New Student Orientation

University Orientation

At orientation, you will have an opportunity to connect with current students, as well as staff members, and get to know some of your new fellow Falcons. You will be connected with an Orientation Leader who will lead you through orientation and will continue to be a resource for you.  You will also be able to take care of some important “to-do” list items such as finalizing your financial aid and billing, getting your BG1 card and meeting with an Academic Advisor and Planner. We will also provide opportunities for campus tours and residence hall tours in the summer. Every step of the way, we encourage you to ask questions – we’re here for you!

Traveling from far away or staying in Bowling Green for the night?
Check out the Travel & Accommodations for orientation!

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Office of Orientation and Transitions
402 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Open Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
419-372-0353 | orientation@bgsu.edu

Orientation Overview

We are proud you have chosen BGSU as the University where you will begin or continue your education and are looking forward to helping ease the transition. Thank you for choosing to join the BGSU family!

If you are living on campus next semester, after completing your Housing & Dining Agreement securing your orientation date is your next commitment to BGSU. If you are commuting next semester, your Orientation registration will be your official way to tell BGSU you are committing to the University.

When you are admitted to BGSU, we will email you instructions on how to register for orientation.

  • Summer/Fall admits will be emailed in EARLY FEBRUARY or upon admission.
  • Spring admits will be emailed in EARLY NOVEMBER or upon admission.

During orientation STUDENTS will be able to:

  • Meet with an Orientation Leader and connect with other incoming students
  • Take a tour of campus and meet with an Academic Advisor and Planner
  • Learn about campus resources

During orientation FAMILIES will be able to: 

  • Meet with staff from the Office of the Bursar and Student Financial Aid
  • Hear from BGSU faculty and staff
  • Learn how to best support student success from home

Registration Process & How to Prepare

Before you can sign up for your student orientation date, you first need to be admitted to BGSU. Check your application status and submit any missing credentials. If you are already admitted, follow the important steps on this page so you can register and be prepared for orientation.

STEP 1: CREATE YOUR MYBGSU ACCOUNT & CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY

  • Use the BGSU ID number on your Certificate of Admission from the Office of Admissions to set-up and activate your MyBGSU account.
  • BGSU will use this email address to communicate important information to you, including information about Orientation and fall welcome events.
  • Access the Falcon Forward First Year Success Canvas Shell (as soon as you receive the email invitation to join).

STEP 2: REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION

Visit the "Register for Orientation" section of this webpage to find when registration will open, the orientation schedule and learn how to register.

  • Spring semester orientation registration will open in early November. 
  • Fall semester orientation registration open in early February. 

Please note: If you are an international student, you will attend the International Student Orientation. Please visit the International Programs and Partnerships website for more information.

STEP 3: COMPLETE YOUR WRITING PLACEMENT ESSAY

  • You can complete your placement essay by logging in to MyBGSU > Orientation > Placement Tests

STEP 4: COMPLETE ALL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) BGSU’s school code - 003018
  • Make your payment for tuition or sign-up for a payment plan by logging in to MyBGSU>Student Center>Select My Account
  • Please note, your spring bill will be issued on Dec. 1 and due on Jan. 1. Questions? Visit Taking Care of Your Bill

STEP 5: SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS

  • The Office of Admissions needs you to send the following documents as soon as possible. Most high schools and colleges will know how to do this:
    • Final Transcripts
    • College Transcripts (If applicable)
    • AP Scores

SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS TO:
200 University Hall
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
-OR- choosebgsu@bgsu.edu

STEP 6: START BUILDING YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE

Prior to your orientation date, you will receive communication from an Academic Advisor and Planner through your BGSU email to gather more information and help build your class schedule. They will take into consideration information about your interests, goals, major requirements, previous college credit, placement exams and BG perspective requirements. 

It's important to understand that course scheduling will happen both before and after your orientation date so we encourage you to check your BGSU email for updates and review the new student class registration process prior to orientation.

New Student Class Registration

STEP 7: BRING ALL NECESSARY MATERIALS WITH YOU

  • Any questions and/or concerns that arise after reviewing the advising information
  • College transcripts that have not yet been turned in to the Office of Admissions
  • A jacket or sweater
  • One of the following forms of identification:
    • Valid state-issued driver’s license with photo
    • State-issued photo ID card
    • Passport with photo
    • Military ID card

STEP 8: CONNECT WITH OTHER INCOMING STUDENTS

  • Hundreds of future BGSU students join our 'BGSU Incoming Class of 2024' Facebook Group every week. The group is exclusively for new and transfer students and worth creating a Facebook account for, if you don't have one already. 
  • Get to know other students before you move-in, find someone to create a room selection group with, get advice from your peers ... and more!

Request to Join the Facebook Group

96.6% OF STUDENTS

AGREED WITH THE STATEMENT

“Orientation provided me with the tools and information necessary to successfully transition to BGSU.''

Register for Orientation

Registration will open on the dates listed below for fall and spring semester. When the system opens, you will need to log in to your MyBGSU > Orientation Reservations. 

Log in to MyBGSU to Register

If you do not have your MyBGSU account, you need to create one before registering. If you need assistance, contact orientation@bgsu.edu or 419-372-0353.

Spring Semester
Orientation Dates

University Orientation registration for the spring semester will open on Nov. 1, 2023.

Spring In-Person Orientation

  • Friday, Jan. 5

Fall Semester
Orientation Dates

University Orientation registration for the fall semester will open on Feb. 1, 2024. Space is limited and will fill on a first-come, first-served basis.

May In-Person Orientations

  • Thursday, May 23
  • Tuesday, May 28
  • Wednesday, May 29
  • Friday, May 31

June In-Person Orientations

  • Tuesday, June 4
  • Wednesday, June 5
  • Friday, June 7
  • Saturday, June 8
  • Monday, June 17
  • Saturday, June 22
  • Wednesday, June 26
  • Thursday, June 27

June Virtual Orientation

  • Friday, June 21 (Virtual)

Accessibility Accommodations

  • Accessible parking is available in parking lots for persons 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 two weeks prior to your arrival by returning to your online reservation, emailing orientation@bgsu.edu, or calling our office at 419-372-0353.
  • To individuals 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. Please notify us prior to the event.

Still have questions?

Check out the Orientation Frequently Asked Questions!
If there are still any concerns contact New Student Orientation at orientation@bgsu.edu or 419-372-0353 for assistance.

Updated: 09/25/2023 12:30PM