Brochure for Student Diversity

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

Welcome

Office of Student Diversity Programs

2113 Kilcawley Center

William J. Blake, Director

Carol B. Yarnell, Secretary Ty-Juan Young, Graduate Assistant

(330) 941-2086 (O) (330) 941-2088 (fax)

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The mission of the Youngstown State University Office of Student Diversity Programs is to serve as an advocate in assuring the successful enrollment, retention and graduation of under-represented undergraduate students. Student academic success is the primary goal that underscores the important role that the Office Student Diversity Programs plays in student development. This goal is achieved by developing and implementing holistic retention programs, sharing information and ideas that assist individuals in embracing diversity and encouraging mutual respect through education, cultural and social programming.

Department Goals :

•  To play a major role in the recruitment and retention of African American, Latino, Native American, Gay, Lesbian, transgender, or queer students and serve as an advocate to assure the success of under-represented students by developing and supporting holistic retention programs; advising under-represented students sharing information and ideas to assist the University in understanding differences; and encouraging sensitivity to the University's many constituents through educational, cultural and social programming.

• To develop, sponsor and co-sponsor educational, social and cultural programs with various academic units, student organizations, and University departments to enhance student effectiveness, and increase sensitivity and responsiveness to institutional diversity through workshops, literature and programs, encouraging the understanding of the university's diverse constituents.

•  To serve as a University and community resource for diversity by maintaining relationships with individuals and departments that advocate for diversity and represent the University at campus and community diversity programs.

•  To interface with the Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Services and Student Affairs and other appropriate student organizations and units in designing efforts directed at positively impacting the recruitment and retention of diverse students, which includes The Center for Student Progress and Associate Degree & Tech Prep Programs.

Department Activities :

The Office of Student Diversity Programs serves as a University and community resource. The office's purposes are to assist the University in achieving the appropriate role for diversity in its academic, cultural, social and professional environments through advising underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students; serving as an advocate to help assure the success of under-represented students, supporting holistic retention programs, and encouraging sensitivity to the university's many constituents through educational, cultural and social programming. The office works closely with other programs and offices such as Upward Bound, The Center for Student Progress, Career Services, S.O.A.R., Student Financial Aid, Student Life, Admissions, Disability Services, College Academic Advising and Enrollment Services.

The relationship of the Office of Student Diversity Programs and its support of the University community are manifested through a variety of programs and activities that are designed to compliment other University efforts directed at positively impacting the recruitment and retention of under-represented undergraduate and graduate students and includes transition support programs and activities.

Several of the office's programs and activities will be designed to be culturally specific and particularized to address specific recruitment, transition and retention issues that impact traditionally under-represented students. These programs include a pre-orientation program for Latino, African-American and Native American Students, multicultural mentoring program, an academic boosters program, a pre-graduation celebration program and cultural and social programming as appropriate.

Services

Work Experience Program

Minority Student Loans

Study Group Program

Cultural and Educational Programming

• Social Programming
• Community Outreach

Student referral Services

Diversity Programming

Capstone Programs

Annual Diversity Lecture

Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Breakfast

Diversity Recognition and Awards Banquet

University-wide Diversity Banner Campaign

YSU Diversity Circle