Although YSU is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of your student, we also have many opportunities for you to stay aware of what is going on in your student’s life, and to learn about experiences typical college students encounter. Consider the following options to stay involved.
Four out of every ten students who begin college do not complete their degrees.
In 2006-2007, the national retention rate of students who attended universities like YSU (public open enrollment) was 64%.
The retention rate of students who attended YSU was 71%.
The retention rate of all full-time students who attended YSU and utilized support services offered by the Center for Student Progress, such as Student Tutorial Services or First-Year Student Services, was 81%.
A simple definition of retention, in a university setting, is a measure of the number of first-year students who return the following fall. At Youngstown State retention of all students is taken very seriously. It is very important to us that students accomplish their long-term goal of graduation. Youngstown State acknowledges that support services and campus involvement assist students in completing their degrees.
"A freshman’s most critical transition period occurs during the first two to six weeks" (Levitz and Noel 1989).
Research has indicated that a student's first few weeks on campus are the most critical in determining whether or not they will persist to complete a degree. At YSU we know the importance of not only the first few weeks but also of the first year of a student on campus. The transition from high school to college can be very difficult for students and support is often needed to help students ease through the transition.
To help students ease through the college transition, every YSU first-year student is assigned a peer mentor during SOAR (Student-Orientation-Advisement-Registration). At YSU, peer mentors are current YSU students who have proven to be academically and socially successful. These peer mentors are hired and employed by the Center for Student Progress for 20 hours a week during both fall and spring semesters. Peer mentors keep office hours during which they are available to give each first-year student "extended orientation." Peer mentors meet weekly with first-year students to help them have a successful first year. Peer mentors cover a variety of topics with first-year students including time management, goal setting, campus jobs, and much more.
For more information about 2007-2008 peer mentors and the topics they cover: FYSS, Peer Mentors
One-on-one Appointments
If you have concerns about your student and would like to talk to someone face-to-face, you can make an appointment with the Assistant Director First-Year Student Services. You can meet one-on-one with the FYSS Assistant Director or you can include your student in the meeting. Call (330) 941-7492 for an appointment.
Phone Calls
If you have concerns about your student and would like to talk to someone on the phone about a question or concern, you can call the Assistant Director of First-Year Student Services at (330) 941-7492.
Center for Student Progress • Kilcawley West • Phone: 330.941.3538 • Fax: 330.941.1455
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Admissions: 330.941.2000 • Graduate Admissions: 330.941.3091 • General Information: 330.941.3000
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