News and Announcements

I want to inform our faculty and staff of a leadership change in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. Dr. Jennie Gallimore will be serving Bowling Green State University in a new capacity, assisting with special projects in collaboration with the Office of the Provost. We are in the preparation stage to launch a national search for the next dean and academic leader of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. Our search for an interim dean is underway, facilitated by The Registry.

Dr. Gallimore has been instrumental in the college’s mission to redefine student success, expand in-demand academic programs and grow partnerships to support the work of Bowling Green State University as a comprehensive 21st century university. With department chairs and directors, Dr. Gallimore led the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering through a successful collegewide reorganization to better meet student and workforce needs, and the accreditation and reaccreditation of all the college’s qualifying programs. Additionally, the college continues to move toward transitioning its technology programs to engineering programs and expand the School of the Built Environment and aviation programs – both areas in high demand across our region and nation.

I thank Dr. Gallimore for her service as dean. Her work to support and lead the college's students, faculty and staff is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with Dr. Gallimore in continuing to move the University forward.

As we search for an interim dean, we are committed to providing continuity to our faculty, staff and students during this transition and ensuring our graduates leave BGSU prepared to live meaningful and productive lives.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President

As we look toward the beginning of the Fall 2023 term, it is an appropriate time to also celebrate and acknowledge the great success of this past academic year. There is much to be proud of, and I want to thank each of you for your work to move the University forward.

Building off the momentum of our strategic plan, Forward., we will be realigning some of our administrative functions in the coming weeks. These updates better position our work as a 21st century university for the public good, which allows us to continue to redefine student success, elevate our research and partnerships and support our people.

Objective one of our strategic plan aspires to drive public good by redefining student success. As we look to leverage the power of a comprehensive, residential University, we are formalizing our organizational structure to enhance support for this objective. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, we were flexible and adaptable in meeting our students' changing needs and expectations. Dr. Joe Whitehead, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, stepped up to lead a vast portfolio in a challenging time. I am certainly grateful for Dr. Whitehead's leadership and everyone who made this progress possible.

Today, we are in a different place that allows Dr. Whitehead and his team to focus on the University's academic programs and research and creative activities. In addition, the last several Ohio General Assemblies have increased compliance and reporting requirements for public universities. We anticipate the emphasis on compliance and reporting will continue to increase in our state. Therefore, to continue to perform the current compliance work and to build additional reporting capacity, Provost Whitehead and Sheri Stoll, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, will assume leadership of these compliance and reporting efforts.

With the recent retirement of Jodi Webb, associate vice president for student affairs, who served our University for 35 years, we have been reevaluating our approach to the student experience. Over the past several years, Dr. Glenn Davis has played an important role in aligning our efforts around student success. I am pleased to share that we are tracking some of the highest student success rates in our history, and such gains in retention, graduation rates and enrollment are critical for our continued success.

Dr. Davis has agreed to serve as vice president for student engagement and success and will report directly to me. We are currently working on formalizing his portfolio in leading this new division, which will bring together existing areas to provide a holistic focus on co-curricular student experiences rooted in achieving even higher levels of engagement and success. This includes academic advising, Life Design, residence education, student engagement and other strategic areas.

With a large percentage of Bowling Green undergraduates living on campus, providing programming and student support services is vital to student retention and success. Recently, a working group was appointed to reimagine our residence life organizational structure, and they have finalized their recommendation for a new model that better aligns our current functions. As we implement these changes, our housing operations team will be positioned in our Division of Finance and Administration, and our residence education and engagement teams will be in the new division led by Dr. Davis.

Being a 21st century public university goes beyond our commitment to students. Objective three of our plan aspires to power public good through our people and community. It is our people – our faculty and staff – who drive our University, and in empowering you to achieve excellence, we recognize the importance of people-centric practices. To expand our work in recruiting, retaining and supporting talented individuals, Viva McCarver, chief human resources officer, will now report directly to me.

In addition, Ben Batey will serve as our chief well-being officer to fully embrace our Community of Care initiative and to increase our collaboration around physical and mental health and community accountability. We are working on finalizing his portfolio to lead an expanded division that will bring together existing areas, such as the Office of the Dean of Students, the Student Recreation Center, the Counseling Center and the Wellness Connection. This expansion enhances our focus on holistic well-being and will foster a stronger community of care for our students, faculty and staff.

The goal of these organizational changes is to make us more effective – it is not about efficiency. Over the coming weeks, we will be working through these changes, and we appreciate your commitment to ensure we continue to redefine student success, elevate our research and partnerships and support our people and community. We cannot accomplish this without you, and I am grateful for your efforts to ensure that Bowling Green continues to thrive.

Regards,

Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D.
President

I am writing to share important updates in the leadership of BGSU Firelands. First, I would again like to thank Andrew Kurtz for his leadership while dean in moving the college and campus forward. We all wish him well as he transitions back to the faculty.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Ram Veerapaneni has agreed to serve as interim dean while the national search is conducted for the next dean. Dr. Veerapaneni has been a faculty member at the Firelands campus since 2012, and he currently serves as the chair of the Department of Natural and Social Sciences. Dr. Veerapaneni will continue as chair while serving as dean.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Veerapaneni to the role as interim dean. We look forward to his leadership during this interim period.

The screening committee for recruiting the permanent dean is currently being formed. Dr. Elsy Thomas Kizhakethalackal, chair of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell, dean of the Honors College, will serve as co-chairs of the screening committee, which includes representation from faculty, deans, chairs, directors and staff.

RH Perry has been retained as search consultants. Many of you participated in the virtual forums and survey opportunities, facilitated and administered by RH Perry, providing valuable feedback for the development of the position profile. Once finalized, the profile, as well as a list of committee members, will be available on the Office of the Provost website on the dedicated Dean of BGSU Firelands Leadership Search webpage. The webpage will be updated to keep you informed as the search progresses.

The goal is to have the next dean of BGSU Firelands in place by Jan. 2, 2024. I appreciate everyone’s participation in this process as we seek to identify a leader to fill this critical role.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

As we begin 2023 spring semester and sessions, this message is continued BGSU instructor guidance regarding virtual room scans associated with proctoring of remote examinations.

Remotely proctored exams using third-party solutions such as Respondus may be administered with strict adherence to certain protocols. Most importantly, students must be clearly notified that the course requires remotely proctored exams, and if such exam requires students to conduct a virtual room scan by briefly showing their surroundings.

Please note, it is possible to turn off the virtual room scan. More information about remote assessment can be found on the ITS website.

Please continue to follow the detailed guidance below for remotely proctored exams:

• If the instructor requires remotely proctored exams and an environmental or room scan is required, the instructor must provide advanced written notice of the requirement in the Canvas course shell announcement section, a direct email communication to all students in the class and documented in course syllabi. Please see the sample statement at the end of this message.

• It is the student’s responsibility to identify an appropriate location to take a remotely proctored exam where they will not be interrupted and where they consent to having a virtual room scan. This applies to students on campus and enrolled in online or distance programs or classes.

• Students who choose to take an exam in their home/residence hall room are deemed to consent to a room scan of the area where they take the examination. Please make this very clear in your communications to them.

