Welcome Week

Thursday, August 21

IGNITE First Year Fest
3:00pm-7:00pm | M-81 Parking Lot & Stambaugh Stadium

Incoming first-year students, gear up for the ultimate IGNITE Tailgate! Join us for an afternoon filled with tailgate-style games, food, live music, and chances to meet your fellow Penguins. Kick off your college journey with school spirit, fun activities, and a preview of the exciting year ahead! Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Sunday, August 24 

Our Lady of Częstochowa Mass and Breakfast
11:00am-1:00pm | St. Columba Cathedral (159 W. Rayen Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503)
The Slavic Students Association, in partnership with PolishYoungstown, invite YSU students to 11am mass at St. Columba Cathedral, located at 159 W. Rayen Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503, to celebrate Our Lady of Częstochowa, an icon also known as the Black Madonna. RSVP for the breakfast after by calling (330)744-5233. Sponsored by Slavic Student Association

Campus Rec Kickoff
1:00pm-3:00pm | Campus Rec
Fight the Sunday scaries at the Rec! There will be crafts, open high ropes course, a sports challenge, yard games, & snacks. Contact: Dina Fabry, dmfabry@ysu.edu. Sponsored by Campus Rec

Monday, August 25 

FOR YOUR SUCCESS: Social Media Info Shorts on YSU Campus Services 
Monday, August 25-Friday, August 29  
Watch Instagram @ysu_experience and the YSU App chat for short, sweet info about campus services that you’ll Ψ. Answer the related questions on each post for a chance to win a DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven! Sponsored by Student Activities

Welcome Tent
7:30am-4:00pm | Maag Library Patio (North Entrance)
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our info tent if you need help finding your way, or just have any questions! Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Donuts and Coffee with Student Government Association
9:00am-11:00am | Campus Core, Near Howard Jones
Statue (Rain Location: DeBartolo Hall Lobby)
Come and talk with Student Government Representatives over some free donuts and coffee. Sponsored by Student Activities

Pencil Walk
9:00am-9:30am | All Around Campus
Keep an eye out this week for the littlest Penguins on campus as they hand out pencils to students and staff to welcome them back for the new school year. Sponsored by Wee Care Day Care

Come As You Are Hangout
10:00am-2:00pm | Daniel H. Becker Fountain Family Commons
Whether you're a creator, a listener, or just here for the vibes, this event is all about celebrating you. Come solo or bring your crew—just come as you are. Watch screen printing in action, catch Nasir Watson create a work of art, and listen to live music by Lemuel & Friends. Roll up your sleeves and dive into clay with the HELMS Foundation for a hands-on sculpting session, or contribute to our collaborative community canvas by artist Mike Egan. 

Lemuel & Friends is a creative collective that brings together a diverse blend of musicians, vocalists, poets, and instrumentalists with a shared mission to inspire, uplift, and move hearts. Fronted by Larry Lemuel, a gospel rap artist known for his authentic expression and powerful storytelling, the group delivers a dynamic live experience rooted in faith, artistry, and unity. The collective includes IV, a smooth R&B vocalist whose soulful delivery connects deeply with listeners; Indigo Forest, a genre blending act that fuses alt rock, folk, and R&B into a truly unique sound; and Uncle Aairo, an alternative R&B artist with bold creativity and emotional depth. Spoken word is brought to life by Atlas, a published poet through the Cuyahoga County Library, while Andrew Christian Brundidge contributes classical elegance as a skilled violinist. On keys is Andrae Reed, a YSU graduate who brings both mastery and soul, alongside Immanu El, a passionate and dynamic drummer. Together, Lemuel & Friends create more than just music. They create meaningful moments that reflect purpose, creativity, and a heart for the people.

Sponsored by YSU Department of Art and Student Activities

Welcome Week Library Event
11:00am-2:00pm | Maag Library Lobby
Maag Library welcomes students back to campus with popsicles, popcorn, giveaways, and Plinko with prizes.  Students can also create their own zine and show off some artistic street art with sidewalk chalk. Sponsored by Maag Library

Six-Word Stories: Come As You Are
11:00am-2:00pm | Maag Library Lobby
The Writing Center invites students to write a six-word story that reflects who they are, how they feel coming to college, or what Come As You Are means to them. We'll repeat this event on Tuesday, August 26 as well. Same time, Same place. Sponsored by Writing Center

The Green Team: Come As You Are, Recycle Where You Are 
11:00am-2:00pm | Maag Library Lobby
Discover how your everyday habits can make a big impact from a member of the Mahoning County Green Team. Stop by to learn easy recycling tips, test your eco-knowledge, and pledge your green goals on Monday or Tuesday. Sponsored by Language Learning Resource Center

