Your student is required to attend Orientation where he or she will learn about academic and social aspects of Youngstown State University, meet with his or her academic advisor, register for classes, obtain a YSU Student ID, and more.
Before Orientation Checklist:
- Activate Penguin Portal Account
Your student's username for the portal and student ID number will be in his or her acceptance letter. The portal offers secure access to student email, campus announcements, and electronic services in records, registration, financial aid, and student billing. - Register for Orientation and IGNITE
Reservations for Orientation are processed through the Penguin Portal. Instructions and details regarding your student's Orientation date will be confirmed via email once the reservation is submitted online. Your student will also register for the IGNITE program via the Penguin Portal once they have completed Orientation. It is mandatory for all students to attend the first day of IGNITE. - Schedule and Take a Placement Test
Based on your student's current ACT or SAT scores, he or she will be pre-placed into Composition English (CPT), Math (CRT) and Reading (CRT) courses; however, placement testing may be required. Your student should contact the Testing Center for his or her required placements. All testing must be completed prior to attending Orientation.
After Orientation Checklist:
- Request Parking Permit
Remind your student to request his or her parking permit on the portal by clicking "Request Parking Pass." The permit will be mailed, but the temporary pass can be printed and used in the meantime. - Pay Bill
The Payment Window hours are limited to Monday - Friday from 10 am - 2 pm, but bills can also be paid on the portal under "University Bursar" "Bill and Payment Information." To avoid a late fee, your student must pay his or her bill in full or enroll in a payment plan by the first due date of the semester. - Check Email
Remind your student to login to Office 365 to check their student email regularly for important communication regarding his or her classes and campus events. - Review Academic Calendar
Help your student stay up-to-date on important deadlines for the semester. There is also a link for "Important Dates" in the portal under "Register for Classes."
If your student would like to use financial aid to assist with the bill, follow the steps below:
Financial Aid Counselors are available for assistance during walk-ins on Monday - Friday from 10 am - 12 noon or 2 pm - 4 pm. If you prefer to make an appointment, please call 330-941-3506.
- Apply for Federal Student Aid
First, the student and parent must both create FSA IDs and passwords on fsaid.ed.gov. This is required to access a variety of Federal Aid processes. Then the student and parent can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on fafsa.ed.gov. You will need your tax information to complete the FAFSA if your student is dependent (under 24). YSU's school code is 003145. - Accept Award Offer*
Once the FAFSA is completed, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship will generate an award offer and send it to your student's YSU email. He or she must then accept it online in the portal under "Financial Aid," "View and Accept Award Offer," "Accept Award Offer." - Complete Entrance Loan Counseling and Loan Agreement (MPN)
First-time Stafford loan borrowers must complete Federal Entrance Loan Counseling and the Loan Agreement (MPN). Both requirements can be completed at studentaid.gov/. - Sign Up for Direct Deposit
All students who receive funds of credit balances on their student accounts are required to have the refund money directly deposited into their personal checking or savings account. Sign up in the portal under "University Bursar," "Bill and Payment Information," "Youngstown State University Student Account Suite," and, finally, "Refunds."