A 'presidential' welcome for students and families

BGSU opens its doors for Presidents’ Day

High school students and their families are invited to sample a taste of college life at Bowling Green State University during the 17th annual Presidents' Day open house Monday, Feb. 18.

The biggest campus visit day of the year, the event offers prospective and admitted students a chance to see the University in action. More than 1,000 students - 3,000 people in all - have registered to attend, on a day when high schools are closed but BGSU classes are in session.

The open house is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to sit in on classes, go on a campus tour led by current BGSU students, and preview the residence halls and dining facilities. Shuttles buses will also take visitors around campus.

"Presidents' Day open house is just the start of the support Financial Aid and the rest of BGSU has to offer."The Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union will be the center for all things BGSU, with over 125 volunteers from areas across campus on hand to answer questions and help students plan their university experience and college career.

Students who are already accepted at BGSU can also use the time to meet one-on-one with faculty, academic advisors and financial aid representatives to prepare for fall semester.

"By talking to students one-on-one, we give them valuable financial aid information they will need in the future," said senior Marissa Benschoter, a student employee in Student Financial Aid. "We really want to see them succeed here at BGSU, and want to help in any way possible. Presidents' Day open house is just the start of the support Financial Aid and the rest of BGSU has to offer."

In the ballroom, visitors can see presentations on everything from the Freshman Wilderness Experience to special programs for students interested in math and science, leadership or multicultural activities and chat with faculty, staff and BGSU students.

Academic departments will offer open-house activities in their respective buildings, and special sessions will be offered on financial aid, choosing a major, first-year programs, the University Honors Program and residence life.

"Presidents' Day is an outstanding opportunity for BGSU to shine, as our primary audience will be high school seniors and transfer students who have already been offered admission for fall 2013 and are here to finalize their college selection," said Gary Swegan, assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of admissions.