• The virtual room scan must not be visible to other students and is only to be reviewed by the instructor or other University administrators in the event of suspected academic misconduct. Virtual room scans must only take place via a third-party proctoring platform like Respondus. Do not use Zoom, Microsoft Teams or similar virtual platforms that may enable other students to see the virtual room scan.

• The instructor is not required to offer alternative testing methods to a student who does not consent to take a remotely proctored exam unless necessary to fulfill an accommodation approved by the Office of Accessibility Services. If there are questions regarding testing accommodation, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495.

Sample syllabus statement, Canvas announcement and email correspondence:

This course requires remotely proctored testing, that may include quizzes, regular examinations, and/or final examination, during which you may be required to briefly show your surroundings using your web camera (a “room scan”), wherever you choose to take the exam. By choosing to take the exam in your home/residence hall room, you are consenting to a room scan of the area where you take the exam.

If you do not wish to have your home, residence hall room subject to the room scan, you may take the exam from another location where you won’t be interrupted, such as the University Libraries or study spaces on campus. If you are enrolled in a distance program, a local library or a testing center at another educational institution may be an option. You will be required to complete the virtual room scan in the alternative location. It is your responsibility to identify an appropriate location to take your exams.

• The room scan will only be visible to your instructor and BGSU faculty or staff with a legitimate need to review the video. Other students enrolled in the class will not be able to see your room scan.
• If you have or require testing accommodation, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

I want to share several important updates as we continue to align our efforts in redefining student success.

After successful national searches, we have welcomed three new deans to Bowling Green State University. Dr. Jennifer Percival has joined BGSU as dean of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business; Dr. Ellen Schendel has joined BGSU as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Jennifer Waldron '99 has joined BGSU as vice provost and dean of Graduate and Professional Programs.

In addition, I am pleased to share the successful comprehensive evaluations of Dr. Bill Mathis, dean of the College of Musical Arts, and Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. We look forward to their continued leadership and appreciate their work to enhance a BGSU education.  

We continue to implement what we have learned during the global pandemic as a comprehensive, high-research university committed to the success of our students, including flexible programming to support traditional and non-traditional populations. In alignment with our strategic plan, Forward., Vice Provost and Dean Waldron’s portfolio has been expanded to elevate professional programming, and eCampus and the Office of Online and Summer Academic Programs have also moved under her leadership. 

In addition, following a national search, Dr. Banks Blair has joined BGSU as the inaugural director of academic advising and planning. Dr. Blair, who is part of the Office of the Provost, will play a key leadership role in ensuring students are supported in their academic progress.

We know there is much work ahead, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to student success. We look forward to continuing our pursuit of elevating the power of a public university for the public good, together. 

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

I want to share a leadership update regarding the Division of Research and Economic Engagement.

Dr. Michael Ogawa has decided to transition out of his role as vice president for research and economic engagement. We are deeply appreciative of his 31 years of service to Bowling Green State University. We especially want to recognize Dr. Ogawa’s leadership in the Division of Research and Economic Engagement and his commitment and support to BGSU and our region.

This fall, we will launch a national search for our next leader in the University’s research enterprise and we expect to have a successful candidate in place no later than July 1. We have partnered with The Registry, a national firm that places interim higher education executive leaders, and have attained research and grant support with Dr. Michael Manning, who will serve as interim vice president for research.

Manning has extensive academy and industry experience and is highly skilled in research administration. He was a senior research administrator at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he provided research support services and external funding development support. Most recently, Manning held leadership positions at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Manning will be on campus starting Nov. 1. In addition, Mark Fox is serving as interim director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research until the search for a director is complete.

We remain committed to creating public good through our research, scholarship and creative activities. We will continue to enhance the support and infrastructure needed to achieve increases in funding and resources from grants, contracts and philanthropy. We are confident in these interim measures and we will communicate updates as the search for the next vice president for research progresses.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Next week, Bowling Green State University will host the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Peer Review Team as part of the comprehensive evaluation for the University's reaffirmation of accreditation. The reaffirmation process takes place once every 10 years and is a critical assurance for students, parents and employers that BGSU provides a quality educational experience. It is also essential to ensuring our current and future students can receive financial aid, as accreditation by a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is one of the three requirements for students to receive Title IV funds.

On Oct. 16-18, the HLC Peer Review Team will visit our campuses to review the contents of the assurance of affirmation report and affirm that BGSU meets the Criteria of Accreditation set forth by the member institutions of the HLC. An essential part of the visit is meeting with constituent groups, as selected in advance by the Peer Review Team, and engaging with faculty, staff and students through open forums.

Your participation

All are encouraged to participate in the open forum component of the Peer Review Team visit.

Open forums will take place on the Bowling Green and Firelands campuses during the following times for various constituent groups:

BGSU Main Campus Open Forums: Olscamp 101

• Staff: Monday, Oct. 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Faculty: Monday, Oct. 17, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
• Students: Monday Oct. 17, 2-3 p.m
• Drop-in Session: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 8-8:45 a.m.

Firelands Campus Open Forums: Cedar Point Center, Room 1001

• Staff/Faculty: Monday, Oct. 17, 9-9:45 a.m.
• Students: Monday, Oct. 17, 10-10:30 a.m.

What to expect

Participants will answer questions about their experience and how they perceive BGSU meets certain accreditation criteria. If you are unable to attend during your constituent session, you can share your thoughts during a drop-in session.

Below are resources to help in preparation for participation in an open forum:

• Access the Assurance Argument and Open Forum Training videos
• Self-educate by browsing through our HLC accreditation resource website
• Follow the BGSU Office of Institutional Effectiveness on Instagram and Facebook for updates

Your participation in the HLC visit is an important part of the reaccreditation process, and we appreciate your time in meeting with the Peer Review Team. I also want to thank the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, faculty and staff, and the Accreditation Steering Committee who have worked tirelessly in preparing our campuses for this peer review visit. Please let us know of any concerns, suggestions or recommendations you may have by emailing institutionaleff@bgsu.edu.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Bowling Green State University annually distributes to the University community a variety of reports, both printed and through the University website. The reports, some of which are required by federal law, provide important information and statistics on a wide variety of subjects, including campus safety and security, student records, compliance issues and financial topics.

We hope you will take the time to review this information and become better informed about your University. Printed copies of online reports are also available upon request by the office or department indicated.

The BGSU Student Handbook features much of this material.

In compliance with the Clery Act, the annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available to view online and contains:

1. Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years, including reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by BGSU, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus;
2. Campus policy regarding the reporting of on-campus criminal activity as well as facility access;
3. Campus policy for the reporting of off-campus criminal activity;
4. Campus policy and services regarding law enforcement and public safety;
5. Information regarding personal safety and crime-prevention programs;
6. Campus policy regarding the sale, possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs;
7. Information regarding drug, alcohol and sexual violence education programs and campaigns;
8. Policies and procedures for preventing and responding to dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault;
9. Information regarding how residential students can designate a contact person that the University should notify should they be missing for more than 24 hours;
10. Fire safety information for on-campus residential facilities, including the number of actual fires and types of fire safety systems, as well as fire safety educational programs.

BGSU Intercollegiate Athletics' report for the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is available online and upon request through Intercollegiate Athletics (Sebo Athletic Center, 1610 Stadium Drive).

