Office of the Provost

September 5

Reporting Structure Change: Scholarly Innovation and Student Research (SISR) to Honors College 

The Office of Scholarly Innovation and Student Research (SISR) is now part of the Honors College. Previously, it was under the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

The Honors College closely aligns with SISR’s mission of cultivating scholarly excellence, mentoring, and student success. SISR offices will remain in Edwards Hall, Suite 213, at present.

SISR offers gateway research experiences for FGCU undergraduate and graduate students:

• Through the Work in Scholarly and Experiential Learning (WiSER) program, students can be hired to work with faculty members on their research
• Through an application for research funds, students can travel to present their research at a conference or purchase supplies for research projects.

To help students make the most of these opportunities, SISR provides professionalization workshops (e.g. “How to Make a Research Poster” and “Crafting Your Elevator Pitch for Conferences”), assists with publication opportunities, and administers an undergraduate research badge.

For more information on SISR, please visit www.fgcu.edu/sisr or contact Dr. Megan Norcia, director of Student Innovation and Scholarly Research, at mnorcia@fgcu.edu.

We congratulate SISR on its new home in the Honors College.

Mark Rieger, Ph.D. | Executive Vice President and Provost 

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September 12

Now Open: Adjunct Faculty Workspace Available in FGCU Library 

Dear Adjunct Faculty,

We invite you to visit the newly established adjunct faculty workspace located at the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, fourth floor, room 436. This space was created as a direct response to your requests for dedicated space to prep for classes, meet with students and simply relax comfortably. The space includes several workstations with ethernet cables to connect your laptop, whiteboards, a microwave oven and a Keurig coffee maker. We will soon be adding a refrigerator, and we hope to add a copy machine in the future. All adjunct faculty with an active FGCU ID card will have swipe access to this room.

The adjunct workspace is one way the university is working to ensure you have the resources you need to conduct your business comfortably and effectively. We welcome feedback about additional ways we can augment this space to meet your needs. When you visit the space, you will find a QR code posted on the wall, which will link you to a form to leave feedback and suggestions.

Full-time faculty, staff and administrative colleagues value the service you provide to FGCU. Students benefit tremendously from the experiences and expertise you bring to your teaching.

Thank you for all you do to enhance the educational experience of FGCU students. We look forward to seeing you in the adjunct workspace.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. | Interim Provost 

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September 16

Now Open! 2024-25 Excellence Award Nominations - Due November 15

Access attachments:     Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Faculty Team Service Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Excellence in Advising Award guidelines
                                            Excellence in Librarianship Awards guidelines
                                            Individual Faculty Service Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Faculty Scholarship Excellence Awards guidelines

It is the time of year that we are given the opportunity to recognize the excellent work of our adjuncts, advisors, instructors, librarians and professors.

FGCU faculty, staff and students are encouraged to submit nominations for the Advising, Librarianship, Scholarship, Service and Teaching Excellence Awards. Attached in this email are the Faculty Senateapproved guidelines outlining the nomination process and characteristics for each award. The categories include:

Advising:

• Senior Advisor Excellence Award
• Junior Advisor Excellence Award

Librarianship:

• Senior Faculty Librarian Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Librarian Excellence Award

Scholarship:

• Senior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award

Service:

• Team Service Excellence Award
• Senior Faculty Service Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Service Excellence Award

Teaching:

• Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
• Senior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award
• Junior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award
• Adjunct Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

The Office of the Provost will collect all nominations. Submit nominations to Julie Eacho via interoffice mail or email at jeacho@fgcu.edu by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 15. Please consider participating in this very important process.

Stay tuned for future announcements about additional award opportunities.

