BGSU student experience is No. 1 in Ohio: the momentum is undeniable
BGSU students are more eager than ever to engage in the University’s top-ranked student life experience.
The momentum at Bowling Green State University is undeniable.
The University’s commitment to supporting students in all aspects of their educational journey, combined with its vibrant student life experience, has created an environment students are eager to join.
While universities nationwide report declines in student engagement, record numbers of BGSU students are finding value in exploring new interests, making new connections and developing leadership skills through involvement in student organizations—proven to deepen students’ sense of belonging and connection to the University.
This fall, BGSU also welcomed the largest and highest-achieving freshman class in the University's history.
“There is exciting, new energy around student organizations at BGSU,” said Dr. Glenn Davis, vice president of the University’s Division of Student Engagement and Success. “Student organizations not only provide a sense of place and belonging, but they also equip students with valuable skills that will help in their careers and lives moving forward.
"Students recognize the value campus involvement can have on their academic success and well-being, and more and more of them are becoming part of our vibrant on-campus culture."
The rise in student engagement is a leading contributor to the University’s ranking as the No. 1 university in Ohio for the student experience. According to the Wall Street Journal, BGSU sets the bar for the college experience in Ohio, from the classroom to research opportunities, Life Design, student life and more.
The rankings were based on a nationwide survey of more than 60,000 students and recent graduates that captured a range of perspectives on student life, including students’ perception of learning opportunities, career preparation, dining halls and sports facilities and students’ thoughts on diversity.
Most in BGSU history
There are nearly 400 student-led organizations at BGSU, which associate director for student engagement Dr. Stacey Allan said is the most ever in the University’s history.
More than 6,000 students, or roughly one-third of the entire BGSU student population, are registered as members of at least one student organization.
The organizations range in size from a handful of members to several hundred. Some, including Undergraduate Student Government and Falcon Marching Band, the largest student organization with 425 members, appeal to a broad audience. Others, like beekeeping and choreographed lightsaber dueling, cater to a niche population.
There are academic-related organizations, fraternities and sororities and ones dedicated to recreational and club sports. Others center around philanthropy, volunteering, health and wellness, political and social issues, religious and spiritual interests, and hobbies.
Due to the vast number and variety of organizations, the Division of Student Engagement and Success created a brief form for students that will provide ideal matches based on their preferences.
"This tool allows us to connect students to organizations that are going to speak to them,” Davis said. “We can help students narrow down their choices of the organizations that are aligned with their interests."
In addition to current student engagement, an impressive number of incoming BGSU students are showing an interest in student organizations.
BGSU Athletics Director Derek van der Merwe noted that about 1,500 students signed up during summer orientation to join Falcon Fanatics, a student organization dedicated to supporting all 18 BGSU athletics teams.
Incoming freshman Matilde Porras-Porras, a first-generation college student from Toledo majoring in construction management, said she was intrigued by the sheer number and diversity of student organizations at BGSU.
“That was really important to me,” she said. “I regret not getting more involved in high school, and I intend on changing that in college. I want to get involved in clubs related to my major and also some that aren’t, so I can meet new people.”
‘A sense of belonging’
In Spring 2024, the Division of Student Engagement and Success received about 50 applications for new student organizations, which Allan said signals that students are seeing how campus involvement can improve their college experience.
“We continue to be inspired by how current members of student organizations engage with and provide a sense of belonging to new students," Allan said. “It’s this wonderful, cyclical journey with students continually supporting the next generation in carrying these organizations forward.”
Regardless of the organization’s focus — academics, sports, hobbies or other — Allan said the benefits to students are invaluable. They learn leadership, collaboration, time management, networking and numerous other skills that can aid their educational journeys and be applied to their future careers.
Many student organizations contribute to the public good through community service, philanthropic efforts and sustainability initiatives, creating a culture of students passionate about giving back.
Involvement in student organizations also aligns with the goals of Life Design at BGSU, an innovative program that, in addition to equipping students with design thinking skills, encourages them to explore interests beyond their major, recognizing that the journey to a successful career can take many paths.
"With our robust offering of student organizations, students have ample opportunities to explore new interests and try new things,” Davis said. “We wholeheartedly encourage students to embrace those experiences because they can lead them down new, unexpected paths and shape their careers in ways they couldn’t imagine."
The impact
BGSU senior Elyse Adrian, a political science major and the University’s second consecutive Obama-Chesky Voyager, has been involved with Undergraduate Student Government since their freshman year. They have held numerous leadership positions and will serve as the organization’s vice president beginning in Fall 2024.
Through involvement in student government, Adrian said they have strengthened their leadership, teamwork and communication skills, which have been crucial to their academic success and experience as an intern at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
“My involvement in USG has helped me grow professionally and personally,” Adrian said. “It has shaped me in so many ways. I’m really at an advantage because of my experiences at BGSU.”
BGSU junior Brooke Korsgaard attributed her involvement in student organizations to helping her land a digital marketing internship at the Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Company as a sophomore.
During the application and interview process, Korsgaard said she drew on her leadership experience in Women in Business Leadership, Young Women in Leadership Conference and the BGSU chapter of the American Marketing Association.
She secured the internship at Sherwin-Williams in Summer 2023 and returned this summer. During the academic year, Korsgaard works part-time for the company and has set herself on a pathway to a full-time career there after graduation.
“Getting involved on campus has really helped me grow as a person. It has provided me with confidence, networking experience and opportunities to work collaboratively with all different types of people,” she said. “My biggest advice to students is to get involved because that’s one of the things that has really shaped me into a leader.”
Updated: 09/13/2024 04:53PM