Welcome Week Events

We are Back by Popular Demand as we welcome the start of another semester. This year's theme brings out the excitement of a new year and how thrilling it is to be a penguin HERE at YSU.

Welcome Week begins on Sunday, August 29 with an Outdoor Movie on the Lawn at Heritage Park. Classes begin on Monday, August 30 and festivities continue throughout the week. Favorite traditions include a Zipline on Hazel Street, Student Organization Fair, Puppy Palooza, Kilcawley Center Block Party, Meet the Greeks, Build a Penguin, Grill & Chill Tailgate, YSU Football Game, First Year Tie Dye, and the Foam Party on Friday, September 3 as the conclusion of a busy first week on campus.

Check out the full schedule below.  First Year students, don't forget to take part in the FYSS Collor Challenge.

 

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First Year Student Services Color Challenge

Look for this logo to identify programs and their point values on the Welcome Week Schedule.


Sunday, August 29

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First Year Day of Service

12:00pm - 4:00pm
Various Locations in the Community
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Come join other First Year Students as we take on various service projects both on campus and in the surrounding community. A complete list of service projects will be available in your YSU email. Sign up & join us! Check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 500 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Backyard Games

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5:00pm - 7:00pm
The Green (Between Cafaro & Lyden Residence Halls)
Presented By: First Year Student Services & Housing and Residence Life

Join First Year Student Services and Housing & Residence life as we take over the green! We will have Cornhole, Spikeball, Volleyball, and many other games for you to enjoy the night before classes begin. Come hang out and enjoy the open air! Check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Outdoor Movie ON THE LAWN

8:30pm - 10:30pm
Heritage Park
Rain Location: Cafaro House MultiPurpose Room
Presented By: Student Activities & Housing and Residence Life

Bring a blanket and sit under the stars as you watch a movie (voted on by you!) with new friends before your first day of classes. For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivties@ysu.edu.


Monday, August 30

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Welcome & Information Tents

7:30am - 5:30pm
Outside Kilcawley Center, Outside Maag Library, Outside DeBartolo Hall 
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Have a question about YSU? Lost on your way to class? Need directions? Come visit us and we’ll help out! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need. Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 50 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

SGA Welcome Week Donuts

10:00am - 2:00pm
Outside Kilcawley Center
Presented By: Student Government Association

SGA will be providing donuts and orange juice for students to walk by and grab between classes as a warm welcome for the first day of classes. For more information, contact Gianna Battaglia at 330-941-3593 or gibattaglia@student.ysu.edu.

POSTPONED: Zipline through the Clouds

10:00am - 2:00pm
Hazel Street (Next to Jimmy John’s)
Presented By: Student Activities

Due to the chance of thunderstorms, the zipline is postponed for another date. You can still get your thrill on today! Check out the High Ropes Course in Campus Rec from 11:00am-12:00pm today or the Rock Wall from 12:00pm-2:00pm. 
Soar through the sky as you ride a zipline down Hazel Street. For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu.

High Ropes Course

11:00am - 12:00pm
Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Presented By: Campus Recreation & Student Activities

Due to the chance of thunderstorms, the zipline is postponed for another date. You can still get your thrill on today! Check out the High Ropes Course in Campus Rec from 11:00am-12:00pm today or the Rock Wall from 12:00pm-2:00pm. 

Same Maag, New Services!

11:00am - 2:00pm
Outside Maag Library
Rain Location: Maag Library, Lobby
Presented By: Maag Library

Welcome back to Maag Library, where you'll find the same computer lab, study areas, and materials, but with exciting new materials, individual study rooms, and much more! Stop by and get some giveaways, play some games, play the wii on the 3rd floor and hang out! We can't wait to welcome you back! For more information, contact Colleen Duchon, Maag Library at 330-941-2382 or ccduchon@ysu.edu.

Back by Popular Demand: Reusing and Recycling

11:00am – 2:00pm
Maag Library, Outdoor Area
Rain Location: Maag Library, Lobby
Presented By: Waste Free Maag & Green Team, YSU Writing Center

Colleagues of Maag Library and YSU as a whole care about limiting our carbon footprint. Why not bring back your most popular items by reusing or recycling them. Friends from the Green Team or Green Youngstown will be on hand to answer your questions and play some games. For more information, contact Angela Messenger at (330)941-1781 or ajbarwick@ysu.edu

Rock Wall

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Presented By: Campus Recreation & Student Activities

Now is your chance to try the rock wall on campus! Due to the chance of thunderstorms, the zipline is postponed for another date. You can still get your thrill on today! Check out the High Ropes Course in Campus Rec from 11:00am-12:00pm today or the Rock Wall from 12:00pm-2:00pm. 


