AIMS Students’ Frequently Asked Questions

AIMS offices in Mitchell B. McLeod Hall and the Administration Building. The Director of AIMS, Dr. Bob Midden is located in room 241A McLeod Hall and the Assistant Director, Mr. Christopher Mitchell is in Room 312 on the third floor of the Administration Building.

The most efficient way to get a hold of anyone in the AIMS staff is through e-mail. The AIMS e-mail address is aims@bgsu.edu. If you need to call the AIMS staff our phone number is (419)372-5401.

After attending STEM events, scholars must complete and submit the STEM Exposure form available on the Canvas community. All first-year AIMS Scholars are required to complete two STEM Exposures each term, and all older cohorts must complete three each term.STEM Exposures for the Fall Semester are due October 1, November 1, and December 1, respectively. STEM Exposures for the Spring Semester are due February 1, March 1, and April 1. Any STEM Exposures turned in late will be accepted, but come with the penalty of one additional required STEM. For example, if a first-year scholar turns in her first STEM Exposure late, they will then be required to complete a total of three STEM Exposures (not two) by the final due date for December 1/April 1 respectively.

The AIMS Program gives Scholars the freedom to seek a wide range of STEM events that reflect their interests and career goals. We encourage creativity in these events.However, STEM events typically fall into six broad categories: research group meetings, technical conferences, campus STEM seminars, STEM club or organization meetings such as the Chemistry Club, the Pre-Med Organization, seeking and preparing opportunities for internships or co-ops or summer jobs that involve STEM disciplines such a job with Marathon, Whirlpool, Cooper Tire, Lubrizol, Promedica, Proctor & Gamble, Sherwin Williams, or other. Under the “other” category we have accepted events such as planetarium shows, museum trips, and field trips to STEM facilities such as biogas facilities. Please note that the following events are NOT acceptable for STEM Exposures: any type of TV show, documentary, movie or other video; reading educational websites; reading magazine or journal articles;AIMS Seminar class; or other classes in which you are enrolled. Students should submit their brief report of their experience in the STEM exposure listing the type of experience, the title of the event, the date, time, location, the name of the person or persons who organized it and contact information for that person or the organization who sponsored it, by email to aims@bgsu.edu

The AIMS staff understands that as you grow as a person through your college experiences, your interests and goals can and do change. It is not uncommon for scholars to switch majors over the course of their academic careers.

While the AIMS staff does not want you to pursue a degree in a field that you are no longer interested in, changing majors could have an impact upon your scholarship. If you decide to change your major you need to speak with the Director of AIMS as soon as possible.

Located in the STARS room there are many resources that are available to use for preparing for these tests.Located on Canvas there are also a list of internet sites to help with preparation. Coordinating with the Kaplan schedule,AIMS also offers a practice test as STEM exposures,which allows for a completed STEM exposure and a real timed test experience. Senior and junior scholars give presentations in weekly meetings on their experiences,called Experience Critiques,and the subject is occasionally their experience in these standardized tests including advice about how to excel.

The best time to apply to be a Resident Mentor(RM)for the Summer Bridge Program is the week returning from spring break. Scholars who are chosen are usually very active in AIMS,and willingly participating in volunteer opportunities like Preview Day, Annual Banquet, Panels,etc. A more in depth description of the position is located within the application.

The AIMS Program will cover the cost of the residence halls and on-campus meals during the course of the summer program. It will also cover the cost of general admission to all events, excursions and field trips that are part of the 4-week summer program’s schedule.

Even though the program pays for a majority of the summer program, there might be a few occasions that students will need money, (ex. food/souvenirs on weekend field trips, off campus excursions to the movies, putt-putt, bowling or if students choose to eat off campus, etc.) Most students in the past have found $100-$150 ($20-$30/week) for the entire 4 weeks to be adequate for spending money. Any valuables including money should be brought at the student’s discretion, as the University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The AIMS Scholars will be living at one of the University owned residence halls. The rooms are double occupied and will be furnished with each of the following: 2 extra-long (80’’) loft-able beds, 2 closets, 2 desks with chairs, 2 dressers, and 2 wastebaskets. It also has cable TV access, and in-room computer and phone connections. The room also comes with blinds, carpet and may or may not be air conditioned. You are responsible for the cleanliness of your room. Since rooms are not cleaned by the custodial staff, you should bring cleaning supplies sufficient to meet your and your roommate’s standards of cleanliness. Vacuums can be checked out from the front desk. Central bathroom facilities are located on each floor for all the residences. These facilities are cleaned daily by the custodial staff and include sinks, showers and bathroom stalls.

We will be supplying the incoming cohort with roommate assignments prior to their arrival to the Summer Bridge Program. We highly recommend that you contact each other prior to moving into help ease your transition into dorm life. Things to consider discussing include: items that you plan to bring (TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, etc.), living standards (how often you should vacuum, listening to music, sharing food, etc.) and general information to get acquainted. Discussing these things before you arrive will help reduce any anxiety you might have over your first college residence hall experience.