Tuesday, August 26 

Welcome Tent
7:30am-4:00pm | Maag Library Patio (North Entrance)
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our info tent if you need help finding your way, or just have any questions! Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Puppy Palooza & the Student Organization Fair (Color Challenge Event)
10:00am-2:00pm | Campus Rec Lawn & Patio
Puppy Palooza is a chance to play with adoptable puppies and make treats for them! Donations accepted for the shelter, New Lease on Life! At the Student Org Fair, find ways to get involved on campus and make friends! Visit 100+ student orgs to chat with their members, learn what they do and find the one for you! For more information about Puppy Pallooza, contact Dina Fabry at dmfabry@ysu.edu. For information about the Student Organizations Fair, contact Caleb Queen at studentactivities@ysu.edu. Sponsored by Campus Rec and Student Activities

Just Bleach It (Color Challenge Event)
11:00am-1:00pm | Campus Core
Ready to ruin a shirt in the best way possible? Come make chaos look cool at Just Bleach It — a reverse tie-dye event for students who like a little edge with their arts and crafts. We’re talking black YSU tees, bleach spray, grunge vibes, and your own DIY masterpiece to take home. Let your inner Nirvana-era rebel run wild. No experience needed — just come as you are. Sponsored by First Year Student Services

No Such Thing as a Stupid Question
11:00am-1:00pm | Stavich Family Bridge & Maag Library Patio, North Entrance (Rain Location: entrance to Meshel Hall on the Stavich pedestrian bridge)
Come as you are to ask us any questions you have about college! Sponsored by Penguin Service Center

Welcome Week at Maag Library
11:00am-2:00pm | Maag Library Lobby
Maag Library welcomes students back to campus with popsicles, popcorn, giveaways, and Plinko with prizes.  Students can also create their own zine and show off some artistic street art with sidewalk chalk. Sponsored by Maag Library

Six-Word Stories: Come As You Are
11:00am-2:00pm | Maag Library Lobby
The Writing Center invites students to write a six-word story that reflects who they are, how they feel coming to college, or what Come As You Are means to them. Sponsored by Writing Center

Kickball! Volleyball! Four Square!
7:00pm-9:00pm | Next to Chick-fil-A near the Volleyball court
Good, old-fashioned playground games! Join in at any time and stay however short or long you'd like. A good place to meet new friends by playing or just sitting, watching and hanging out. Sponsored by H2O Church YSU

Wednesday, August 27

Welcome Week Activities - STEM Professional Services
9:00am-1:30pm | Outside Moser Hall (Rain Location: Moser Hall, Lobby)
Hey STEM students! Stop by our Welcome Week table for a fun raffle and game. As always, our awesome team will be there to chat and answer questions. Welcome Back! Sponsored by STEM Professional Services

ACE Welcome to Campus Cookie Giveaway
11:00am-1:00pm | Campus Core, Near Howard Jones Statue (Rain Location: Cushwa Hall Overhang)
ACE Union would like to welcome all students, faculty, staff, and administration to our beautiful campus to begin the Fall 2025 Semester with a sugar cookie giveaway.  We work to support students and want to show them what a great place they have chosen to receive their higher education! Sponsored by ACE Association of Classified Employees YSU

Welcome Week Cookout
11:00am-2:00pm | Carl Nunziato Veterans Resource Center
Student Veterans and dependents of Veterans are welcome to enjoy a hamburger, hot dog, and other picnic-style food and refreshments. Meet your fellow military-connected students and ask questions about potential education benefits. Sponsored by Office of Veterans Affairs

Free Pizza on the Lawn!
12:00pm-2:00pm | St. John's Episcopal Church, Front Lawn (323 Wick Ave)
Kick off the semester with a slice of something delicious! Join us on the front lawn of St. John’s Episcopal Church for free Westside Bowl pizza—served fresh until it’s gone. Whether you're new to campus or just hungry between classes, swing by, grab a slice, and hang out in the sunshine. All are welcome! Sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church

Fraternity & Sorority Showcase
6:00pm-8:00pm | McKay Auditorium, Beeghly Hall
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. Attendees are entered to win a jbl mini speaker! We are confident you can find a home within Greek Life and ensure a true Penguin Experience. For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu. Sponsored by Student Activities

Stand Up & Stand Out Comedy Show
7:30pm-9:00pm | Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Come as you are. Leave with sore cheeks. Join us for a celebration of authenticity, awkwardness, and everything in between. No RSVP needed—just show up and enjoy the show. Featuring three of the Midwest’s finest: 

Mike Paramore is the guy you fight to sit next to in a movie theatre, on a long car ride, or during a boring lecture. His natural ability to infuse everyday situations with energetic, uplifting humor, combined with a natural ability to put you at ease is key to his personal brand of comedy. Mike’s been featured on FOX’s Laughs, AXTV’s Live at Gotham, and has won comedy festivals across the country. His debut album The Things We Tell Ourselves is out now!

