YSU Orientation Staff

"I was stressed today, but my peer mentor was a very nice person and I'm glad to find out that she will be helping me throughout the year." -First-Year Student, 2003

During your experience with the orientation program, you will have an opportunity to meet several faculty, staff and students of the institution.  Nevertheless, the professional orientation staff and student leaders will be the first individuals that will help you adapt to Youngstown State University during your first year.

Leading the professional staff is Tysa Egleton, the Assistant Director of Orientation Services for the Center for Student Progress.  She, as well as, Kathy Palladino, Secretary for the office, facilitate all of the orientation programs.  Both individuals are responsible for the reservation/confirmation procedures and the development/implementation of the orientation sessions.

The Peer Mentor (PM) staff performs a critical role for first-year students by providing quality and personalized service.  These student leaders are valuable staff members of the orientation programs.  Located in the Center for Student Progress, PM's work within all aspects of orientation to create a positive educational experience and transition to college life for students.  A PM serves as a role model, friend, resource, and crucial link between new students and the University community.

Essentially, PM's have completed at least 36 credit hours, maintained full-time status during the academic year and acquired an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better.  Every first-year student is assigned a PM and encouraged to use this resource but the mentorship program is not mandatory.  During orientation, students and parents are given a presentation of the benefits for making the Peer Mentor connection and the student will find out which Peer Mentor has been assigned to him/her.