Award winners will be announced at the Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and will be kept confidential until that time. More information on this exciting event will be sent to the university community as we get closer to the date.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. | Interim Provost

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September 23

Nominate Now! 2024-25 John Herman Award for Excellence in General Education – Due November 15

Inspired by the late Dr. John Herman and his remarkable ability to engage students from across disciplines, the John Herman Award for Excellence in General Education will recognize one member of the FGCU teaching community for their commitment to enhancing students’ liberal arts experience.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit award nominations to Dr. Joseph V. Ross at jvross@fgcu.edu by 5 p.m. November 15. The award winner will be recognized at the Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony in April.

Please see the attached document for more information, including nomination procedures and documentation guidelines.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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September 24

FACULTY ALERT: FGCU is continuing to monitor Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine

Dear Colleagues, 

FGCU is working with weather and emergency management officials to determine Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine’s impact to our campus community. No changes to campus operations have been made at this time, and we will keep you updated should this change.

However, I understand that many of our faculty and students commute to campus from beyond Lee County.  Some may be thinking of evacuating from the area or taking steps to protect their homes and property. As students and employees make personal storm-related decisions, I ask that we all lead with flexibility in mind.

• If you decide to transition to a different modality this week, you must communicate the change as soon as possible with your students and ensure that required instructional contact time is met. 
• As part of this, it is important for students to be in touch with instructors about their personal plans.  
• Employees who plan to take personal leave or work remotely need to follow the university’s established policies and procedures. 
   

Messages will be going out shortly to students and all employees stressing these points.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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September 27 

Academic Affairs: Friday Operations & Directives

Dear Colleagues,

FGCU is aware that members of our campus community – faculty, staff and students – commute to campus from across the Gulf Coast, and some made the decision to evacuate the area. Knowing this, it is imperative that you lead with flexibility as we return to normal operations.

Students could be without power, and it might not be safe for them to commute to campus, depending on storm conditions.

As we return to normal operations Friday, it is critically important for you to lead with flexibility with students and your colleagues.

• If faculty or instructors decide to transition their modality, they must communicate the change as soon as possible with their students.
• Instructors need to ensure that required instructional contact time is met. Additionally, faculty members will provide guidance on make-up work or other activities as needed.

If you have questions about how to handle a situation, please let me know.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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September 30

Instructional Guidance

Dear Colleagues,

I write you today in appreciation of your flexibility and understanding as FGCU responded to the impacts of Hurricane Helene in our community. As you saw in today’s message, our campus grounds, facilities and utilities were not impacted by the storm, but we know many in our FGCU community were not as fortunate.

There are members of our community who are without power, have experienced home damage or are unable to commute to campus due to roadway conditions. As we move forward with full reopening plans, I want to remind you to be as flexible and reasonable as possible when working with our students.

Instructors need to ensure that required instructional contact time is met. We ask instructors to make all efforts to ensure academic continuity through messaging and assignment updates, modifications and date extensions in the Canvas Learning Management System. We have informed students that they should be in contact with their professors for any guidance that is required regarding make-up work or other activities.

If you have questions about how to handle a situation, please let me know.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

October 30

Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement

Access attachment: FAQ - Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement

Dear Students,

Since 1997, FGCU has championed sustainability as a core institutional value, building it into the curriculum with a Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (SCGR).

Although undergraduate degree-seeking students have usually met this requirement by taking a course titled University Colloquium, FGCU started offering a menu of approved courses in fall 2024 to help students meet this graduation requirement. Please note that IDS 3920 University Colloquium is included in the menu of courses.

Attached to this email is an FAQ (frequently asked question) sheet that will help guide you as you select a course to meet the graduation requirement.

If you have questions regarding this graduation requirement or SCGR course selection, please consult with your academic advisor. You can find your academic advisor listed at the top of your Degree Works audit.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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October 30

Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement

Access attachment: FAQ - Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement

Dear Faculty,

The message below has been sent to undergraduate students regarding the Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (SCGR).

Since 1997, FGCU has championed sustainability as a core institutional value, building it into the curriculum with a Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (SCGR).

