History/Mission Statement

History

The Center for Student Progress is an academic support unit formed by the Division of Student Affairs in 1996 to provide a more financially efficient and collaborative manner of delivering related services to the students of Youngstown State University.  At its inception, the Center combined four independently housed and separately operating units:  First-Year Student Services, Adult Learner Services, Multicultural Student Services, and Student Tutorial Services.  In nine years, with the addition of Individual Intervention Services, Supplemental Instruction Services, Orientation Services, and Disability Services, the Center has grown from four independent offices to eight coordinated services with collaborative and consistent intervention procedures and an on-line system for collecting and sharing student data.  This consolidation has resulted in increased service to and retention of students.  During the Center's first year of operation, staff provided 8,904 contact hours to 1,859 YSU students.  In 2005-2006, with a staff of 15 professionals and 100 student employees, the Center provided 30,984 hours of intensive contact to 6,090 students, resulting in a retention rate of 80% for full-time students using its services - a 305% increase in contact hours and a 287% increase in students served since the Center's inception.

Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Center for Student Progress is to ensure that students are integrated into the social  and academic communities of Youngstown State University, and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become successful learners in those communities.  The Center provides programming and direct services that help students explore, set, and attain educational goals.  It encourages, promotes, and coordinates student utilization of University resources.  Through active intervention in the lives of students, the Center for Student Progress strives to help students successfully complete their university experience.