The BGSU Student Records Policy explains the rights of students with respect to records maintained by the University and outlines the University’s procedures to comply with the requirements of the Family Education and Right to Privacy Act (FERPA). The policy can be accessed online and also appears in the Student Handbook.

University tuition and fees, estimated miscellaneous costs, financial aid and other important information about BGSU is available online or via the following offices and resources:

• Undergraduate Admissions (200 University Hall)
• Graduate College (110 McFall Center)
• Office of Registration and Records (1851 N. Research Drive)
• Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union)
• Office of the Bursar (227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union)
• Undergraduate Student Catalog and Graduate Student Catalog

Student graduation rates are available online, and a printed copy is available in the Office of Institutional Research (318 Math Science Building).

Sex-offender registration and related information (i.e., relevant to the BSGU campus, Bowling Green and the greater Wood County community) is available online or by calling the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001.

Thank you for your attention to this important information.

Regards,

Sheri Stoll
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration

Joe B. Whitehead, Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

This message is intended to provide guidance for proctoring remote exams given ongoing legal developments involving Cleveland State University concerning the potential violation of a student’s right to privacy during a virtual room scan.

You may administer remotely proctored exams using third-party solutions such as Respondus AND, as long as certain protocols are strictly adhered to, you may require students to briefly show their surroundings through the use of the virtual room scan. Most important, students must be clearly notified that the course requires remotely proctored exams.

Please note, it is possible to turn off the virtual room scan. This quick how-to video on using environmental scans in Respondus will demonstrate how to do this. More information about remote assessment can be found on the ITS website.

• For the remainder of Fall 2022 and going forward, if your course requires or offers remotely proctored exams and an environmental or room scan is required, please provide students with advanced written notice of that information in the Canvas course shell announcement section, with a direct email communication to all students in the class, and in any new or updated syllabi. A sample statement is included below.
• It is the student’s responsibility to identify an appropriate location to take a remotely proctored exam where they will not be interrupted and where they consent to having a room scan. This applies to students on campus and enrolled in online or distance programs or classes.
• Students who choose to take an exam in their home/residence hall room are deemed to consent to a room scan of the area where they take the examination. Please make this very clear in your communications to them.
• The virtual room scan must not be visible to other students and is only to be reviewed by you or other University administrators in the event of suspected academic misconduct. Virtual room scans must only take place via a third-party proctoring platform like Respondus. Do not use Zoom, Microsoft Teams or similar virtual platforms that may enable students to see the room scans conducted by other students.
• You are not required to offer alternative testing methods to a student who does not consent to take a remotely proctored exam unless necessary to fulfill an accommodation approved by the Office of Accessibility Services.
• If you have questions about testing accommodation, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495.

Sample syllabus statement, Canvas announcement and email correspondence:

• This course requires you to take a remotely proctored examination, during which you may be required to briefly show your surroundings using your web camera (a “room scan”), wherever you choose to take the exam.
• By choosing to take the exam in your home/residence hall room, you are consenting to a room scan of the area where you take the exam.
•  If you do not wish to have your home/residence hall room subject to the room scan, you may take the exam from another location where you won’t be interrupted, such as the University Libraries or study spaces on campus. If you are enrolled in a distance program, a local library or testing centers at another educational institution may be an option. You will be required to complete the virtual room scan in the alternative location. It is your responsibility to identify an appropriate location to take your exams.
• The room scan will only be visible to your instructor and other BGSU faculty or staff members with a legitimate need to review the video. Other students will not be able to see your room scan.
• If you have or require testing accommodation, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

After a competitive national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Waldron has been selected as vice provost and dean of graduate and professional programs and will join BGSU on July 11, 2022.

Dr. Waldron currently serves as associate vice president of research and innovation and dean of the Graduate College at the University of Northern Iowa, where her responsibilities include strengthening enrollment, recruitment and retention strategies, and advancing the university’s strategic plan for scholarship, research and creative activity. She also serves as interim dean of online and distance education.

Dr. Waldron spearheaded a number of innovative initiatives to grow enrollment at the University of Northern Iowa, including modernizing degree programs by establishing the pathway for 4+1 degree programs and alternative credentials; bolstering the university’s relationship with community colleges in a pilot program that doubled enrollment in its second year; and leading a campus-wide program focused on responding to student interest in high-demand majors and employment projections.

Dr. Waldron holds a Ph.D. in kinesiology from Michigan State University and is also a proud graduate of BGSU, earning her master’s in developmental kinesiology.

I look forward to working with Dr. Waldron to create a bold vision for the future of graduate and professional education; cultivate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across campus; develop resources that will deepen support for graduate education; continue to build and strengthen BGSU’s diverse and inclusive graduate community; and enhance graduate student success and well-being.

I am incredibly grateful to the committee members whose dedication resulted in a successful search and to Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries and vice provost for faculty affairs, for her leadership in chairing the committee; to the consulting firm of Isaacson, Miller for expert guidance and assistance; and to the University community members who provided invaluable feedback. 

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Waldron to campus.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

After a competitive national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Ellen Schendel has been selected as the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and will join BGSU on June 20, 2022.

Dr. Schendel currently serves as associate vice president for academic affairs at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where her responsibilities include coordination and approval of new program development, international education, and providing support and guidance for universitywide curricular innovations.

Grand Valley State University launched over 30 new graduate and undergraduate degree programs, certificates and badges under her leadership. Her work has also resulted in a new annual academic program review process to assess programmatic health and provide direction to improve and better resource educational offerings. As a proven collaborator, she will bring a focus to Bowling Green State University on student success and program excellence that begins with supporting faculty research, scholarly and creative activity and meaningful staff development.

Dr. Schendel holds a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in rhetoric and composition from the University of Louisville. She achieved tenure and promotion to full professor in the Writing Department at Grand Valley State University, and her scholarly research is primarily focused on writing assessment. She also served as associate dean in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies and as acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State.

I look forward to working with Dr. Schendel to develop a clear vision for the college that will explore how our academic programs and interdisciplinary work are integral to addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities of today and tomorrow. She will also be instrumental in fulfilling the college’s mission to provide the fundamentals of a liberal arts and science education at our University.

I am incredibly grateful to the committee members whose dedication resulted in a successful search and to Dr. Jim Ciesla for his leadership in chairing the committee; to the consulting firm of Isaacson, Miller for expert guidance and assistance; and to the University community members who provided invaluable feedback.

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Schendel to campus.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

After a competitive national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Percival has been selected as the next dean of the Schmidthorst College of Business and will join BGSU on June 20, 2022.

Currently associate dean in the Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Dr. Percival’s responsibilities include implementing strategic initiatives, supporting advancement, faculty mentoring, program assessment, and developing internal and external partnerships. An advocate for students and their academic and career success, Dr. Percival led initiatives directed to support first-generation students, to increase engagement with student organizations in the college and to encourage undergraduate research.

Her work has resulted in significant increases in undergraduate and graduate recruitment and retention. She will bring Bowling Green State University energy and experience in higher education administration, focusing on promoting interdisciplinary research and teaching; mentoring and support for faculty; and creative collaborations within and beyond the college, including those with current and new external partners, donors and alumni.

Dr. Percival holds a Ph.D. in management science from the University of Waterloo, where she also earned an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics in operations research. Her scholarly work demonstrates her deep interest and expertise in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. Dr. Percival’s publications focus on the strategic use of technology and innovation, and the integration of technology into organizational practices with applications in health care and higher education.

