WHERE IS THE ACADEMIC ADVISING OFFICE?

The academic advising office is located on the third floor of the Education Building in Room 365. To set up an appointment with an advisor, either stop in or call 419.372.7372.

WHO IS MY ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

To find out your advisor you can go to MyBGSU and look along the left-hand links and click on “My Advisor.” 

Students are ultimately responsible for meeting all graduation requirements, however, advisors are always available to assist and direct.  In the college, students have access to a faculty advisor from the major department and also a staff of professional advisors who work with students in any major.  The faculty advisor is an expert in the declared major.  The college advising office staff works closely with degree certification, policy and career planning.  It is recommended that students seek the assistance of an advisor with questions about course selection and University academic policy.  Generally, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once a semester to help ensure that all necessary requirements are being completed.  It is highly recommended that students maintain a file of academic records, ask questions of the advisors and seek help to assure timely graduation.

CHECKSHEETS / HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT COURSES TO TAKE?

• If you are an incoming freshman, you will be using the 2009-2010 checksheets which can be found at http://www.bgsu.edu/catalog/majors.html
• If you are anything besides an incoming freshman, please go to http://www.bgsu.edu/catalog/ and along the left hand links you will find one that says “Other Catalogs.” Depending on the year you started in your program will determine which checksheet you are to use.
• If you are unsure of your year, either call the College Advising Office at 372.7372 or check your degree audit (more information on your degree audit can be found later in this FAQ sections) and scroll all the way to the bottom where you will find the year that you started.

WHAT MAJORS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION?

Attached is a link that shows all of the majors available throughout the University.  About halfway down the page you can view every major that is offered within the College of Education and Human Development and they are broken down into each school within the college.

http://go2.bgsu.edu/choose/academics/majors/

WHAT MINORS ARE AVAILABLE?

At the link below you can find a complete listing of minors offered throughout the University:

http://www.bgsu.edu/newcatalog/minors.html

WHAT IF I AM UNDECIDED ABOUT A MAJOR?

If you are unsure about what you want to study at Bowling Green State University, you are not alone. Each year about 500-600 new freshmen enroll at BGSU undecided about their academic major. Even more are unclear about their career goals. And even those who think they have a clear direction frequently change their minds.

The fact is, most students who enter college straight out of high school (and even some who have worked a while) don't know which major to select or which career might suit them best.

About 60-80 percent of students who enter college with a declared major change that major at least once. That's why BGSU offers Pre-Major Advising as an alternative to choosing a specific college when you enroll. In Pre-Major Advising, trained professionals assist you in planning your course schedule, exploring different areas of study at the University and learning more about your interests, abilities and values--all with a goal of helping you make informed decisions that will lead to your ultimate success at BGSU and beyond.

Your academic advisor in the Office of Pre-Major Advising can help you define your educational goals and assist with career exploration. You are encouraged to meet with your advisor before registering for classes each semester so that together you can choose courses that best meet your needs.

If you receive academic advising through Pre-Major Advising, you are part of a computer listserv that allows your advisor to communicate with you frequently. You also receive your advisor's email address to supplement personal advising sessions

HONORS PROGRAM

For more information regarding the honors program at BGSU, click on the link below:

http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/honors/

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

1.  General Procedures When a student has a concern about the action of a particular individual or department, the grievance initially should be directed to the person(s) responsible for the individual or department (i.e. the Chair or the Dean) as noted in the University organizational structure.  Certain expeditious procedures to redress specific grievances are outlined below.

2.  Academic Grievances Students with academic grievances against a faculty member, administrator, or staff member of a department at the University should contact the Dean’s Office of the College or director’s office of the school in which the department is located for appropriate procedures.  All graduate students should contact the Graduate College.

3.  Parking and Traffic Grievances All students driving cars and parking on campus must register their vehicles and display the proper decal.  Students may appeal violation citations to the Undergraduate Student Government Procedures and Appeals Board.  Appeals must be filed on the appropriate from within the prescribed time at Room 402 of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.  A copy of the University Parking and Traffic Regulations is on file at the Office of Parking and Traffic, 104 Commons.

4.  Financial Aid Specific rules, regulations and eligibility requirements for procuring and maintaining financial aid can be found in the Office of Student Financial Aid.  A concise summary can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.  All complaints should be registered by letter to the Director of Student Financial Aid, 231 Administration Building.

