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The First Year Student Services department offers a variety of student employment opportunities. Each position serves a major role in providing the best experience and support for our first year students at Youngstown State University. Our Orientation Leaders, IGNITE Ambassadors, and Peer Leaders serve as mentors for our first year students to aid in the process of acclimating them to a college setting.
Orientation Leaders serve as one of the most valuable resources for new students as they attend Orientation. They give students one-on-one advice and information on the college-going experience from a student perspective as they lead a team of new students for the day. As an Orientation Leader, you will also work closely with the First Year Student Services professional staff to ensure that first year students receive valuable information during their Orientation to help them have a smooth transition to college life.
As an IGNITE Ambassador, you will play a key role in welcoming incoming first-year students to our campus during one of the largest events of the year. You will assist in organizing and facilitating a daylong celebration that showcases Penguin Pride, engages new students in fun activities, and provides essential information about university life. Your enthusiasm and dedication will ensure that incoming students feel supported and excited about joining our university community.
Peer Leaders will work in the Fall and Spring semesters supporting a group of students in their first year at YSU. Peer Leaders serve as a valuable connection between new students and campus resources, to make the YSU experience more enjoyable for students, and to help fellow peers as they navigate their first year at YSU. As a Peer Leader, you will also work closely with the First Year Student Services professional staff to ensure that first year students have opportunities that make their first year at YSU great. The Peer Leader program also supports instructors in implementing YSU 1500 Success Seminar course. This includes class visits, preparing PowerPoints and other presentation materials, creating videos about campus resources and other helpful information, and duties as assigned based on the specific course and instructor needs. The Peer Leader Program does not replace the expertise of faculty or college counselors. Instead, Peer Leaders give students one-on-one advising from a different perspective on the college-going experience.