Getting Started at BGSU

Getting Started at BGSU

Welcome to BGSU Firelands!

We are thrilled to have you join our community.

As you embark on your academic journey with us, we encourage you to take a moment to review Canvas procedures and modules. By familiarizing yourself, you'll gain essential skills that will support your academic success. Upon completing the modules, you'll be equipped to navigate Canvas confidently for your coursework, access various resources available to BGSU students to enhance both your academic and personal growth, and grasp the fundamental concepts of BGSU Life Design.

Directions

  • 1. Login to Canvas
  • 2. Click “BGSU Firelands Orientation” (Picture of Freddie and Frieda). If the course is not visible on your Dashboard please go to the courses tab on the left hand side to find the page.

Start by exploring the Syllabus, where you'll find vital information for your success. Then, head over to the Modules area, where you can delve deeper into resources, technology, and invaluable tips for academic achievement.

For our CC+ students, there's also tailored information available to help you navigate the CC+ program seamlessly.

Take this opportunity to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary for a successful academic journey. Visit the Canvas link today and kickstart your path to success!

What is Life Design?

Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design

Within the Life Design program, BGSU students learn to:

  • Maximize Academic Experiences: Students will be intentional about why they are here and where they are going.
  • Prioritize Well-Being: Students will have access to resources to support their physical, mental, spiritual (where applicable) and financial well-being.
  • Make Connections: Students will build a team of peers, faculty, staff, supporters and professional networks.
  • Jump-Start Career: Students will explore possibilities and take action to prepare for life after graduation.

Through Life Design, BGSU students learn to maximize their academic experience, prioritize their well-being, make connections that build an invaluable network while in college and jump-start their careers before graduation — all with a sense of purpose and forward momentum.

Orientation agenda

  • MyBGSU
  • Email
  • Canvas
  • Parking
  • Book list
  • Scholarships
  • BG1 Card
  • Career Handshake
  • Libraries
  • Navigate
  • Student Center
  • AlertBG

Academic and Career Counseling

  • Discuss major & career ideas
  • Verify Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, CC+ credit and transfer credit
  • Discuss full-time/part-time status and Modes of Instruction
  • Register for classes 
  • Academic standing

Important dates

Bills issued: July 1/Dec. 1/ Apr. 1, for fall/spring/summer

Bills due: Aug. 1/Jan. 1/ May 1, depending on the semester you plan to start

Get ready by downloading these apps:

  • Canvas
  • Outlook

Follow us here:

  • Facebook: @bgsufirelands
  • Instagram: @officialBGSUfirelands
  • Twitter: @BGSUFirelands

Join us for Falcon Days

Your personal introduction to BGSU Firelands

Advisee/Advisor Responsibilities

Advisee Responsibilities – What You Are Expected To Do

As an advisee, you have clear responsibilities in the advising partnership in order to be successful:

  • Stay in touch with your advisor each semester
  • Be prepared for each appointment
  • Engage fully in the advising experience
  • Keep a personal record of your progress towards your goals
  • Organize official documents to allow for easy access
  • Complete all assignments or recommendations from your advisor
  • Gather relevant decision-making information
  • Clarify personal values and goals and inform advisor of your interests and abilities
  • Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
  • Become your own self-advocate
  • Invest completely and accept responsibility in the educational process
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Advisor Responsibilities – What You Can Expect As an advisee, you can expect your advisor to:

  • Understand and communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university and policies and procedures
  • Support you as you gain the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans
  • Provide you with information on utilizing campus resources and services
  • Assist you in determining higher education and personal goals
  • Monitor and document progress towards meeting your goals
  • Be accessible for advising via office hours, telephone, e-mail, or web access
  • Assist you in decision making skills for your educational plans and achievements
  • Maintain confidentiality 

Student & Faculty Expectations

What students should expect of the faculty:

  • A course syllabus that explains policies, assignments, grading scale, and a tentative schedule.
  • Regular class meetings at the times listed in the course schedule.
  • Notification in the event that a scheduled class must be cancelled.
  • Feedback on student performance.
  • Availability outside of class during scheduled office hours or by appointment for additional assistance.
  • Timely responses to emails and/or Canvas messages.

What faculty expect of students:

  • Read the course syllabus and know the schedule and policies.
  • Arrive to class on time and prepared for the day’s lesson.
  • Open communication and timely notification if the student does not understand the course material or class procedures.
  • Check BGSU email and Canvas courses frequently for important updates.
  • Devote time outside of class to reading, assignments, and the review of course content.
  • Pay attention in class and be respectful of both the professor and classmates.
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BGSU strives to challenge and support students to become independent and engaged citizens who are able to take responsibility for achieving lifelong educational, personal and career goals.

Make Connections

Alert-BG-phone

AlertBG is only used in emergencies or for severe weather closures. All students, faculty and staff will receive the alert messages on their cell phones and email. Login to your MyBGSU to review your AlertBG notification settings.

Prioritize Well-Being

The Counseling Center: Offering services to all BGSU students via telehealth, the Counseling Center is reachable at 419-372-2081.

Family Health Services: With an on-site location in George Mylander Hall, the team from Family Health Services is a resource for mental health support and a starting point for additional care.

Emergencies: There is an in-call counselor available for crisis situations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through BGSU. Call the center and ask to speak with the counselor. For crisis situations after hours, contact 1-800-273-8255.

Additional crisis resources: Crisis Text Line— Text HOME to 741741 for a crisis counselor or text STEVE to 741741 for a culturally competent crisis counselor. You can also text or dial 988 to be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7.

Firelands Food Pantry: The pantry offers access to nonperishables, toiletry and hygiene products for members of the campus community. The pantry is on the first floor of George Mylander Hall off the west hallway. Stop by and take what you need, no questions asked.

Diversity and Belonging: Student Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive campus where students can successfully navigate and integrate their educational, cultural, and social identities into a dynamic collegiate experience. For more information, visit the Student Life webpage, or email fireactivites@bgsu.edu, or call 419-372-0621. 

Severe Weather / Emergency Cancellation: In the event of severe weather or any other emergency condition which necessitates canceling classes, BGSU Firelands will be closed. Any and all delays and cancellations will be available on the home page of our web site as well as the campus telephone greeting / switchboard.

Cancellations determined:

  • by 6:30 a.m. for cancellation of morning classes
  • by 10:30 a.m. for cancellation of afternoon classes (beginning at 12:30 p.m.)
  • by 3 p.m. for cancellation of evening classes (beginning at 4:30 p.m.)

Financial Aid & Student Accounts

The Teaching and Learning Center

The Teaching and Learning Center provides free academic support services to all students. The office location is 230 North Building, BGSU Firelands.

Services offered: professional and peer tutoring, academic coaching, writing assistance, content review/homework hub, supplemental instruction, digital/technology tutoring, Student Academic Progress support, first-generation, military family support, and non-traditional support.

Writing lab: Email your papers for review before submitting for a grade at the Writing Lab website.

Academic coaching: Improve your personal and professional goals by working with an academic coach.

Updated: 04/19/2024 02:32PM