Although undergraduate degree-seeking students have usually met this requirement by taking a course titled University Colloquium, FGCU started offering a menu of approved courses in fall 2024 to help students meet this graduation requirement. Please note that IDS 3920 University Colloquium is included in the menu of courses.

Attached to this email is an FAQ (frequently asked question) sheet that will help guide you as you select a course to meet the graduation requirement.

If you have questions regarding this graduation requirement or SCGR course selection, please consult with your academic advisor. You can find your academic advisor listed at the top of your Degree Works audit.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

November 1

Reminder! 2024-25 Excellence Award Nominations Due November 15 

Access attachments:     Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Faculty Team Service Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Excellence in Advising Award guidelines
                                            Excellence in Librarianship Awards guidelines
                                            Individual Faculty Service Excellence Awards guidelines
                                            Faculty Scholarship Excellence Awards guidelines

 FGCU faculty, staff and students are encouraged to submit nominations for the Advising, Librarianship, Scholarship, Service and Teaching Excellence Awards. 

Nominations need to be submitted to Julie Eacho (Office of the Provost) via interoffice mail or email at jeacho@fgcu.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, November 15.

Attached in this email are the Faculty Senate-approved guidelines outlining the nomination process and characteristics for each award. The categories include:

Advising:

• Senior Advisor Excellence Award
• Junior Advisor Excellence Award

Librarianship:

• Senior Faculty Librarian Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Librarian Excellence Award

Scholarship:

• Senior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award

Service: 

• Team Service Excellence Award
• Senior Faculty Service Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Service Excellence Award 

Teaching: 

• Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
• Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

• Senior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award

• Junior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award
• Adjunct Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

This is your opportunity to recognize the excellent work of our adjuncts, advisors, instructors, librarians and professors. Please consider participating in this very important process.

What’s Next:

Award winners will be announced at the Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and will be kept confidential until that time. Stay tuned for announcements about additional award opportunities.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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 November 20

Applications Open for FGCU President’s Award for Exemplary Online Teaching

Quality online education is one of the primary elements of the State University System of Florida's 2025 Strategic Plan for Online Education. FGCU President’s Award for Exemplary Online Teaching for academic year 2024-25 will recognize one outstanding FGCU online faculty member for their commitment to enhancing the quality of the online education experience of FGCU students.

Faculty with at least two semesters of online teaching at FGCU in the past two years (spring 2023 through fall 2024) will receive an email containing application information. The application deadline is 9 a.m. February 10, 2025. The winner will be recognized at the Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony in April 2025.

For more information, visit the Digital Learning website. For information on the SUS initiative, visit the SUS President’s Award Program.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost  

December 10

Expanding Faculty Use of Canvas for Student Success

Access attachment: Resolution - Canvas Utilization FINAL

Good afternoon,

On behalf of Faculty Senate President Lyndsay Rhodes and I, we hope that each of you are doing well and have had a very productive semester. To foster greater student success, the university has employed our shared governance processes to identify ways to improve the teaching and learning experience at FGCU. As a result of many discussions, it was determined that greater utilization of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) would benefit students and faculty as we aim for enhanced student success through a more data-driven approach. In a demonstration of collaboration with this initiative, Faculty Senate passed a resolution of support on December 6 (see attached). 

What we are asking:

By the fall 2025 semester, all course sections will use their Canvas courses consistently by:

• Posting course syllabi and schedules
• Documenting attendance
• Submitting and grading assignments (gradebook)

This will help us better align our classroom practices with the university’s strategic plan and the student success plan. The process will start in the spring 2025 semester to allow time for additional support for faculty and piloting for backchannel processes (related to the Wings Up Student Success platform).

For the spring 2025 semester, we ask that all faculty utilize Canvas to:

• Grade at least one assignment within the first three weeks (outside of the attendance verification assignment)
• Grade another assignment within the first seven weeks (before the withdrawal date, March 17, 2025)

This will allow us to begin piloting the data flow from Canvas into student success support services. Faculty who are already fully utilizing Canvas gradebook will not need to make any changes as their grades have already historically flowed into our institutional research student support data tables (Tableau).   

