About the University Lecture Series (ULS)

The University Lecture Series at Florida Gulf Coast University exists to expand the world of ideas and creative expression for its students, faculty and broader community. Distinguished speakers of national and international importance visit campus to stimulate intellectual engagement and inspire critical and creative thinking on a wide range of topics local and global significance. By encouraging thought-provoking experiences and stimulating dialogue, the University Lecture Series advances the University’s mission to serve as the intellectual and cultural center of Southwest Florida.

Spearheaded by the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs,  Bonnie L.Yegidis, and sponsored by the President's Society, Florida Gulf Coast University launched its inaugural University Lecture Series event, "An Evening with Maya Angelou" on February 28, 2005.

Provost Yegidis thanks faculty, staff, students and the citizens of Southwest Florida for ensuring the success of FGCU's distinguished University Lecture Series event!

PHILOSOPHY

The University Lecture Series at Florida Gulf Coast University exists to expand the world of ideas and creative expression for its students, faculty and broader community. Distinguished speakers of national and international importance visit campus to stimulate intellectual engagement and inspire critical and creative thinking on a wide range of topics of local and global significance. By encouraging thought-provoking experiences and stimulating dialogue, the University Lecture Series advances the University’s mission to serve as the intellectual and cultural center of Southwest Florida.

FRAMEWORK AND GOALS

The University Lecture Series serves as a university wide lecture series event that complements existing lecture series events hosted on campus by faculty, student groups and academic colleges or divisions. The ULS is an initiative of the Office of the Provost and is coordinated by the University Lecture Series Committee. The University Lecture Series goals are:

• To enhance the academic and cultural experience for the University community and citizens of Southwest Florida;
• To bridge connections between the University and regional community through meaningful dialogue and discussion; and
• To promote the mission and goals established by the University.

ULS COMMITTEE

The ULS Committee is charged with planning, coordinating and implementing the University lecture Series. The ULS Committee is principally responsible for the ensuring the integrity of ULS philosophy and goals, selecting speakers and serving on the sub-committees tasked to implement the event. Final approval of committee recommendations and decisions is granted by the Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

The committee is composed of representatives from across campus and the broader community. Members consist of representatives from:

• Office of the Provost
• College of Arts and Science
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Health Professions
• College of Professional Studies
• Alico Arena
• Auxiliary Services
• Athletics
• Community Representative(s)
• Faculty Senate Leadership
• Library
• Multi-Cultural Services and Student Development
• Student Government
• Student Representative(s)
• University Advancement
• University Bookstore
• University Police and Public Safety 

ULS SUB-COMMITTEES

The ULS sub-committees are charged with specific areas of responsibility related to the implementation of the University Lecture Series. Currently, the primary ULS Sub-Committees and their overall responsibilities include:

PROVOST’S OFFICE: Serve as a liaison between the committee and Provost; receive final approval from the Provost; serve as the point of contact for ULS initiative and speaker; maintain ULS website; coordinate VIP related events.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR): Promote ULS event and speakers via media, print and press conferences; develop and distribute PR materials and ULS program; conduct outreach to community groups and university constituents.

EVENT LOGISTICS: Coordinate and execute ticketing, parking, and venue plan; recruit, train and manage event volunteers.

FUNDRAISING: Identify and secure funding for ULS via major gifts, donations, in-kind services; coordinate and implement fundraising activities.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH AND PLANNING: Coordinate outreach activities to regional schools; serve as a liaison to local schools and University faculty regarding integration of lecture series into curricula; develop curricula materials.

Ad hoc committees may be established or committee members invited on an “as needed” basis.

SELECTION OF SPEAKERS

University faculty, staff and students as well as community members are encouraged to submit recommendations for University Lecture Series speakers. Recommendations can be submitted via e-mail, in writing to the Office of the Provost or through the University Lecture Series web site at www.fgcu.edu/uls.

The University Lecture Series will host at least one (1) distinguished speaker per academic year. ULS speakers are leaders and experts in their field, discipline or art and may consist of, but are not limited to, academics, politicians, performing artists, authors, poets, activists, entertainers or athletes. All speaker recommendations are considered by the ULS Committee with final approval by the Provost. University Lecture Speakers Committee recommendations to the Provost regarding final selection of the ULS speaker are determined upon the following considerations:

• Speakers’ message and fit with University mission and goals;
• Congruence with student learning outcomes and;
• Perceived ability to stimulate thought, promote and broaden audience perspectives;
• National or international prominence of speaker;
• University constituent and community wide interest and appeal;
• Funding capacity

FUNDING RESOURCES

The University Lecture Series is a university wide event whose funding is derived from a variety of sources. The Office of the Provost has committed yearly funding to the ULS. Funding is also generated through private and corporate donors, fundraising activities and community partners.