I look forward to working with Dr. Percival as she takes on the challenge of developing a clear and compelling vision for the future of the college while fostering excellence in teaching and research, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and serving as a visible and engaged fundraiser for the college.

I give my sincere thanks to the committee members whose dedication helped make this a successful search and to Dr. Michael Ogawa for his leadership in chairing the committee; to the consulting firm of Isaacson, Miller for expert guidance and assistance; and to the University community members who provided invaluable feedback.

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Percival to campus.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Bowling Green State University is preparing for its 10-year re-affirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC conducts comprehensive evaluations of member institutions to confirm that the institution continues to meet the criteria for accreditation, is pursuing institutional improvement and complies with requirements sets by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of accreditation is to assure students, as well as parents and employers, that a college or university provides a quality educational experience.

The entire campus community must be prepared for the HLC site visit on October 17-18, 2022. The review team will request individual and group meetings with faculty, staff and students. It is not too soon to begin preparing.

Below are ways to prepare and be well-informed:

• Become familiar with the mission, vision, values and our strategic plan Forward.
• Self-educate by browsing through our HLC accreditation resource website.
• Review videos and other materials delivered periodically via Campus Updates.
• Complete the Accreditation 101 Bridge course. Once logged into your Bridge account, look for the course in the “Academic Affairs” category in your library. The course is available to all students, staff and faculty.

Work also continues to complete the Assurance Argument in preparation for the HLC re-affirmation site visit this fall. I want to thank the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, faculty and staff and the Accreditation Steering Committee who have worked tirelessly in completing the first draft of the Assurance Argument and gathering supporting evidence. The Assurance Argument is the primary document the review team will use to plan and prepare for the site visit. OIE anticipates submitting the Assurance Argument with its evidence in August 2022.

As a campus community, we can be proud of how far we have come and how much we have accomplished. Resilience, optimism and innovation are part of the BGSU culture. In advance, I thank you for your investment in this tremendous effort to maintain our status as an accredited university for the public good.

Please let us know of any concerns, suggestions or recommendations you may have with respect to the reaccreditation preparation and October visit. Questions can be emailed directly to institutionaleff@bgsu.edu.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Yesterday, the University shared an update to its face covering requirements based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments. Effective Monday, BGSU will no longer require face coverings on its campuses.

We recognize this change will be met with varying perspectives. For nearly two years, the pandemic has disrupted our daily lives and has impacted each of us differently. We understand it may take time for all members of our campus community to be comfortable with this change as we continue to move toward an endemic.

While the University will not universally require face coverings, and the CDC does not recommend face coverings for healthy, vaccinated individuals in low and medium level counties, we recognize that some members may need time to adjust to these new guidelines. Therefore, some individual classes may continue to have a face covering requirement for the next few weeks. We ask that you respectfully follow the masking protocol requested by each individual faculty member.

We will continue to monitor the impact COVID-19 has on our community, and we will adjust our public health measures as needed in the future.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health and Wellness Officer

At the start of the fall semester, we communicated about steps taken to strengthen ongoing efforts to eradicate hazing at the University. Over the summer, the state passed Collin’s Law, and it took effect in October 2021. This is a law that BGSU ardently advocated for the passage of in the months following the tragic death of Stone Foltz. As we begin the spring semester, we wanted to again remind everyone of the recent changes in the state law and BGSU campus policy. 

The new law expanded the definition of hazing and includes criminal sanctions for hazing activity, as well as failing to report hazing activity to law enforcement. It also requires additional hazing prevention and awareness training for university staff and volunteers.

As part of its own anti-hazing efforts, BGSU has adopted a stand-alone Anti-Hazing Policy that reiterates the strict prohibition against hazing while aligning with Collin’s Law and clearly communicating the University’s zero-tolerance approach. This policy applies to all student organizations and student groups, including athletic teams, spirit groups, military organizations, honor societies, musical or theatrical ensembles, and bands or clubs.

Also, in alignment with Collin’s Law, the anti-hazing policy designates all University employees (including part-time employees, student workers and graduate assistants) and volunteers acting in an official capacity, as mandatory reporters of hazing. They will be required to complete annual training, which started this past fall and will continue as new employees are hired, on how to identify and report hazing.

All new students and current members of student organizations, groups and fraternity and sorority life also have new mandatory requirements to complete online training modules about hazing, alcohol and other drugs, bullying and how to report concerning behaviors.

Our hazing prevention and education site provides more information and resources, including reporting options on how and where to report:

• Report to law enforcement: Call 911 or 419-372-2346.
•  Report to the 24/7 hazing reporting line: Call 419-372-HAZE (4293).
• Report through See it. Hear it. Report it.
• Report in person to the Office of the Dean of Students (Bowen-Thompson Student Union 301).
• Report to Human Resources: Call 419-372-8421.
• Report to Office of Parent, Family and New Student Connections: Call 419-372-0438 or email families@bgsu.edu.

Our hazing eradication efforts are also part of our commitment to create a Community of Care at BGSU as a public university for the public good. This requires campus-wide responsibility for acting on situations that can have significant impact on individuals and the campus community. 

We need your help and commitment to stay focused on the goal of eradicating hazing. Each member of our BGSU community, including our students, faculty, staff, parents and families, must work together to move us forward.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health and Wellness Officer
Hazing Prevention Coordinator

Winter Session is no longer part of the academic calendar. To minimize any confusion during spring semester 2022, this joint communication is to clarify nine-month Bargaining Unit Faculty Members (BUFMs) responsibilities and availability during the 2021-2022 nine-month contract period which ends on May 25, 2022.

Spring semester 2022 begins on Monday, Jan. 11, 2022. Two business days immediately preceding the spring session class start date (i.e. Thursday and Friday Jan. 6 and 7, respectively), BUFM will be available for university, college, and/or academic unit meetings. These meetings may or may not be called. If meetings are called, attendance is considered a scheduled obligation (see CBA, Article 38, Section 5.3).

The CBA states that bargaining unit faculty members (BUFMs) on an academic year (nine-month) contract shall not be eligible for paid vacation and that such BUFMs are eligible for all breaks and holidays as scheduled during the academic year (see CBA, Article 21, Section 13.1). Our shared understanding of breaks, holidays and the period after the spring semester in 2022 is that faculty will independently perform work-related activities in the areas of teaching/library effectiveness, scholarly/creative activity, and/or service (see CBA, Article 38, Section 5.2)

As this is a transition year, the University and the BGSU Faculty Association felt it appropriate to memorialize our mutual understanding in this joint communication to minimize any possible confusion. Advice will be forthcoming regarding future academic year contract periods.

Regards,

 

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

  

David Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association

At the start of the fall semester, we communicated about steps taken to strengthen ongoing efforts to eradicate hazing at the University. In the months following the tragic death of Stone Foltz, the University ardently advocated for the passage of Collin’s Law, anti-hazing legislation that goes into effect statewide today.

The new law expands the definition of hazing and includes criminal sanctions for hazing activity, as well as failing to report hazing activity to law enforcement. It also requires additional hazing prevention and awareness training for university staff and volunteers.

