Parent & Family Resources

MISSION. RESPONSIBILITY. PASSION.
To imagine and realize a future that is worthy of our dedication.
To show our students & communities a future worthy of their dedication.

THE VITAL MISSION OF ARTS & SCIENCES AT BGSU

We cultivate different “Habits of Mind.”
We prepare students to lead meaningful and productive lives.
We transform lives.
We work for the public good.

Welcome Parents and Families!  The College of Arts & Sciences welcomes you as a partner in the educational success of your student. These pages are designed to assist you, the parents and family members of a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, in staying informed and involved in your student’s educational career. Although the college staff are limited by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in the type of information that can be shared with parents and family members, we recognize that you have an important role to play in the support of your student’s educational career. We want to assist you in that role as much as possible! For your convenience we have listed several academic and related topics on these pages. Additional information can be found at BGSU's Parents, Family and New Student Connections website.

May we suggest that transitioning to college is a significant and complex event in your family.

  • Encourage your students to ask questions and to seek out services on campus.
  • Provide a balanced approach to emotional support with your students as they adjust to their new environment. 
  • Students should schedule and attend both individual course meetings and homework times.
  • Encourage campus involvement; BGSU has many opportunities.
  • Remember, this is a transition process for families, too.

We are committed to assisting your students in becoming, through our liberal arts curriculum, problem solvers, to critically analyze, communicate, and to take responsibility for their educational careers. Careful navigation through the college transition experience and effective utilization of the resources BGSU offers will result in meaningful transformation of your student's life.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In 1974 the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted into law to protect a student’s privacy in regard to their educational records. As your student enters college he/she enters the realm of being an adult and taking control of their educational records. This can be frustrating for the parents and family members who are still providing support for their student financially and emotionally. We encourage you to maintain an open line of communication with your student and to stay informed about college processes as much as possible.

Academic Advising

Bowling Green State University has a centralized team of Academic and Career Planning Specialists to assist students through their academic career. Faculty Mentors with expertise in your student’s major content area are also assigned to each student. Academic and Career Planning Specialists and Faculty Mentors work together to help your student understand university policies and degree requirements and to prepare for their professional work choices. Visit the link above to learn about additional advising resources.

Undergraduate Student Handbook, College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Student Handbook is a supplement to the BGSU Undergraduate Policies, Programs, and Courses. It includes information on grade policies and specific college requirements.

Department and Program Information

Each of the College of Arts and Science's majors and minors are associated with a department or program office. If you are interested in learning more about your student's major or minor you should visit the College's Departments and Programs page.

Updated: 10/10/2021 11:05PM