Business District Learning Community

The Business District is a learning community where business students live and interact with each other. First-year students can join once they have been admitted to BGSU and have made their initial housing payment. The Business District is designed to help students succeed in their personal, professional and academic lives and provide a sense of community.

Students and faculty on baseball field

Important Information


Contact Us
Erik Chiarelott
Learning Community Director
echiare@bgsu.edu
419-372-8001

“Being in the Business District has really shaped me into a better student. Every meeting makes me feel more confident in myself and my future. It is also very fun living among other business district members.” ~Taylor Wulf

McDonald Hall

Residential Requirements

Fee* | $200 + Residential Fees
Must live in the community? Yes
Allows roommate pull-ins? No

*Fee is per semester.

About the Community

Business District students live in a diverse population in McDonald Hall along with other highly ambitious and motivated students who are members of other learning communities. Students work, live and hang out together to ease the transition to college life, while also helping each other through the business program.

Residential Requirement

This community is for students who are new to BGSU. Members of the Business District Learning Community are required to live within the community and live with a roommate who is also a Business District member.

McDonald Hall 

This hall is centrally located and steps away from the Bowen-Thompson Student Union and the Jerome Library. McDonald Hall is a Traditional residence hall and houses classrooms and faculty/staff offices. Amenities include an art studio, music room, study area, computer lab, laundry on each floor, and a full community kitchen.

Community Highlights

  • Connect with professionals and get a head start with career networking
  • Interact frequently with faculty and explore possible business careers
  • Create lifelong friendships with others in the business world 

Engaging Experiences

  • Exclusive business mentorship opportunities with business professionals
  • Network with alumni and corporate representatives   
  • Participate in educational excursions like field trips and conferences

How to Apply

Each community has a set of residence hall rooms speifically designated for them. To sign up for one of these rooms, you must apply, and be accepted into the community, prior to April 25, 2018. To ensure your chance to live in the community, please complete the following steps:

  1. Complete your housing application
  2. Apply here and login with your BGSU username and password
  3. Click on Add a New Community Enrollment Request and choose your desired community and academic year/term

Please Note: Students can apply only for two communities on their own. If you want to apply to more than two communities, please contact the additional communities you are interested in so they can apply for you. If you have applied for two and change your mind, go into the system and withdraw yourself from the one(s) you are no longer interested in. This will open up a space for you again.

After you have submitted your request to join a community, you will receive an email from the community director approving your request. When it’s time for you to select your room in the next phase, you will be able to view and select rooms within the designated community space in the community’s residence hall. For example, if you choose to join the Chapman Learning Community, you will select a room in McDonald Hall.

Having Trouble Applying?

If you are experiencing any issues when you are trying to apply for this community or any others, please contact Lenee Hammersmith at 419-372-9979 in our Learning Community Office so she can assist you. We are here to help.

If you are a Schmidthorst College of Business major or pre-business major we encourage you to join the Business District.

Not convinced? Read the testimonials from our members.

“The Business District has allowed me to make many new friendships, expand my professional network and learn more about career opportunities in business. This opportunity has benefitted me in a multitude of ways that I will carry with me throughout college and beyond.” ~Thomas Crookston


“Through the Business District I have developed business and communication skills that will help me to succeed as I start applying for internships. I feel more confident in my ability to speak with recruiters and I enjoy being involved on campus. Living on a floor with my peers makes the residence hall a community and not just a dorm.” ~Lydia Schroer


“I really enjoy being a part of the business district. It has exposed me to many new opportunities and helped me be more interactive throughout the Schmidthorst College of Business. I now am more active with students like me and businesses I aspire to be a part of.” ~Jenna Cline


“The Business District has given me the opportunity to open up and meet other business students, as well as given me the opportunity to network in a way many students do not get.” ~Dayna Gay


“The Business District has provided me with various opportunities to be up close and personal with Business Execs and be around a group of students that want to succeed just like I do.” ~Lauren Schmid    


“The Business District gave me the opportunity to meet some of my classmates and meet Business Execs.” ~Joseph Ross


“Being in the Business District has surrounded me with numerous role-models including teachers and other students with similar interests. Being in the middle of it gives me motivation to get involved around campus, attend events and put my focus into finding internships. The Business District is an excellent opportunity and I am very lucky to have had the chance to be a part of it.” ~ Chris Palmman


“The Business District has given me a great opportunity to jump start my college career in Business. It is a great way to acquire internships and to network with employers. I am fortunate to be a part of this learning community.” ~Charles Naegle


“The Business District has let myself live with fellow business majors allowing me to network and create friendships.” ~Jacob Williams


“The Business District is great. It helps you network and live in the same community in case you need help with anything business related.” ~Alex Forystek

Live and Learn with Students who share your passion!

Join one of our residential Learning Communities and take advantage of unique opportunities designed to help you succeed in your personal, professional and academic lives. These communities are comprised of students who share a major or common interest and have a block of rooms inside a residence hall.

Find your Fit Today!

Updated: 09/30/2024 10:38AM