As part of its own anti-hazing efforts, BGSU has adopted a stand-alone Anti-Hazing Policy that reiterates the strict prohibition against hazing while aligning with Collin’s Law and clearly communicating the University’s zero-tolerance approach. This policy applies to all student organizations and student groups, including athletic teams, spirit groups, military organizations, honor societies, musical or theatrical ensembles, bands or clubs.

Also in alignment with Collin’s Law, the anti-hazing policy designates all University employees (including part-time employees, student workers and graduate assistants) and volunteers acting in an official capacity, as mandatory reporters of hazing. They will be required to complete annual training on how to identify and report hazing, and information on the mandated training will be communicated to those groups soon.

All new students and current members of student organizations, groups and fraternity and sorority life also have new mandatory requirements to complete online training modules about hazing, alcohol and other drugs, bullying and how to report concerning behaviors.

Our hazing prevention and education site provides more information and resources, including reporting options on how and where to report:

• Report to law enforcement: Call 911 or 419-372-2346.
• Report to the 24/7 hazing reporting line: Call 419-372-HAZE (4293).
• Report through See it. Hear it. Report it.
• Report in person to the Office of the Dean of Students (Bowen-Thompson Student Union 301).
• Report to Human Resources: Call 419-372-8421.
• Report to Office of Parent, Family and New Student Connections: Call 419-372-0438 or email families@bgsu.edu.

We recently concluded National Hazing Prevention Week events on campus, but additional programming is planned throughout the academic year to keep this issue at the forefront.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, BGSU will present Love, Mom and Dad: Turning Tragedy Into Progress. Evelyn Piazza, a member of the national Anti-Hazing Coalition, will share the story of her son, Tim Piazza, who passed away following a hazing incident at Penn State in 2017. This important presentation will continue to challenge and motivate our community to eradicate hazing on BGSU's campuses and across the state of Ohio. 

We need your help and commitment to stay focused on this goal. Each member of our BGSU community, including our students, faculty, staff, parents and families, must work together to move us forward.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health and Wellness Officer
Hazing Prevention Coordinator

Bowling Green State University annually distributes to the University community a variety of reports, both printed and through the University website. The reports, some of which are required by federal law, provide important information and statistics on a wide variety of subjects, including campus safety and security, student records, compliance issues and financial topics.

We hope you will take a few minutes to review the information and become better informed about your University. Printed copies of online reports are also available upon request by the office or department indicated.

The BGSU Student Handbook features much of this information.

The annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available for download and contains:

1. Crime statistics for the previous three (3) calendar years, including reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by BGSU, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus;
2. Campus policy regarding the reporting of on-campus criminal activity as well as facility access;
3. Campus policy for the reporting of off-campus criminal activity;
4. Campus policy and services regarding law enforcement and public safety;
5. Information regarding personal safety and crime-prevention programs;
6. Campus policy regarding the sale, possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs;
7. Information regarding drug, alcohol and sexual violence education programs and campaigns;
8. Policies and procedures for preventing and responding to dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault;
9. Information regarding how residential students can designate a contact person that the University should notify should they be missing for more than 24 hours;
10. Fire safety information for on-campus residential facilities, including the number of actual fires and types of fire safety systems, as well as fire safety educational programs.

BGSU Intercollegiate Athletics' report for the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is available online and upon request through Intercollegiate Athletics (Sebo Athletic Center, 1610 Stadium Drive).

The BGSU Student Records Policy explains the rights of students with respect to records maintained by the University and outlines the University’s procedures to comply with the requirements of the Family Education and Right to Privacy Act (FERPA). The policy can be accessed online and also appears in the Student Handbook.

University tuition and fees, estimated miscellaneous costs, financial aid and other important information about BGSU is available online or via the following offices and resources:

• Undergraduate Admissions (200 University Hall)
  
• Graduate College (110 McFall Center)
• Office of Registration and Records (227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union)
  
• Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union)
• Office of the Bursar (227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union)
• Undergraduate Student Catalog and Graduate Student Catalog

Student graduation rates are available online, and a printed copy is available in the Office of Institutional Research (318 Math Science Building).

Sex-offender registration and related information (i.e., relevant to the BSGU campus, Bowling Green and the greater Wood County community) is available online or by calling the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001.

This information is informative, useful and depicts an accurate and positive view of BGSU.

Regards,

Sheri Stoll
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

This joint communication provides information regarding a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding: Employee Fee Waivers at the University of Toledo.

The BGSU Faculty Association and the Office of the Provost agree that a revision to Appendix VII Bargaining Unit Faculty Member Fee Waiver Policy Section I(F), Reciprocity with University of Toledo, is necessary to conform the CBA to the revised agreement with the University of Toledo. When BUFMs enroll in courses at the University of Toledo, a waiver of tuition is received, but there is no longer a waiver of fees.

The University and the BGSU Faculty Association felt it appropriate to memorialize our understanding in a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on Sept. 15, 2021. 

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

David Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association

In the excitement of a new school year, we can fully appreciate that Bowling Green State University is a community of active learners and teachers – supportive of our students, faculty and staff and their engagement in expressive activity. As the University recognizes in its Freedom of Expression policy, expressive activity on our campuses may not always align with our values of fostering a campus environment of diversity and inclusion. As a public university, it is a critical balance: promoting an environment where all members of our community feel valued and respected while committing to freedom of expression and the fundamental rights protected by state and federal law. While the University works hard to maintain that balance, we all must share in the responsibility to maintain civil discourse and mutual respect.

We want to take a moment to remind you of the supportive and educational resources available to enhance faculty, staff and students’ understanding and awareness of University policies, regulations and expectations regarding free expression on campus. The Office of the Dean of Students has expanded its Freedom of Expression website to be a one-stop shop for information and support. Below is an overview of the rules governing expressive activity by University students, student organizations, employees and visitors.

Expressive Activity

The University’s Freedom of Expression policy defines “expressive activity” as any lawful verbal, written, audiovisual or electronic/digital means by which individuals may communicate ideas, including all forms of peaceful assembly, protests, speeches distribution of literature, carrying and displaying signs and circulating petitions.

Responsibilities Associated with Expressive Activity

Students, student organizations, faculty, staff and visitors must adhere to applicable University rules and regulations concerning expressive activities that take place on BGSU property, at BGSU-sponsored events and in connection with a BGSU-recognized program or activity. The University’s commitment to freedom of expression does not extend to unprotected speech such as true threats, defamation, speech that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or harassment. Harassment is defined as conduct or expression that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies an individual equal access to the individual's education program or activity. Notably, federal and state law and University rules governing expressive activity are applicable to the social media forum.

Time, Place and Manner Restrictions on Expressive Activity

The University sets out reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on expressive activity that are clear, published, and viewpoint- and content-neutral, which provide for ample alternative means for expressive activities. The BGSU time, place and manner restrictions on expressive activities are:

• University operations must not be substantially and materially disrupted.
• Building entries and exits, walkways and roadways must remain accessible.
• An expressive activity cannot prevent campus community members from being able to move freely about campus.
• Amplified sound devices may be used on the campus premises only in compliance with the Use of Amplified Sound on University Premises.
• The use of signs, banners and display boards may not impede university operations.
• Destruction to property or harm to persons is prohibited.
• Expressive activity:
  • May not violate any laws;
  • Must comply with University policies;
  • Cannot pose a true threat to persons or the community;
  • Cannot constitute harassment; and/or
  • Must not endanger the physical safety of others.

