Your student must ensure his or her admissions prior to registering by completing the Undergraduate Readmission Application. If your student enrolled at another college since last attending YSU, he or she must reapply online at www.ysu.edu as a Former Transfer.
Once your student has been accepted, remind him or her to complete the following tasks:
- 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. - Meet Academic Advisor
All returning students are required to meet with an academic advisor. It is recommended that students meet with their advisor at least once a year to review curriculum and degree requirements. If your student doesn't know who his or her advisor is, he or she can contact the the college of his or her major. - Register for Classes
Registration is done through the portal under "Register for Classes." There is a link for instructions right below. - Obtain Student ID
Once your student is registered for classes, he or she may obtain a Student ID at Guest Services on the second floor of Kilcawley Center. He or she must bring a valid photo ID. - Request Parking Permit
Parking permits must be requested through the portal. There is a link to "Request Parking Pass" under "e-Services for Students" on the left-hand side of the screen. - Pay Tuition Bill
The payment window hours are limited to Monday-Friday from 10 am - 2 pm, but your student can also pay his or her bill online through the Penguin Portal. Click "University Bursar" then "Bill and Payment Information." Your student must either pay his or her bill in full or enroll in a payment plan on or before the due date noted on the billing statement to avoid being charged a $50 late fee. - Review Academic Calendar
Stay updated on important dates and deadlines for the semester. There is also a link for "Important Dates" on the Penguin Portal under "Register for Classes" on the left-hand side of the screen.
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."