Tim Wolfe has jokes for days! Or at least a little over an hour. Winner of numerous comedy competitions (and the forever champion of the now-defunct Youngstown Comedy Festival) Tim’s jokes about poorly making sandwiches are surpassed only by his jokes about poorly working the register at PetSmart. Tim has opened for Tony Hinchcliffe, almost opened for Bob Saget, and filled in on a show Bobcat Goldthwaite didn’t wanna do. 

Cam Godfrey is a standup, sketch, and improv comedian from Cleveland, Ohio. She was a Cleveland Scene nominee for Best Female Comic, Rookie of the Year 2023 at the Cleveland Comedy Awards, and “Loudest Girl” in her high school yearbook. Cam produces standup, improv, and alt comedy programming around Cleveland with Bill Squire (WMMS) and Michael Busch (Conan, UCB) and is 
one of the city's most prolific performers. 

So, grab your friends and get ready to laugh until 
your face hurts. Because the funniest thing you can be… is yourself.  Sponsored by YSU University Theatre and Student Activities

Thursday, August 28

Welcome Week Activities - STEM Professional Services
9:00am-1:30pm | Outside Ward Beecher Hall (Rain Location: Lobby)
Hey STEM students! Stop by our Welcome Week table for a fun raffle and game. As always, our awesome team will be there to chat and answer questions.  Welcome Back! Sponsored by STEM Professional Services

Fostering Penguins Meet and Greet
10:00am-12:00pm | Campus Rec, Conference Room
The Dean of Students Office is piloting Fostering Penguins this semester, a program for foster-connected students to help them navigate college and provide resources to overcome barriers. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Dean of Students

Welcome Week Cookout
11:00am-2:00pm | Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center
Student Veterans and dependents of Veterans are welcome to enjoy a hamburger, hot dog, and other picnic-style food and refreshments. Meet your fellow military-connected students and ask questions about potential education benefits. Sponsored by Office of Veterans Affairs

Free Pizza on the Lawn!
12:00pm-2:00pm | St. John's Episcopal Church, Front Lawn (323 Wick Ave)
Kick off the semester with a slice of something delicious! Join us on the front lawn of St. John’s Episcopal Church for free Westside Bowl pizza—served fresh until it’s gone. Whether you're new to campus or just hungry between classes, swing by, grab a slice, and hang out in the sunshine. All are welcome! Sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church

Open House: Dean of Students, Student Counseling, Accessibility Services, & Penguin Pantry
1:00pm-3:00pm | DeBartolo Hall, 3rd Floor
Come and visit the 3rd floor of DeBartolo and see all the resources available to students. Light refreshments, giveaways and raffle prizes!  Sponsored by Accessibility Services, Student Counseling Services, and Dean of Students Offices

YSU Day Tailgate
3:00pm-6:00pm | Beeghly Center South Entrance (Outdoors, across from the Rec)
Get ready for YSU Football with music, games, and good vibes–the perfect pre-game atmosphere! This one is exclusive to YSU Students as part of Welcome Week! Come as you are and enjoy games, trivia, crafts, snacks, music, and more! The University Archives will help us celebrate YSU Day, the anniversary of the day YSU became a state university.  It’s a celebration of all things YSU and what it means to be a proud Penguin. Don't miss the  YSU Marching Pride Band with their Meet the Pride Performance next to the party! Sponsored by Student Activities, YSU Marching Pride, Maag Library, and Campus Rec

Build A Penguin Lottery
3:00pm–4:30pm | Follow @ysu_experience on Instagram to find out the location. 
Follow @ysu_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

Build A Penguin Walk Up
4:30pm–Til They’re Gone! | Follow @ysu_experience on Instagram to find out the location. 
Follow @ysu_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 4:30pm. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin. And guess what? We’ve got more fun in store! 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

Friday, August 29

Y-Day Friday Kickoff
11:00am-1:00pm | All Around Campus
Wear YSU gear every Friday for a chance to win prizes from Student Activities! Did you know that the penalty flag was first created by former Youngstown State University football coach, Dwight Dike Beede on Oct. 17, 1941? It was first used in a game against Oklahoma City University at Youngstown’s Rayen Stadium. It's now used in every competitive football game worldwide. We’re calling infractions! Every Friday, be on the lookout for campus referees who will throw down the flag if they see you wearing another university's gear! Follow @ysu_experience as they reward those with penguin pride. Sponsored by Student Activities

