Changing Student Demographic Information
Students may formally change certain personal information maintained by the University with supporting documentation. Some updates can be made directly through the Penguin Portal, while others require supporting documentation and assistance from the Penguin Service Center.
The following demographic information may be changed:
- Address: Students may change their permanent address and add a mailing address different than permanent.
- Name: Students may change their first, middle or last name with a valid State or Federal issued photo ID and legal documentation supporting the change(s).
- Preferred Name: Students may add a preferred first name to their account that will appear in place of their legal first name on the Penguin Portal, Blackboard and Early Alert. However, the student's legal name will continue to appear on official records, including transcripts and diplomas.
- Gender
Students may update the following information through the Penguin Portal:
- Address
- Telephone number
- Preferred first name
The following information cannot be updated by students through the Penguin Portal as they require submission of documentation to support the change. To change any of these areas, students should contact the Penguin Service Center at 330-941-6000 or onestop@ysu.edu for assistance.
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Legal sex
- YSU student email address
If a typographical error has occurred in the student's name, social security number, or date of birth due to incorrect information submitted during the time of application, students must provide official documentation verifying the correct information. Documents that can be provided include: birth certificates, passports, social security card, driver's licenses, or other documents issued by federal, state, or local government agencies.
Identity Verification and Records Security
Youngstown State University reserves the right to require additional documentation or identity verification when processing requests involving student records. In cases of suspected identity theft, fraud, or unauthorized access, temporary restrictions may be placed on a student's record until the matter has been reviewed. Processing of requests may be delayed until identity has been verified and any security concerns have been resolved.
Official Transcripts
The official transcript is the permanent record of all student's academic work completed at Youngstown State University and includes a history of coursework, grades, GPA, degrees awarded, and other notations.
Official transcripts reflect only coursework completed through Youngstown State University. Transfer and alternative credit sources - such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), prior learning assessment (PLA), transfer coursework from other institutions, etc. - are not listed by individual course on the official transcript. Only the total number of transfer or alternative credit hours is displayed. Students requesting verification of transfer coursework, test scores (such as AP, IB, CLEP, etc.), or other external credit sources must contact the originating institution or testing agency directly. Youngstown State University does not release or certify academic records from other institutions or organizations.
The transcript (grades and other notations) is finalized when a degree is officially posted to the permanent academic record. Therefore, the academic record of a student who graduates may not be revised using a Grade Change Form, Repetition/Recalculation Form, Petition for a Late Withdrawal, Academic Reassessment form, Academic Forgiveness form, etc.
Current and former students, as well as alumni, may request an official transcript for coursework completed at Youngstown State University. Official transcripts are released only upon authorization by the student or as otherwise permitted by law. A valid photo ID is required for in-person requests. Official transcripts may not be released when a student has unresolved financial or administrative obligations to the university, except in cases where release is required by applicable federal or state regulations.
Transcripts & Student Conduct
The files maintained by the Office of Student Conduct are separate from transcripts, which are maintained by the University Registrar. If a student is expelled from the university due to a violation of The Student Code of Conduct, the expulsion is permanently noted on the student's official transcript and cannot be removed. Students who have been suspended due to misconduct and request an official transcript during the time period of their suspension may have an addendum added to their transcript at the discretion of the Office of Student Conduct. This addendum will be removed once the period of suspension elapses.
Ordering an Official Transcript
Students or alumni may order an official transcript online at the YSU website or in person at the Penguin Service Center in Meshel Hall at the Youngstown campus. When ordering in person photo identification is required.
For release of transcripts with administrative or financial holds, the originating office (University Bursar, etc.) must provide a written authorization to Records Services to release a transcript once it has been ordered.
Unofficial Transcripts
Current students may view and print unofficial transcripts through the Penguin Portal.
Former students who no longer have access to the Penguin Portal may obtain an unofficial transcript by following the instructions available here or by visiting the Penguin Service Center located on the second floor of Meshel Hall. A valid photo ID is required for in-person requests.
Unofficial transcripts are intended for personal and advising purposes only and are not considered official University documents.
CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
Office: Penguin Service Center
Location: Meshel Hall
Website: https://ysu.edu/registrars-office/request-tr