5.  Student Employment If a disagreement occurs between a student employee and a supervisor, the student employee is encouraged to pursue informal grievance procedures to settle the disagreement.  The following steps should be followed: 

a. The student employee should make every effort to resolve the problem with the immediate supervisor.
b. If the student employee is dissatisfied with the response from the supervisor, or if the supervisor fails to take action, the student should contact the department supervisor at the next management level to request review of the situation.
c. Should the issue remain unresolved, the student employee shall meet with the manager of Student Employment Services (SES).  During this meeting, the nature of the concern and student’s documentation of the events or issues will be reviewed and discussed.
d. The manager of SES will contact the parties involved to gather information from the supervisor and any witnesses including the student’s co-workers.  After considering the information provided and interviews with the student and supervisor, it may be possible to resolve the concern by reviewing and clarifying the stated policies of the department, SES and the student code. 
e. If resolution is not possible, the SES manager will meet with the student employee and department supervisor of the second management level to mediate the grievance.  A written record will be made of the proceedings and copies of the record will be sent to the student employee and the supervisor.

Note:  Bowling Green State University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity.  The University provides access to educational programs and activities without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.  Any grievance regarding alleged discrimination due to race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran shall be reported by SES to the Office of Equity and Diversity or the Office of Disability Services for investigation and resolution.

6.  Resident/Nonresident Classification The Office of Admissions initially determines Ohio Residency Status for tuition surcharge purposes on the limited information contained on the application for admission to Bowling Green State University.         

      Once the classification has been made, anyone who wants to be classified as a resident must apply through the Office of Registration and Records.  Application forms may be picked up in the Office of Registration and Records (Administration Building, Room 110).

7.  Disciplinary Action The University’s academic and nonacademic (persona/organizational) discipline codes, procedures and appeals processes are outlined in this Student Handbook.

HOW CAN I CHANGE MY MAJOR?

Sometimes a change of major or degree program may also involve a change of college. Students may have entered BGSU as undecided, have not been able to complete their current major or degree as planned, or have different career goals than when they first entered BGSU. In addition to consulting with their advisors, students are strongly encouraged to contact the Career Center (419-372-2356) for assistance in career planning and to identify careers that align with their interests, values, and skills.

A student who wishes to change a major or degree program within a college should notify the College office. At that time, an appropriate advisor will be assigned.

A student who wishes to change from a major in one college to a major in another college should consult a College Advisor in the intended college about eligibility and requirements for the intended college and degree program. In most cases, to change to another college, a student must have at least a 2.0 accumulative grade point average. However, some degrees or majors have a higher grade point average entry requirement than a 2.0 or additional entry requirements like portfolio review, auditions, or program application forms. Some programs accept students with less than a 2.0 grade point average. Academic advisors are available in the intended college office to (a) help students select the degree program that best meets individual needs and interests, and (b) review the requirements of the intended major or degree program to assure that a student’s plan of study will meet the entry and program requirements.

Following the student’s consultation with a college advisor, a determination is made by the intended college office to approve or not to approve the transfer. The intended college dean’s (or designee’s) signature on the College Transfer Form is the record of approval to transfer. If transfer to the intended college is not approved, a College Transfer Form will not be issued or signed. In either case, the student will be notified of the college’s decision. A copy of the signed form indicating approval to transfer is given to the student and a copy is sent to the student’s current college. Once a student’s current college receives a signed College Transfer Form, that college will transmit the student’s file to the new college.

WHAT DEGREE WILL I RECEIVE?

Most people studying within the College of Education & Human Development will be awarded a degree titled, “Bachelor of Science in Education.”  However, there are several others that are awarded in EDHD, including:

-Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development
-Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
-Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
-Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
-Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Studies

HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M A FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR OR SENIOR?

Classification of a student as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior is determined on the basis of credit hours earned.  In an undergraduate degree program a student is classified according to hours earned as follows:

- Freshman (0-29 credit hours)
- Sophomore (30-59)
- Junior (60-89)
- Senior (90 or more)

HOW MANY CREDITS ARE REQUIRED TO GRADUATE?

The minimum number is 122.  However, with every major the number varies slightly.