Tuesday, August 31

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Welcome & Information Tents

7:30am - 5:30pm
Outside Kilcawley Center, Outside Maag Library, Outside DeBartolo Hall
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Have a question about YSU? Lost on your way to class? Need directions? Come visit us and we’ll help out! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need. Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 50 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Puppy Palooza

10:00am - 2:00pm
Outdoor space near Campus Rec
Presented By: Campus Rec & New Lease on Life

Stop by Puppy Palooza to participate in one of Campus Rec's most popular events.  The cute cuddly kittens and puppies are sure to melt your anxiety and stress away of the upcoming semester.  This event is sure to bring a   smile to your face. For more information, contact Ryan McNicholas at 330-941-2207 or ramcnicholas@ysu.edu.

Student Organization Fair

10:00am - 2:00pm
Campus Core
Rain Location: Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room
Presented By: Student Activities

Looking for ways to get involved on campus? Take a walk through the fair and decide which organization is best for you!  Complete your passport for a chance to win prizes!  There’s a virtual option to view videos via FlipGrid if you can’t join us. Be sure to comment or record a video response to show interest and our groups will be in contact with you. For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu.

Same Maag, New Services!

11:00am - 2:00pm
Outside Maag Library
Rain Location: Maag Library, Lobby
Presented By: Maag Library

Welcome back to Maag Library, where you'll find the same computer lab, study areas, and materials, but with exciting new materials, individual study rooms, and much more! Stop by and get some giveaways, play some games, play the wii on the 3rd floor and hang out! We can't wait to welcome you back! For more information, contact Colleen Duchon, Maag Library at 330-941-2382 or ccduchon@ysu.edu.

Back by Popular Demand: Reusing and Recycling

11:00am – 2:00pm
Maag Library, Outdoor Area
Rain Location: Maag Library, Lobby
Presented By: Waste Free Maag & Green Team, YSU Writing Center

Colleagues of Maag Library and YSU as a whole care about limiting our carbon footprint. Why not bring back your most popular items by reusing or recycling them. Friends from the Green Team or Green Youngstown will be on hand to answer your questions and play some games. For more information, contact Angela Messenger at (330)941-1781 or ajbarwick@ysu.edu

Chipotle Fundraiser

4:00pm - 8:00pm
Chipotle on campus
Presented By: Guins Against Cancer

Dine to donate at Chipotle, we’ll get 33% of the funds for the American Cancer Society. For more information, contact Heather Shafer at 330-843-3091 or hlshafer@student.ysu.edu.

The experience

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Kilcawley Center, James Gallery
Presented By: Chi Alpha

This is our time to gather together as a larger group to Experience life through worshiping God, sharing stories & being challenged. All are welcomed to attend no matter where you are in your spiritual journey or even if you do not have one. For more information, contact Joe Wesser at 330-883-3639 or jjweser@ysu.edu. Follow us on Instagram

Harambe - Welcome Home

6:00pm
Kilcawely Center, Fountain
Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Presented By: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Performances are planned that welcome students to campus. For more information, contact Carol Bennett at 330-941-3522 or clbennett04@ysu.edu.

 


Wednesday, September 1

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Build Your Planner

9:00am - 11:00am
Kilcawley Center, Gallery Room
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Join First Year Student Services to plan out your semester! Work with YSU 1500 Course Assistants to schedule your life - from classes, study times, self care, work, free time, and more! Learn helpful tips to manage your schedule so that you don't miss a thing. Starting your semester off strong and well organized can make all the difference! Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 300 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Paint the Rock

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9:00am - 5:00pm
The Rock
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Stop by in between classes and help First Year Student Services paint and sign the rock for YSU Day! Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 50 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firsyear@ysu.edu.

STEM Professional Services Welcome and Info Table

11:00am - 1:00pm
Moser Hall Concourse
Rain Location: Moser Hall, Lobby
Presented By: STEM Professional Services Department

Meet SPS staff including career counselors, academic advisors, and scholarship coordinator. Take away important resources for your success--and a tasty treat! For more information, contact Emilie Brown at 330-941-2884 or egbrown02@ysu.edu.