The AIMS Program will be providing laptops to be used for the Summer Bridge Program. There will also be access to various computer labs on campus.

Laundry facilities are provided in each of the residential halls on campus.

The authority to enforce regulations of the University rests with the Board of Trustees. The responsibility for enforcing regulations and imposing penalties is delegated to the President and his designees. The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs has responsibility for academic misconduct, which includes cheating, fabrication or plagiarism on examinations or other assignments, using a person or agency to prepare papers, possession and/ or use of stolen examinations and misrepresentation of academic materials.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is the principal agency for administering nonacademic student discipline for incidents that may range from tampering with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to hazing or harassment of an individual.

The Associate Dean of Students is responsible for enforcing the Code of Student Conduct, which describes University expectations for students and the processes available when a student fails to adhere to these expectations. In general, in cases in which a student or organization does not dispute the facts leading to a charge and the sanction for a charge is something less than expulsion, the Associate Dean of Students will resolve the case informally.

If the student or organization disputes the investigative findings surrounding a violation, the case is resolved through formal procedures that include a hearing by the University Discipline Committee. This committee includes three full-time faculty, six full-time students and three full-time administrative staff members. The Associate Dean of Students is responsible for coordinating hearings.

Complete procedures for handling violations of University rules and the possible sanctions are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, which every student receives.

There are tremendous opportunities on BGSU’s campus for first year students. First Year Programs is affiliated with the Dean of Students.

The first year starts off on solid ground with BGSU's comprehensive orientation continues with programs designed to assist all new students. First Year Programs are all about you --from answering your questions to helping you make a smooth transition to University life. BGSU keeps you connected to what's new throughout the entire first year with special programs and activities designed to enhance your college experience in and out of the classroom.

The Study Skills Center located in the Learning Commons, coordinates delivery of academic support services to students University-wide. There are three learning laboratories: the Mathematics Laboratory, the Study Skills Center and the Writers Laboratory. Each offers individualized and small-group instruction to students who need assistance and is staffed by professionals trained to assist students in developing their skills. Students can access the Writers Laboratory by computer.

Your BG1 Card is more than just an ID card. It is also a way to access meal plans and services throughout campus. If you choose to add funds to the BG Bucks account, your card has even greater purchasing power both on and off campus and eliminates the need to carry cash or credit/debit cards.

Academic advisors have information that can help every student achieve academic, career and personal goals. Students should see an academic advisor with questions like these: What are my degree requirements? How do I get into graduate school? Which classes should I take next semester? What jobs are available in my major? How do I change my major?

Students who are completely undecided about their college receive advising through the Office of Academic Enhancement’s Pre-Major Advising program. However, if a student is undecided on a major but knows what broad or general field they want to study, i.e. science or health and human services, they should contact that specific college for academic advising. Advisers assist students in planning each semester’s schedule and help establish a long-term plan that will lead toward fulfilling all requirements for graduation. All faculty advisors are required to maintain office hours, and the college advisors are available from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Many also work with advisees through email.

The primary source of academic advising for students who have chosen a major is the individual academic department, where a faculty member is designated as the undergraduate adviser. Each college also has professional advisers who are located in the college advisement office.

Students should contact their faculty or college adviser on matters related to degree requirements, course selection and registration. Advisers also assist students with career preparation, including help with finding internships, and with preparation for admission to graduate school. Many advisers write letters of recommendation for employment, scholarships and graduate school. Advisers in Pre-Major Advising also assist with selecting an appropriate major and exploring career choices.

Students must take responsibility for contacting their faculty adviser, college office or the Office of Pre-Major Advising for the names and locations of their advisers. Many advisers can be contacted by email. It is also each student’s responsibility to follow up with his or her adviser when registering for courses each semester.

Students can prepare for each advising session by reviewing the class schedule, degree requirements and the college catalog, if necessary.

Any concerns about the accuracy or quality of advising a student receives should be directed to the college or department office.

Some colleges require academic advising before you can schedule any classes for the upcoming semester.

Students who purchase a meal plan use their Photo ID to purchase snacks and meals at any of the University dining centers. As items or meals are purchased, the amount is deducted from the student’s pre-paid account. In addition to the debit plan, all of the dining centers, snack bars, specialty restaurants and convenience stores accept cash.

BGSU’s Dining Services offers three meal plans; bronze, silver and gold. The plan students’ select for fall semester is automatically billed each semester unless other arrangements are made with Dining Services. These arrangements may be made through the Dining Services Accounting Office by calling 372-2891 before the first day of classes if they are to apply to the following semester.

Accessibility Services, has primary responsibility for providing services to students with disabilities and other special needs. Services include tutoring, special advising, alternative testing and other referrals. Accessibility Services is located in 38 College Park Office Building.

