Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Experience BGSU your way at the Presidents Day Open House - our largest, most comprehensive event of the year!
This is one of the best days to visit campus (and there's no better way to decide if a college is the right fit than to visit and explore.)
The Presidents Day Open House at BGSU is a one-stop shop for you and your guests to get a true sense of life at BGSU. Hosted on a day when our students are in classes, you'll get to see the campus in full swing. This is also a "choose your own adventure" event, so you'll be able to choose from a wide range of activities - this is your visit, your way!
Before You Arrive:
Registration for this event is required. Be sure to register before heading to campus. You will need to register in order to receive your personal QR Code for check-in. Your personal QR Code will be sent to the email you used for registration.
Tip: have your QR Code saved so you can move through the check-in process quickly.
The full Presidents Day Open House program will be emailed to registrants one week before the event. We strongly recommend reviewing the program before your visit to plan your day!
Parking and Check-in
This is our largest in-person event of the year. To keep things running smoothly and ensure a great experience for you and your guests, be sure to review this information carefully.
- For driving directions, we recommend navigating to the Stroh Center – this is where you will park for the day.
- As you arrive in Bowling Green and get close to the Stroh Center, follow the signs directing you to “Presidents Day Parking.”
- Check-in for the event opens at 8 a.m. EST.
- The signs directing you to “Presidents Day Parking” will lead you through our drive-thru check-in tent.
- Once you drive into the check-in tent, a BGSU staff member will scan your personal QR Code to check you in.
- Tip: please have your QR Code ready before you enter the tent. Your QR Code can be saved on your mobile device or printed – we can use either format. Once your QR Code is scanned, you’ll head to the parking area for Presidents Day guests (Lots 24, 20 & 13).
- Presidents Day guests will park in Lots 24, 20 & 13.
- No parking pass will be required to park in Lots 24, 20 & 13. Parking in these lots will be free.
- Parking in any other lots on campus could be difficult, as BGSU classes are in session, or could result in a parking ticket.
- BGSU Campus Police and staff will be directing traffic in the parking lots. Please follow their instructions when you arrive to the area.
- Once you’ve parked, head toward the Stroh Center.
- Inside the Stroh Center, you’ll receive your printed event program, can use the restroom and will line up to board a comfortable shuttle bus to campus.
- Designated accessible parking spots will be located in Lot 7, near the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. These are reserved for vehicles with disability license plates and placards, or for guests with wheelchairs, scooters or mobility concerns.
- These spots are limited, and a parking pass is required. Please contact Erica Mills at millsel@bgsu.edu for the required parking pass for this parking lot and check-in instructions.
- After you park and board the shuttle at the Stroh Center, the bus will transport you directly to the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the Presidents Day “hub.”
- Activities will take place in buildings all over campus, but the Exhibitor Area, Admissions Team and many presentations will be located in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. It’s a great place to start your day.
- If you have questions or need assistance navigating the schedule, stop by the Presidents Day Information Table, located in the exhibitor area at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. BGSU representatives will be available to assist with any questions until 3 p.m. Stop here to connect with Presidents Day experts who can help you select the best activities for the day, provide directions, answer questions and more.
- We recommend you plan around 30-40 minutes to check-in, park and then ride the shuttle to campus. Remember, this is a large visit day, so there will be traffic in the morning. Please keep this in mind as you’re choosing your first activity of the day – we don’t want you to miss out on anything!
- Designated accessible parking spots are located close to the Stroh Center. These are reserved for vehicles with disability license plates and placards. These spots are limited; we recommend an early arrival. BGSU Campus Police and staff stationed in the parking lots can provide direction to these spots when you arrive.
- Feel free to reach out the BGSU Office of Admissions at 419-372-2478 or choosebgsu@bgsu.edu. Our team will be taking calls and monitoring this email during the event.
Presidents Day Tips and Advice
- Activities and presentations are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Some presentations will begin as early as 9 a.m. EST. Review the program in advance and plan your travel so you’re here with plenty of time to get to your first activity.
- Check-in for the event opens at 8 a.m. EST. If you arrive after 10:30 a.m. EST, you will park and go directly to the Stroh Center for check-in. The tent check-in process will be closed at that time, as arrivals will slow down significantly.
- Activities will be hosted in buildings all over campus. Be sure to note the locations listed throughout the program and refer to the campus map, which is included in the program.
- It’s important to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes; be ready to spend time outdoors as you move from location to location.
- We’re expecting a large turnout at the Presidents Day Open House. With many guests on campus, it’s important to keep in mind that presentations may fill, the dining halls may be busy, or there may be a short wait to join a campus tour or explore a residence hall.
- If you need help finding your way, just ask. Campus is in full swing today, and everyone is happyto help point you in the right direction.
- Head to the exhibitor area between presentations to connect with academic areas, Student Financial Aid, Student Housing, Club Sports and more. You’ll see the full list of exhibitors in the event program.
- Make your way to the special activities hosted by some of our academic and student service areas. This is a great way to explore campus and connect with faculty, staff and students.
- If this is your first visit to BGSU, join a campus tour to hear from a current BGSU student and explore our recreation center, student union and a few academic spaces. A one-hour walking tour of campus will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the last tour will be sent out at 3 p.m.) Note: Residence hall tours are not included in the general campus tour.
- While the residence halls are not featured on the general campus tour, all of our first-year residence halls will be open for self-guided tours (this is the only day all year when this is possible!)
- Ask questions. We’re all so glad you’re here and are ready to help! This event is all about you and your college search. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as you’re meeting faculty, staff and students today.
- Free shuttle service will be available at any campus shuttle stop. You’re welcome to hop on the shuttles to get around campus.
- Enjoy lunch at one of our dining halls. A discount will be provided at check-in.
- Stock up on BG gear at Falcon Outfitters. Show the cashier your program at check-out for a special discount on BGSU apparel at Falcon Outfitters.
- Admissions staff will be available in the exhibitor area until 3 p.m. Seniors: You can apply to BGSU, submit your housing payment or make your orientation registration while you’re here on campus.
- Ready to tell the world you’re a Falcon? Seniors who submit their housing payment or make their orientation registration at the event (or before!) can pick up a limited edition Class of 2029 flag in the exhibitor area, too.
Additional Questions?
Feel free to reach out the BGSU Office of Admissions at 419-372-2478 or choosebgsu@bgsu.edu. Our team will be taking calls and monitoring this email during the event, too.
Updated: 12/14/2024 08:40AM