YSU launches restructured New Student Orientation program this week

Youngstown State University launches a restructured New Student Orientation program Tuesday, April 17, with the first of a dozen orientation sessions for the 2018-19 academic year.

The revised orientation program is designed to introduce incoming students to the diverse campus life and connect them with classmates, all of which is part of an institution-wide effort to establish a strong foundation for student success.

The new program started last fall with the creation of a New Student Intake Planning Group that was charged with taking a cross-divisional approach to welcoming new first-year students to YSU. The group has focused on how to create and connect key experiences across the entire summer to strengthen students’ affiliation with YSU and increase their confidence and readiness to start classes in the fall.

Under the new approach, incoming students will complete a pre-registration questionnaire prior to orientation that will provide academic advisors with detailed information related to course selection and registration.  Students will spend the majority of their orientation session getting to know fellow classmates in small groups led by an orientation leader, and all students will meet individually with an advisor from their college to discuss degree and major requirements and finalize their fall registration. While students participate in activities and advising sessions, parents will receive information on academic and social transitions, safety and wellness at YSU and the financial aid and billing processes.  

In addition, after orientation and throughout the summer before the start of fall semester classes, new students will complete multiple online training modules, including sexual violence prevention training and financial literacy training. "Delivering modules over the summer ensures students have critical information before their first semester begins, and also gives parents and students the opportunity to discuss these important issues," said Claire Berardini, associate provost of Student Success.

Also over the summer, incoming students can stay in contact with the student orientation leaders they meet at orientation through the YSU app, strengthening personal connections on campus.

All new students will return to campus for the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 20.

For information on how to register for an orientation session, visit the Orientation webpage.

"We look forward to welcoming all of our new students," Berardini said. "We also appreciate any assistance that our faculty and staff can provide to students and families throughout these programs."

Anyone who would like to be more involved in the orientation program,  email to firstyear@ysu.edu.