Background on Support for Canvas Tool Usage: 

Over the past year, a variety of shared governance groups identified the need for more purposeful utilization of Canvas to support student outcomes. These groups included the Ad-hoc Quality Online Education Committee, Continuity of Instruction Plan Committee, Gateway Course Coordinators and Student Success Council, among others.

Integration for Additional Early Support for Students:

The use of gradebook and attendance tracking will allow for more enhanced student support through the Wings Up Student Success platform. This technology will allow for more effective student tracking and identification of students who may need additional assistance outside the classroom.

Our Commitment to Support

We recognize that many faculty already fully utilize Canvas to enhance teaching and learning in their courses, and we thank you. However, to support this transition for faculty who may not be fully utilizing Canvas tools or would like a refresher, Digital Learning is offering drop-in sessions and appointments during December and January. This is in addition to their regular offerings of Canvas and course design support.  

As always, we welcome feedback on how we can facilitate this process in support of our amazing faculty. We thank you for your continued dedication to our students.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost 

February 11

Reminder! Chair Excellence Award Nominations Due Friday

Access attachment: 2024 - 2025 FGCU Chair Excellence Award Guidelines

Nominations for the FGCU Chair Excellence Award are due by 5 p.m. Friday, February 14. Submit nominations to Julie Eacho at jeacho@fgcu.edu or through interoffice mail (Edwards Hall, Room 314).

This award is separate from, and not related to, the in-unit faculty Excellence Awards programs. Approved guidelines outlining the complete nomination and selection process for this award can be found in the attached document. Award winners will be announced April 23 during the annual Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony, and winners will be kept confidential until that time.

Please consider participating in this award process.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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February 21

Fellowship Opportunity For Your Students – Deadline to apply: March 7

Access attachment: Florida Council of 100 -- 2025 Robert L. Ward Fellowship Program position description (January 2025)

The Florida Council of 100 is seeking a fellow for summer 2025 and is accepting applications from qualified graduate students (or undergraduate students who will graduate this spring). Attached is a description of this paid position. The application deadline is March 7.

The Florida Council of 100 (fc100.org) is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people of our state. The council works closely with the Governor and state agencies, the legislature, the court, and other private organizations, to effect positive change in the state and improve the quality of life for Floridians.

To apply, applicants should respond to Steven Birnholz, executive vice president, Florida Council of 100, at sbirnholz@fc100.org by March 7.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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February 24

FGCU Faculty Workload Guidelines

Access attachment: FGCU University Workload Guidelines Approved 01.31.2025

Dear Faculty,

FGCU proudly announces the approval of new workload guidelines for faculty. These guidelines are designed to support the university’s mission of fostering student success, regional economic and cultural growth, and sustainability. By promoting equitable workload distribution, FGCU aims to empower faculty as educators, scholars, and community leaders, ensuring they can maximize direct engagement with students while fulfilling teaching, scholarly activities and service requirements. The guidelines can be found in the attached document.

The guidelines emphasize autonomy, academic freedom, and responsibility, aligning with FGCU's commitment to delivering the highest quality educational services. Faculty are expected to be accessible beyond scheduled classes and office hours, in accordance with university policies, the current collective bargaining agreement, and related state regulations.

This transparent and flexible framework will enhance faculty success and advance FGCU’s strategic goals.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

March 4

Passing of Dr. Bill Mitsch

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William (Bill) Mitsch, Professor Emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Mitsch joined FGCU in September of 2012. Until his retirement in October 2022, Dr. Mitsch was Eminent Scholar and founding director of the Everglades Wetland Research Park at the Kapnick Center in Naples, and the Juliet C. Sproul Chair for Southwest Florida Habitat Restoration and Management.

Before moving to Florida, he was at The Ohio State University (OSU) for 27 years, including 20 years as director of the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park that he founded, and 15 years as distinguished professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. He was designated as professor emeritus in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at OSU.

