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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Toledo Fire Battalion Chiefs’ Program?
It is a series of college classes that individuals must take to be considered for promotion to Battalion Chief. These are not seminars or workshops; they are for-credit college classes offered on the Bowling Green State University campus. They meet for three hours per week for 16 weeks. Some classes meet three days a week, some two, and some once a week. Some of the classes are online.
What is the purpose of this program?
This program is designed to better prepare eligible fire captains to step into the role of battalion chief.
Who will participate in the program?
This program is a requirement to advance to the level of battalion chief. Newly promoted battalion chiefs, fire captains interested in being eligible for promotion, and any other fire officer interested in preparing for advancement may participate.
How many courses are required?
There are currently a total of 13 classes, but some of those classes have prerequisites. For example, to take GSW1120 (one of the 13 classes) you must take a placement test. If you do not place into GSW1120, you may have to take GS1110 as well, which will add to the total number of classes in the program. Prerequisites for all the classes are indicated on the list of courses.
The long-term plan is to require a bachelor’s degree in fire management or administration.
Where can I get the list of required classes?
Click here or contact Ann Light at abetts@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8181.
What if I think I have already taken some of these classes?
Send an unofficial copy of your transcript to Ann Light at 14 College Park Office Building, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, or fax them to her at 419-372-8667. If you took the classes at BGSU, call Ann and she can look you up on the BGSU system. Ann, as a representative of BGSU’s Continuing & Extended Education, will then certify that you have already completed the requirement. The requirement may be completed by taking an equivalent class or a more advanced class in the same discipline or by taking a series of classes.
Do I have to take the classes through BGSU?
No. The list of classes shows equivalencies for other area colleges, and you can take the courses there or at any regionally accredited institution. Ann will be able to help you determine equivalent classes before you enroll.
If I decide to take the classes at BGSU, how and when do I apply to the program?
You will apply as a guest student. The guest application is available online at http://www.bgsu.edu/downloads/academics/file5503.pdf, or Ann can e-mail you the application. Deadlines for each semester are:
| FALL |
July 15 |
| SPRING |
December 1 |
| SUMMER |
April 1 |
What if I attended BGSU in the past?
If you attended BGSU at any time in the past, you do not have to apply as a guest student. You simply have to complete a readmission form that can be found at http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/registrar/page5472.html or Ann can e-mail you the application.
Once I am accepted, then what?
You will receive a letter or e-mail confirming your acceptance as well as information on how to set up a BGSU e-mail account, referred to as a BGNet account. It is crucial that you set up that account immediately. If you have any trouble doing so call Information Technology at 419-372-0999 or call Ann at 419-372-8181.
The next thing is to let Ann know what class or classes you want to take. She will ensure that your registration is processed.
How many of the classes are offered online or in the evening at BGSU?
Five of the 13 are offered online. Many of the other courses are available in the evening. To check the BGSU course schedule, go to http://webapps.bgsu.edu/classes/search.php. You can search for courses by start time, days of the week, and several other factors.
What are my next steps?
We highly recommend you learn how to navigate through the web portal MY BGSU. There is a helpful online tutorial you should review at http://www.bgsu.edu/its/software/tutorials/index.html.
To access MY BGSU, click on the link on the lower right-hand side on the BGSU home page - www.bgsu.edu. You will be prompted for your user name and password. These are the same as your e-mail account.
You will be able to take care of many tasks online once you know how to find your way around MY BGSU. You can register your car and get a parking permit, for example, and you will be required to electronically sign a financial responsibility agreement (by clicking on the words “Financial Responsibility” (on the left-hand side of the page that opens when you enter the Web portal).
You may find that your instructor has posted the syllabus and other course information on Blackboard. To enter Blackboard, click on the tab at the top of the page. You will be using Blackboard extensively if you are taking an online class.
How do I take the math and writing placement tests?
You can come to the office of Continuing & Extended Education at 14 College Park Office Building on the BGSU campus and take paper and pencil tests here, or you can take the tests online.
In MY BGSU:
Click on the “Community” tab at the top of the page.
- Click on the organization link titled “Placement Tests.”
- Click on the link titled “Placement Test Application.” At the entry page you can obtain instructions and
additional information about each test, or proceed to complete the tests.
- Once you have successfully completed each test, you will receive an email notifying you that
BGSU has received your test.
Who will pay for these classes?
You will pay up front and be reimbursed according to the City’s standard policy. If you would like to defer payment until you are reimbursed, contact Cheryl Reynolds in the Office of the Bursar (cherylr@bgsu.edu or 419.372.8337). For a small fee, she can arrange deferral.
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