ARE PLACEMENT TESTS REQUIRED?

For all new students, and for some transfers students, placement tests may be required. Depending on your high school curriculum, you may be able to bypass placement tests. 

CAN I RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT BY TAKING AN EXAM?

An undergraduate student currently registered for at least two semester hours may gain credit by examination with the approval of the student’s dean and the department involved.  The minimum registration level must be maintained for the entire term.  The student wishing credit in a course must not have enrolled in the course previously and must present sufficient evidence of prior study or experience.  The course cannot be a prerequisite for any course the student has completed.  Once approved, the examination must be completed within four weeks of the approval.  This option may not be repeated.  An $80 fee is assessed for a credit-by-exam course.  Credits by Examination are graded on an “S/U” basis.  Further information on procedures is available in the College of Education (365).

Credit may be earned by attainment of the appropriate score levels on selected subject examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).  See Continuing & Extended Education.  A student may also receive credit for coursework taken at another institution, in which the final grades were equivalent to “C” or better but which did not transfer because of BGSU policies, by taking a validation examination.

HOW MANY CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE EACH SEMESTER?

Full-time students are required to take a minimum of 12 hours of coursework per semester and a maximum of 18.  The majority of classes are worth three (3) hours a piece, however, that number does vary so when registering, be sure to pay attention to the credit hours offered with each course.

WHAT IS A PREREQUISITE?

A prerequisite is a course that must be completed before a program or a specific course can be taken.  For example, a student must take Sociology 1010 before being able to take Sociology 3130.

WHAT IS A DEGREE AUDIT?

Every student at BGSU can access their Degree Audit (DARS) through MyBGSU. The Degree Audit shows how courses you have taken apply to your degree program, as well as identifying additional courses that are required to meet graduation requirements. Your advisor, the college office and the Office of Registration and Records also use this computerized system to track progress toward your degree.

There is a large amount of important information reflected in your Degree Audit. Log onto MyBGSU, click on “Degree Audit” to review its content. Click on “Expand” at the top of the audit. With a small investment of your time and effort, you will save yourself a great deal of concern about your status as a student. If you have questions about information contained in the audit, you may contact your assigned advisor http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/as/page23492.html

MAY I TAKE CLASSES AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS?

Students are required to take 30 hours of BGSU courses.  It used to be that your last 30 hours were required to be taken at BGSU, however, that is no longer the case.

HOW IS MY GPA DETERMINED?

The link below provides a Bowling Green GPA calculator.  You can simply input your grades, the amount of class hours taken and it will provide you your GPA for the semester and you can also input the numbers to figure out your overall GPA while at BGSU.

http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/cio/webdev/gpa.html

HOW DO I GET ON THE DEAN’S LIST?

To appear on the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must earn a 3.50 GPA or better.  Between 3.50-3.74 qualifies as Cum Laude.  A 3.75-3.89 ranks as Magna Cum Laude and anything 3.90 or better is recognized as Summa Cum Laude.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM IN GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING?

A student whose cumulative BGSU grade point average is at least 2.0 is considered to be in good academic standing at the University.

A student whose cumulative BGSU GPA falls below 2.0 at the end of the semester will be placed on academic warning, unless the student’s GPA falls in the probation/suspension/dismissal range.  If the student’s GPA is in the probation/suspension/dismissal range, the student will be 

1.  Placed on probation if the student has attempted fewer than 12 letter-graded credit hours at BGSU, or if the student’s cumulative GPA is in the probation/suspension/dismissal range for the first time; 
2.  Placed on suspension if the student has attempted 12 or more letter-graded credit hours at BGSU and if the student has been placed on probation in any previous semester.
3.  Dismissed if the student has attempted 12 or more letter-graded credit hours at BGSU, and if the student has been placed on suspension in any previous semester.

*** Attempted hours include all courses that contributed to the GPA, including those for which the student received credit by earning grades of A, B, C, or D or for which the student did not receive credit due to grades of F, WF, or I.

Students who are not in good academic standing at the university may not transfer credits from another institution until they have returned to good standing at BGSU.  Because grades are not transferred to BGSU, course taken at another institution may not be used to improve a student’s GPA at BGSU.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ON PROBATION?