Dr. Mitsch’s research and teaching focused on wetland ecology and biogeochemistry, wetland creation and restoration, ecological engineering and ecosystem restoration, solving harmful algal blooms with nature-based solutions, and ecosystem modeling. Dr. Mitsch authored or co-authored close to 800 research papers, abstracts and other publications including 23 books. This includes the popular textbook “Wetlands” that is now in its 5th edition and has just been translated to Chinese. He founded and was editor-in-chief for 25 years of the international journal Ecological Engineering.

Dr. Mitsch’s obituary may be found at https://www.egan-ryan.com/obituary/William-Mitsch).

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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March 6

Missing the Academic Affairs Weekly Newsletter?

This week's edition of the Academic Affairs Weekly newsletter experienced deliverability issues and may not have reached your inbox. Although it was resent, the same issue occurred, and the newsletter did not reach our full distribution list. IT services is currently looking into the issue.

Published issues of the Academic Affairs Newsletter are now available and archived on the Office of the Provost's website. Click here to view the March 3 edition. Past editions can be found in the newsletter archive.

We recognize that events and information submissions are time-sensitive and look forward to distributing next week's edition as usual.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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March 10

Attestation of Textbook and Course Materials Must Be Entered In HelioCampus Form

Access attachment: Detailed instructions for navigating HelioCampus

Good afternoon,

To comply with Florida Board of Governors (BOG) Regulation 8.003 - Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability and Transparency, all full-time and part-time faculty and instructors must complete an online form through HelioCampus about required materials used for each course section being taught this semester.

To access the platform, visit https://helio.fgcu.edu and log in with your single sign-on (SSO). The form is due March 31.

As discussed with Faculty Senate, FGCU adopted the use of HelioCampus to electronically capture the information required by the BOG. The HelioCampus system makes it very easy to sign all the necessary attestations without having to email or collect paper documents.

Detailed instructions for navigating HelioCampus are attached to this email. When the form is distributed, all faculty will receive notifications and reminder emails from HelioCampus (heliocampus@fgcu.edu).

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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March 19 

Faculty Participants Needed for May Commencement – Sign-Up Deadline: April 23

Dear Colleagues,

I am reaching out to encourage you to participate in the spring commencement ceremony for your college or school. This encouragement stems from exceptionally low faculty attendance that doesn’t accurately depict our appreciation and dedication to our students at recent ceremonies.

How to participate:

Commencement is scheduled May 3-4 at Alico Arena, and the full schedule can be found online at fgcu.edu/commencement. Faculty participants are part of the ceremonies, including marching in the faculty processional in full regalia and sitting alongside degree candidates.

Sign up as a faculty participant by April 23 by filling out this Qualtrics survey!

Why faculty should participate:

Being that commencement allows an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students, attending commencement signifies faculty’s role in the students' academic journey, including showing support and congratulations at the end of the educational process. By actively participating in this significant milestone, it also reinforces the importance of the institution's mission and academic values.

No doubt, seeing those who have taught, motivated and mentored them makes commencement meaningful for our graduates. I urge you all to take this opportunity to appreciate your students and all they have achieved. They could not have done it without you!

Need regalia?

FGCU encourages faculty participants to wear regalia from the school they graduated from. Faculty may rent regalia through the FGCU Bookstore if they do not own their set. To have regalia match their college colors, faculty need to place an order by Friday, March 21.

Place a regalia order by emailing Tanya Preisinger at AM8356@BNCollege.com. (Faculty renting regalia from the bookstore will receive FGCU’s 25% employee discount.) After March 21, faculty participating in commencement will be fitted with FGCU regalia colors, as supplies last, through the FGCU Bookstore.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost  

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March 24

Reminder: Enter Attestation of Textbook and Course Materials In HelioCampus by March 31

Access attachments: Attestation Helio Attachment 

                                       Attestation of Textbook and Course Materials Must Be Entered in HelioCampus Form Email 1

Good morning,

We greatly appreciate the faculty members who have already completed their attestation form in HelioCampus. If you have not completed your form, this is a reminder to do so no later than March 31. To access the platform, visit https://helio.fgcu.edu and log in with your single sign-on (SSO).