Ohio Innocence Project - Info Table
2:00pm-6:00pm | Campus Core
Swing by our table to learn how the Ohio Innocence Project at YSU fights for justice. Grab some free swag, browse real stories of wrongful convictions, and find out how you can get involved to support wrongfully convicted individuals. Sponsored by Ohio Innocence Project - YSU 

Femme Energy: Sabrina Carpenter Album Release & Dance Party  
7:00pm-10:00pm | 3rd Floor, The Federal (110 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503)
Celebrate the drop of Man’s Best Friend with a night of dancing, pop perfection, and femme-powered vibes! Join us for a high-energy dance party featuring tracks from Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, plus hits from Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli xcx, SZA, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Taylor Swift and more! We’re turning up the volume on our playlist full of fierce, fabulous women in music. Transportation will be available. PICK UP THE MIDNIGHT SHUTTTLE AT THE CORNER OF TRESSEL WAY AND ELM STREET—BY SWEENEY HALL AND THE PENGUIN STATUE AT THE CIRCLE! The Shuttle will run 6:30pm until 10:30 pm. Every 20 minutes. Grab your friends and lose yourself on the dance floor. Visit ysu.edu/welcomeweek for details.  Sponsored by Student Activities

Mic Check: Punk & Emo Karaoke Night   
7:00pm-10:00pm | 1st Floor, The Federal 
(110 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503)
Turn up the volume and let your angst fly. It’s karaoke night with a punk twist—raw, loud, and totally cathartic. Whether you're into pop-punk bangers or emo deep cuts, this is your chance to sing your heart out and leave it all on the stage. Catch a ride downtown on the Midnight Shuttle and visit ysu.edu/welcomeweek for details. Sponsored by Student Activities

Saturday, August 30

Pins & LPs: Westside Bowl Vinyl Night, Bowling 
& Live Music 
6:00pm-10:00pm | Westside Bowl (2617 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH 44509)
Lace up your bowling shoes and dust off your dance moves—it’s time to roll into the most laid-back, feel-good night of Welcome Week! Whether you're a pro or just here for the free pizza and gutter balls, our lanes are open to all.  Level up your bowling skills with the NCAA Division I 2025 National Champions, your YSU Women's Bowling Team and Coach Doug Kuberski! They'll share their best tips and we will celebrate their amazing accomplishment. While you bowl, DJs will spin classic grooves and deep cuts straight from the turntable. From punk to disco to hip-hop gems, it’s all about the music that moves you. Dig through vinyl at Cycle Breakers Records & Tapes and enter for a chance to win a gift card to grab your new favorite album. Arcade games will be buzzing, so bring your game face and rack up some high scores. Don't miss Roots Reggae Singer Milton Blake's Temporary Obstacle Vinyl release show with special guest performer J.R. Blessington backed by The Royal Fyah Band. Transportation will be available. PICK UP THE MIDNIGHT SHUTTTLE AT THE CORNER OF TRESSEL WAY AND ELM STREET—BY SWEENEY HALL AND THE PENGUIN STATUE AT THE CIRCLE! The Shuttle will run 5:30pm until 10:30 pm. Every 30 minutes. Come solo or bring your crew—no pressure, just pins and good times. Sponsored by Student Activities

Sunday, August 31

H2O Church 
11:00am-12:00pm | DeBartolo Hall 132
H2O Church YSU is a student org that meets on campus. They invite you to their first Sunday gathering of the semester! Come meet other YSU students who are exploring their faith in college. Sponsored by H2O Church YSU

Tuesday, September 2 

T-Shirt Exchange Open House: Find Our New Offices
10:00am-1:00pm | Silvestri Hall Basement
Where did Student Activities, Student Government, and Graphic Services go? Find us (it’s not that hard) and bring a t shirt from another university or something you no longer wear. We’ll give that one to charity and we’ll give you a spankin’ new YSU spirit shirt or trinket of your choice. Enjoy some snacks with us and learn about our upcoming events and programs! Students, faculty, and staff are welcome! Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government, and Graphic Services

Relax at the Rec 
4:00pm-7:00pm | Campus Rec Lawn
Relieve stress and relax at the Rec! Activities include: PUPPIES!!! Walking adult dogs to Wick Park from 4-5pm, making puppy treat bags for the shelter (*We're accepting donations for the shelter, New Lease on Life), VR Gaming, Guided Painting from 4:30pm – 5:30pm, Prizes, High Ropes Course, Yard Games, Food, and More! Contact: Dina Fabry, dmfabry@ysu.edu. Sponsored by Campus Rec