If the student’s cumulative BGSU GPA is in the probation/suspension/dismissal range (chart found on page 20 of the Undergraduate Handbook), the student will be place on probation: 

1.  Who has attempted fewer than 12 hours of letter-graded credit at BGSU; or
2.  Who has a cumulative GPA in the probation/suspension/dismissal range for the first time.

To improve their cumulative GPA to at least the warning range, students on academic probation are strongly advised to enroll for no more than 12 credit hours in any semester and are expected to work with their college office to develop a plan for improving their academic performance.  Students on probation are expected to increase attention to academic activities and decrease hours committed to non-academic activities.  It should be noted that teams, clubs, and other student organizations have the right to use academic standards to limit participation in their organization.  In addition, the students on academic probation must adhere to any conditions as determined by the dean of their college. 

Students who do not improve their cumulative GPA to at least the warning range will be placed on academic suspension if they have attempted 12 or more hours of letter-graded credit at BGSU.

WHAT IS ACADEMIC SUSPENSION?

If a student’s cumulative BGSU GPA is in the probation/suspension/dismissal range, the student will be placed on suspension; 

1.  Who has attempted 12 or more hours of letter-graded credit at BGSU; and
2.  Who has a been placed on probation in any previous semester.

A student who has been suspended may not enroll at the University for a period of two consecutive semesters, including summer term.  Students suspended following the fall semester may not return to the University in the subsequent spring semester or in any session of the subsequent summer term.  Students suspended following the spring semester may not return in any session of the subsequent summer term or in the subsequent fall term.  Students suspended following the summer term may not return for the subsequent fall or spring semesters.  The student may file a written appeal to the dean of the college and, if successful, be allowed to attend classes during the next semester.

A student who is suspended may continue enrollment if the student meets one of the following conditions:

1.  If, during the previous semester, the student earned a semester GPA of at least 2.0; or
2.  If permitted as the result of a successful written appeal to the dean of the college.

Until the student’s cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or above, the student continuing enrollment or returning to the University following academic suspension is strongly advised to enroll for no more than 12 credit hours in any semester.  Students are also expected to work with their college office to performance.  Students on suspension are expected to increase attention to academic activities and decrease hours committed to non-academic activities.  In addition, students on suspension must adhere to any conditions as determined by the dean of the college. 

http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/hhs/advising/page30066.html -- Academic Suspension Appeal Form

WHAT IS ACADEMIC DISMISSAL?

If a student’s cumulative BGSU GPA is in the probation/suspension/dismissal range, the student will be dismissed from the University;

• 1.  Who has attempted 12 or more hours of letter-graded credit at BGSU; and
• 2.  Who has been placed on suspension in any previous semester.

A student who has been academically dismissed may not enroll at the University for a period of three calendar years.  The student may file a written appeal to the dean of the college and, if successful, be allowed to attend classes during the next semester.  The student may appeal once during the dismissal period.

A student who is dismissed may continue enrollment if the student meets one of the following conditions:

• 1.  If, during the previous semester, the student earned a semester GPA of at least 2.0; or
• 2.  If permitted as the result of a successful written appeal to the dean of the college

Until the student’s cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or above, the student continuing enrollment or returning to the University following academic dismissal is strongly advised to enroll for no more than 12 credit hours in any semester.  Students are also expected to work with their college office to develop a plan for improving their academic performance.  Students on dismissal are expected to increase attention to academic activities and decrease hours committed to non-academic activities.  In addition, students on dismissal must adhere to any conditions as determined by the dean of the college.

HOW CAN I REMOVE A LOW GRADE FROM MY TRANSCRIPT?

Grades that you received will always be on your transcript, however, you can retake a course to improve your GPA.

WHO WILL EVALUATE MY ACADEMIC RECORDS FOR GRADUATION?

The advisors in EDU 365 will evaluate your academic records, specifically Janet Hammersmith.

PASS / FAIL GRADING OPTION

The University allows you to take 16 or less hours of class graded as either “S” or “U (satisfactory or unsatisfactory). However, be sure to consult with your advisor before taking a class S/U as it can conflict with certain programs that impart tougher standards.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

There’s a lot going on at BGSU and the link below will help to give you a better idea of the events and also has a list of student organizations that you’re able to be a part of as a student.

http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/getinvolved/