Athletic Academic Services and Student Athlete Engagement

Youngstown State University

The Official Home of Youngstown State University Athletics

Schedule

At Youngstown State University, academic success is the top priority for Penguin student-athletes. That focus is set by university administration and strictly adhered to by YSU athletic administration and coaches.

All Penguin student-athletes are assisted by one of our Academic Advisors, and there are two academic centers available exclusively to student-athletes.

Jermaine Hopkins Academic Center
Stambaugh Stadium Room 1097

Beeghly Academic Center
Beeghly Center Room 109

Academic Honors in YSU Athletics

Academic Advisors

Brian
Welch

Assistant Athletic Director - Athletic Academic Services
Sports: Women's Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Soccer, Volleyball
Bio | bewelch@ysu.edu

Rebecca
King

Associate Director - Athletic Academic Services
Sports: Baseball, Men's Basketball, Lacrosse, Softball
Bio | (330) 941-1921 | rjking03@ysu.edu

Taylor
Blandine

Senior Athletic Academic Advisor
Sports: Football, Men's Tennis
Bio | (330) 941-3610 | trblandine@ysu.edu

Nicole
Law

Athletic Academic Coordinator
Sports: Men's and Women's Track/Cross Country, Bowling, Women's Golf, Women's Tennis
Bio | (330) 941-3722 | nclaw@ysu.edu

Marty
Hyden

Senior Athletic Academic Advisor (part-time)
Sports: Assists Athletic Academic Advisors with all sports
Bio | (330) 941-3766 | mlhyden@ysu.edu

Academic Links

YSU faculty members are asked to evaluate student-athletes' academic performance twice per semester. Reports are compiled and discussed with each sports coaching staff.
YSU student-athletes are required to meet with their college academic advisor each semester. Student-athletes must also meet with their athletic academic advisor each semester to be able to register for classes for the following academic term.
Athletic academic advisors evaluate transcripts and test scores for prospective first year and transfer student-athletes.
Provide guidance to student-athletes on academic options.
Athletic academic advisors monitor student-athletes NCAA eligibility and progress toward degree.
Athletic academic advisors provide referrals to the appropriate campus resources including the Resch Academic Success Center, Math Achievement Center, Writing Center, Accessibility Services, as well as the Office of Career Exploration & Development for major and career guidance.

Jermaine Hopkins Center for Academics

The newly remodeled Jermaine Hopkins Center for Academics is a private study lounge available exclusively to student-athletes. Located in Room 1099 in Stambaugh Stadium, it is one of the best learning facilities in the Horizon League and Missouri Valley Football Conference.

The center features a computer lab, study tables and private cubicles. In the spring of 2020 the facility underwent a massive renovation courtesy of a $100,000 grant from the NCAA.

Please visit NCAA.org for more information regarding eligibility requirements and Division I Progress towards Degree Requirements.

Academic Requirements	Prior to the 2nd year of enrollment	Prior to the third year of enrollment	Prior to the fourth year of enrollment	Prior to the fifth year of enrollment
Regular Academic TERM	Must pass at least 6 semester hours of credit	Must pass at least 6 semester hours of credit	Must pass at least 6 semester hours of credit	Must pass at least 6 semester hours of credit
Regular Academic YEAR	Must pass 18 semester hours of credit	Must pass 18 semester hours of credit	Must pass 18 semester hours of credit	Must pass 18 semester hours of credit
Degree Credit	Credits earned can count toward any degree	Credits earned must go towards your major	Credits earned must go towards your major	Credits earned must go towards your major
Percentage of Degree	24 semester hours of credit, 18 credit hours must be completed over fall and spring	40% of your declared degree must be completed	60% of your declared degree must be completed	80% of your declared degree must be completed
Grade Point Average	You need at least a 1.8 GPA to be eligible to participate	You need at least a 1.9 GPA to be eligible to participate	You need at least a 2.00 to be eligible to participate	You need at least a 2.00 to be eligible to participate