First Week Pop-In

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11:00am - 1:00pm
The Fountain
Rain Location: Kilcawley Center, Gallery Room
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Do you have a lot of questions during your first week of classes? Would you like to make connections with other students on campus? Grab lunch and join First Year Student Services student leaders at the fountain to ask anything about YSU or learn about the college experience from a student perspective! Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Now That's What I Call a Block Party

11:00am - 1:00pm
Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room
Presented By: Kilcawley Center

Don’t miss this campus tradition of prizes and giveaways, free food and music, and information on all of the resources available on campus! For more information, contact Kilcawley Center Staff Offices at 330-941-3571.

Student Veteran Welcome Picnic

11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, Lower Grass Area (633 Wick Ave. Youngstown, OH 44502)
Rain Location: Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, Lower Level
Presented By: Office of Veterans Affairs

Welcome back YSU Student Veterans! If you have ever served or currently serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, join the Office of Veterans Affairs and your fellow student veterans for a cookout at the Carl A. Nunziato Resource Center. Meet your fellow student veterans, enjoy a burger, hot dog, and soft drink as you get to know your benefits as a student veteran at YSU! For more information, contact Rick Williams, Office of Veterans Affairs, at 330-941-2506 or plwilliams@ysu.edu.

Gamin' in the Cove

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1:00pm - 3:00pm
Kilcawley Center, The Cove
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Come hang out with your peer leaders, friends, roommates, and fellow classmates as we take over the cove. There will be pool, air hockey, ping pong, and even video games for you to destress after the first few days of classes. Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

First Year Vision Boards

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3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kilcawley Center, Gallery Room
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Do you have a vision of what your first year of college is going to look like? Join First Year Student Services to create a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of what your "dream" first year looks like. This is designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation as you navigate your first year at YSU! Visualization is a powerful mind exercise to help you achieve how you want to feel in the coming year. Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 250 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Meet the Greeks

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room
Presented By: Student Activities

Learn about what fraternities and sororities do on a day-to-day basis and meet members of our YSU chapters. For more information, contact Carrie Anderson at 330-941-4702 or clanderson@ysu.edu.


Thursday, September 2

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First Week Pop-In (Hybrid)

9:00am - 11:00am
Kilcawley Center, 2068
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Do you have a lot of questions during your first week of classes? Would you like to make connections with students on campus? Join First Year Student Services student leaders to ask anything about YSU or learn about the college experience from a student perspective! To join us virtually - go to the webex page.  Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Build A Penguin Lottery

10:00am - 12:30pm
Follow @ysu_activities on Instagram for a chance to reserve your penguin!
Presented By: Student Activities

Build a penguin so fluffy at this cult event! Students must follow @ysu_activities on Instagram to access the link to enter for a chance to be randomly selected as one of a limited number of students to build their stuffed penguin! Students will be notified on Tuesday, August 31 at 5:00pm if they won a penguin. Those that were selected will receive a private link to sign up for a designated time on Thursday, September 2 to enter the “build a penguin factory”. This event is for current YSU students only and you must present a valid YSU student ID to receive your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin.  For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu.

Games in the core

10:00am - 2:00pm
Campus Core
Rain Location: Kilcawley Center, The Cove
Presented By: Chi Alpha

Meet some new friends & hang out playing some Spike Ball, Kan Jam or other lawn games. [Jackbox in The Cove if it rains]. Hope to see you there. For more information, contact Joe Wesser at 330-883-3639 or jjweser@ysu.edu. Follow us on Instagram

Resch Academic Success Center Open House

11:00am - 2:00pm
Resch Academic Success Center, Kilcawley West
Presented By: Resch Academic Success Center

The Resch Academic Success Center is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with President Tressel at 11:30am and an open house for all students to attend! Students will get the opportunity to walk through the center and gain more information on our tutoring, academic coaching, and accessibility services. There will be ice cream and by attending, you will have the chance to be entered into a drawing for raffle basket prizes! For more information, contact Resch Academic Success Center at 330-941-3538 or rasc@ysu.edu.

Build A Penguin Walk-Up

1:00pm - Until They’re Gone!
Follow @ysu_activities on Instagram to find out the location!
Presented By: Student Activities

Build a penguin so fluffy! We will have a limited number of 150 penguins available for walk-ups starting at 1:00pm. Follow Student Activities on Instagram to catch the location announcement of this cult event. These won’t last long. This event is for current YSU students only and you must present a valid YSU student ID to receive your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin.  For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

First Year Food

11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual
Presented By: First Year Student Services

With so many food options surrounding YSU, it can sometimes be hard to have the motivation to cook! Cook along with a Peer Leader on WebEx as they teach you some of the inexpensive, easy recipes they have discovered during their time in college.  For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

STEM Professional Services Welcome and Information Table

11:00am - 1:00pm
Ward Beecher, 3rd Floor Entrance
Rain Location: Ward Beecher, 3rd Floor Lobby
Presented By: STEM Professional Services

Meet SPS staff including career counselors, academic advisors, and scholarship coordinator. Take away important resources for your success- and a tasty treat! For more information, contact Emilie Brown at 330-941-2884 or egbrown02@ysu.edu.

