BGSU is set to welcome thousands of prospective students and families to its annual Presidents Day Open House on Feb. 16, marking the 30th year of the event. (BGSU photo)

In 1996, the Bowling Green State University admissions team had an idea.

They decided to invite admitted students to campus on Presidents Day – when K-12 schools are closed – to tour campus while classes were in session.

Bowling Green’s Presidents Day Open House has since become one of the largest and most comprehensive visit days in Ohio and one that continues to shape Bowling Green’s enrollment success.

Nearly 70% of students who attend the Presidents Day Open House enroll at BGSU, contributing to the University’s record-breaking enrollment.

“Presidents Day showcases the level of support and care students can expect at Bowling Green,” said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management. “Our genuine pride in BGSU is evident and the enthusiasm among faculty, staff and current students helps prospective students envision themselves as part of the Bowling Green community.”

The Presidents Day Open House has continued to grow and evolve over the past three decades, with 4,000 to 5,000 visitors expected this year, reflecting the University’s continued momentum across Ohio and beyond.

During the Presidents Day Open House, prospective students and their families can fully immerse themselves in the top-ranked Bowling Green experience by visiting classrooms in session, connecting with faculty, staff and students, touring residence halls and attending presentations based on their interests.

The foresight to develop a comprehensive visit day when high school seniors are already out of school reflects the innovative, student-centered culture at BGSU. 

That same approach is evident in the University’s continued investment in high-demand academic programs and signature initiatives like Life Design that help students learn how to go to college. 

Students can also see firsthand how involvement and community are central to the Bowling Green experience through student organizations on full display at the open house. 

The admissions team continues to find new ways each year to connect with students and their supporters.

“Over the years, we’ve added special tours, presentations and personal touches to maximize the experience,” said Brandi Barhite, director of enrollment communications. “Our home becomes their home for the day.”

When the idea for a Presidents Day Open House first originated 30 years ago, the admissions team expected about 200 students and families to attend. Instead, more than 1,100 students registered to attend.

“During that first year when we had such a tremendous response and large turnout, we knew we were on to something important,” Castellano said. “It’s been a privilege to watch the program evolve into the premier visit day it is for our incoming students and to see the campus and Bowling Green community fully embrace the event.”