8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT
We’re excited to have you join us for University Orientation. Participation is required for new freshmen, 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 a half-day program. There is a lot of information to cover about your transition and many action items you must complete before leaving campus. Expect to be on campus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Please keep this in mind, especially if traveling from far away to attend.
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.
- 8-9 a.m. Campus Resource Fair | Ballroom
All students and guests are encouraged to use this time to visit the campus department tables to learn about programs, resources and
support available to you as a BGSU student … and don’t forget to have your photo taken for your BG1 Card if needed.
- 9-9:15 a.m. Orientation Welcome Session
- 9:15-9:45 a.m. Student Success Session
- 9:45-10:15 a.m. Community of Care
- 10:30-11:30 Breakout Sessions
- Transfer Students and Guests
- Panel Discussion 10:30-11am
- Small Groups 11-11:30am
- Supporting Your Transfer Student 11-11:30am
- First-Year Students and Guests
- Small Groups 10:30-11:30am
- Supporting Your First-Year Student 10:30-11:30am
- Transfer Students and Guests
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Campus Resource Fair
- 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Afternoon Offerings
- Lunch
- Aviation Session (12-1 p.m.)
- Pathway Program Session (12-1 p.m.)
- Academic Advising Appointments
- Meet with a Life Design Coach
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: 10/24/2025 12:41PM