Fall Semester begins at Youngstown State University
Jacob Schriner-Briggs of Liberty, a freshman at Youngstown State University, looks over his books and supplies in preparation for the start of the fall semester today.
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Incoming Youngstown State University freshman Vicki Mayfield strolled the campus Tuesday, getting ready for the start of classes today.
“I’m just trying to get familiar with the campus so I know where I’m going,” said the early-childhood education major from Mineral Ridge.
One of those challenges is knowing where to park. Her first class today is at 10 a.m.
“I was told to get here at 8” to ensure she finds a parking spot, she said.
Mayfield is a little nervous about embarking on her college career. She’s concerned mostly about finding everything on campus and being on time to class, she said.
William Harrington of Austintown, also a freshman, will study telecommunications at YSU. He came to campus Tuesday to buy the books for his classes.
“I want to be prepared to start my road to success,” he said.
Harrington said he chose YSU because he wanted to stay close to his family and friends. Harrington, who played wide receiver and outside linebacker for the Falcons in high school, will play with the YSU Penguins.
In her State of the University address this week, President Cynthia E.
Anderson said the university expects a decrease in enrollment this semester that also means less revenue.
Cory Okular, president of the Student Government Association, said that despite those challenges, he’s expecting a good year.
“We have good leadership, and whatever comes into play, they’ll make the right decisions,” said the senior from New Middletown who’s double- majoring in economics and political science.
Some facilities changes will greet students when they come to campus today whether they’re new or returning students.
The Lincoln Avenue parking deck got a facelift with new lighting, a paint job and repaired stairwells. The project was the second phase to revamp the deck, called M2. The first phase, completed in Summer 2011, was for structural and roof repair.
Ron Cole, YSU spokesman, said the auditoriums in DeBartolo and Cushwa halls were renovated over the summer.
Flooring, walls, ceiling, lighting and seating in the rooms were replaced, and updated technology was added.
DeBartolo Hall opened in 1978 and houses the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Cushwa Hall opened in 1976 and houses the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.
University officials have said the auditoriums hadn’t been updated.
Cole said about 30 music rooms in Bliss Hall, used by students for practice, also were renovated during the summer.
Welcome Week activities on campus include a block party and campus resource fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center. A student organization fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in the campus core and from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday is the student diversity picnic in the recreation area of the University Courtyard Apartments.
A foam party is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Rec 5 area.