In compliance with Florida Board of Governors (BOG) Regulation 8.003, all full-time and part-time faculty and instructors must complete an online form through HelioCampus about required materials used for each course section being taught this semester.

Detailed instructions for navigating HelioCampus are attached to this email, as is my March 10 message to faculty about this request.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost  

April 7

Celebrate Students, Faculty and Staff at Eagle X and Celebration of Excellence

Dear FGCU Community,

It’s that time of year when we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff. Here’s how you can be a part of the celebrations:

Eagle X:

FGCU's largest annual showcase of student excellence in research, internships, leadership and service-learning will be held at Alico Arena from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. We thank the outstanding faculty and staff that continuously work with our students to help make these projects and presentations possible. We encourage you to attend the event, allow your students to present at the event, and invite your classes to join you in supporting the incredible efforts put forth by our students and faculty. To view the session schedule and for additional information, visit www.fgcu.edu/eaglex/.

Celebration of Excellence:

Celebrate the accomplishments of students, faculty and staff at the Celebration of Excellence. The award ceremony will be held in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. We will recognize students of the year from each college and school, Faculty Excellence Award winners, Student Success Champions and many other award categories. We invite our entire campus community, family and friends to attend.

I hope that everyone will take the time celebrate the achievements of our students and colleagues.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost 

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 April 11

Access attachment: QEP Skills Advantage Faculty Cohort Fall 25

Apply For The Skills Advantage Faculty Cohort By April 22

Dear Colleagues,

This message is to let you know FGCU is recruiting faculty development cohorts for The Skills Advantage: From Campus to Career, FGCU's new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

The cohorts are a one-semester deep dive into skills pedagogy, skills-forward teaching and skill badging. Faculty will design and embed two badgeable assignments for their courses.

The fall and spring cohorts are open to full-time faculty teaching undergraduates in any academic unit, and the fall cohort is limited to 12 participants. This is a compensated faculty development activity. The cohort will meet biweekly throughout the fall term. An adjunct cohort opportunity begins in spring 2026.

For more information, view the attached document. Sign up by filling out the faculty cohort interest form by April 22.

Interested but can't join the cohort right now? There are other paths to get involved!

• Canvas Course: This self-paced Canvas course provides all the information you need to create and embed a course assignment that helps students make progress toward the transferable skill badges. To be added to the course, send an email to theskillsadvantage@fgcu.edu.
• BadgeIt! Workshops: Open to full-time or part-time faculty who are modifying an existing assignment to make it badgeable. Stay tuned for fall workshop dates.

For more information about The Skills Advantage, visit https://www.fgcu.edu/theskillsadvantage/ or send an email to theskillsadvantage@fgcu.edu.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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April 17

Passing of Dr. Doug Carothers

Dear Colleagues,

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Doug Carothers. He served as professor of special education at FGCU from 2003 until his retirement in 2023. Dr. Carothers was a visionary leader, dedicated educator and compassionate mentor whose contributions have left an enduring legacy.

As the director of the Soaring Eagle Academy, now known as FGCU R.I.S.E., which he helped establish in 2021, Dr. Carothers provided students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience college life, promoting independence and social engagement. His unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity,

guidance and mentorship inspired countless individuals. Dr. Carothers will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

During this time of grief, I encourage you to seek out assistance. The following resources are available to the FGCU community:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including mental health counseling, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.
• FGCU’S Community Counseling Center provides services to employees and community members. For more information, call (239) 745-4777 or visit www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/counseling/communitycounseling.