Student Health Services, located at 838 Wooster St. offers full-time, professionally licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, technicians and pharmacists staff the Student Health Service, accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Students utilize the Student Health Service for primary medical care and outpatient services during regular University hours. Services include acute medical care, women’s health clinic, laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy.

The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling as well as crisis intervention. National testing programs such as the Graduate Record Exam and other exams for professional certification or admission into undergraduate, graduate and professional schools are also administered through this office. The staff includes licensed psychologists, a social worker, graduate student assistants from the clinical psychology training program and a testing coordinator. Students are seen by appointment, except in emergencies. Limited service is also provided to students through the Psychological Services Center, a division of the psychology department’s doctoral training program.

BGSU is a residential campus, and that means the University provides programming with the idea that students are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A large number of special events are offered each month for all students, and many of them are held on weekends. They range from first-run films and lectures to art exhibits, recitals and concerts. Many student organizations and residence hall staffs also plan co-curricular programming designed to add balance to a BGSU education.

The Office of Campus Activities located in room 401 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, is a great resource to find clubs and organizations that fits your interests.

BGSU has more than 300 student organizations, most of which plan activities that enrich student life outside the classroom. By being involved with student organizations, students develop leadership skills, learn time management and self-discipline, self-awareness, self-confidence and make new friends.

BGSU’s commitment to diversity is expressed in two of its core values: respect for one another and cooperation. The appreciation for diversity is reinforced in a University-wide general education requirement through which every student enrolls in at least one course that covers cultural diversity in the United States.Outside the classroom, the Office of Multicultural Affairs plans and promotes educational programming about multicultural issues. The Office of Campus Involvement also plans multicultural programs. There are a variety of multicultural Greek chapters and student organizations that address racial, cultural and religious and other diversity aspects. VISION, a student group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and their allies, also provides programming and resources for students of all sexual orientations.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, 318-B Math Sciences Building, 372-2642, advocates equal opportunities for students, provides academic support services and cultural enrichment programs, and promotes a multicultural community where all students, and particularly students of color, can achieve success, both academically and socially.

Students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (419) 372-2843 and the AIMS Director. The staff of the Dean of Students can contact the student’s professors to help ease any academic concerns that might arise.

Early planning is very important so that it becomes an integral part of a student’s degree program. The education abroad program is a part of the Center for International Programs. Staff in that office advises students about their options. Students who plan to study abroad are encouraged to meet with the director starting in their first year. BGSU offers financial support for some students to pursue an international component of their education.

All students have voice mail. Almost all rooms are also completely carpeted with draperies provided. These University furnishings cannot be removed from campus residences. No nails can be used in placing decorations in the rooms.

Due to aggressive renovations occurring campus-wide, the majority of our beds are loftable. Although students are encouraged to bring only the “essentials” at first, many bring a compact portable refrigerator (not exceeding 1.5 amps, less than 5 cubic feet and no higher than 36”), a microwave (not to exceed 900 watts), a TV (cable television access is provided in all student rooms), computer, stereo or additional furniture (futons must be less than 78” wide) which should be fire-retardant. All electrical appliances must be UL-approved and a surge suppresser is required with all equipment. Extension cords are not permitted in University residences, so we recommend using a power strip.

Yes. It is estimated that over half of all resident students will bring their own computers for the academic year. All residence hall rooms have Ethernet connections that provide high-speed access to the campus-computing network, including free email.

A computer from home is not necessary, however, because each University residence has a computer lab and staff to help every student become familiar with available technologies. The labs are open approximately 100 hours per week. When residents agree to certain security contracts, the hours in many labs are extended to nearly 24 hours a day.

No, there are not curfews in the residence halls. The University takes numerous precautions to make the University residences safe. In the evening hours, night clerks require residents and their guests to check in with the appropriate identification. Unescorted guests are not allowed in the buildings at any time. All residences require personal entry devices (PEDs) to gain access to the living-area. However, students are responsible for helping to maintain a secure environment. That means locking the door when they leave their room or are asleep, ensuring that doors to the outside remain closed and reporting any suspicious behavior to the residence staff or the University police.

Yes. Quiet hours are enforced in each residence hall and “courtesy hours” are in effect 24 hours a day.

BGSU permits the consumption, possession, serving and sale of alcoholic beverages only in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. At any University event where alcohol is present, nonalcoholic beverages and food must be available in an amount adequate to last through the entire event. Only persons of legal age may consume, possess, serve or sell alcohol. These policies are strictly enforced in the University residences.

Campus Fact Line, 372-2445, is an on-campus telephone service that provides accurate, complete, up-to-the-minute information on everything from grading policies at BGSU to when the Detroit Tigers last won the pennant. Fact Line operators have an extensive computer database at their fingertips and answer thousands of calls annually from both on and off campus. Regular hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM throughout the entire semester.