By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Research shows that when people engage with others in similar interests, they feel like they belong. That sense of belonging can lead students to select certain universities, return to them till they complete their degrees, and maintain lifelong relationships with their alma maters.
So Bowling Green State University this fall created a “Club Arts” program. Like club sports, the arts program offers students the chance to continue the extra-curricular activities they enjoyed in high school. Students not majoring in performing arts can still get the thrill of making music, acting and dancing.
In its first semester, the club arts program attracted between 450 and 500 students to join, according to Dr. Glenn Davis, vice president of student engagement and success. Visiting artists presented workshops on tap, ballet and improv. A portable sound system was purchased to support a cappella group development and competition readiness.
“This is a recruiting tool for students,” Davis said during Friday’s meeting of the BGSU Board of Trustees. He referred to research that shows students engaged in activities are also more likely to return year after year to their universities.
“They are connecting to other students who share their passions,” he said.
According to Davis, 87% of the BGSU Marching Band members are non music majors. The connections made through their band memberships have translated into a 95% retention rate.
“They are more likely to graduate,” he said.
Ben Batey, BGSU’s senior chief community and well-being officer, said he began teaching a martial arts program on campus after hearing from students who missed the activity they participated in before coming to college.
“We offer them the opportunity to find their people, to find their tribe,” Batey said.
The club arts program helps build support systems and friend groups, he said. “We really look outside the classroom, not just inside the classroom.”
While the newly established program is focused on performing arts, Davis said efforts will be made to expand to other areas as well.
“I think this distinguishes us,” as a university that makes a concerted effort to engage students, said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment at BGSU.
“This is really going to help with attraction and retention,” BGSU Trustee Paul Hooker said.
During the 2026 spring semester, the club arts program has plans to offer:
- A cappella workshops with regional experts and a two-day festival for BGSU students and area high schools featuring Deke Sharon.
- Dance instruction led by visiting artists in Lindy Hop, ballet and jazz.
- Musical theater professional coaching for Broadway Cares showcase.
- Partnership with College of Musical Arts to fund graduate assistants as ensemble coaches.
The club sports program at BGSU has also seen an uptick in activity with the installation of the Student Green next to the field house. The space is used by the marching band, several club sports like soccer, lacrosse and rugby, and by students just looking for a pickup game.
BGSU President Rodney Rogers mentioned during the trustees meeting that he frequently sees the field occupied by students making use of the new space.
Since being opened, the green has seen the following uses:
- The marching band has used it daily through the fall.
- The men’s and women’s club soccer teams moved all their games and practices to the field after it was dedicated.
- Men’s and women’s lacrosse teams have practiced up to Thanksgiving break and will use it starting in January, weather permitting.
- Both rugby teams have used it for practice when their field was too wet/muddy or lack of daylight. The men’s team has made the 9 p.m. time slot a regular practice time.
- Intramurals moved flag football to the student green when the grass fields were too wet.
- It is common for student groups to wait for practices to end and then come out to the field to use it for pick up games. The field gets a lot of non-scheduled use throughout the week and on weekends.
The club sports program has grown from 339 students in 2020-2021 to 748 students in 2024-2025.
