8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT
We’re excited to have you join us for University Orientation. Participation is required, as it is a vital part of the start to your successful college journey. Throughout the program you’ll learn more about the BGSU community, academic and co-curricular expectations and opportunities to shape your experience.
Orientation is an all-day program. There is a lot of information to cover about your transition and the many action items you must complete before leaving campus. Expect to be on campus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. Please keep this in mind, especially if traveling from far away to attend.
If you would like to stay overnight in Bowling Green before or after orientation, you can find a list of local accommodations on our Travel & Accommodations webpage.
Prepare for Orientation
Get Connected
Join the conversation on the BGSU Incoming Class of 2024 Facebook group to begin connecting with other new students. You will also see important updates about orientation and other BGSU resources and services.
We also didn't forget about the families and guests who support our falcons! Families can follow our @bgsufamilies Facebook page and set up an account in the Falcon Family Portal to stay connected with BGSU throughout the year.
What to Bring to Orientation
Throughout the day, you will be traveling between buildings across campus so it's important you come prepared for the weather.
- A jacket or sweater – Even in the summer, it can get cool sitting in the air conditioned rooms!
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella or poncho
- A bag or backpack
- One of the following forms of identification (you will need this in order to pick up your BG1 Card):
- Valid state-issued driver’s license with photo
- State-issued photo ID card
- Passport with photo
- Military ID card
It's also a good idea to check your To Do List in MyBGSU. You may also need to bring a copy of the following documentation from College Credit Plus, or courses taken at another institution, if you are currently enrolled in classes and have not submitted an official transcript to the Office of Admissions:
- Transcripts
- Grades
- Course list
- Etc.
We can't wait to meet you!
Check-in for Orientation begins at 8 a.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union (BTSU). Please arrive no later than 9 a.m. EDT. All Orientation guest parking will be free in parking lots 7. Overflow parking will also be available acorss the street (Thurstin) in Lot E.
We have put together a list of resources to help you with your travel to BGSU, including transportation options, overnight accommodations and details on how to book your stay in a residence hall (summer only) on our Travel & Accommodations web page.
Important note for guests: You are encouraged to pre-register family members and guests to avoid unnecessary delays. If you need to add a guest, please contact us at orientation@bgsu.edu or 419-372-0353 for assistance.
In-Person Orientation Schedule
Please note: Times and sessions are subject to change.
Check-in and Morning Schedule
- 8-9 a.m.
- Check-in will take place in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union (BTSU).
- At check-in, you will also have the opportunity to have your photo taken for your BG1 Card if needed. Submit a photo before you arrive.
- Visit the Campus Resource Fair – The resource fair is your opportunity to connect with 30+ campus departments and organizations in one spot campus, and only open during check-in.
- Student-Specifc Sessions – The following required and recommended sessions are hosted for students who are already affiliated with of the organizations/programs listed:
STUDENT-SPECIFIC REQUIRED SESSIONS
This session is for incoming students in the Flight Technology & Operations specialization within the Aviation Program. This presentation will cover topics such as flight lab fees, pilot supplies, flight scheduling, FAA medicals, and required documents. Aviation program staff will be available after for questions.
Welcome FLY Program Cohort Fall 2024! We invite you to meet some of the FLY Program staff and learn more about the services and support available including our early move in program/Soaring Start to get you prepared to start the semester strong. We look forward to meeting you! Please bring family/guests and questions.
Honors College students are required to attend this meeting to learn about the Honors College and meet staff members. Family and guests are encouraged to attend.
Students who are part of a BGSU varsity athletic team are required to attend this meeting with staff members from Student Athlete Services. Family members and guests are encouraged to attend.
STUDENT-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDED SESSIONS
Recipients of the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program - Welcome to the Thompson Scholarship Family!
We invite you to meet some of our staff and other Thompson Family Scholars that you will be working and interacting with next year. Learn more about our scholarship program and the support available, including our required early move-in program/orientation, and ask questions you still have, so you feel the most prepared for your journey ahead as a BGSU Thompson Family Scholar. This is an open house, so swing by when you have some time this morning, and feel free to bring your guests. We can't wait to meet you!
Orientation Session Schedule
- 9-9:30 a.m. Orientation Welcome Session
- 9:30-10 a.m. Designing your BGSU Experience: Tomorrow's Career, Designed Today
- 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Students and guests separate into breakout sessions. Don't forget to take your belongings with you at this time.
STUDENTS
- 10:15-11 a.m. Meet Your Orientation Leader
- 11-11:45 a.m. Lunch
- Noon to 1 p.m.
- Find Your Flock
- Small Group Session
GUESTS
- 10:15-11 a.m. Parent and Family Connections
- 11-11:30 a.m. Academic Advising and Planning at BGSU
- 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- Lunch
- Know What is Owed
- Student Housing/Commuter Session
- Lunch
- 1:15-2 p.m. Community of Care
Academic Advising Appointments
This is when students will meet with an advisor on their own to discuss major/degree program requirements, academic goals and schedule fall classes. Appointment times will be printed on student name tags at check-in.
- 2-5 p.m. Afternoon Sessions
- Accessibility Services
- Academic Information Sessions – Attendance is REQUIRED. More details coming soon.
- Money Matters
- Meet with a Life Design Coach
- Residence Hall Open Houses*
- Accessibility Services
*Last tours start at 4:30 p.m. and buildings close at 5 p.m. Hall availability will be announced each day. Due to construction and conferences, McDonald Hall will not be open for tours this summer. We recommend visiting Conklin to see similar room sizes and furniture.
Special Accommodations
Facilities used for Orientation are barrier free. Accessible parking is available in parking lots for guests who properly display a current state-issued disability placard in accordance with Ohio Revised Code. Please notify us of your needs for accommodations at least one week prior to your arrival by returning to your online reservation, emailing orientation@bgsu.edu, or calling our office at 419-372-0353.
To our guests with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495 prior to the event.
Updated: 05/04/2024 05:18PM