University Transitions

As you continue your academic journey at BGSU—whether as a commuter student, a transfer student or both—the Office of Orientation and Transitions is here to connect you with the services and resources you need to succeed. We are committed to your success both in and out of the classroom.


Get Involved

Commuter Student Network (CSN)

Provide community to new and current BGSU students who do not live on campus.

CSN aims to:

  • Provide opportunities for current commuter students to build community with one another.
  • Connect commuter students with resources both on and off campus to make the transition to BGSU easier.
  • Advocate for needs of commuter students and communicate those needs to appropriate campus partners to improve the commuter student experience.
  • Engage commuter students in on and off campus events.
  • Utilize and promote commuter student spaces on campus.

CSN Member Application

Transfer Student Association (TSA)

Provide advocacy for new transfer students through mentorship and community with current transfer students.

TSA aims to:

  • Provide opportunities for current transfer students to build community on campus with one another.
  • Mentor new transfer students through a mentorship program with returning/current transfer students.
  • Facilitate leadership opportunities for current transfer students through cabinet and transition leader (TL) mentor positions.
  • Connect new and current transfer students to resources on and off campus that are available to make the transition to BGSU easier.

TSA Member Application


Upcoming Programs and Events

Visit the BGSU Events Calendar to view even more upcoming programs and events for commuter and transfer students.


Helpful Resources

Commuter and transfer students alike will discover dedicated spaces throughout campus for studying and coming together with their classmates.

The Hazel H. Smith Lounge, located on the second floor of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, welcomes commuter students to use this space as a homebase when on campus, with access to lockers that can be reserved for FREE, wireless printing, a kitchenette and other amenities.

Students will find a lounge space and comfortable furniture as well as a private study room that is available on a first come, first served basis in the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design.

Another lounge just for commuter students is also available on the first floor of Jerome Library. Located next to the Market at Jerome Library, this off-campus student lounge features tables, booths, individual study cubicles and a wireless printer.

Whether it is for a day, a week or a semester or two, commuter students can reserve a locker in the Hazel H. Smith Lounge for free.

To get started, visit the BG1 desk in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union to complete a contract. When you no longer need the locker, stop back by the BG1 desk to notify them.

A student has 30 days to claim any items left behind. Afterwards, those items are donated to Campus Sustainability.

With over 20 parking lots dedicated to commuter student parking, there is ample space to park your vehicle across the BGSU campus. Permits can be purchased online at MyBGSU > Quick Links > Parking. Permits are processed in real time and active immediately. Annual and semester parking permits are available.

Commuter Parking Map

Need to unexpectedly remove snow off your car but forgot your snow scraper at home? Or did your car battery die and you need to find a spare set of jumper cables? These items and more are available to borrow at Jerome Library, with support from the Falcon Food Pantry. All you need is your BG1 card to get started.

Items Available at Jerome Library

Each item is available for a one-week loan period. Visit the Circulation Desk on the first floor of Jerome Library during library hours, or call the Circulation Desk at 419-372-2051 to confirm availability.

BGSU’s Department of Public Safety comprises the BGSU Police Department, Emergency Management, Parking Services and Shuttle Services.

Did you know? The BGSU Police Department will jump your car for you should your battery die. Located in 100 College Park Office Building, the department provides the campus with 24-hour police protection by a fully certified staff of police officers, detectives, and dispatchers.


Two women sit across each other in arm chairs. They are smiling and interested in what each other is saying.

Life Design

Develop a personalized experience that helps you graduate, launch a successful career and connect with a worldwide network of alumni, professionals and organizations.

Career Services

From personalized career advising to career fairs and everything in between, the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections is ready to help assist you as you prepare for your future.

Falcon Launchpad

The Falcon Launchpad is an information hub created with the help from fellow Falcons to provide the best resources for your success.

Getting Around

Parking Services provides resources for students to get around campus and beyond. Learn about parking permits, the BGSU Shuttle Service and more.

Student Organizations

There’s no shortage of activities outside the classroom with more than 400 student organizations such as academics, cultural and social groups plus club sports.

Dining Services

Create a meal plan that fits your dining needs while on campus. Choose from a community meal plan or a custom plan that combines Swipes and Falcon Dollars.

Off-Campus Student Services

Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) provides resources to all off-campus students, including students living in Bowling Green and those commuting from a great distance.

Falcon Food Pantry

The Falcon Food Pantry is here to help any BGSU student, staff or faculty going through tough times by providing access to nutritional food and hygiene items.  

Militarty Affiliated Students

Nontraditional and Military Student Services is here to aid military affiliated students in their transition to becoming BGSU students and to continue assisting throughout their college career.

Nontraditional Students

We define nontraditional students as those who are 23 or older, students who are parents, or students who may identify as a nontraditional student based on other circumstances.


Office of Orientation and Transitions

402 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Open Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
419-372-0353
orientation@bgsu.edu

Updated: 05/23/2024 08:49AM