Student Veteran Welcome Picnic

11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, Lower Grass Area (633 Wick Ave. Youngstown, OH 44502)
Rain Location: Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, Lower Level
Presented By: Office of Veterans Affairs

Welcome back YSU Student Veterans! If you have ever served or currently serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, join the Office of Veterans Affairs and your fellow student veterans for a cookout at the Carl A. Nunziato Resource Center. Meet your fellow student veterans, enjoy a burger, hot dog, and soft drink as you get to know your benefits as a student veteran at YSU! For more information, contact Rick Williams, Office of Veterans Affairs, at 330-941-2506 or plwilliams@ysu.edu.

Student Perks

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12:00pm - 12:30pm
Kilcawley Center, 2068
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Do you want to learn about the perks that come along with being a student at YSU? Join First Year Student Services in person or virtually to learn about discounts, resources and other perks that having your YSU ID can get you. To join us virtually - go to the webex page. Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 150 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Golf Cart Trivia

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1:00pm - 2:00pm
Campus Core
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Want a free ride to your class, residence hall, or car? One of our Peer Leaders might just pick you up and drive you to your destination! There is only one catch, you must answer some trivia questions to stay in the cart. Miss too many, and they will drop you off early! Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

Build Your Planner

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kilcawley Center, Gallery Room
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Join First Year Student Services in-person or virtually to plan out your semester! Work with YSU 1500 Course Assistants & Peer Leaders to schedule your life - from classes, study times, self care, work, free time, and more! Learn helpful tips to manage your schedule so that you don't miss a thing. Starting your semester off strong and well organized can make all the difference! To join us virtually - go to the webex page. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

YSU Soccer vs. Marshall

5:00pm
Farmers National Bank Field

The Penguins play host to the Thundering Herd in their 2021 fall home opener. Kickoff at Farmers National Bank Field is set for 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Grill and Chill Tailgate

4:30pm - 6:30pm
South Patio, Beeghly Center - Veterans Plaza - Outdoor Entrance of Campus Rec Center
Rain Location: The Cove & Campus Rec Lobby
Presented By: Campus Recreation and Student Activities & Student Activities

Ready to pre-game Penguin style? Whether you're the king of cornhole, a fight song aficionado, or an armchair quarterback, you'll find something fun waiting for you. Music by DJ Kickdrum, pics with Pete, and hot dogs fresh off the grill, plus t-shirt giveaways, and plenty of great prizes. We've even lined up a special entrance to the game for you--creating a human tunnel to welcome the football team onto Beede Field before you take your seats in the student section. We're ready to kick off the football season! Are you? For more information, contact RJ Markowitz at 330-941-1964 or ramarkowitz@ysu.edu. Sign up at Rec Center store.

YSU Football vs. Incarnate Word

7:00pm  
Stambaugh Stadium

The Penguins are in action against the Cardinals at Stambaugh Stadium to open the 2021 fall season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Students can obtain a free ticket by showing their YSU ID at the Athletics Ticket Office prior to the contest.


Friday, September 3

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Tie Dye: Make Your Rainbow!

11:00am - 1:00pm
Outside Kilcawley - Facing the Campus Core under the overhang
Presented By: First Year Student Services

Come and tie dye a YSU Shirt! Shirts are provided to students for free and will be available in a variety of sizes on a first come, first served basis. We can’t wait to see your tie dye style! Come check in here for the Color Challenge to receive 100 points. For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu.

D9 Stroll Off

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Veterans Plaza
Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center, Chestnut
Presented By: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Black Student Union

Seven of the nine D9 organizations will participate in a stroll off (mini-step show). For more information, contact Carol Bennett at 330-941-3522 or clbennett04@ysu.edu.

Foam Party & Lawn Games

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Heritage Park
Presented By: Student Activities & Housing & Residence Life

Need a way to cool down after a long first week of classes? Start your weekend off right by cooling off in foam at the Foam Party! Come dance around with your friends in the foam pit arena that shoots foam 15 feet into the air! For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu.