Welcome Week

Make the most of your first week on campus! Enjoy these great events all week long (August 27–September 2)! Student Activities and departments all over campus have planned a fun week for you to enjoy before you get too busy with classes. So many adventures to experience during your first week! We’re looking for volunteers to help with these amazing events. Be part of the fun. Go to this webpage to volunteer.

Welcome Week 2023: Adventure Awaits


WELCOME WEEK EVENTS

 

Sunday, August 27

YSU Women’s Soccer vs Canisius

1:00pm | Youngstown, Ohio Farmers National Bank Field

Youngstown State University @ The Panerathon

9:00 am group photo; 10:00am walk/run | Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St, Youngstown, OH 44503
YSU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members are invited to join YSU in supporting the Panerathon to benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center! You can run or walk and choose from 2-mile and 10k routes. Or simply come downtown to cheer on your friends! Sign up here then follow the directions to register for the race.

For more information, contact YSU Office of Community Engagement at communityengagement@ysu.edu

International Student Frenzy: Get Rec’d with us!

1:00pm–3:00pm | Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Come Get Rec’d at Campus Rec! You can paint, climb the rock wall, play futsal, join a cricket challenge, & participate in other activities for prizes!

For more information, contact Dina Fabry at dmfabry@ysu.edu or 330-941-3731.

Sponsored by Campus Rec

Resident Frenzy: Get Rec’d with us!

Time: 3:00pm–5:00pm | Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Living on campus this year? Come Get Rec’d at Campus Rec! You can paint, climb the rock wall, play basketball or volleyball, & participate in other activities for prizes!

For more information, contact Dina Fabry at dmfabry@ysu.edu or 330-941-3731.

Sponsored by Campus Rec

Monday, August 28

Group X Classes Begin

Come Get Rec'd at FREE Group X classes at the Rec Center! There's a variety of classes good for all fitness levels! Check out the schedule posted in the Rec Center or on the website.

Sponsored by Campus Rec

Welcome & Information Tents

7:30am–5:30pm | The Fountain, Outside DeBartolo Hall, Outside Maag Library
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our tent if you can't find a building, are lost on the way to class, or just need our help! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need.

For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu

Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Donuts and Coffee with Student Government Association

9:00am–11:00am | Outside Kilcawley Center facing Campus Core | Rain Location: Lower Arcade, 1st Floor Kilcawley Center
Come and talk with Student Government Representatives over some free donuts and coffee outside Kilcawley near Dunkin’!

For more information, contact Alexander Papa at 330-941-3382 or acpapa@student.ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Government

Camp 1908!

10:00am–3:00pm | Campus Core, Near the YSU Rock | Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Come visit Camp 1908 (Ya, it’s named for the year YSU was founded)! It will be a relaxing campsite in the center of campus for crafts, planting a plant, music, snacks, prizes, and much more. It’s a fun celebration of the first day of school. Each hour will be a different activity. Stop by and hang out between classes.

  • 10-3 Yard Games
  • 11-12 Tie Dye Bucket Hats, Bandanas, and Socks
  • 12-1 Friendship Bracelets
  • 1-3 Crafternoons: Build Your Own Forest

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities and Campus Recreation

Welcome Back @ Maag Library

11:00am–2:00pm | Outside North Entrance, Maag Library | Rain Location: Lobby, Maag Library
Come to Maag Library and learn about our services, play some games, and win give-aways.

For more information, contact Lisa Garofali at 330-941-3487 or lmgarofali@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Maag Library

Your Answer Awaits

11:00am–2:00pm | Outside North Entrance, Maag Library | Rain Location: Lobby, Maag Library
Stop by the Writing Center's table to add one of 2,813 answers to a 25-foot long crossword puzzle. Hidden in the answers is also Hamlet's famous "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy. While there, ask about the Language Learning Resource Center and Mahoning County’s Green Team.

For more information, contact the Writing Center at 330-941-3055 or wcenter@ysu.edu

Sponsored by the Writing Center & Language Learning Resource Center

Student Government Body Meeting Open to Public

4:00pm–5:00pm | Rossi Room, Kilcawley Center
Come watch Student Government’s first body meeting! Representative spots are open, so please swing by and see what we do!
For more information, contact Alexander Papa at 330-941-3382 or acpapa@student.ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Government

Tuesday, August 29

Welcome & Information Tents

7:30am–5:30pm | The Fountain, Outside DeBartolo Hall, Outside Maag Library
Welcome back to YSU! Whether it's your first year or you're returning, we are here to help. Stop by our tent if you can't find a building, are lost on the way to class, or just need our help! First Year Student Services staff will be available throughout the day to help out with anything you need.

For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu

Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Student Organization Fair

10:00am–2:00pm | Campus Core | Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Looking for ways to get involved on campus? Join us in the Campus Core outside Kilcawley Center to speak with representatives from our student organizations. Take a walk through the fair and decide which organizations are best for you!

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

Intramural Sports Promo Table

10:00am–2:00pm | The Fountain
Come learn about the leagues and tournaments we are offering this fall and how to register!

For more information, contact Kiah Powell at 330-941-3599 or kpowell04@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Campus Rec

Puppy Palooza

10:00am–2:00pm | Outside Main Entrance, Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Come play with adoptable puppies to help reduce your stress. Donations for the animal shelter are accepted!

For more information, contact Dina Fabry at 330-941-3731 or dmfabry@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Campus Rec

Welcome Back @ Maag Library

11:00am–2:00pm | Outside North Entrance, Maag Library | Rain Location: Lobby, Maag Library
Come to Maag Library and learn about our services, play some games, and win give-aways.

For more information, contact Lisa Garofali at 330-941-3487 or lmgarofali@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Maag Library

Your Answer Awaits

11:00am–2:00pm | Outside North Entrance, Maag Library | Rain Location: Lobby, Maag Library
Stop by the Writing Center's table to add one of 2,813 answers to a 25-foot long crossword puzzle. Hidden in the answers is also Hamlet's famous "To Be or Not to Be" soliloquy. While there, ask about the Language Learning Resource Center and Mahoning County’s Green Team.

For more information, contact the Writing Center at 330-941-3055 or wcenter@ysu.edu

Sponsored by the Writing Center & Language Learning Resource Center

BCLASSE Welcome Table

11:30am–1:30pm | DeBartolo Hall | Outside the Main entrance
Come meet some of our faculty, staff and fellow students.  Win some giveaways.

For more information, contact Desa Pavlichich at 330-941-3409 or dpavlichich@ysu.edu

Sponsored by the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Sokolov Honors College and Office of Community Engagement Campus Open House

12:00pm–2:00pm | Front Porch and Lawn, Fok Hall | Rain Location: First Floor Classroom, Fok Hall
Stop by Fok Hall to meet honors and community engagement faculty, staff, and fellow students! All are invited to cool off with a popsicle and chat about the exciting year ahead! Come with any questions you may have about honors, community engagement, and YSU. Register at the Sokolov Honors College campus open house webpage.

For more information, contact Sokolov Honors College at 330-941-2772 or honors@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Sokolov Honors College

Find Your Adventure Buddies Student Mixer

2:30pm–4:30pm | The Cove, Kilcawley West
Join Student Activities for the chance to meet with fellow students and organizations that represent diverse populations. Come alone, or with friends! Kick back and enjoy some ice cream and meet new people through speed friending (like speed dating, but to meet new friends!)

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

Catholic Penguins Welcome Back BBQ

Starting at 6:00pm | We are located at 254 Madison Ave right across from the Lyden and Cafaro dorms
Join us at the St. John Henry Newman Center for a BBQ starting at 6:00 pm!

Wednesday, August 30

Wick Primary Care Open House

8:00am–9:30am | Mercy Student Health Center (330 Wick Ave)
Please come meet our amazing providers and staff at Wick Primary Care that will be helping you with all your healthcare needs and grab a bagel.  

Sponsored by Mercy Health Wick Primary Care

Forest Adventure Block Party

10:00am–1:00pm | Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Join us at The Block Party for free food, relaxing games, a balloon artist, music, and more.

Many prizes—including the grand prize: a smart TV!  This fun resource fair showcases friendly faces from campus departments. Learn about the services that are available to you! And while you’re at it, get some fun facts about conservation!

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities, Kilcawley Center, and Pepsi

Intramural Sports Promo Table

10:00am–2:00pm | Between Stavich Family Bridge and Maag Library
Come learn about the leagues and tournaments we are offering this fall and how to register!

For more information, contact Kiah Powell at 330-941-3599 or kpowell04@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Campus Rec

STEM Professional Services Welcome Table

10:30am–1:00pm | Concourse (Near the Red Statue), Moser Hall | Rain Location: Lobby, Moser Hall
STEM Professional Services provides academic, career and financial resources. Stop by to meet our staff and learn how our office can support your academic and career goals. Games and goodies will also be available!

For more information, contact Emilie Brown at 330-941-2884 or egbrown02@ysu.edu

Sponsored by STEM Professional Services

VETERAN’S GRILL AND CHILL

11:00am – 2:00pm | Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center | 33 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Oh (Next To The Pollock House)
Student veterans and/or dependents using veterans benefits are encouraged to come meet their fellow military-connected students at the Carl Nunziato Veterans Resource Center during our “Welcome Week Grill and Chill” event. Picnic-style food and refreshments will be available along with some games, music and prize drawings!  

Contact veterans@ysu.edu or (330) 9441-2503 for more information.

BCLASSE Welcome Table

11:30am–1:30pm | DeBartolo Hall | Outside the Main entrance
Come meet some of our faculty, staff and fellow students.  Win some giveaways.

For more information, contact Desa Pavlichich at 330-941-3409 or dpavlichich@ysu.edu

Sponsored by the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Meet the Greeks

6:00pm–8:00pm | Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
Learn about what fraternities and sororities do on a daily basis and meet the chapters. Our members hold leadership positions in numerous student organizations and carry out top philanthropy efforts annually. We are confident you can find a home within Greek Life and ensure a true Penguin Experience.

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu.

Sponsored by Student Activities

Thursday, August 31

Pick Up Your Copy of the Jambar today!

The Jambar is YSU’s Student Newspaper, published each Thursday. Can be found in building lobbies all over campus.

Build a Penguin Lottery

10:30am–12:00pm | Follow @ysu_activities on Instagram to find out the location!
Build a penguin so fluffy at this cult event! Students must follow @ysu_activities on Instagram to access the link to enter for a chance to be randomly selected as one of a limited number of students to build their stuffed penguin! Students will be notified if they won a penguin. Those that were selected will receive a private link to sign up for a designated time on Thursday to enter the “build a penguin factory”. This event is for current YSU students only and you must present a valid YSU student ID to receive your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin.

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

Intramural Sports Promo Table

10:00am–2:00pm | Lower Arcade, Kilcawley Center
Come learn about the leagues and tournaments we are offering this fall and how to register!

For more information, contact Kiah Powell at 330-941-3599 or kpowell04@ysu.edu

STEM Professional Services Welcome Table

10:30am–12:30pm | Outside 3rd Floor Entrance, Ward Beecher Hall | Rain Location: 3rd Floor Lobby, Ward Beecher Hall
STEM Professional Services provides academic, career and financial resources. Stop by to meet our staff and learn how our office can support your academic and career goals. Games and goodies will also be available!

For more information, contact Emilie Brown at 330-941-2884 or egbrown02@ysu.edu

Sponsored by STEM Professional Services

Food Truck Adventure with Student Government Association

11:00am–1:00pm | Lincoln Ave in Front of Silvestri Hall
Student Government will be hosting a food truck on campus from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Follow @ysu_sga for more details!

For more information, contact Alexander Papa at 330-941-3382 or acpapa@student.ysu.edu

Sponsored by SGA

VETERAN’S GRILL AND CHILL

11:00am – 2:00pm | Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center | 33 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Oh (Next To The Pollock House)
Student veterans and/or dependents using veterans benefits are encouraged to come meet their fellow military-connected students at the Carl Nunziato Veterans Resource Center during our “Welcome Week Grill and Chill” event. Picnic-style food and refreshments will be available along with some games, music and prize drawings!  

Contact veterans@ysu.edu or (330) 9441-2503 for more information.

Fraternity/Sorority Info Fair

11:00am–1:30pm | Outside Kilcawley Center facing Campus Core
Looking for ways to get involved on campus that include community service and leadership opportunities? Join us in the Campus Core outside Kilcawley Center to speak with representatives from our fraternities and sororities. Take a walk through the fair and decide if you want to go through the recruitment process!

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

Get the Scoop on Success!

11:00am–2:00pm | Resch Academic Success Center
Do you like free ice cream? The Resch Academic Success Center will be hosting an ice cream social and open house on Thursday, August 31st from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Stop by the ASC for ice cream, prizes, and a chance to learn more about what services we can provide you to help you find success on campus!

