Phases

• 2025 Renewal (Current)

  The Plan for Strategic Actions to Take Charge of Our Future (Plan) was initially endorsed by the Youngstown State University (YSU) Board of Trustees (BOT) in June 2020. The Plan was updated in September 2023 when substantial progress had been made implementing the Plan.

  In January 2024, William L. (Bill) Johnson was appointed president, and in June 2024, Jennifer Pintar, was appointed provost and vice present for academic affairs. In August 2024, the primary themes within the State of the University and the State of Academic Affairs addresses were integrated into a renewed Plan that was endorsed by the BOT in December 2024.

  This updated Plan affirms that: YSU is An Institution of Opportunity, and as such, YSU inspires individuals, enhances futures, and enriches lives to be achieved via a robust focus on four themes: Student Futures and Lifelong Learning; Academic Distinction and Discovery of Knowledge; Collective Impact with the Community; and Sustainability.

  This renewed Plan represents the commitment for YSU to:

  • Optimize the Academic Portfolio
  • Improve the student experience for students who trust their future to YSU
  • Increase enrollment purposefully and strategically
  • Seamlessly integrate with businesses, industries, school districts, and service organizations
  • Cultivate a culture of caring, empowerment and inspiration amongst all faculty and staff, and throughout YSU
  • Assure a strong financial outlook 
     

• Past Phases (Development - Implementation)

Initiatives

• Enrollment Enterprise (ONGOING)

  The enrollment enterprise is a multifaceted ecosystem designed to streamline and enhance the process of attracting, enrolling, and retaining students. It integrates various functional areas that work in concert to create a seamless experience for prospective and current students.

  The 'Outreach Functions' tasks Admissions, Financial Aid, and Marketing, with spearheading recruitment initiatives, managing relationships with prospective students and influencers, and developing strategic marketing campaigns to bolster the university’s brand and outreach. 

  The 'Academic & Affinity Functions' includes the Academic Units, the Honors College, and Alumni Affairs. These areas are vital in developing and promoting academic programs, engaging faculty in recruitment, leveraging alumni networks for outreach and support, and offering specialized attention to attract high-achieving students to the Honors College.

  The 'Specialized Functions' include Athletics, International Student Services, and Veterans Support, each providing targeted recruitment and support to their respective student populations.

  The 'Matriculation Functions' are crucial for integrating new students into the university. Orientation and First Year programs introduce students to campus life, the Registrar maintains academic integrity and assists in developing transfer credit policies, and Student Success programs monitor and support students' academic journeys.

  Key strategic partners, including the Technology Office, Housing and Dining Services, the Chief Financial Officer, and Student Counseling Services, provide essential support to each of these areas. 

• Community Engaged Campus (ONGOING)

  The community engaged campus is driven by the value that arises from mutually beneficial campus community partnerships which incorporate diverse perspectives that strengthen the collective impact on the region. Through the utilization of the GivePulse (PenguinPulse) platform, YSU will collect all community engaged experiential learning occurring both within and outside of the classroom. PenguinPulse serves as the community engagement clearinghouse to enhance communication, collaboration and coordination. The PenguinPulse newsletter showcases community engagement impacts and serves as the source of campus communication for community engagement and partnerships. The Community Partner Advisory Committee provides opportunities for input from community partners and adheres to the value of listening to the needs of the community and addressing needs collaboratively. The Community Engagement Council will lead the development of the YSU application to the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

• Past Initiatives