WELCOME WEEK | FALL 2024 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!
Make the most of your first week on campus August 26–30! Enjoy these great events all week long as we celebrate decades past and get you ready to create your own era at YSU! Student Activities and departments all over campus have planned a fun start to the semester for you to enjoy before you get too busy with classes.
Events with an * are a part of the First Year Student Services Color Challenge. The Color Challenge is an exciting initiative by First-Year Student Services to encourage first-year student involvement through various campus activities. Students are grouped into color teams during IGNITE in August and can earn points by attending different campus events. A QR code check-in process at each event tracks participation, and the team with the most points at the end of the semester wins a prize!
Freshman Events Pre-Welcome Week:
Thursday, August 22, 2024
IGNITE
3:00pm - 7:00pm | Campus Core
Incoming first-year students, get ready for IGNITE! This daylong celebration will offer fun activities, live entertainment, opportunities to meet fellow students, and a chance to learn more about university life!
PNC MOBILE BANKING UNIT ON CAMPUS
August 16 - August 22
In Front of the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Hours of Service
August 16–10am to 5pm
August 17–10am to 3pm
August 18–10am to 3pm
August 19–9am to 5pm
August 20–9am to 5pm
August 21–9am to 5pm
August 22–9am to 7pm (Open later for Ignite)
As the official banking partner of YSU, PNC Bank will be providing a mobile bank on campus during IGNITE in front of the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
The following services will be provided:
- In Person Account Opening
- In Person Account Servicing
- Teller Deposits
- ATM Services
Learn more here
Friday, August 23, 2024
CLASS FIND TOURS
9:00am - 4:00 pm | The Cove
Need help finding your classes? Join us for Class Find Tours, where IGNITE Ambassadors will assist you in locating your classroom buildings across campus. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus and ensure you're ready for the first day of classes!
Welcome Week BEGINS
Monday, August 26, 2024
FALL SEMESTER BEGINS
*WELCOME & INFORMATION TENTS
7:30am–5:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons, Outside Debartolo Hall, and Outside Maag Library
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our tent if you can't find a building, are lost on the way to class, or just need anything! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need. Sponsored by First Year Student Services
OHIO INNOCENCE PROJECT AT YSU
8:00am- 4:00pm (All Week, Monday through Friday) | Outside Kilcawley Center, Facing Campus Core
Each day you can see an interactive slideshow and try to win some prizes. There will be a GRAND PRIZE given out at the end of Welcome Week. Sponsored by Ohio Innocence Project at YSU
DONUTS AND COFFEE WITH STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
9:00am–11:00am | Outside Kilcawley Center, Facing Campus Core (Rain Location: Lower Arcade, Kilcawley Center)
Come and talk with Student Government representatives over some free donuts and coffee. Sponsored by Student Government Association
*EMBRACE YOUR ERA WITH MAAG
11:00am–2:00pm | Maag Library North Entrance/Lobby (Rain Location: Maag Lobby)
Make your own Swiftie or Pete beaded bracelet, play Plinko to win prizes, grab a give-a-way, enjoy popcorn and Popsicles, come mingle and play corn hole. Sponsored by Maag Library
*GROOVE FEST
11:00am-2:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons (Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center)
Step back in time at our groovy 70s-themed student mixer! Channel your inner hippie and create your own flower crown, enjoy tie-dye crafts, and mingle with new friends. Find out how well you know your old friends in “The Friending Game.” Indulge in nostalgic snacks like ice cream, Tang, and Kool-Aid. Sponsored by Student Activities
TIE DYE TRAIL MIX
11:00am–2:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons (Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center)
Discover the colorful world of tie-dye and the tasty joy of trail mix at our free event! Join us for a hands-on experience. Create vibrant, tasty, tie-dye treats. Unleash your creativity and satisfy your snack cravings—all in one fun-filled 70s party! Sponsored by YSU Eats (YSU Dining by Chartwells)
STUDENT GOVERNMENT BODY MEETING (Open to Public)
4:00pm–5:00pm | Rossi Room, Kilcawley Center
Come watch Student Government’s first body meeting! Representative spots are open, so please swing by and see what we do! Sponsored by Student Government Association
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
*WELCOME & INFORMATION TENTS
7:30am-5:00pm | The Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons, Outside Debartolo Hall, Outside Maag Library
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our tent if you can't find a building, are lost on the way to class, or just need anything! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need. Sponsored by First Year Student Services
Mission: Impossible
6:00pm-8:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons
A mystery that spans the decades remains yet to be solved. Do you and your team of friends have what it takes to come together prove the impossible to be possible? Join H2O Church for an evening of problem solving, code-cracking, and sleuthing to uncover the truth and acquire victory for your team of spies. No registration required. Sponsored by H2O Church (student organization)
*STUDENT ORGANIZATION FAIR
10:00am–2:00pm | Campus Core (Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center)
Get stoked about being involved on campus! Don’t miss out on the gnarly student organization fair! Swing by campus core to chat with totally tubular representatives from our student groups. Sponsored by Student Activities
EMBRACE YOUR ERA WITH MAAG
11:00pm–2:00pm | Maag Library North Entrance/Lobby (Rain Location: Maag Lobby)
Make your own Swiftie or Pete beaded bracelet, play Plinko to win prizes, grab a give-a-way, enjoy popcorn and Popsicles, come mingle and play corn hole. Sponsored by Maag Library
LEARNING | LEADING | SERVING WELCOME BACK OPEN HOUSE
12:00pm–2:00pm | Front Lawn, Fok Hall & Office of Community Engagement (2nd Floor, Melnick Hall) (Rain Location for Fok Hall: First Floor Classroom)
Stop by Fok and Melnick Halls to meet the people from the Sokolov Honors College, Office of Community Engagement, and Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork. A limited number of giveaway items will be distributed while supplies last. Sponsored by Sokolov Honors College
TECH TALK: YSU IT RESOURCES FOR INCOMING STUDENTS
1:00pm-2:00pm | Rossi Room, Kilcawley Center
Learn about YSU IT resources for students! We will discuss the Penguin Portal, Blackboard, and the Micrsoft 365 suite which includes your OneDrive. Sponsored by IT Training Services
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
DANCE PARTY
10:00am–2:00pm | Presidents Suite, Kilcawley Center
Come join YSU’s Dance Marathon Program, Guinathon in a Just Dance competition. Two individuals compete and whoever scores the highest is the winner of our grand prize! We will all dance for the kids who cannot! Sponsored by Guinathon
STEM SPS WELCOME WEEK TABLE
10:30am–1:00pm | Outside of Moser Hall, near the front entrance (Rain Location: Moser Hall Lobby)
STEM Student Professional Services provides academic, career and financial resources. Stop by to meet our staff and learn how our office can support your academic and career goals. Games and goodies will also be available! Sponsored by STEM Student Professional Services
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
ACE UNION WELCOMES YOU BACK TO CAMPUS
11:00am–1:00pm | Outside Near Tod Hall and the President Jones Statue
Employees in the ACE union work in all areas of campus and would like to welcome students, faculty, staff, and administration to the new academic year with a sugar cookie giveaway. We work to support students and want to show them what a great place they’ve chosen to receive their higher education! Sponsored by ACE Union
*BLOCK PARTY: 90S REWIND
11:00am–2:00pm | Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Celebrate all things '90s at the Block Party! Learn about rad campus services, enjoy nostalgic bites at our mac and cheese bar, and register to score some big prizes. Party like you’re in the club with our dance floor and sick beats from our DJ. Discover trivia that’ll make you feel like you’re back in the era of slap bracelets and Tamagotchis! Sponsored by Student Activities
OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WELCOME WEEK COOKOUT
11:00am–2:00pm | Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center
Student Veterans and dependents of Veterans are welcome to attend a picnic at the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center. Enjoy a hamburger, hotdog, and other picnic-style food and refreshments. Meet your fellow military-connected students and ask questions about potential education benefits. Sponsored by the Office of Veterans Affairs
WELCOME WEEK PLANNER PALOOZA
2:00pm–4:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons (Rain Location: under the Kilcawley Center Overhang)
Dive into creativity with friends! Join us for a planner decorating event. Bring your planner and decorate it with stickers, washi tape, and more. Express yourself while staying organized! Kick off the semester with style! Planners available while supplies last. Sponsored by Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork
MEET THE GREEKS
6:00pm–8:30pm | Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Learn about what fraternities and sororities do on a daily basis and meet the chapters. Our members hold leadership positions in numerous student organizations and carry out top philanthropy efforts annually. We are confident you can find a home within Greek Life and ensure a true Penguin Experience. Sponsored by Student Activities
Thursday, August 29, 2024
*PUPPY PALOOZA
10:00am–2:00pm | Grassy Area Next to the Rec Center (Rain Location: Basketball Courts, Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center)
To kick off the start of the semester, come play with adoptable puppies! Donations will be accepted for the shelter at the event! Sponsored by Campus Recreation
BUILD A PENGUIN LOTTERY
10:00am–12:00pm | Follow @ysu_penguin_experience on Instagram to find out the location.
