Special Opportunities

College of Arts and Sciences

Phi Beta Kappa
Membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious honor society, is available to those students enrolled in arts and sciences degree programs who have achieved academic distinction while pursuing a well-rounded liberal arts education. The BGSU chapter was installed in 1983.

Study Abroad
Students have the opportunity to study abroad in virtually any country. The college has established programs in Canada, Mexico, England, Spain, France, Austria, Italy, Africa, and Asia.

Undergraduate Research and Internships
Students in chemistry, biology, mathematics/statistics, physics, geology, and psychology have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research experiences. Creative opportunities also exist in all other programs.

The college also sponsors internship programs through which students gain practical, “hands-on” experience in workplace settings related to their field of study. Most departments and schools in the college also offer internship programs. Arts and Sciences students interested in internship experiences may also work under the auspices of the University’s Cooperative Education Program.

Beyond the Classroom
Opportunities for involvement in co-curricular activity abound in the College of Arts and Sciences. Its academic units sponsor dramatic productions and forensics programs as well as numerous discipline-based honor societies and interest groups. The French House and La Communidad, located on campus, offer small, informal, residential learning opportunities for students who are interested in French and Spanish culture and language, respectively. Often, enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences is not a prerequisite for participation in these activities.

Major Studies
Arts and sciences students who are undecided about a major are assigned to one of the college office advisors and thereby have assistance in the selection of a major.

Chapman Community @ Kohl
Chapman Learning Community @ Kohl Hall is a vibrant, award-winning residential learning community open to First Year students of any major or undecideds. Currently in our 15th year, Chapman @ Kohl promotes first year success and volunteer service. Because agencies such as The United Way, local civic leaders and non-profit groups partner with Chapman @ Kohl the program helps students forge networks across campus and with the wider community outside of BGSU. Each semester student choose a one-credit service learning class from a dozen different options, such as pet rescue and adoption, equestrian therapy, environmental reclamation, work with disabled children and adults, art therapy with teens at a Wood County detention center or children in homeless shelter, disaster relief with the Red Cross, or a community soup kitchen. Each Chapman @ Kohl student gives about 15 hours each semester, but collectively as a community we contribute over 5,000 hours of service each year.

Chapman @ Kohl also offers a variety of general education courses taught by instructors whose faculty offices are on the main floor of Kohl Hall. It also features a sophomore peer-mentor leadership scholarship and program. Kohl Hall is a classic residence hall with a modern interior design, featuring a music practice room, fireplace nook, computer lab, art studio, fitness room, pool table, and game/TV/recreation areas, kitchen and cafe, tropical atrium, four study and social lounges, a laundry room on each living floor, and three high-tech classrooms. Kohl Hall is reserved for learning community students and students enroll in Chapman @ Kohl by visiting the Residence Life website.

Arts Village
Dance, art, theatre, music, creative writing—if those pursuits interest you as a profession or an avocation, the Arts Village will be an extraordinary learning community for you. Open to students in any major, the Arts Village involves exploring all aspects of the arts and sharing views with one another and faculty of various disciplines. The community offers on-site classes specifically geared toward art students, collaborative projects, activities, and social events. The Arts Village is located in Compton Hall.

Arts Village students:

• Live and learn with others who value the arts and art in society;
• Participate in varied arts activities;
• Visit galleries, concerts, theatrical and dance productions, and readings;
• Interact with faculty and guests who are leaders in the arts.

La Communidad
La Communidad, a co-ed residence program located in Offenhauer West, provides cultural and academic programming for undergraduate Spanish majors and minors and other students interested in the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish is the official language of communication in all public areas of the residence, which provides a supportive environment for students who want to speak Spanish regularly outside the classroom.

La Maison Française
The distinctive La Maison Française is a charming brick house where women who are interested in developing French language skills live with other French-speaking students. The living-learning atmosphere provides a nurturing academic environment and immersion in French and Francophone cultures. From the French furnishings and art reproductions to French films and books, this community surrounds its members with a special cultural experience.