IPO Providing Summer Storage for International Students

By Nami Nagaoka

The International Programs Office (IPO) announced that they will provide a storage area in Jones Hall for international students’ belongings during Youngstown State University’s summer break. This is the first attempt for IPO to provide a secure storage space for students.

The idea was brought to the office by United Penguins, a student employee group that is dedicated to helping international students transition to life in the United States.

Bikash Thapa, freshman computer science major, is the team leader of housing and student life of United Penguins. He said there were some students who had issues of not being able to keep their items in their rooms during summer break in the past.

He said he thought that was a serious issue, and he said he is excited for international students to have a space to keep their belongings.

He is currently living in Lyden House and said he will be using the facility over the summer.

“I feel safe [leaving my items on campus], and I believe other students will also feel the same,” he said.

Nathan Myers, associate provost for International and Global Initiatives, said IPO will accept plastic bins no larger than 72 quarts, which can be purchased at Walmart. Students will be charged $5 to store each container for their items.

Those fees will be used for IPO’s future activities.

Carly Devenburgh, an assistant director of IPO, said she will be sending out an email to all the international students.

“We are glad to be able to assist students,” she said.

This service will be first come first serve. This storage area will be available for students who live in Cafaro, Lyden, Kilcawley, Wick, and Weller Houses and the University Courtyards.

There will be three drop-off times: May 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 4 from 9 a.m. to noon and May 5 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The pick-up times will be August 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and August 21 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Myers said there will be a $5 fee if students want to pickup their items at another time.