If you know of a student who needs assistance, please let them know about the following resources:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): No appointments necessary. Call (239) 590-7950 or email caps@fgcu.edu
• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line: (239) 745-EARS (3277)
• Student Care Services: care@fgcu.edu
• Togetherall: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student
• UBYou: https://link-to.app/ubyou

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost 

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April 18

Announcing FGCU’s New Quality Standards for Online Education

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well and that your semester has been productive and rewarding. In continued partnership with faculty and to support student success in online learning, FGCU has developed a set of Quality Standards for Online Education through our shared governance processes.

A matrix outlining the 23 quality standards and how faculty and others can meet them is available through the webpage for Online Education Quality Assurance. These standards will start to go into effect in the fall 2025 semester, with more set to take effect for the spring 2026 term as systems and processes necessary to support them are developed.

Why This Matters

These standards ensure FGCU’s alignment with national, state and accreditation requirements while creating a consistent foundation for high-quality online education. They aim to foster an engaging, inclusive and effective online learning environment for all FGCU students.

Recognizing Existing Faculty Efforts

We recognize that many faculty have already completed professional development, training or other activities that demonstrate their knowledge or proficiency with one or more of the training standards. In these cases, faculty do not need to complete the same training again. We will identify and acknowledge those who have already met specific requirements to avoid duplication of effort.

Our Commitment to Support

Many faculty already meet or exceed these expectations in their online courses, and your continued commitment is greatly appreciated. To support all faculty, Digital Learning will continue to provide support, including training opportunities, one-on-one consultations, and access to tools that help document and track progress toward meeting the standards.

Feedback can be shared via email at elearning@fgcu.edu. Thank you for your continued efforts to elevate the quality of online education at FGCU.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost  

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April 25

Expanding Faculty’s Canvas Use for Fall 2025

Good morning,

As announced at the end of the fall 2024 semester, it was determined that greater use of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) would benefit students and faculty as we aim for enhanced student success through a more data-driven approach. I am thrilled to report that nearly all FGCU faculty used Canvas this semester to grade two assignments during the first seven weeks, before the withdrawal date.

As a reminder, we are now expanding these efforts for the fall semester and ask faculty to use their Canvas courses consistently for all course sections by:

• Posting course syllabi and schedules
• Documenting attendance
• Submitting and grading assignments (gradebook)

Why this is important:

This will help FGCU better align our classroom practices with the university’s strategic plan and student success plan. It will also enable us to begin piloting the flow of grade attendance data from Canvas into student success support services through the Wings Up for Student Success platform. This technology allows for more effective student tracking and timely identification of students who may need additional assistance outside the classroom.

Our commitment to support:

Faculty who are already fully using Canvas gradebook do not need to make any changes, as their grades have already flowed into our institutional research student support data tables (Tableau). To support faculty who may not be fully utilizing Canvas tools or would like a refresher, the Digital Learning webpage provides information on the different types of support available to faculty.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost  

May 2

Summer Courses Attestation Form of Textbook and Course Materials Due July 1

Access attachment: Attestation Helio Attachment Summer 2025

Good afternoon,

To comply with Florida Board of Governors (BOG) Regulation 8.003, all full-time and part-time faculty and instructors must complete an online form through HelioCampus about required materials used for each course section being taught during the summer term. This must be completed even if you do not require any materials.

To access the platform, visit https://helio.fgcu.edu and log in with your single sign-on (SSO). The form is due July 1.

Detailed instructions for navigating HelioCampus are attached to this email. When the form is distributed, faculty and instructors will receive notifications and reminder emails from HelioCampus (heliocampus@fgcu.edu).  

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost 

June 20

What FGCU’s First Day Ready Program Means for Faculty

Good morning,

I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share an exciting development that will significantly enhance our students’ academic experience – FGCU’s implementation of the First Day Ready program.

