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  • Helpful Campus Partners

    Accessibility Services

    Accessibility Services provides support to students with physical, medical, learning, hearing, visual, and psychological disabilities. The office works in conjunction with students and faculty in the process to establish accommodations, services, and access to academic programs. Accessibility Services strives to create an accessible community where people are judged on their ability, not their disability. They are also committed to fostering a positive attitude toward individuals with disabilities.

    Office of Career Exploration & Development

    The Office of Career Exploration & Development supports student futures in preparation for work or further education in a diverse and technological world by enhancing the alignment of student values, interests, personalities, and strengths with choice of major and career. Programming and interventions empower students to explore diverse occupational fields and academic programs while providing career development and professional preparation opportunities for job/internship seekers and alumni. 

    Office of the Dean of Students

    The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) provides support, education, guidance, and advocacy to all members of our campus community. In support of YSU’s commitment to “place students at its center,” this office is dedicated to ensuring that individuals have a centralized point of contact to discuss extenuating situations and concerns, specifically those related to mental and physical health, hospitalizations, food, and housing insecurities, challenging family situations, issues with faculty or staff members, or any other barriers that may impede their success while maintaining campus safety and fostering a culture of civility, character, and respect. The DOS team is comprised of professionals from three critical areas that work together to assist students: Student Counseling Services, Community Standards & Student Conduct, and Student Advocacy and Support.

    Office of Equal Opportunity, Title IX & Policy Development

    The Office of Equal Opportunity, Policy Development & Title IX supports Youngstown State University’s commitment to promoting human and intellectual diversity by fostering an inclusive environment for all members of the University community. The office also promotes university success by administering the University's Policy against discrimination/harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. The Office of Equal Opportunity, Policy Development & Title IX oversees the University’s compliance with federal and state laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and ADA, that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, sex, pregnancy, religion, color, age, national origin, veteran and/or military status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or parental status. The Office of Equal Opportunity, Policy Development & Title IX is the campus home of the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

    Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

    The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to helping students with the financial aid process. Every effort to communicate all available financial resources is made. One of our main objectives is to offer students and parents a complete financial aid package early to plan for college expenses.

    Penguin Service Center

    The Penguin Service Center is a single place to receive essential information, find guidance, and resolve enrollment-related concerns in the areas of financial aid, records and registration, and student billing. The Penguin Service Center aims to significantly reduce the shuffle of being routed from office to office so instead of visiting several locations, they provide most services you need at one convenient location.

    Resch Center for Academic Success

    The mission of the Resch Academic Success Center is to provide resources and support to promote the academic success of all YSU students. The Center promises to create a welcoming and judgment-free environment, help discover new ways to learn, foster opportunities to reflect on, and apply, what is learned, challenge active participation, provide opportunities to engage with other students, and support students in applying their education to reach their goals. The Resch Center for Academic Success believes that all students can be successful through persistence, effort, and a focus on learning.

    Student Counseling Services

    Student Counseling Services provides free, short-term counseling for currently enrolled YSU students; consultation and referral services for the YSU community; and outreach to promote appropriate mental health skills through community, accountability, and mutual respect.

    Wick Primary Care

    Wick Primary Care, through Mercy Health, is YSU’s student health center. Walk-in appointments are available, or appointments for service can be scheduled in advance. Health care is available for illness, injury, and routine health maintenance during fall and spring academic semesters and on a limited basis during summer and breaks weeks.

  • Child & Dependent Care

    Wee Care Daycare and Learning Centre

    Wee Care Day Care and Learning Centre is the official daycare/preschool provider for all YSU affiliates. The Wee Care Day Care – Youngstown State University discount is available to all YSU faculty, staff, students, and active alumni. Partnership discounts are based on household incomes above or below $50,000. The YSU facility, located in Fedor Hall, is open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM to accommodate morning and evening classes.

    Alta Penguin Program

    Alta Head Start/Early Head Start offers quality educational programs in a nurturing, secure, and developmentally appropriate setting for children from birth to five. Qualified, credentialed teachers who are trained in best practice academic and social-emotional standards, as well as other trained support staff, provide children a preschool experience focused on school readiness skill development.

    YSU Day Care Assistance Program

    The Day Care Assistance Program is offered to eligible students through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. it is available for the Fall and Spring semesters but is not offered in the summer. The program issues reimbursement to YSU students for daycare-related costs.

  • Child-Friendly Spaces On-Campus

    Curriculum Resource Center (CRC)

    Located on the main floor of Beeghly Hall, the CRC contains children’s books, kits, puppets, and more. Anyone with a valid YSU ID can borrow books from the Curriculum Resource Center. 

    Family Study Room in Maag Library

    Located on the lower level, room 143, the family study room is a place where parents can bring their children to study. While there is no childcare provided, the space allows for up to three families to work together and provide child-friendly furniture, children's books, toys, and technology. The key for the room can be checked out at the Circulation Desk.

