Welcome Back to BGSU!

A look at Opening Weekend events and beyond.

Whether you’re a returning student or coming to BGSU for the first time, there is no shortage of things to do both on and off campus as soon as you arrive.

Opening Weekend runs Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24, and is for all incoming BGSU students. Whether you’re a first-time or transfer student, living on campus or commuting, you’re invited to participate in all the events.

Opening Weekend is a required event for new BGSU students and serves as an introduction to the academic and social environment at the University. Throughout Opening Weekend, you’ll meet other new students along with faculty and staff while engaging in a variety of over 25 specialized academic programs and interactive events.

After moving into the residence halls on Friday, students will meet their Opening Weekend Group Leader (OWGL), Resident Adviser and other students living on the same floor during meetings beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Commuting to campus? Your weekend will begin at 8 p.m. at the Mileti Alumni Center for the Commuter Pit Stop: Ice Cream Social. During this time you will meet your OWGL and interact with staff who can connect you with important resources and plan the rest of your weekend.

Afterwards, head to Doyt Perry Stadium for the University Welcome. BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey and community members will welcome you to Bowling Green and the Falcon Family. The evening concludes with a variety of late-night events, including Midnight Madness Shopping!

On Saturday, you’ll have many opportunities to learn about being a student in and out of the classroom. OWGLs will meet with you throughout the day to talk about student life on campus. At your Get with the Program meeting (meetings designated by major and program), you’ll interact with other students in your major as well as professors who will help you understand academics at BGSU.

On Sunday, lunch will be provided at the First Year Student Picnic on the University Hall lawn. The day wraps up with open houses, interest sessions and other opportunities to take care of business in preparation for your first day of class.

Classes start Aug. 25 and there won’t be a lack of things to do outside the classroom. It’s all part of Fall Welcome 2014. Activities include broomball, a Casino Night, skating at the Ice Arena, a movie on the Wolfe Center lawn, a magic show, and informational sessions that cover everything from career development to joining student organizations.

The fun kicks up a bit during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Hop on a bus to America’s Roller Coast—Cedar Point—on Aug. 30, or walk over to the Stroh Center to watch the Falcon Football team take on Western Kentucky, on the big screen. On Aug. 31, hip-hop artist B.o.B will thrill the crowd at the Stroh Center, and on Labor Day, Sept. 1, tie dye a shirt and then head over to the UAO cookout.

Falcon Family Weekend is an annual tradition at Bowling Green State University with the goal of bringing parents and families to campus to see what life is like as a Falcon. Save the date—Sept. 12-14.

Celebrate Homecoming 2014 Oct. 3-5 and learn what it means to be “Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon.”  The parade and pep rally will be held Oct. 3 and the BGSU Football team will take on Buffalo on Oct. 4.