Use of University Facilities

University facilities can be reserved and used for expressive activity subject to the following general rules fully delineated in the Space and Facilities Reservations Including Use of Campus Grounds policy:

•  All applicable University rules relating to use of University facilities shall apply, including the COVID-19 Personal and Community Health Requirements.
• The use must not disrupt other University activities.
• Facility reservations must be permitted on an impartial basis and shall not favor or disfavor any issue, candidate or political party.
• No political fundraising or fundraising solicitations shall be permitted at the event.

Support Resources

• Center for Faculty Excellence – Free Speech and Academic Freedom
• Center for Women and Gender Equity
• Counseling Center
• International Programs and Partnerships
• LGBTQ+ Resource Center
• Office of the Dean of Students
• Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Office of Residence Life

Policy Links from the University Policy Register

• Advertisement
• Code of Student Conduct
• Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy (Employees)
• Community Living Standards
• Event Management
• Freedom of Expression
• Guest Speakers
• Political Campaigning
• Space and Facilities Reservations Including Use of Campus Grounds
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Use of Amplified Sound on University Premises

Questions about freedom of expression or campus resources may be directed as follows:

• Faculty – Sara Bushong, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs (sbushon@bgsu.edu)
• Staff – Viva McCarver, Chief Human Resources Officer (vivam@bgsu.edu)
• Students – Chris Bullins, Dean of Students (chrishb@bgsu.edu)

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Natalie J. Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.
General Counsel

This joint communication provides information regarding a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding: Regarding Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations of BGSU Faculty.

The BGSU Faculty Association and the Office of the Provost agree that vaccines are proven to be safe and the most effective tool in lowering COVID-19 case levels, that vaccinated individuals, though they can get COVID-19, are less contagious than unvaccinated individuals and are significantly less likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus, and that there are currently acceptable COVID-19 vaccines available approved by the FDA or the World Health Organization.

The University and the BGSU Faculty Association felt it appropriate to memorialize our understanding in a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on Sept. 1, 2021. 

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

David Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association

During this first week of classes, we have received additional questions from faculty. This updated message, dated Aug. 27, 2021, supersedes information found in the message sent to faculty on Aug. 23, 2021. It is an effort to clarify earlier responses and provide additional information, specifically regarding how instructors should respond to students who do not comply with the face covering mandate. Changes to that section are in bold.

Instructors who need to miss one or more classes
Instructors who need to miss class due to a sick leave event should first contact their chair or director and then make a good faith effort to contact students, and when possible, arrange an alternative learning experience (e.g., assign readings or online exercises, post course materials for students to review asynchronously, or work with your chair/director to identify someone to cover class(es), such as a faculty colleague or teaching assistant).

Instructors should not change the delivery mode of their courses from what is published in the fall 2021 course schedule.

Face covering mandate in academic settings
Students are expected to follow BGSU COVID-19 protocols at all times, which includes wearing a face covering in all classrooms, studios, laboratories and shared office spaces for as long as the face covering mandate is in place. Failure to comply with these protocols may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct. Please refer to the BGSU COVID-19 website for the most current information about expectations and requirements. 

In the case of a non-compliant student (e.g., not wearing a face covering or wearing one improperly), instructors should 1) ask the student to comply with the mandate and properly put on a face covering; 2) if the student refuses, the instructor asks the student to exit the class; and 3) if the student refuses to exit the class, the instructor should use their discretion about how to handle the situation, which may include canceling the class for that period. Instructors should then make a Student Conduct report of the incident using the online form.

Managing classroom disruptions 
A “classroom disruption” is defined as behavior a reasonable person would view as being likely to substantially or repeatedly interfere with the conduct of a class. Examples include repeated, unauthorized use of cell phones in the classroom, persistent speaking without being recognized or making physical threats. If the behavior in question is irritating, but not disruptive, speak with the student after class. If persistent disruptions occur, students may be directed to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period, told the reason for the action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practicable. Instructors may cancel class if the student refuses to leave. BGSU Police should be contacted whenever there is a threat of violence or other unlawful behavior.

Holding office hours
Students will have the option to schedule either in-person or virtual meetings with faculty during posted office hours.

Supporting students who miss one or more classes
Instructors should take reasonable measures to minimize the impact of missed classes, as they would have done before the pandemic. Such measures include the posting of lecture presentations and discussion materials in Canvas, engaging students virtually during office hours (or by appointment) to discuss course material, and if feasible, uploading recorded lectures. Instructors are not expected to provide students who are unable to attend class with a synchronous virtual option to participate.

Accessibility Services process for reviewing requests for accommodation 
The information Accessibility Services reviews to determine a student’s eligibility for accommodations contains confidential, protected medical information. For that reason, that office cannot publish guidelines regarding who is or is not eligible for accommodations or what accommodations would be appropriate. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.

If an approved accommodation by Accessibility Services prohibits student participation in an in-person class, alternative solutions are typically considered in the following order: 1) identify a remote or online section of the same class; 2) in consultation with an advisor and the college or academic unit, identify an equivalent class in a remote or online format that will allow the student to make progress toward their degree; and as a final option, 3) Accessibility Services will request that the instructor provide virtual access to allow the student to complete the course. Accessibility Services, working with the instructor and ITS, would then collaborate to develop a technological solution that works for all parties.

You can find the most up-to-date information about BGSU’s COVID-19 protocols on the University's FAQ page.

Thank you for all you are doing to prepare to meet the needs of BGSU’s students this fall.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead, Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

August 23, 2021

We have received a number of questions following last week’s town hall meeting about expectations for faculty and students this fall. This message is an effort to respond to them.

Instructors who need to miss one or more classes

Instructors who need to miss class due to a sick leave event should make a good faith effort to contact students, and when possible, arrange an alternative learning experience (e.g., assign readings or online exercises, post course materials for students to review asynchronously, or work with your chair/director to identify someone to cover class(es), such as a faculty colleague or teaching assistant).

Instructors should not change the delivery mode of their courses from what is published in the fall 2021 course schedule.

Face covering mandate in academic settings

Students are expected to follow BGSU COVID-19 protocols at all times, which includes wearing a face covering in all classrooms, studios, laboratories and shared office spaces for as long as the face covering mandate is in place. Failure to comply with these protocols may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct. Please refer to the BGSU COVID-19 website for the most current information about expectations and requirements.

Classroom compliance or disruptions

Faculty have broad authority to manage the classroom environment. If inappropriate behavior is occurring, consider a general word of caution to refocus the classroom. If the behavior in question is irritating, but not disruptive, speak with the student after class. If persistent disruptions occur, students may be directed to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period, told the reason for the action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practicable. Call BGSU Police whenever there is a threat of violence or other unlawful behavior, including a student’s refusal to leave the class after being told to do so.

Instructors should not cancel class or switch delivery modes to remote or online because a student refuses to comply with the face covering mandate. We do not want to disrupt the education of students who are in compliance because of the behavior of those who are not. Instead, instructors should ask those students to leave their class and then report the incident via the appropriate online form. They should also call BGSU Police if the student refuses to leave the room.

Holding office hours

Students will have the option to schedule either in-person or virtual meetings with faculty during posted office hours.

