meet some of your peers, and so much more. Please submit a photo for your Y Card by using these Photo Submission Instructions. To register for First Year Student Orientation, log in to your Penguin Portal and click on the link "Register for Orientation" located on the left under "e-Services for Students."

Register with Accessibility Services

  • In college, unlike high school, a student is responsible to contact the Office of Accessibility Services to request assistance for any accommodations they may be needed. Students must register to be eligible for services. Learn more about their services at the Accessibility Services website.

Learn about FERPA

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the access and disclosure of your educational records maintained by the University. It states that all educational records and information can only be released to you directly unless you have given specific permission to release information to a third party. If you are interested in releasing your educational records like your classes, grades, etc., to a third party person, you can find more information about how to do that here.

Code of Conduct

  • As a new member of the University community, it is a part of your acceptance to the University to abide by the responsibilities and rights within the Student Code of Conduct.