    Lactation Rooms

    YSU offers three lactation rooms on campus, available on a first-come, first serve basis. You must ask for a key for access to the rooms and provide an ID to check out the key. To check out a key, visit the Dean’s Office in Cushwa Hall, the Circulation Desk at Maag Library, or contact Ryan McNicholas at 330-941-2207 or ramcnicholas@ysu.edu for access to Beeghly Center. 

    Room Locations:

    • Cushwa Hall, room 2504
    • Beeghly Center, room 200a (use southeast entrance)  
    • Maag Library, room 147 (lower level) 

    Restrooms with Changing Tables

    Restrooms with changing tables can be found using the YSU MOBILE APP.

  • Family-Friendly Entertainment Options On/Near Campus

    Arms Family Museum

    The museum features the Arms family’s love of handicrafts, medieval architecture, and the natural environment. Artifacts displayed in changing galleries highlight the Historical Society’s collections of decorative arts, clothing, textiles, and fine artwork.

    Butler Institute of American Art

    The Butler is unique among museums. It exists to collect and preserve works of art in all media that have been created by citizens of this country. From the crowning pieces of its permanent collection to the temporary exhibits, a walk through the Butler is a walk-through of American history. And what is most surprising about The Butler, is how the art jumps off the wall in this intimate setting.

    Campus Recreation Birthday Parties

    Campus Recreation is excited to announce birthday party packages to groups of up to 20 people on select Saturdays and Sundays from 2 PM - 5 PM throughout the year. Participants need to be at least 8 years of age and safely fit in our harnesses to participate. Package cost can include a climbing wall and or/high ropes course, basketball court use, food, and cake (depending on which package is selected). Food (excluding care) must be purchased through Youngstown State University Dining (Chartwells) services and can be contacted at 330-941-3391 or by visiting their website at YSU Dining. Outside food is prohibited. Parties must be booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. For more information and available dates, please contact R.J. Markowitz, Coordinator of Adventure Recreation, at ramarkowitz@ysu.edu.

    Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum

    The product of a generous donation from a local family, The Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum showcases high-quality specimens from around the world! Conveniently located on the campus of Youngstown State University, the museum lies within walking distance of several local points of interest. Stop in for a minute or an hour, by yourself or with a group, during open hours, or by appointment; the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum is here for the education and enjoyment of the community!

    Family Day at the Rec

    The next Family Day at Campus Rec is scheduled for Fall 2022. More info to come!

    McDonough Museum of Art

    The McDonough Museum of Art seeks to expand the teaching and research function of the University by generating compelling academic and public programs. The mission of the McDonough Museum of Art reinforces the mission of the Cliffe College of Creative Arts and that of Youngstown State University in placing academic excellence, scholarship, and innovation at the center of our operations. The Museum works together with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students of the Department of Art to develop programs and exhibitions that enhance the Department’s contemporary and interdisciplinary teaching mission. It aligns curation with the curriculum to strengthen and deepen the educational function of the museum in teaching and training students. The Museum offers a range of dynamic programs that include exhibitions, installations, performances, and lectures inviting campus and community members to discover and explore meaning in contemporary art.

    Melnick Medical Museum

    In support of Youngstown State University’s mission to enrich the cultural environment, create diverse educational experiences, and engage the surrounding community, the Melnick Medical Museum is dedicated to the collection and preservation of objects that document the history of medicine (including dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy), especially as it relates to Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley from the 18th century to the present. Through its exhibits, educational programs, and public events, the Museum provides a greater understanding and appreciation of medicine to the academic community, students, practitioners of medicine, and the general public.

    OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology

    OH WOW!’s colorful, the hands-on environment encourages independent thinking through interactive STEM-based exhibits and EDUtaining programs. Their major services and programs reflect our academic focus, which is on children ages 0 to 14, with “EDUtainment” opportunities for learners of all ages. There are now eleven galleries, or WOW! Zones and more than sixty hands-on, interactive opportunities, or exhibits, linked to the educational content standards of Ohio & Pennsylvania in OH WOW! OH WOW!’s permanent exhibit collections promote understanding of the Scientific Process of Inquiry, encouraging visitors to make observations, draw conclusions from those observations, and adjust or modify their experiments (or actions) to get a different (or better) result.

    Pete and Penny’s Summer Camps

    Pete's Kids Club

    Pete’s Kids Club members receive free admission to all YSU athletic events (except playoff games), an official Pete’s Kids Club t-shirt, official Kids Club membership card, free Texas Roadhouse kids meal voucher, YSU “Fan Pack,” exclusive events at select football and basketball games, special pricing for “family” season tickets, and much more! Open to 8th grade and under for $25 per year.

