DEAR EDITOR:

I am cautiously optimistic about YSU opening a satellite campus in Steubenville.

Four members of my family are YSU graduates with six degrees in widely varied fields of study. We all faced challenges, but on-campus support services and dedicated faculty who truly wanted their students to succeed helped us complete our degrees and move into fulfilling careers.

Our youngest child chose a program that is not available at YSU but could be completed at Kent State East Liverpool. Being neurodivergent, she was concerned about entering college, but hard work and determination had allowed her to succeed at anything she put her mind to, and she felt called to her chosen field, so she moved forward.

Based on our experiences, we encouraged her to go for it believing she would experience the same support and encouragement we did at YSU.

She spent her first year at the Kent Salem Campus and, while it was every bit as challenging as she expected, her accommodations were supported by professors and staff who were always helpful. She made it through her first year and was accepted into her chosen program.

Unfortunately, everything changed when she moved to the East Liverpool Campus.

They were either unable or unwilling to completely support her accommodations, she felt very little academic encouragement, began to seriously question her career choice and, ultimately, failed to progress in her program and was too discouraged to fight for her place. Same university but very different on-campus experiences.

As YSU moves to open a regional campus, it is my hope that they will be diligent to ensure that every Penguin receives the same quality faculty, services and support no matter which campus they choose to attend.

TRACEY BYLER

Canfield