The program that’s inspiring students to choose Bowling Green

Life Design is becoming a defining reason students are choosing BGSU and a profound part of their college journey

Audrey Rowland knew she wanted to go to college. Beyond that, things were less clear. 

She had so many interests – and always had – that she struggled to figure out how to narrow them down and choose one area of study. Rowland is a first-generation college student, which she said only deepened the feelings of uncertainty.

Then, she learned about a program unique to Bowling Green State University, one designed to help students learn how to go to college. No further college visits were necessary. She had found what she was looking for in the University’s nationally recognized Life Design program. 

“That was the light bulb moment. I knew right then BGSU was the place for me,” Rowland said.

(BGSU video/Nicholas Polace, Benjamin Boutwell '24 and Justin Camuso-Stall '14)

A shift in how students think about college

Rowland is among a growing number of students choosing Bowling Green for its innovative Life Design program, which marked its fifth anniversary in the fall.

Life Design began in 2020 with the ambitious goal of redefining the undergraduate experience. 

In just over five years, more than 10,000 students have taken a Life Design course. In addition to the courses, the comprehensive program grounded in design thinking includes one-on-one coaching, career readiness and integration throughout academic programs.

As a senior Life Design coach involved with the initiative from the start, David Denison said he recognized early on the incredible potential of this kind of program at BGSU. He has witnessed its rapid evolution and growth, including a noticeable shift among the value students and families place on what Life Design offers.

“There’s definitely a greater awareness now among students that Life Design is a complete way of thinking about their college experience and what constitutes a meaningful, productive and joyful college and life experience,” Denison said. “In some ways, Life Design and BGSU have become one and the same for many of our students. There’s a deep sense of belonging amongst our students.

“I very much think students see us as a family and a culture of support; there’s a strong sense of pride.”

As a commuter from Toledo and a liberal studies major, Rowland said she agrees.

“I don’t live on campus, and I’m a liberal studies student, so I really don’t have an academic home, but Life Design feels like that for me,” she said. “Life Design has been such a blessing in my life. The coaches just get it; they get you. They help you think critically about your life and how to make college meaningful. Life Design has truly allowed me to design my life and my college experience.” 

A deep sense of belonging

Rowland declared her major by working closely with her Life Design coach, Greg Dickerson, who also has been involved with the program from the start.

“I didn’t even know that degree existed before Greg told me it might be a good fit, and he’s helped me own it with confidence,” she said.

Life Design supports students at every stage of their college journey, from orientation through life beyond college, and has been integrated into numerous courses – significantly broadening its impact across campus.

The Life Design team recently established a BGSU 1910 course specifically for students in the University’s Deciding Student Program, helping an impressive 91% of students declare a major or narrow down their choices after just one semester.

Rowland is a student ambassador for that newly established course for deciding students, sharing her journey from uncertainty to determining a confident path forward.

“It’s just so rewarding getting to share my experience and seeing other people figure it out,” she said.