    Ward Beecher Planetarium

    The Ward Beecher Planetarium, located on the Youngstown State University (YSU) campus, serves as an astronomy and science education resource center for the Mahoning Valley and surrounding communities. A YSU facility in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and Environmental Sciences, it supports astronomy teaching on campus and provides a variety of educational programs to public and private groups of all ages.

  • Free/Low-Cost Health & Wellness

    Columbiana County Health Department

    The Columbiana County Health Department offers medical testing, immunizations, routine screenings, and other health-related resources at free or low-cost to residents of Columbiana County.

    Community Counseling Clinic

    The Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) is a training clinic for master’s degree level counseling students. The clinic’s counselors and counselor trainees provide counseling to individuals, families, couples, children, adolescents, and adults living in Youngstown and its surrounding communities. All counseling services provided are free of charge.

    COMPASS Family and Community Services (Counseling)

    COMPASS’ Counseling Services Program offers experienced, compassionate, professionally-trained counselors and social workers partnering with you to identify potential solutions and provide guidance that helps you to achieve a healthier state of well-being. They offer same-day appointments, short-term, solution-focused counseling, and services for youth (over age 5) and adults.

    Dental Hygiene Clinic

    Each semester, junior and senior dental hygiene students must administer a set number of cleanings as a part of their curriculum during weeks 1-14 of the fall and spring semesters. The program offers exams, screenings, X-rays, sealants for children (3 years and older), cleanings, and fluoride treatments. A licensed dentist is always present for procedures and is generally joined by two dental hygienists. Instructors regularly check students’ work at several points during the procedures.

    Mahoning County Public Health

    The mission of Mahoning County Public Health (MCPH) is to promote and protect the health of individuals and communities. This is done by educating, mobilizing, and collaborating with the public to prevent disease, reduce health disparities, and enhance the quality of life in Mahoning County. MCPH provides pregnancy assistance, WIC assistance, help with vaccinations, and provides other resources 

    Mahoning County WIC

    Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program for Women (pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding), Infants (birth to one-year-old), and Children under the age of 5 years.  WIC provides nutrition education, supplemental nutritious foods, and breastfeeding education and support.  WIC is an important part of your children’s lives during critical times of growth and development to make sure they can avoid health and growth problems.

    Mercy Health Resource Mothers/Fatherhood Support Program

    Resource Mothers and Fatherhood Support programs offer support to new and expectant mothers and fathers. A resource mother is a specially trained health worker, and mother. She offers support, referrals, and information so that new mothers can make the best choices for their families. Fatherhood Support is a program to strengthen families with engaged and skilled fathers. This is done by providing mentorship, guidance, and education to clients that are enrolled. The Fatherhood Support program seeks to provide men with the tools needed to be responsible, committed, and involved. Along with being a specially trained health worker, trained in providing health education and advice, the resource father is a dad himself who understands the journey through fatherhood.

    Midlothian Free Clinic

    The MFHC is staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, and administrative support staff. All volunteers strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere to service the health care needs of the uninsured in the community. A strong emphasis is placed on providing non-judgmental, compassionate care, and respecting the dignity and self-worth of every patient.

    Niles City Health Department

    Niles City Health Department is responsible for the health and wellness of residents of the City of Niles. The Trumbull County Health Department is not directly responsible for health-related services offered to Niles residents.

    • Location: 34 West State Street, Niles, Ohio 4446
    • Phone: 330-544-9000

    Nurse-Family Partnership: Help Me Grow

    Help Me Grow provides free services for expectant mothers and families of children under the age of three. They provide home visits and early intervention services that promote child development & school readiness, encourage positive parenting, prevent child abuse & neglect, and improve maternal and child health.  

    Planned Parenthood Youngstown Pregnancy Center

    Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care. With or without insurance, individuals can always come to Planned Parenthood for health care, including HIV and STI testing for males and females, pregnancy testing and services, birth control, patient education, cancer screenings, and LGBTQI+ services.

    Pregnancy Help Center: Youngstown Pregnancy Center

    The Pregnancy Help Center provides pregnancy testing, as well as a variety of life skills and parenting classes for women and men. The Center also provides supplies such as diapers, clothing, and other childcare items.  

    Trumbull County Health Department

    The Trumbull County Health Department continually provides services in the environmental and nursing divisions. However, the Department also participates in liaison networks in the community and other public health efforts that include prevention strategies and several programs funded by state grants. All services are important, whether they be direct health services by the nursing division, clinic, or the issuance of permits and licenses. All services and programs provided work hand-in-hand to keep the community healthy. The office is always available to advise or answer any questions.

    Warren City Health District

    The mission of the Warren City Board of Health is to prevent unhealthy conditions, promote and protect the health of the citizens of the City, monitor and maintain a safe and healthy environment, and improve the overall quality of life in the City of Warren. This is accomplished through strict enforcement of State of Ohio statutes, local board resolutions, and City of Warren ordinances. The City also operates a Public Health Clinic.

