Getting Started at BGSU

Getting Started at BGSU

Welcome to BGSU Firelands!

Dear Students,

Welcome to Bowling Green State University Firelands! We are thrilled to have you join our Falcon family and begin this exciting chapter of your academic journey.

At BGSU Firelands, we are committed to fostering a supportive and vibrant learning environment where you can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you're exploring your passions, engaging with faculty, or building lifelong friendships, know that you are part of a community that values your growth and success.

Your time here will be filled with opportunities — from hands-on learning experiences and campus events to leadership development and career exploration. Take advantage of all that our campus has to offer, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support along the way.

We are here to cheer you on, challenge you to think boldly, and celebrate your achievements. I encourage you to embrace every moment, stay curious, and make the most of your time at BGSU Firelands.

Welcome to the start of an incredible adventure!

Allia L. Carter, Ph.D.
Dean, BGSU Firelands

Welcome to BGSU Firelands Orientation!

We’re excited to help you start your journey, connect with fellow Falcons, and discover all the resources and opportunities that will set you up for success.

Resources

  • Teaching & Learning Center
    The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) is dedicated to helping students become confident, independent learners. Whether you're on campus, online, or a guest student, TLC services are available to support your academic journey at no additional cost. Our mission is to make sure no student struggles alone.

    Our Services:
    • Professional tutoring and content review
    • Academic coaching for personal and professional growth
    • Writing assistance (including paper reviews via the Writing Lab)
    • Supplemental instruction and homework hubs
    • Digital and technology tutoring
    • Support for first-generation, military, and non-traditional students
    • Instructor-approved make-up testing
  • ITS
    • Duo Login setup and security
    • BG1 Card management
    • MyBGSU portal overview
    • Cyber safety and online security tips
    • Overview of ITS resources and ongoing tech support
  • Financial Aid Essentials
    BGSU Firelands get you the best value for a University education. The already-low cost becomes even more achievable with the help of scholarships and other available financial aid. Our dedicated financial aid staff is ready to answer any questions and help you succeed. The financial aid process is straightforward and we'll be with you each step of the way with in-person, phone and virtual appointments available.
  • Office of Campus Life and Engagement
  • Library
  • Accessibility Services
  • Academic Calendar
  • Codes of Conduct
  • CCAMPIS

Important dates

Bills issued: July 1/Dec. 1/ Apr. 1, for fall/spring/summer

Bills due: Aug. 1/Jan. 1/ May 1, depending on the semester you plan to start

Get ready by downloading these apps:

  • Canvas
  • Outlook

Follow us:

Academic and Career Counseling

The Office of Academic and Career Counseling at BGSU Firelands is here to guide you throughout your journey. From helping you select courses to preparing you for life after graduation, we support your goals and provide resources to help you succeed.

Your Academic and Career Counselor Responsibilities:

  • Understand curriculum and graduation requirements
  • Support you in developing clear educational plans
  • Help you access resources and make informed decisions

Faculty Mentorship: In addition to your counselor, you’ll be assigned a faculty mentor to assist you in your academic development and career preparation.

Student/Career & Academic Counselor Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities – What You Are Expected To Do

As an advisee, you have clear responsibilities in the advising partnership in order to be successful:

  • Stay in touch with your advisor each semester
  • Be prepared for each appointment
  • Engage fully in the advising experience
  • Keep a personal record of your progress towards your goals
  • Organize official documents to allow for easy access
  • Complete all assignments or recommendations from your advisor
  • Gather relevant decision-making information
  • Clarify personal values and goals and inform advisor of your interests and abilities
  • Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
  • Become your own self-advocate
  • Invest completely and accept responsibility in the educational process
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Career & Academic Counselor Responsibilities

  • Understand and communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university and policies and procedures
  • Support you as you gain the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans
  • Provide you with information on utilizing campus resources and services
  • Assist you in determining higher education and personal goals
  • Monitor and document progress towards meeting your goals
  • Be accessible for advising via office hours, telephone, e-mail, or web access
  • Assist you in decision making skills for your educational plans and achievements
  • Maintain confidentiality 

Student & Faculty Expectations

What students should expect of the faculty:

  • A course syllabus that explains policies, assignments, grading scale, and a tentative schedule.
  • Regular class meetings at the times listed in the course schedule.
  • Notification in the event that a scheduled class must be cancelled.
  • Feedback on student performance.
  • Availability outside of class during scheduled office hours or by appointment for additional assistance.
  • Timely responses to emails and/or Canvas messages.

What faculty expect of students:

  • Read the course syllabus and know the schedule and policies.
  • Arrive to class on time and prepared for the day’s lesson.
  • Open communication and timely notification if the student does not understand the course material or class procedures.
  • Check BGSU email and Canvas courses frequently for important updates.
  • Devote time outside of class to reading, assignments, and the review of course content.
  • Pay attention in class and be respectful of both the professor and classmates.
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BGSU strives to challenge and support students to become independent and engaged citizens who are able to take responsibility for achieving lifelong educational, personal and career goals.

What is Life Design?

Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design

Within the Life Design program, BGSU students learn to:

  • Maximize Academic Experiences: Students will be intentional about why they are here and where they are going.
  • Prioritize Well-Being: Students will have access to resources to support their physical, mental, spiritual (where applicable) and financial well-being.
  • Make Connections: Students will build a team of peers, faculty, staff, supporters and professional networks.
  • Jump-Start Career: Students will explore possibilities and take action to prepare for life after graduation.

Through Life Design, BGSU students learn to maximize their academic experience, prioritize their well-being, make connections that build an invaluable network while in college and jump-start their careers before graduation — all with a sense of purpose and forward momentum.

Make Connections

Alert-BG-phone

AlertBG is only used in emergencies or for severe weather closures. All students, faculty and staff will receive the alert messages on their cell phones and email. Login to your MyBGSU to review your AlertBG notification settings.

Wellness, Safety and Expectations

The Counseling Center: Offering services to all BGSU students via telehealth, the Counseling Center is reachable at 419-372-2081.

Family Health Services: With an on-site location in George Mylander Hall, the team from Family Health Services is a resource for mental health support and a starting point for additional care.

Emergencies: There is an in-call counselor available for crisis situations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through BGSU. Call the center and ask to speak with the counselor. For crisis situations after hours, contact 1-800-273-8255.

Additional crisis resources: Crisis Text Line— Text HOME to 741741 for a crisis counselor or text STEVE to 741741 for a culturally competent crisis counselor. You can also text or dial 988 to be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7.

Firelands Food Pantry: The pantry offers access to nonperishables, toiletry and hygiene products for members of the campus community. The pantry is on the first floor of George Mylander Hall off the west hallway. Stop by and take what you need, no questions asked.

Office of Campus Life and Engagement: BGSU Firelands is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive campus where students can successfully navigate and integrate their educational, cultural, and social identities into a dynamic collegiate experience. For more information, visit the Office of Campus Life and Engagement webpage, or email fireactivites@bgsu.edu, or call 419-372-0621. 

Severe Weather / Emergency Cancellation: In the event of severe weather or any other emergency condition which necessitates canceling classes, BGSU Firelands will be closed. Any and all delays and cancellations will be available on the home page of our web site as well as the campus telephone greeting / switchboard.

Cancellations determined:

  • by 6:30 a.m. for cancellation of morning classes
  • by 10:30 a.m. for cancellation of afternoon classes (beginning at 12:30 p.m.)
  • by 3 p.m. for cancellation of evening classes (beginning at 4:30 p.m.)

Updated: 07/14/2025 02:05PM