For more information, contact Kevin Hartenstein at 330-941-7175 or khartenstein@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Resch Academic Success Center

Picnic with the Peer Leaders

12:00pm–2:00pm | Heritage Park
Every adventure needs a lunch break and a YSU Blanket! Join the peer leaders for a picnic lunch at Heritage Park across from Chick-fil-A. Get your lunch to-go, pack it, or join us for some fun and conversation! Hang out and take home a YSU Blanket for all your YSU adventures while supplies last.

For more information, contact First Year Student Services at 330-941-2131 or firstyear@ysu.edu

Sponsored by First Year Student Services

Build a Penguin Walk-Up

12:00pm–until they’re gone! | Follow @ysu_activities on Instagram to find out the location!
Build a penguin so fluffy! We will have a limited number of 150 penguins available for walk-ups starting at 12:00pm. Follow Student Activities on Instagram to catch the location announcement of this cult event. These won’t last long. This event is for current YSU students only and you must present a valid YSU student ID to receive your penguin. One penguin per student. You must be present at the event to stuff a penguin.  

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

Grill & Chill Tailgate

4:00pm–7:00pm | Grassy Area Outside of Rec Center | Rain Location: Basketball Courts, Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Your adventure awaits at our tailgate event! We'll have food, slip and slide kayaks, crafts, giveaways, large prizes & more! Join our tailgate event before the 1st home game and form the tunnel on the field to get a free t-shirt!

For more information, contact Dina Fabry at 330-941-3731 or dmfabry@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Campus Rec, Housing & Residence Life, Student Activities & Athletics

Catholic Penguins  Ice Cream Social

7:00pm–9:00pm | St. John Henry Newman Center at 254 Madison Ave across from the Lyden and Cafaro Residence Halls.
Join us for an ice cream social—a mid-week break is in order!

YSU Football vs Valparaiso

7:30 pm | Stambaugh Stadium
Students can obtain a complimentary ticket with a valid YSU student ID. Tickets are available at the YSU Bookstore or the Athletics Ticket Office.

Friday, September 1

Wick Primary Care Open House

8:00am–9:30am | Mercy Student Health Center (330 Wick Ave)
Please come meet our amazing providers and staff at Wick Primary Care that will be helping you with all your healthcare needs and grab a bagel.  

Sponsored by Mercy Health Wick Primary Care

YSU Day Celebration

10:30am–1:00pm | The Fountain | Rain Location: Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
YSU Day celebrates the day we became part of the Ohio state school system. Join us to learn about the history of YSU from Maag Library experts! Show your YSU pride by painting the rock, test your knowledge with a few trivia questions, grab a sweet treat, and pick up some YSU swag. Enjoy a performance by the YSU Pride Marching Band!

For more information, contact Kathy Leeper at 330-941-3565 or klleeper@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities and Maag Library

JambarTV Broadcast

12:00pm–12:30pm | Go to the Jambar TV by The Jambar website
Check out this week’s episode of YSU’s student-produced JambarTV

Scavenger Hunt

3:00pm–5:00pm | The Cove, Kilcawley West
Sign up your team of four members for this crazy all-campus scavenger hunt. Work with your team to explore campus and complete the tasks on our list. Take fun pictures and videos, find specific items to bring back to the judges, and compete to win some cool camping-themed prizes! Sign up with your team at the Welcome Week Scavenger Hunt Team Registration form.

Compete for These Prizes (each team member from the top three teams gets one of these!):

First Place: Grand Trunk Double Hammock with Tree Hanging Kit.

Second Place: Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch for Hiking, Beach, or in Your Campus Pad.

Third Place: Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel 30-ounce tumbler in Cool Colors.

For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575 or studentactivities@ysu.edu

Sponsored by Student Activities

FIRST FRIDAYS

5:00pm–10:00pm | Phelps Street, Downtown Youngstown
The Downtown Youngstown Partnership is excited to welcome Penguins back to town for the fall semester with food, vendors, music, and more.

Catholic Penguins Social Night

7:00pm | St. John Henry Newman Center at 254 Madison Ave across from the Lyden and Cafaro Residence Halls.
Join us for games, food, and community!

Saturday, September 2

Women’s Golf YSU Kickoff

Boardman, Ohio - Mill Creek Golf Course (North), Boardman, Ohio