    Youngstown City Health District

    The mission of the Youngstown City Health District is to protect and improve the public health of the residents of the City of Youngstown.

  • Financial Assistance

    Holiday Assistance

    Several agencies and holiday assistance programs, including Toys for Tots, provide free holiday gifts, food, presents, and meals to low-income families. There are charities, as well as churches, located in counties including Trumbull, Mahoning as well as Columbiana. This often comes in the form of food, groceries, or free dinners.

    Penguin Pantry

    The Penguin Pantry, located on the first floor of Cushwa Hall, exists to help students navigating food and financial insecurity. It is free to students and provides a variety of goods, including toiletries, diapers, canned foods, water, and professional business attire.

    Single Mothers Grants

    Singlemothersgrants.org provides a directory of single mother grants that help with rent, utility bills, child care, education, medication, housing, medical bills, and mortgage, among others. Many of these financial assistance programs have limited funding, and some might not be available for single mothers who do not meet specific income requirements. Phone numbers and website links to apply for these free grants are published on the website below. Grants published on the website are made available from a variety of sources -- state, federal, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.

  • Housing Resources

    Campus Pads

    Campus Pads is a website dedicated to helping students find their fit when it comes to housing near campus. Select "Youngstown State University" from the campuses option and review houses and apartments in the area using filters that meet your specific housing needs. 

    Weller House

    OFFLINE FOR THE 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR -- Weller is a small apartment building located on-campus, near the WATTS center. These apartments are open exclusively to non-traditional students, graduate students, and students with families. The apartments are ideal for students on a budget who want to live in a safe, small apartment community that is convenient for travel to classes. The building has just 16 apartment units, and they range in size from small studios to 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is rented as a unit, so you will not be placed in an apartment with other students (unless you choose to live with them). Community areas are in the process of being updated to be more family-friendly, with a community playroom being added this summer! The building is open for occupants year-round and has the option for monthly rent payments during academic breaks (like summer). Although this apartment is part of Housing & Residence Life and is university-run, occupants are not required to have meal plans, and it doesn’t feel like a traditional residence hall. Occupants have much more independence, but still enjoy the convenience of having a University landlord, free laundry on-site, all utilities included in the rent price, and the ability to apply financial aid directly to rent (since University Housing charges go on the student account).

  • Transportation Services

    Greyhound Lines, Inc.

    Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving 2400 destinations across North America with a modern, environmentally friendly fleet. It has become an American icon, providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable travel to nearly 16 million passengers each year in the United States and Canada. 

    Independent Radio Taxi, Inc.

    Independent Radio Taxi Inc. is a local taxi service headquartered in downtown Youngstown.

    • Location: 308 ½ West Federal Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44503
    • Phone: 330-746-8844

    Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA)

    WRTA is the Western Reserve Transit Authority, which provides bus services in Mahoning County. WRTA has been created by the City of Youngstown and the Mahoning County Commissioners as a countywide public transit authority. WRTA Fixed Routes operate between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm. Scheduled curb-to-curb late-night service is available between 9:15 pm and midnight Monday through Friday in Mahoning County. WRTA Countywide service is available Monday through Saturday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm in Mahoning County and Monday through Friday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm in Trumbull County.

    YSU Shuttle Service

    Parking Services at Youngstown State University sponsors a campus-wide shuttle service available for free for students, faculty, and staff.

  • General Services

    Community Action Agency of Columbiana County (CAACC)

    The CAACC assists low-income individuals and families through mental health counseling, veteran services, head start programs, weatherization, assistance with utilities, rent, and mortgages, as well as providing additional resources and assistance.

    Community Legal Aid

    A non-profit law firm serving the legal needs of low-income individuals and families in central northeast Ohio; assists with divorce, dissolution, child support, mortgage, and rent issues.

    Help Network of Northeast Ohio

    If you and your family are struggling with challenges in your daily life, the Help Network of Northeast Ohio is here for you. They administer or refer to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency assistance programs that can get you the help you need. Unless otherwise indicated, dial “211” 24 hours a day/7 day a week to learn more about offered programs, or you can also access the database of community resources by visiting the Help Network’s website and clicking on the appropriate circle under “Help Finder.”

    Mahoning County Community Action Program (MYCAP)

    MYCAP helps low-income families in Mahoning county with utility bills, mortgage, rent, and weatherization, and will even replace some older, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. They also have a professional development center with training provided for a variety of jobs. 

    Mahoning County Department of Job & Family Services

    Food stamps, medical coverage, and daycare assistance applications can be found on the websites below.

    Trumbull County Community Action Program (TCAP))

    TCAP assists low-income families in Trumbull County with utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, weatherization, payment plans for utilities, counseling services, and a head start program.