8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
We’re excited to have you join us for University Orientation. Participation is required, as it is a vital part of the start to your successful college journey. Throughout the program you’ll learn more about the BGSU community, academic and co-curricular expectations and opportunities to shape your experience.
Orientation is an all-day program. There is a lot of information to cover about your transition and the many action items you must complete before leaving campus. Expect to be on campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Please keep this in mind, especially if traveling from far away to attend.
If you would like to stay overnight in Bowling Green before or after orientation, you can find a list of local accommodations on our Travel and Accommodations web page.
Throughout the day, you will be traveling between buildings across campus so it's important you come prepared for the weather.
- A jacket or sweater – Even in the summer, it can get cool sitting in the air conditioned rooms!
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella or poncho
- A bag or backpack
- One of the following forms of identification (you will need this in order to pick up your BG1 Card):
- Valid state-issued driver’s license with photo
- State-issued photo ID card
- Passport with photo
- Military ID card
It's also a good idea to check your To Do List in MyBGSU. You may also need to bring a copy of the following documentation from College Credit Plus, or courses taken at another institution, if you are currently enrolled in classes and have not submitted an official transcript to the Office of Admissions:
- Transcripts
- Grades
- Course list
- Etc.
Check-in for Orientation begins at 8 a.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union (BTSU). Please arrive no later than 9 a.m. EDT. All Orientation guest parking will be free in parking lot 7 as long as your pre-register your license plate. Overflow parking will also be available acorss the street (Thurstin) in Lot E.
We have put together a list of resources to help you with your travel to BGSU, including transportation options, overnight accommodations and details on how to book your stay in a residence hall (summer only) on our Travel & Accommodations web page.
Important note for guests: You are encouraged to pre-register family members and guests to avoid unnecessary delays. If you need to add a guest, please contact us at orientation@bgsu.edu or 419-372-0353 for assistance.
BG1 Card Photos
At check-in, you will have the opportunity to have your photo taken for your BG1 Card if needed. Submit a photo before you arrive.
8-9 a.m. Check-in and Campus Resource Fair
The resource fair is your opportunity to connect with 30+ campus departments and organizations in one spot on campus, and only open during check-in.
9-9:30 a.m. Welcome Session
9:30-10 a.m. Student Success Session
10-10:30 a.m. Community of Care
10:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Students and guests will part ways at this time and attend separate sessions. Don't forget to take your belongings with you at this time.
Students will be broken out into smaller groups to attend student-only breakout sessions and lunch on a rotation. During this time:
- Orientation Leaders will lead conversations about your plan for success and give you the opportunity to ask questions about your transition to BGSU.
- Connect with other students over an all-you-care-to-eat lunch.
- Academic advisors will meet with you to discuss your major/degree program requirements, academic goals and schedule your classes.
- You will learn about the move-in process or what it’s like to commute to campus if you will be living off campus, dining options and how to manage your costs.
- 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rotation
- Lunch
- Managing Your Costs
- Student Housing/Commuter Session
- 1:30-2 p.m. Supporting Your Student
- 2-2:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions
- Pathway Program Session
- Panel Discussion
- Designing Your BGSU Experience: Tomorrow's Career, Designed Today
3-5 p.m. Afternoon sessions
The afternoon is filled with choose-your-own-adventure opportunities so you leave campus at the end of the day feeling prepared for your first day of classes.
Attendance is REQUIRED for students who are already affiliated with these organizations/programs:
- 3-3:45 p.m. Aviation
- 3-3:45 p.m. FLY Program
- 3-4:15 p.m. Honors College
- 3-4:15 p.m. Leadership Institute Open House
To maximize your experience, you should plan to participate in optional programming around any required sessions you may have.
- Accessibility Services Consultations
- Advising Drop-Ins
- College of Education and Human Development Open House
- Meet with a Life Design Coach
- Money Matters (Financial Aid/Bursar Appointments)
- Residence Hall Open Houses
Facilities used for Orientation are barrier free. Accessible parking is available in parking lots for guests 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 one week prior to your arrival by returning to your online reservation, emailing orientation@bgsu.edu, or calling our office at 419-372-0353.
To our guests 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 prior to the event.
Updated: 06/04/2025 02:08PM