Follow @ysu_penguin_experience on Instagram to get the link to enter. This is your chance to be randomly selected with a limited number of students guaranteed to build a stuffed penguin! Winners receive a private link to sign up for their Thursday time slot to enter the “build a penguin factory.” This event is exclusively for current YSU students. You must present your YSU ID to claim your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin. Sponsored by Student Activities
STEM SPS WELCOME WEEK TABLE
10:30am–1:00pm | Campus Core (Near the Red Statue), Moser Hall (Rain Location: Moser Hall Lobby)
STEM Professional Services provides academic, career, and financial resources. Stop by to meet our staff and learn how our office can support your academic and career goals. Games and goodies will also be available! Sponsored by STEM Student Professional Services
OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WELCOME WEEK COOKOUT
11:00am–2:00pm | Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center
Student Veterans and dependents of Veterans are welcome to attend a picnic at the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center. Enjoy a hamburger, hotdog, and other picnic-style food and refreshments. Meet your fellow military-connected students and ask questions about potential education benefits. Sponsored by the Office of Veterans Affairs
*GET THE SCOOP ON SUCCESS!
11:00am–2:00pm (or when the ice cream runs out) | Outside the Academic Success Center, Under the Kilcawley Overhang (Rain Location: Resch Academic Success Center)
Do you like free ice cream? The Resch Academic Success Center will be hosting an ice cream social and open house. Stop by the ASC for ice cream, prizes, and a chance to learn more about what services we can provide you to help you find success on campus! Sponsored by the Resch Academic Success Center
PENGUIN FLIP WITH THE PSC (PENGUIN SERVICE CENTER)
11:00am–12:30pm | Outside Meshel Hall, Near the Entrance to the Stavich Family Walking Bridge (Rain Location: Meshel Hall, Near the Entrance on the Bridge)
Come meet the Penguin Service Center and play Penguin Flip! Start your Penguin Era off right by winning prizes and learning about all the PSC has to offer! Sponsored by the Penguin Service Center
BUILD A PENGUIN WALK UP
12:00pm until they’re gone! | Follow @ysu_penguin_experience on Instagram to find out the location.
Build a penguin so fluffy! We’re offering a limited number of 150 adorable penguins available for walk-ups starting at 12pm. This event is exclusively for current YSU students. You must present your YSU ID to claim your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin. And guess what? We’ve got more fun in store! While you’re there, enjoy playing outdoor games and maybe even create some chalk art. It’s going to be a waddle-tastic time! Sponsored by Student Activities
YSU PENGUIN PULSE VOLUNTEER FAIR
1:00pm–3:00pm | Rossi Room, Kilcawley Center
Join the Office of Community Engagement for our annual YSU PenguinPulse Volunteer Fair. Students, faculty, and staff can register for the event on YSU PenguinPulse. YSU PenguinPulse is the university's online platform for tracking community engagement and connecting with local community partners. Here's the perfect chance to find different volunteer events, network with organizations, and discover service opportunities. Sponsored by Sokolov Honors College
OPEN HIGH ROPES COURSE
4:30pm–6:30pm | Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Gather your friends and experience our open high ropes course! Sponsored by Campus Rec
Friday, August 30, 2024
Y-DAY FRIDAY KICKOFF
Calling all students, faculty and staff! Show your Penguin pride by wearing YSU gear every Friday. Share pictures of friends and colleagues each week on Instagram tagging @ysu_penguin_experience for a chance to win even more YSU swag throughout the semester. Sponsored by Student Activities
YSU DAY
11:00am–2:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons (Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center)
YSU Day commemorates the day we became part of the Ohio state school system. Join us to explore YSU’s history with Maag Library experts! Show your YSU spirit by painting the rock, test your knowledge with trivia questions, grab a sweet treat, and snag some YSU swag. Plus, don’t miss the YSU Marching Pride performance! Sponsored by Student Activities
YSU EATS—SPIN THE PRIZE WHEEL!
11:00am–2:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons (Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center)
Spin to win at our free Prize Wheel! Join the excitement as every spin offers a chance to score awesome prizes and surprises. Grab a friend for a thrilling day of games and giveaways—don't miss out on this spin-tastic opportunity! Sponsored by YSU Eats (Chartwells)
FRATERNITY/SORORITY INFO FAIR
11:00am–1:00pm | Outside Kilcawley Center, Facing Campus Core
Looking for ways to get involved on campus that include community service and leadership opportunities? Talk with representatives from our fraternities and sororities. Take a walk through the fair and decide if you want to go through the recruitment process! Sponsored by Student Activities
*SCAVENGER HUNT
3:00pm-5:00pm | The Cove, Kilcawley West
Get your team of 4 together and join our thrilling campus-wide scavenger hunt for a chance to win epic prizes! Dive into the 2010s with challenges and items from your childhood, snap selfies with iconic YSU landmarks, and race across campus to check off everything on your list. Register your team here Compete for a chance to win one of these prizes:
- Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel 30-ounce Tumbler
- Eddie Bauer Penguin Blanket
- Big Emperor Penguin Stuffed Animal
Sponsored by Student Activities
Thursday, September 5, 2024
HARVEST HANGOUT
4:00pm–7:00pm | Grassy Area Outside Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center (Rain Location Rec Basketball Courts)
Join us for an evening full of fall festivities to kickoff the semester! Sponsored by Campus Rec, Housing & Residence Life, & Student Activities.