The YSU Bookstore, a Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, carries textbooks and supplies for all YSU courses, YSU spirit apparel, computer and electronic accessories, convenience foods, and so much more. The Bookstore's Barnes & Noble Café is a great place to relax with Starbucks coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and more. Visit us in-person or online for everything a YSU student needs for success.

The Bookstore is located at 300 Fifth Ave.

For more information, visit the Bookstore website.

OCED provides individualized career and exploratory advising for YSU students and alumni. Exploratory Advisors will help students identify required general education coursework while exploring majors, careers, and opportunities to get involved at YSU. Career development Coordinators will guide students through building resumes, preparing for interviews, and building effective job search strategies.

OCED is located in Jones Hall 2002

For more information, visit the OCED website.

Wee Care Day Care and Learning Centre is the official day care/preschool facility for YSU—providing safe, high-quality, and convenient care. The YSU facility is open from 5:00am to 7:00pm to accommodate flexible schedules for students. Fees are reasonable and based only on the hours that a family uses. All YSU Faculty, Staff, Students, and Active Alumni are eligible for a discounted rate at all Wee Care Day Care and Learning Centre locations in Youngstown, Howland, YSU Campus, Boardman and Canfield (coming soon). Partnership discounts are available on a sliding scale, based on income.

Wee Care Day Care is located in Fedor Hall at 644 Elm Street.

For more information and to register your child, please visit the Wee Care Day Care website.

Christman Dining Commons is YSU’s main dining hall for residents of on-campus housing— but also open to all faculty, staff, and students. Although resident meal plans have options for other dining venues on campus, this full service, all-you-care-to-eat, cafeteria-style restaurant serves a wide variety of foods such as homestyle cooking, a salad bar, pizza, burgers, and specialty items that vary day to day and week to week. Healthy foods and special selections for those with food sensitivities are available.

Christman Dining Commons is located at 220 Custer Ave., between Lyden and Cafaro Houses, North side of campus

For more information, visit the Christman Dining Commons website.

The Testing Center is a frontline office that is part of the Division of Student Success. YSU’s placement testing program is administered through this office.  Additional testing services provided are administration of national admission and certification examinations, such as the ACT and SAT exams, and the TEAS exam. The Testing Center also partners with private exam companies to offer exams such as the Pearson teacher licensure exams, the Praxis exam series, and other exams that serve our students and the larger community.

The Comprehensive Testing Center is located in Maag Library 154

For more information, visit the Testing Center website.

In support of YSU’s commitment to “place students at its center,” the Office of the Dean of Students is dedicated to ensuring that individuals have a centralized point of contact to discuss extenuating situations and concerns, specifically those related to mental and physical health, hospitalizations, food and housing insecurities, challenging family situations, issues with faculty or staff members, or any other barriers that may impede their success, all while maintaining campus safety and fostering a culture of civility, character, and respect.

Additionally, the YSU CARE (Concern-Assessment-Referral-Education) Team, managed by the Dean of Students, addresses issues of a serious nature that may pose a threat to the safety of a student or the overall campus community. We accept and encourage referrals from students, their families, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community, with the goal of providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance. 

All members of the YSU community have a responsibility to report any situation that could possibly result in harm to self or others. You may submit a referral to the CARE Team via the Penguin of Concern Referral Form. IMPORTANT: This form should NOT be used to report crisis situations in which a person poses an active or immediate risk of harm. In these situations, the YSU Police Department should be contacted immediately at (330) 941-3527 (or 911 from a campus phone).

The Office of the Dean of Students is located in DeBartolo Hall Suite 301

For more information, visit the Office of the Dean of Students website.

The Department of Campus Recreation provides creative and innovative, instructed or self-led wellness, and recreational programming to meet the diverse needs of our students and the YSU community. YSU’s Student Rec Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a 53' rock wall, 160 pieces of strength and conditioning equipment, a 1/8-mile track, 4 basketball/volleyball courts, an elevated challenge ropes course, and more.

There are programs of interest to every student including Group Fitness, Club Sports, fitness and wellness programs, Intramural Sports, and Adventure Rec programs. Visit the website to find out about these and many other programs available to every student.

The Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center is located off of Armed Forces Blvd. and is connected to Kilcawley Center and across from Beeghly Center.

For more information, visit the Campus Recreation website.

The Greek Community at Youngstown State University is full of tradition, brotherhood/sisterhood, and pride. From participating in Homecoming and Welcome Week events, to playing Intramural Sports, fraternities and sororities know how to show school spirit at YSU. Our members hold leadership positions in numerous student organizations, carry out some of the top philanthropy efforts at the University, and are proudly represented at athletic events. We are confident you can find a home in one of our organizations and ensure a true Penguin Experience. 

The Greek Life office is located in the Student Activities Office, Silvestri Hall Basement Level.

For more information, visit the Greek Life website.

Honorary organizations related to academic fields and departments recognize outstanding achievement by University students. Many of these organizations are local chapters of national honor societies, which provide national recognition and local scholarships.

For more information on honorary organizations in your area of academic concentration, contact the faculty department chairperson of that area, or the Student Activities Office, Silvestri Hall Basement Level.

YSU's Information Technology Services (ITS) mission is to enable students, faculty, and staff to create a technology-integrated approach to education, scholarship, and service. 

ITS is located in Meshel Hall Room 437

For more information, visit the ITS website. 

Intercollegiate athletics are conducted at Youngstown State University to meet the needs and interests of the entire student body as spectators or participants in healthful amateur sports. YSU’s 21 sport programs compete at the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Intercollegiate athletics is located in Stambaugh Stadium.

For more information, visit the Athletics website.

At YSU, academic success is the top priority for Penguin student-athletes. Athletic Academic Services is an academic resource for YSU student-athletes that provides student-centered services for academic success, holistic development, and career readiness.

Athletic Academic Services are located in Stambaugh Stadium as well as the lower level of Beeghly Center.

For more information, visit the Athletics Academic Services website.

The International Programs Office (IPO) coordinates undergraduate international admissions and recruitment, direct exchanges and study abroad programs (from one semester to an academic year in length), provides international student and faculty services including immigration services, and operates the English Language Institute (ELI). 

The IPO main office is located in Jones Hall, Room 1034

For more information, visit the IPO website.

Kilcawley Center is YSU's student union, sometimes known as the “living room of campus,” with places to eat, study, gather with friends, and relax. In summer of 2025, the university began an exciting 2-year renovation of the Center. In fall of 2027, students will enjoy a state-of-the art center with services, dining, meeting spaces, a makers space, a black box theater, and many other amenities.  

The services usually located in Kilcawley Center may be relocated during the various phases of the project. To stay updated on where to find services and places to eat during the renovation, stay tuned to the Kilcawley Center Renovation website. 

The William F. Maag, Jr. Library opened in 1976 and is the main library for the University. Early students at Youngstown College used a small library collection in Jones Hall and the public library on Wick Avenue. The University's first library (now Tod Hall) was built in 1953 after much fundraising by students and support from community members. By the 1970s, the library had outgrown its original building, and plans began for a new building. The new library was named after William Maag, who had been a trustee of the University and the public library for many years. In 1971, the library became a Federal Depository for government documents. The library joined 8 other Ohio universities to form the OhioLINK resource-sharing consortium in 1993. Today, Maag Library continues to support learning by providing instruction, resources, and facilities to meet students' needs. Maag Library provides a wealth of information, research resources, library instruction, and supports the entire campus community in their educational goals through its valuable collections at Maag Library and the Curriculum Resource Center as well as study and meeting spaces for individuals and groups.   

For more information, visit the Maag Library website.

The Mathematics Achievement Center (MAC) provides comprehensive academic support for students enrolled in mathematics and statistics courses ranging from introductory quantitative reasoning through calculus. As an integral part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, MAC fosters student success through peer tutoring, collaborative learning opportunities, and targeted academic resources.

MAC's distinctive peer-to-peer approach creates a welcoming learning community where undergraduate and graduate tutors, all experienced YSU students, provide walk-in assistance during all operating hours. This supportive environment encourages mathematical skill development while building confidence and academic camaraderie among participants.

Services include:

• Individual and small group tutoring sessions

• Course-specific learning resources

• Strategic learning workshops

• Study space for mathematics-focused collaboration

The center supports students across all disciplines who are taking mathematics or statistics courses, with particular emphasis on foundational courses that serve as gateways to academic success. The MAC's trained staff work collaboratively to address diverse learning needs while promoting a culture of mutual academic support.

For current hours of operation and additional information, please visit the MAC website or contact the center directly.

Location: Cafaro Hall 408 | Email: mac@ysu.edu | Website: https://ysu.edu/mathematics-achievement-center 

This on-campus center provides health care to all currently enrolled YSU students, both resident and commuter students.

Who can use the service?

• All students except consortium, transient students, and students specifically enrolled in a distance learning/online program are assessed the Student Health Center Fee of $34.00 for each semester of enrollment. This entitles those students to use of services at Wick Primary Care.

• Consortium and transient students and students specifically enrolled in a distance learning/online program who choose to take a course on campus are also assessed the Student Health Center Fee of $34.00 for each semester of enrollment in an on-campus course. This entitles those students to use of services at Wick Primary Care.

• Consortium and transient students and students specifically enrolled in a distance learning/online program and taking courses strictly online will have the opportunity to purchase access to services at Wick Primary Care at $34.00 per semester. Go to the Health Center Fee webpage.

The mandatory fee of $34 provides revenue to Mercy Health System to give students access to their Primary Care Facility. Students do not need to have health insurance to use the center's services. The center is staffed by a full-time primary care physician and an advanced practice provider. 

The center provides preventive and acute care, both by appointment and walk-in service. This full-service primary care practice provides health care for illness, injury, first aid, and routine health checks. Health screening tests, physical exams for sports and academic programs, gynecological exams, consultations and referrals are provided. Flu and other immunizations are also given; however, there are charges for these injections. Mental health, behavioral health, and addiction services are also available.  Additional charges may apply for services and can include: labs, urine, x-ray, MMR and Varicella vaccines.

Mercy Health Primary Care is located on the corner of Wick Ave. and Lincoln Ave.

For more information, visit the Wick Primary Care website.

Students in the following programs are not eligible for the services provided with the Student Health Center Fee: Youngstown Early College (YEC), College Credit Plus (CCP), Workshops, and Sixty Plus (noncredit classes). However, they may use Wick Primary Care using their own insurance or other methods of payment.

Penguin Productions is a student programming board under the Department of Student Experience that brings entertainment to YSU students and the Youngstown community. Penguin Productions produces yearly music festivals such as Fall Fire Fest and Federal Frenzy.

Penguin Productions is located in the Student Activities Office, Silvestri Hall Basement Level. 

For more information, visit the Penguin Productions website.

The Office of the Registrar, a department within the Division of Institutional Effectiveness, provides quality service to YSU students within all areas related to enrollment by supporting the systems and policies of the learning environment and safeguarding the integrity of the university's records and regulations. The office is comprised of three main areas: Records, Registration, and the Penguin Service Center. 

The Office of the Registrar, Records Services, and the Penguin Service Center are all located on the second floor of Meshel Hall

For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar website or call 330-941-6000.

The Resch Academic Success Center (ASC) offers academic support for all students. Our services include one-on-one academic coaching, as well as peer-tutoring in over 200 courses.

The ASC is located in Kilcawley Center West

For more information, visit the ASC website.

YSU Student Counseling is in DeBartolo Hall 319

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website at Student Counseling Services | YSU, phone 330-941-3737, email: studentcounseling@ysu.edu

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

YSU's student body is represented by the Student Government Association (SGA), which operates under constitutional powers granted by the University. SGA's legislative branch is composed of representatives from the five undergraduate colleges and the Office of Research Services and Graduate Studies, in proportion to the enrollment of each.* SGA also coordinates the involvement of 15 student senators on YSU’s Academic Senate. All meetings of Student Government are open to the student body.

*There are also appointed representatives for Freshmen, International Students, Transfer Students, and Veterans.

Student Government recommends students to serve on joint faculty-student committees, and allocates funding for student organization events and travel. They hold elections in the spring. SGA also recruits nominees for the two student positions of the University Board of Trustees.

The Student Government Suite is located in Silvestri 019 (Basement).

For more information, visit the SGA website. 

The University supports multiple student media outlets. Students can showcase their talents through The award-winning Jambar, a weekly newspaper; The Jambar in 10, a weekly headline news show; Jambar Sports Extra, a YSU-focused sports show; Jambar News Magazine, a show that focuses on in-depth reporting about campus; and Rookery Radio, an online radio station. 

Student media is student run. Policies and procedures concerning student publications are prepared, reviewed, and applied by the Student Media Committee. 

Located in Bliss Hall. 

There are over 180 student organizations ranging from academic and social awareness to cultural organizations, Greek Life, and Student Government. Students are invited to take the first step and discover something that engages their interests. Students can also create their own, brand new student organization! A complete searchable listing of registered student organizations at YSU is available on the Campus Groups web page.

Located in the Student Activities Office, Silvestri Hall Basement Level.

The Veterans Resource Center on campus houses the Office of Veterans Affairs which assists student veterans, currently serving military members, and their dependents with VA, DOD, and State education benefits for which they might qualify.  The office also provides an array of additional services to aid the success of military-connected students while attending the university.  These students should consider the Veterans Resource Center their first point of contact for anything military/veteran related as it pertains to their experience on campus.

The Veterans Resource Center is located at 633 Wick Ave.

For more information, visit the Office of Veterans Affairs website.

The Writing Center (WC) offers in-person or online appointments and walk-in consultations for individualized instruction on writing to help all students become more independent, confident, and successful writers.  

The Writing Center is located in Maag Library 171.

For more information, visit the WC website.

THE LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER  

The LLRC provides in-person or online tutoring for the world languages taught at YSU.  

The Language Learning Resource Center is located in Maag Library, rooms 161-162.

For more information, visit the WC website.

The University has established a series of awards to recognize excellence and to encourage participation in campus life. The awards are presented annually at the Student Activities Awards Banquet in the spring. Each year students, faculty, and staff are invited to nominate outstanding individuals and organizations for these prestigious awards. Selections will be made by a committee composed of students, faculty, and staff. Details regarding this program and the different awards listed below may be obtained from the Student Activities Office.

The Bernadine Marinelli Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student supervisor in the Division of Student Experience in memory of an exceptional educator and student advocate.  Ms. Marinelli, the first female high school principal in the Youngstown City School District, was a dynamic person who helped many students to reach their potential.   

The Cardinal Newman Award is given to a graduating senior who, through service to the Newman Center, Catholic Penguins, the Youngstown State University as a whole, and to the wider community, has embodied Cardinal Newman's motto, thus allowing their own feats to be spoken to others in service and in recognition of the responsibility we each have to care for our neighbor.

This award recognizes an outstanding University-wide event sponsored by a registered YSU student organization. The program must be distinguished by its inclusion of the University community and the program's contribution to the quality of student life.

Scholarship for a student who has been active at the Newman Center. It is in honor of Arthur DeCrane, who was the first Catholic campus minister for Youngstown College and also for the late Judge William Houser, who was active in the Newman Center while going to school here. Judge Houser's family donated a large sum of money to make this scholarship available upon his death.

ERIN DRISCOLL EMPOWERMENT AWARD

The Erin E. Driscoll Empowerment Award, established during the 2022-2023 academic year by the Student Government Association, is in honor of Ms. Erin Driscoll.  This award is bestowed upon a YSU Student Organization Advisor, previous or current, who has proven to be an instrumental factor in the success of their organization and members they are advising.  The individual must have displayed the qualities that Erin Driscoll encompassed; specifically, their pivotal role, dedication, and constant enthusiasm to empower students to reach their fullest potential as leaders.

The Emerging Leader Program provides sophomore students with an opportunity to develop and refine the knowledge and skills essential to leadership. Students who complete the program receive designation on their official University transcript, cords for their academic regalia, and a YSU Leadership medallion pin.

To recognize outstanding achievement in support of the Division of Student Affairs at YSU beyond the scope of assigned duties. All members of the Division of Student Affairs are eligible for this award.

The John J. Gocala Service Award was established by the Student Government Association during the 2008-09 academic year to recognize the commitment and contributions of John J. Gocala during his tenure as YSU Police Chief.

The intent of the award is to recognize one individual within the university community who has gone above and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the first-class reputation and traditions of Youngstown State University.

The individual must truly work to preserve the best interests of the YSU campus and community.

The Kocinski Award is given in honor of Marilyn Kocinski, who taught dance at YSU in the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science from 1960 to 1983.

Her family was responsible for instituting the award in the late 1990s in her memory. The award is presented to a senior student who has played a significant role as a student leader in the YSU Dance Ensemble and who demonstrates academic integrity as well as artistry and creativity in the field of dance.

The Libra Award is presented to the outstanding faculty/staff advisor of a registered student organization. The award is designed to recognize the contributions and commitment to furthering student leadership development made by advisors.

The Martin T. "Marty" Manning Award, established during the 2010-2011 academic year by the Student Government Association, is in honor of the late Dr. Martin T. "Marty" Manning. The award is in recognition of the superior student mentoring of Dr. Manning.

The award is given to a full- or part-time student, administrator, faculty or staff member, or alumnus/a who has exemplified the student-mentoring capacity that Dr. Manning so consistently displayed throughout his Youngstown State University career.

This award was established by Student Government during the 1992-93 school year to recognize and remember the commitment and contributions to students and student services by Dr. Charles McBriarty during his tenure as Vice President for Student Affairs. Its intent is to recognize individuals within the university community who have a reputation for being exceptionally student-oriented and who possess the traits, ethics, and friendly style exhibited by Dr. McBriarty.

Award to recognize an outstanding individual who has made a lasting contribution to encourage and increase awareness of cultural diversity at Youngstown State University. All faculty, staff, students, and members of the extended YSU community are eligible for the award.

The Harry M. Meshel Legacy Award, established during the 2017-2018 academic year by the Student Government Association, is in honor of the late Mr. Harry M. Meshel.  An influential political figure, Mr. Meshel made immense contributions to the valley that simply cannot be measured. This award is in recognition of the values of: public service, civics, education, culture, and dedication to one's hometown, each of which he brilliantly possessed.

This award is bestowed upon a Youngstown State University student, who may or may not be a member of the Student Government Association.  The individual must have displayed the qualities Mr. Meshel encompassed, specifically the commitment to public service for the Greater Youngstown Community.     

This award honors the faculty or staff mentor who has contributed the most during the past year to the development of a YSU student.

The Multicultural Leadership Award recognizes up to two minority students who have achieved academic success and demonstrated effective leadership in promoting cultural awareness to the campus and community.

Recognizes a newly registered student organization exhibiting initiative in organizational development and strong potential to contribute to the quality of life as a recognized student organization at Youngstown State University.

The Orion Award recognizes an exceptional student organization for its outstanding leadership and service to the University community during the current academic year.

Awarded to a full-time student who has exhibited an extended commitment and dedication to serving the student body through various positions on Student Government.

This award recognizes student employees who have made outstanding contributions to their employers and demonstrated skills and commitment above and beyond expectations.

The award shall be given to one full-time faculty member each year. The recipient shall possess the qualities of Lester Smith and Gratia Murphy and display a genuine concern for the well-being and success of the students he or she teaches.

Given by Student Government to a member of the campus or Youngstown metropolitan community who has displayed the same level of enthusiasm for the work of YSU Student Government or campus community as Rebecca over the past academic year.

To recognize an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the students of YSU. All faculty, staff (excluding all members within the Division of Student Affairs), and members of the University community are eligible for this award.

Gina Tenney was one of YSU's best and most dedicated students. Before her tragic death in 1985, Gina had been actively involved in campus life and had achieved excellent academic standing. She served in Student Government and was a student assistant in the Student Services Office. She was also active in the University Theater Department. In honor of Gina's memory, the Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in January of 1986 by the YSU Student Government.

Begun 70 years ago, in 1948, the YSU pin recognizes up to five graduating seniors who have achieved academic success and demonstrated outstanding leadership, motivation, and creativity in University and community activities.

The Luke Zaccaro Award is given to a YSU student who may be a member of Student Government. The individual should have done something exceptional for the university, Student Government, or fellow students during the course of the current year.

The YSU Leadership Scholarship recognizes outstanding students for their contribution to and leadership in campus activities. Each year up to seven students are awarded $600 for Fall tuition and fees.

For more information, visit the Student Activities website.