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The 2006 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” names BGSU twice in “Programs to Look For,” a section
of the guide that notes “outstanding examples of academic programs believed to lead to student success.”
For the first time, Bowling Green is noted for its first-year programs, and for the third consecutive year, is listed for
its residential living/learning communities.
BGSU’s first-year programs, developed to assist students in adapting to college life and building a firm foundation for academic
success, were among fewer than 50 institutions around the nation cited.
The programs include BGeXperience, the values-exploration program aimed at enhancing students’ critical thinking skills. For
the first time this year, all 3,508 entering freshmen are participating, compared to the 125-member cohort when the program
began four years ago.
Among the other first-year programs are orientation and registration, welcome programs and the various UNIV 100 success courses
and Springboard, along with special publications geared to getting students off to the right start. The University also involves
first-year students in a common reading experience (this year it is The Kite Runner), and provides a first-year librarian
dedicated to helping students learn how to use the library, conduct research and make use of resource materials.
The learning communities, which include Chapman, Partners in Context and Community, IMPACT, Arts Village and others, feature
small-group settings where students with a common interest live and
study together.
Other institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s list of 25 learning communities included the University of Michigan, Indiana
University and Miami University of Ohio.
The magazine compiled the lists of outstanding first-year programs and learning communities with the help of education experts,
including staff of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, college presidents, academic officers and deans
of students, who nominated stellar programs for consideration.
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