1. What is the BGeXperience?
BGeXperience is the name for BGSU's values initiative. It is a unique program
designed to help students examine their own and others' values, understand
the role values play in decision-making, and learn to make thoughtful decisions
about value judgments they make. It also helps students build strong relationships
with faculty and other students and develop skills that will help them be successful
at BGSU and beyond. First-year students participate in the BGeX Introduction prior
to the beginning of the fall semester. BGeX courses are offered in a wide variety of
subjects, ranging from biology to history and popular culture to economics. Students
select their BGeX course in consultation with their academic advisor appointment at
Summer Orientation and Registration.
2. Do I have to participate in the BGeXperience program?
Yes. If you are a first-year freshman, either living on campus or commuting to campus,
participation in the BGeX Introduction is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at each
session. Absence may affect your BGeX course grade. If you have concerns or questions,
please contact your instructor who is listed on your course schedule, or contact the
BGeXperience office at 419-372-7247.
3. If I am a commuter student, do I participate?
As a first-year commuter student, you will participate like every other first-year student.
In fact, the BGeX Introduction is especially important to help connect you with the BGSU
community. Also, there is a special meeting for commuters only on Saturday evening,
August 22, in Harshman Community Room from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. This is a chance for
commuter students to connect and discuss the BGSU and Bowling Green community.
4. What are the requirements for participating in the BGeXperience program?
There are two primary requirements for participating in the program. First, students are
required to enroll in a BGeX general education course . Students can only register
for one BGeX course, which will be selected after consultation with their advisor during
Summer Orientation and Registration. Second, students will attend and actively participate
in the BGeX Introduction, which is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2009.
5. What do we do during the Introduction?
During the BGeX Introduction, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with the
other students in your class and begin to talk about what "critical thinking about values"
means. The Introduction also gives you an opportunity to connect with an upper class
student who will help you make the transition during your first few days of college. The
Introduction is designed to convey expectations of your membership in the BGSU learning
community, create a sense of community among all participants, introduce you to basic
values vocabulary, and help you understand the role of values in decision-making.
6. I attend the Firelands Campus, should I have a BGeX course on my schedule?
No. At this point in time, BGeX only pertains to the incoming freshmen students on the
Bowling Green campus, not Firelands campus.
7. Will I be receiving information about BGeXperience Introduction this summer?
Yes. You will be receiving information regarding early move-in and the introduction schedule.
Please check your BGSU e-mail account and your MYBGSU web portal account during the summer for
updates. This is the most effective way for us to communicate this important information to you.
8. What is the difference between a BGeXperience class and a regular class?
A BGeXperience class will cover the same subject material as a "regular" section, but
with more of an emphasis on learning critical thinking skills and learning how to apply these
skills to value conflicts within the field.
9. What's the common reading book, and do I have to read it before August?
The common reading book for 2009 is "This I Believe." It's a required reading for all
incoming freshmen students, so please borrow it from your local library, or buy it at any
BGSU bookstore when you are on campus for Orientation & Registration. Please read the
book prior to arriving on campus for the BGeX Introduction. The content will be discussed
in one of the BGeX Introduction sessions on Sunday, August 23.
10. What are the benefits of participating in the BGeXperience?
First, the program offers smaller classes (up to 35 students) that provide greater
faculty-student interaction. Also, the classes involve active participation and learning.
Students will be learning to reflect critically on values and how they guide people in
making decisions. By understanding how values shape one's reasoning, a student
benefits because she or he can make more informed decisions.
11. Is this class going to determine my major?
No. This class will fulfill a general education requirement for graduation, but will not in
any way determine your major. You will select your BGeX course in consultation with your
advisor to assure that you have a course that meets your academic needs and interests.
Click here for comments from freshmen students after they participated in the BGeX Introduction in the fall term, 2008.
|
