Orientation participants started their day in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom.
Student participants and guests started the day at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, where they signed in and then attended several sessions in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom before breaking out in sessions in other areas of campus.

University Orientation

More than 3,800 new undergraduate students and 4,500 family members and guests converged on the University’s main campus during 14 in-person orientation days from May 25 through June 29. During this time, in-person orientation had a remarkable 96.7% show rate.

Our newest Falcons had the opportunity to connect with current students, as well as faculty and staff members, while getting crucial information during college sessions and other required programming such as Designing your BGSU Experience and Community of Care presentations. Students could also take care of some important “to-do" items like finalizing their financial aid and billing, getting their BG1 card and meeting with an academic advisor and planner. Forty departments participated in this important introduction to the BGSU community, helping to impart academic and co-curricular expectations while presenting myriad opportunities to shape a college experience that meets individual needs and goals. 

All new BGSU students are required to participate in University Orientation, and separate orientation sessions are held for Firelands, international and graduate students, as well as new eCampus and distance learning students.

Dr. Joe Whitehead, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, extended a warm welcome to participants during a 30-minute welcome session.
Dr. Joe Whitehead, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, extended a warm welcome to participants during a 30-minute welcome session.
A Falcon family poses with their new BGSU student at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
It is recommended that at least one student supporter participate in University Orientation with new students as a guest. In addition to student sessions on many topics to prepare for their first semester at BGSU, University Orientation offers special sessions for guests to show support and get a sense of what their student is about to experience.
Cheerleading head coach Tyler Bill joins Freddie and Frieda to lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of the University’s official fight song, “Ay Ziggy Zoomba.”
Cheerleading head coach Tyler Bill joins Freddie and Frieda to lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of the University’s official fight song, “Ay Ziggy Zoomba.”
A group of exceptional BGSU students served as orientation leaders, helping participants get familiar with the campus and important resources while also leading fun activities that helped them forge a bond with other first-year students.
A group of exceptional BGSU students served as orientation leaders, helping participants get familiar with the campus and important resources while also leading fun activities that helped them forge a bond with other first-year students.
Life Design Coach David Denison meets with incoming students during an afternoon session at the Radbill Center.
Life Design Coach David Denison meets with incoming students during an afternoon session at the Radbill Center. Cultivating a relationship between students and their Life Design coach will lead to open communications and comprehensive support to help redefine student success and promote the best possible experience at BGSU.

Welcome, Class of 2027!

President Rogers welcomed new students and their guests to begin a day of discovery at University Orientation. He encouraged new students to engage in the BGSU community and reach out to others to help them realize their full potential.

Updated: 08/02/2023 02:55PM