About Us

Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) provides resources to all off-campus students, including students living in Bowling Green and those commuting from a great distance. OCSS is a program within the Office of the Dean of Students.

Mission Statement

The mission of Off-Campus Student Services is to serve as a conduit for information fostering a connection among students, the University, and the City of Bowling Green community to create a responsible and educated citizenry by providing programs and resources to students living off-campus. This program includes all non-residential students and encourages their active participation in the University experience.

Through its mission statement, Off-Campus Student Services addresses the overarching needs of off-campus students through effective communication, quality services and programs, and by building and fostering on- and off-campus partnerships.

About Hazel H. Smith

Hazel H. Smith is a former BGSU student who was instrumental in the evolution of an area that would be known as the Off-Campus Student Center.  Mrs. Smith, a pioneer in the field of commuter centers became the first full-time administrator of the program in 1967 and served in this capacity until shortly before her death in 1986.  On April 14, 1989, the program was named in her honor.  In 2002, the program moved to its new location in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union and was renamed Off-Campus Student Services. The heart of the services, The Hazel H. Smith Lounge, is now located on the second floor of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

The Hazel H. Smith Scholarship is an award of $750 given annually to a deserving full-time, off-campus or commuting student. The scholarship is awarded in the memory of Hazel H. Smith, a pioneer and champion of off-campus and commuter student services. As such, the ideal recipient will embody Hazel’s commitment to the off-campus and commuter student experience.

Hazel H. Smith Scholarship