Helping students who miss one or more classes

Instructors should take reasonable measures to minimize the impact of missed classes, as they would have done before the pandemic. Such measures include the posting of lecture presentations and discussion materials in Canvas, engaging students virtually during office hours (or by appointment) to discuss course material, and if feasible, uploading recorded lectures. Instructors are not expected to provide students who are unable to attend class with a synchronous virtual option to participate.

Accessibility Services process for reviewing requests for accommodation

The information Accessibility Services reviews to determine a student’s eligibility for accommodations contains confidential, protected medical information. For that reason, that office cannot publish guidelines regarding who is or is not eligible for accommodations or what accommodations would be appropriate. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.

If an approved accommodation by Accessibility Services prohibits student participation in an in-person class, alternative solutions are typically considered in the following order: 1) identify a remote or online section of the same class; 2) in consultation with an advisor and the college or academic unit, identify an equivalent class in a remote or online format that will allow the student to make progress toward their degree; and as a final option, 3) Accessibility Services will request that the instructor provide virtual access to allow the student to complete the course. Accessibility Services, working with the instructor and ITS, would then collaborate to develop a technological solution that works for all parties.

You can find the most up-to-date information about BGSU’s COVID-19 protocols on the University's FAQ page.

Thank you for all you are doing to prepare to meet the needs of BGSU’s students this fall.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

You are invited to attend the Class of 2025 Convocation Tuesday, Aug. 24 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle. Convocation is the official BGSU welcome for the Class of 2025 and highlights the importance of academic excellence, innovation, integrity and discovery – all the things that make the BG experience so unique. Your attendance contributes to the sense of belonging which is one of the reasons students choose BGSU.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to register to attend, as seating is limited. Please dress in BGSU business casual – lots of orange! There will be a designated seating area upon arrival, as there will be no processional. Please note that in the case of inclement weather, Convocation will be held at the Stroh Center.

Register to attend, seats are limited ➜

If you cannot attend the in-person event, we encourage you to tune into the livestream.

Thank you for all you are doing to support our students.

As we approach the upcoming academic year, I want to provide our faculty and staff with a leadership update.

For the past year, Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries, has served in an interim capacity as vice provost for faculty affairs. I appreciate her leadership in implementing the collective bargaining agreement with the BGSU Faculty Association. Her work also contributed to a successful contract extension between BGSU and the BGSU-FA through June 2024. I am pleased to announce that she has agreed to fulfill the role of vice provost for faculty affairs and dean of University Libraries, where she will report directly to the provost and also serve on the President’s Cabinet. I look forward to continuing to work with her in this important position.

In addition, Dr. Bill Balzer has returned to BGSU from his leave of absence for the 2020-21 academic year, where he served as interim president of Owens Community College. He is fulfilling the role of vice president for faculty and strategic initiatives. This leadership position will report directly to the provost and will serve on the President’s Cabinet. Dr. Balzer will provide leadership of several key academic priorities for the upcoming academic year. I look forward to continuing to work with him in this important position.

I want to thank Dean Bushong and Dr. Balzer for their leadership in these critical positions. Their work helps support our faculty and move our University forward.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

ITS has not provided Scantron processing since March 2020, when the institution moved much of its teaching operations to a remote format.

In the summer of 2020, as part of the pandemic responses, ITS lost staff due to the university’s workforce reduction, including members of the Service Desk team that previously processed Scantrons. As a result, ITS can no longer offer the same level of Scantron processing support as previous years. 

After consulting with the Provost and Vice Provost, ITS is offering instructors the following two options for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Option 1: ITS Processing of Scantrons 

Scantron forms may be dropped off to ITS for processing; however, due to the reduction in staff, ITS is unable to guarantee a turnaround time.

• Instructors contact the ITS service desk to obtain the combination for a drop-off locker.  
• Instructors deposit Scantron sheets and answer key in the Hayes Hall drop-off locker assigned.  
• ITS processes the Scantron sheets in Hayes Hall 114 and emails instructors when ready for pickup.
  • Instructors will receive all standard Scantron-generated report types and raw data file with no data manipulation. 
  • Instructors are responsible for any additional data manipulation beyond the standard reports; use of secondary keys or weight keys will require manual data manipulation in the raw data file.  
  • Results will remain available in SharePoint for 30 days, after which they will be deleted. 

Option 2: Instructor / Instructor Designee Processing of Scantrons 

If a guaranteed return time is needed, instructors may process their own Scantron sheets or have their designee process them.  Designees cannot be undergraduate students.  The Scantron device will be in Hayes Hall 114 during ITS support hours. ITS will provide a one-time training for the instructor or designee. 

• Instructors contact ITS to schedule a one-time training session for the Scantron device.
  • Instructors or designees come to Hayes Hall 114 to process Scantron sheets.  
    • Please note – Hayes Hall 114 is a shared work environment.  ITS staff may be working and/or assisting other clients in this space.  
    • Instructors will receive all standard Scantron generated report types and a raw data file.  
  • Instructors are responsible for bringing a flash drive to store the reports; the scanning computer is not connected to the network.  
  • Instructors are responsible for any data manipulation that is required; use of secondary keys or weight keys will require manual data manipulation of the raw data file. 
• ITS will provide documentation in Hayes Hall 114 should the instructor or designee require additional support or reference.

Bowling Green State University is rooted in education dating back to our founding as a normal school in 1910. Our College of Education and Human Development has been vital to our mission to create public good. 

I am pleased to share that Dr. Dawn Shinew, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, has been reappointed to a second five-year term. 

Her leadership in this post, especially throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic, has positioned the college for future success. Dean Shinew is an effective advocate and academic leader of the college, and I have appreciated her commitment to the University’s strategic plan, Forward. Under her leadership, the college has adjusted and grown its academic portfolio to meet market demands, developed partnerships, increased efforts to redefine student success by leveraging data and raised more than $10 million in philanthropic support in our Changing Lives for the World comprehensive campaign. 

I would like to thank Dr. Mariana Mitova for chairing the Dean’s Faculty Advisory Council, and for this group’s work in this process to conduct a comprehensive performance review of this dean position. I am excited to continue to work with Dean Shinew in her second five-year term and to support the college’s goals to move forward. 

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Recently, President Rogers announced that BGSU is planning to resume fully in-person classes and activities and experiences for our students this fall. As a result, the majority of courses that were scheduled to be taught in “Remote” or “Blended" delivery modes will be converted to “In-Person.”

There will be no changes to the days and times that courses meet. Please keep in mind that minor changes to the course schedule may still occur over the summer, as they would normally.

You will begin seeing changes to the mode of delivery starting tomorrow. We anticipate that all changes to mode of delivery will be finalized by Tuesday, June 15. If you need to adjust your schedule after that date, please log on to MyBGSU or ask an advisor for assistance.

If a student has a documented disability that prevents them from engaging in face-to-face activities, they should contact the Office of Accessibility Services at 419-372-8495 to request an accommodation. Requests will be reviewed via an interactive process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and University policies.

We are excited to see students on campus this fall!
Sincerely,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

As previously released, the BGSU 2021-22 Academic Calendar is available online. Fall semester classes begin on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Winter session will not be held and is cancelled for 2021-22.

Additionally, we are excited to inform the University community of the BGSU 2022-2023 Academic Calendar. Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 22, 2022.

