YOUNGSTOWN - Eyebrows continue to be raised towards Youngstown State University as the school announced several cuts to a handful of program in the past few days.

This comes as Congressman Bill Johnson is set to take over as YSU's leader in just two weeks. The trustee's decision-making process in selecting the Congressman has been met with major pushback from the penguin community.

This is why a handful of YSU members met Monday evening to discuss their plan of action moving forward, with much change on the horizon.

"I think a lot of us are just now realizing how important it is to be involved in these kinds of things and how much they affect us," explained Senior Aidan Holderfield.

Even more upset came from the YSU community as the university announced several majors and program cuts in recent days. YSU says the changes to the Dana School of music will benefit the University, but some aren't impressed.

"Without the Dana School of Music, I would not be a musician," explained Jason Volovar, a YSU grad and music director. "I would not have this wonderful job in this parish that I have grown to love. and without the Dana School of Music, many, upon many of kids will not be able to fulfill their career in music."

Program graduates fear eliminating programs and faculty could lead the Dana School out of existence.

Much controversy remains with the presidential selection process of Congressman Bill Johnson.

"He will say that he's not going to bring his politics in but then say other people are bringing their politics in so he should have the right to do that," Holderfield added. "It is still concerning in the sense that he is going back and forth on it and I don't trust that."

A small group of students and residents who opposed Johnson gathered to curate a plan of action Monday at the Youngstown Public Library to hold administrators accountable for what they say was the wrong decision in bringing Johnson in.

"I think that we have a good amount of students and alumni that showed up that are passionate and love YSU and want to see us survive past this," explained Senior Rose McClurkin.

While Johnson has said he plans to leave his politics at the door, many don't believe his words. They pitched ideas including a teacher's strike, a student walkout, creating a watchdog group as Johnson begins his role, sending out an anonymous survey to students and staff, and even working with lawyers on what can be done to remove Johnson.

"Now it's getting a little bit more serious," McClurkin added. "If he is going to leave his politics at the door, I would love to come in believing that but I would love to lay the foundation to hold him accountable."

Johnson's first day on the job is January 22. 

Different departments including Geography, Art Education and Photography will also be seeing cuts in the upcoming semesters.