YSU Sokolov Honors College welcomes 145 students during early orientation, continues accepting applications

Youngstown State University’s Sokolov Honors College recently concluded two consecutive honors orientation programs, welcoming a total of 145 new students to campus on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.

Designed to meet the unique needs of honors students, the programs provided participants with an in-depth introduction to YSU while fostering meaningful connections with faculty, staff and fellow students. Honors was intentionally integrated throughout each day, with programming planned and delivered by honors students, faculty and staff, offering new students authentic opportunities to engage in the honors experience.

“These programs reflect our belief that honors is for academically motivated students who love learning and want to differentiate their educational experience,” said Amy Cossentino, associate provost and dean. “We want students to see honors as a welcoming community where they can explore their interests, connect across disciplines and build meaningful relationships both on campus and throughout the region.”

The Friday, March 20, orientation was open to honors students from all majors. Participants explored how honors learning encourages collaboration across disciplines. A featured community partner, the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, introduced students to opportunities to begin volunteering over the summer and beyond.

Friday’s program concluded with a special end-of-day reception hosted by the Butler Institute of American Art, another valued community partner. The Butler welcomed honors students to the museum, introduced them to its collections and provided each student with a complimentary membership, encouraging continued engagement with arts and culture in the region.

The Saturday, March 21, orientation offered a focused experience for students in the YSU-BaccMed program, an application-based pre-medical pathway, as well as other STEM majors. Community partners Northeast Ohio Medical University and U.S. Army Medicine participated in the program, sharing information about academic pathways, experiential learning opportunities and future careers in health and science fields.

Community engagement was a central theme across both programs, underscoring the Honors College’s commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary exploration and supporting students who are motivated to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

The Sokolov Honors College application remains open for students who are curious, engaged and highly motivated to make the most of their college experience. Open to students from all majors, honors at YSU provides enhanced learning experiences, close connections with faculty, leadership and research opportunities, and a supportive community designed to help students explore their interests and challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom. Students interested in learning more or beginning the application process are encouraged to visit ysu.edu/applytohonors.

Universitywide summer orientation programs begin in late May, and all honors students who attend orientation throughout the summer will have an opportunity to connect with honors faculty, staff and current students during a special honors morning session held on each program day.

For more information about the Honors College, contact honors@ysu.edu or call 330-941-2772.