I appreciate all of those who were involved in developing the 2022-23 Academic Calendar.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

This joint communication provides information regarding a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding: Regarding Academic Analytics Data.

The BGSU Faculty Association and the Office of the Provost agree that analytics describing research activity, such as those produced by Academic Analytics (AA), can be useful tools to identify and enumerate university strengths, promote institutional self-awareness, and establish goals for building and maintaining areas of excellence. AA data will be available to individual BUFM upon request, the accuracy of AA data may be reviewed and questioned by BUFM, and AA data will not be used as a punitive tool to assess BUFMs or deprive BUFMs or units of resources.

The University and the BGSU Faculty Association felt it appropriate to memorialize our understanding in a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on May 17, 2021.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

David Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association

This joint communication provides information regarding a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding: Regarding Student Evaluations of Teaching and Merit Assessments for Academic Year 2020-2021.

The BGSU Faculty Association and the Office of the Provost desire to foster a pedagogical atmosphere of innovation in instructional materials. Academic unit merit policies (written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) frequently include thresholds based on average scores from student evaluation of teaching. The three-year rolling average used for annual merit scores mitigates individual year anomalies.

BUFM may include an explanatory memorandum with their Academic Year 2020-2021 merit dossier explaining challenges faced in the design and delivery of courses during the pandemic, innovations tried, and an assessment of what worked well or not to explain any lower than expected student evaluations. Merit review committees and chairs/directors may temporarily suspend strict adherence to merit thresholds. Chairs/Directors and BUFM’s will discuss options for professional development for scores resulting in “unacceptable” after application of the three-year rolling average.

The University and the BGSU Faculty Association felt it appropriate to memorialize our understanding in a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on April 28, 2021.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

David Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association

This message is a reminder that a final examination should be given, during finals week, in all courses where appropriate. In cases where a final examination may not be appropriate, such as a graduate seminar, an alternate means of assessing student comprehension or mastery of material may be chosen.

For courses delivered remotely or in-person, the final examination is administered during the scheduled examination period based on the schedule grid. Best practice for online asynchronous courses allows students at least 12-24 hours to complete a timed, final exam. There are numerous tools available in Canvas to facilitate this while ensuring the integrity of the exam. This flexibility will help students in different time zones, with technological or other constraints at home.

Please keep BGSU students in mind as you finalize and communicate your plans for finals week.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

We hope this email finds you well as we continue to navigate our collective COVID-19 reality with resolve and hope. We know this past year has been difficult for everyone and has required us to rethink and relearn on multiple fronts, and we have all been stretched in so many ways. As faculty administrators, demonstrating your commitment to inclusive leadership is more important than ever given that our sense of community has been mainly consigned to screen-to-screen engagement. This limited engagement has brought out additional issues and challenges related to inclusivity that may be more difficult to handle than when we are face-to-face with each other.

Many of you participated in our BGSU Allies training in August 2019 on The Six Traits of Inclusive Leadership, where you were introduced to the Inclusive Leadership traits: Cognizance of Bias, Curiosity, Cultural Competence, Collaboration, Courage and Humility and Commitment. You were also encouraged to create your individual Inclusive Leader Action Plans. We expect that reflecting on those actions in your plans might be helpful now as you look to guide your faculty and staff through the remainder of this ever-changing AY 2020-2021 and into a new semester next fall.

To assist you, the BGSU ALLIES team has compiled a curated set of online resources on the project's website. These resources include the materials from our fall 2019 Six Traits of Inclusive Leadership and Expanding Your Network workshops, documents on allyship, bystander intervention strategies and racial justice, and strategies for mitigating inequitable impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check them out!

In July 2021, the BGSU ALLIES team will offer another iteration of our popular half-day Allyship for Faculty Administrators workshop, which we last ran in July 2019. If you are new to your administrator role or missed the chance to participate in 2019, we encourage you to look for our call for applications for this summer’s virtual workshop later this semester. You can also email us for more information at allies@bgsu.edu.

Finally, we are working on online training programs for faculty and faculty administrators that will be available as a resource in the future, providing opportunities for self-paced learning to further develop your inclusive leadership skills.
The BGSU ALLIES Inclusive Leadership Team is committed to supporting you in the vital work that you do as inclusive leaders. Do not hesitate to reach out to any of us at any time.

Sincerely,

The BGSU ALLIES Inclusive Leadership Team:

Associate Professor Sheila Roberts, Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor Susana Pena, Director, School of Cultural and Critical Studies
Professor Deborah O’Neil, Management
Professor Julie Matuga, School of Educational Foundations, Leadership & Policy
Professor Michael Zickar, Psychology
Professor Michael Ogawa, Vice President for Research and Economic Engagement

As we continue our work to engage and support each student, together our faculty and staff recognize that this educational approach occurs both inside and out of the classroom.

In an effort to better align and integrate academic and student affairs, the Division of Student Affairs dual reported to me shortly after I arrived at Bowling Green State University in January 2019. Our historic strength in student affairs has provided a strong foundation for our student experience. These staff members are key to not just ensuring our efforts are linked to life design moving forward, but through their constant work, they provide such an empowering experience for our students. As we continue to strive to build a more efficient and effective University, I want to share several organizational changes.

Jodi Webb, associate vice president for student affairs, will now report directly to Dr. Glenn Davis, vice provost for academic affairs. She will continue to lead and be responsible for the direction and day-to-day functions of the Division of Student Affairs.

To provide for more collaboration and intentionality, we are elevating our student engagement efforts to have a more comprehensive impact. These areas, including campus activities, fraternity and sorority life, on- and off-campus student engagement and resident advisor engagement and training, will now be led by Dr. Brian Heilmeier in his new role as director of student engagement. Brian will report to Jodi Webb and will also provide leadership of Falcon Media, which will transition from the School of Media and Communication in the coming months.

Dr. Josh Lawrie, director of residence life, will continue to report to Jodi Webb, and he will oversee our residential facilities and operations, housing and administration, resident advisor operations and our housing services related to our conferences.

Chris Bullins, dean of students, will also continue to report to Jodi Webb, and he will be responsible for student conduct, crisis and emergency services, student case management and off-campus services such as our town-gown relationships. In addition, he will also assume responsibility for the academic honesty process, and he will liaison with Student Legal Services.

While these processes and structures will transition throughout the spring semester, reporting and supervision changes will take effect this Monday.

These organizational changes in Student Affairs have also allowed us to think and act more broadly.
Our spirit programs such as Freddie and Frieda Falcon and our cheer and dance teams will join SICSIC and report to Dr. Jacob Clemens, director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership in the Division of Diversity and Belonging. We remain committed to honoring these storied traditions.

Since starting his position, Ben Batey, chief health officer, has led our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. With each day, we are a step closer to being on the other side of this crisis. As we continue to build out a comprehensive portfolio, the Division of Health and Wellness, led by Ben, will include the Office of Accessibility Services, Counseling Center, Wellness Connection, Office of Student Insurance and liaison with Falcon Heath.

I am appreciative that our staff members remain flexible and adaptable to be repositioned to meet the needs of our students. To be clear, this restructuring does not eliminate any full- or part-time positions. This reorganization is another example of how we continue to meet our students where they are, while remaining committed to being efficient and effective.

Regards,

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs