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Getting Started
Career Change
Undergraduate transfer issues
Current student concerns
Getting started
Is it too late for me to begin taking college classes?
Adult Learner Services can assist with the process of pursuing your education. Whether you are interested in seeking a specific degree program, improving work-related skills, or enhancing your quality of life, there is a place for you at BGSU.
Can I transfer to BGSU from another institution?
It is common to start a degree program at one institution and ultimately finish at another. Adult Learner Services advisors work closely with prospective transfer students as they navigate the process. Adults often return to the college environment after some break in formal higher education. Although it may have been some time since courses have been taken, it is possible to receive credit toward a current degree program.
How many adult students attend BGSU?
You might be surprised to know that nearly 1,200 of our undergraduate students are 25 years or older. More than 2,400 BGSU graduate students have also passed the quarter-century mark. Although BGSU has been known as a residential campus with a majority of traditional-aged students, many adults take courses during the daytime, in the evening, and online while balancing their multiple roles and responsibilities.
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What if I attended BGSU in the past and now would like to return?
If you are a former BGSU student and you would like to return to complete a degree program, the process is quite simple. A brief readmission application must be completed and returned to the Registration and Records Office. No application fee is required. Even if you experienced academic difficulties while you were a student here, there are means for you to return and successfully complete your degree.
Can my life experiences count toward a college degree?
BGSU recognizes that not all learning takes place in the college classroom. It is possible to earn credits toward a degree for college-level learning that you may have acquired through work and volunteer experiences, independent study, non-credit courses, or other learning experiences. You may utilize one or more methods of a process called prior learning assessment to earn credits.
Who should I contact if I would like to take courses to renew my teaching license or begin a graduate program?
BGSU offers a wide range of courses that are of interest to educators who wish to renew their license or pursue graduate education. If you are interested in taking either an undergraduate or graduate class, you may enroll as a Graduate Non-Degree Student through Continuing & Extended Education. The application is short and there is no application fee. Educators may choose from courses on the main campus, online courses, or courses offered by Off-Campus Programs. A variety of topics, sessions, and credit hours are offered. Many educators begin by taking a course or two, with the intention of eventually pursuing a graduate degree. If you are interested in formally applying to a graduate program, a separate application is required. Many graduate programs at BGSU also have additional entrance requirements and deadlines. The best source of specific information for each program is the graduate coordinator, listed in the online Graduate Catalog.
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Career change
Is it possible to talk with an advisor about the major or career that interests me?
If you know which degree program might be the right fit for you, we can steer you in the direction of appropriate course selection and academic advising.
Does BGSU provide assistance in examining career options?
Career interest assessment and basic career exploration techniques can be beneficial during a time of professional transition. Adult Learner Services provides workshops, formal interest assessment, and individual counseling to assist in the process of evaluating options. It is not necessary to be affiliated with BGSU to take advantage of this assistance.
How may I obtain teaching licensure if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
BGSU was originally founded as a teacher’s college and retains its strong reputation for excellence in teacher training. It is possible to obtain a teaching license if your original bachelor’s degree was obtained in another field. The amount of additional course work that must be completed will depend on your previous major and intended area of licensure. All teacher license applications are processed through the College of Education and Human
Development. For more information, call 419.372.7372.
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Undergraduate transfer issues
How will my existing credits transfer into my major?
When you apply for transfer, you will need to forward an official copy of your transcripts from any colleges or universities you have attended to the BGSU Office of Admissions. Once you have been accepted to the University, a copy of your official transcripts will be forwarded to our Transfer Evaluation Services in the Registrar’s Office. Individual courses will be evaluated to determine equivalency to BGSU’s courses. Your transfer credits will be applied to your student record and you will receive written confirmation from Transfer Evaluation Services regarding the equivalencies. Academic advisors in your program’s college office will determine how your existing credits will apply toward your program or major. You will meet with an advisor from your college office to select appropriate course work.
What are the deadlines for applying for transfer to BGSU?
The application deadline for the fall semester is July 15 and the deadline for the spring semester is December 1. We offer three summer terms and the deadline for formal admission for the summer is May 15. All admissions credentials, including the application, transcripts, and admissions fee must be received by the Office of Admissions by these dates to allow sufficient time for processing, notification, academic advising and registration for classes.
How will my current grade point average transfer to BGSU?
Hours earned at an accredited institution will generally apply toward programs at BGSU. The transfer student’s grade point average will not transfer with the credits. New transfer students will establish a grade point average upon completion of their first semester at BGSU. Your previous college grades will be used to determine your eligibility for admission to BGSU as well as admission to upper-division degree programs once you are a student at BGSU. Your previous college grade point average will also be used to determine eligibility for honors and awards.
Is it possible to take classes at BGSU if I am too late for formal admission?
If you miss the deadline for formal admission to the University or would like to “test the waters” as you return to education, you may attend as a Guest Student. Guest Students are not eligible for financial aid and are limited to 16 semester hours of credit without formal admission to BGSU.
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Current student concerns
How do I register for classes or change my schedule?
Students who are new to BGSU will meet with an academic advisor prior to registration for classes. Continuing students are assigned a date to begin registration, based on their class level and date of birth. Registration can be completed by using the MyBGSU web portal or by visiting the Office of Registration and Records during your assigned registration time.
Who is my academic advisor?
Each undergraduate student who has been formally admitted to the University has an assigned advisor. The individual colleges may use faculty advisors, administrative college advisors, peer advisors or a combination of advisors. In addition to your academic advisor listed on the MyBGSU web portal, college offices can provide advising resources to help you succeed. Students are encouraged to maintain contact with their academic advisor in order to assure progress toward degree completion.
How do I change majors or colleges?
If you are interested in changing majors within your current college, you should contact your academic advisor to discuss the requirements and process for full entry into the major. Some majors have specific grade point average minimums, admission deadlines, or additional requirements that must be met. In order to change colleges, you will need to complete a request form in your current college. Some of the seven undergraduate colleges do have grade point average requirements for transfer.
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May I retake classes if I do poorly?
There are many reasons why a student may do poorly in a class. Failing a class means receiving an “F” in the course. Receiving a grade of “D” is generally considered passing, although some majors require that you receive a “C” or better in certain courses. In addition, some courses require that you receive a “C” or better in preparatory courses as a prerequisite for enrolling in the course. The policy for retaking a course is explained in the online Undergraduate Catalog. If you are not doing well in a course or have done poorly in a past course, it is in your best interest to see your academic advisor to examine the option of retaking a class. Your advisor can explain the process and the impact of a retake on your academic record.
Who do I contact if I have a unique personal or professional circumstance that affects my academic situation?
If you are unsure whom to call at BGSU regarding a question or concern, please contact an advisor in Adult Learner Services at 1.877.650.8165. We work closely with academic units and administrative offices across campus to assist students with unique situations. If we do not know the answer, we will find someone at BGSU who will make every effort to assist you.
Where can
I find information about local child-care
providers?
For a listing of local child-care providers, please view the following page.
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