This initiative is designed to ensure that our students have access to all required course materials from the very first day of class. Through this program, students will receive their materials – print or digital – based on the format selected during the course material adoption process. Through this opt-out program, students will receive all course materials at a fixed rate of $20 per credit hour, which will be billed to students’ university accounts.

Here’s what’s important for you to know:

• No changes are required in how faculty currently select and adopt course materials.
• Accurate and complete course material adoption information is critical. Doing so will help minimize or eliminate discrepancies and delays in students receiving their required materials.
• Students are automatically enrolled in the program with their undergraduate course registration, but they will have the option to opt out if the program does not meet their needs.
• Print materials will be available for pickup at the bookstore or delivered to the student, based on the student’s selection. Digital materials will be seamlessly accessible through Canvas, aligned with students’ course registrations.
• The program operates as a rental model, meaning students will use the materials for the duration of the term and will have the option to purchase them at the end of the semester if they choose.

We are excited about the positive impact this program will have on students, especially when it comes to affordability, access and academic readiness. To make this program a success, your continued attention to verifying course material adoptions is essential.

For more details about the program, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit: fgcu.edu/firstdayready.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and for helping us launch this initiative with excellence.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost 

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June 30

University Library Closure July 7

Dear Faculty and Staff,

The Wilson G. Bradshaw Library will be closed Monday, July 7, due to a scheduled power outage in order to connect Modular 4’s power to the existing transformer. This is part of the ongoing work related to the construction of Academic Building 10.

Please keep in mind that the university observes the Independence Day holiday (July 4). As result, the library will close at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and reopen at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8.

Here’s what you need to know for July 7:

University Library

• Librarians and staff will be available for assistance via the online “ASK US” chat feature on the library website, email and phone calls through Microsoft Teams. 

Help Desk

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Help Desk will relocate to Ben Hill Griffin Hall, Computer Lab 262.
• Phones and emails will continue to be answered, walk-ins will be taken, and in-person classroom and office support will be provided. 
• Devices will not be taken in for service or distributed from this location.  

Center for Academic Achievement (CAA)

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• All CAA services will be conducted in Academic Building 9, Room 138.

Lucas Center:

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lucas Center staff will be available for assistance via email and Teams. Please send an email to Lucascenter@fgcu.edu.

Normal library hours of operations and services will resume Tuesday, July 8. For hours, visit https://library.fgcu.edu/calendar.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

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June 30

University Library Closure July 7

Dear Students,

The Wilson G. Bradshaw Library will be closed Monday, July 7, due to a scheduled power outage in order to connect Modular 4’s power to the existing transformer. This is part of the ongoing work related to the construction of Academic Building 10. 

Please keep in mind that the university observes the Independence Day holiday (July 4). As a result, the library will close at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and reopen at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8.

Here’s what you need to know for July 7:

University Library Services

• Librarians and staff will be available for assistance through the online “ASK US” chat feature available on the website: https://library.fgcu.edu. Library employees will also be available to respond to emails and phone calls through Microsoft Teams.

Help Desk

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Help Desk will relocate to Ben Hill Griffin Hall, Computer Lab 262.
• Phones and emails will continue to be answered, walk-ins will be taken and in-person classroom and office support will be provided. 
• Booking for service appointments will continue. 
• Devices will not be taken in for service or distributed from this location.  

Center for Academic Achievement (CAA)

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• All CAA services, including peer academic coaching, the writing lab and peer tutoring, will be conducted in Academic Building 9, Room 138.
• Virtual appointments will continue as scheduled.
• Supplemental Instruction (SI) will continue as scheduled. SI Leaders will communicate with students via Canvas regarding classroom locations.

Lucas Center

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lucas Center staff will be available for assistance via email and Teams. Please send an email to Lucascenter@fgcu.edu.

Normal library hours of operations and services will resume Tuesday, July 8. For hours, visit https://library.fgcu.edu/calendar.

Tony Barringer, Ed.D. |  Interim Provost

July 2

Announcing FGCU’s New International Travel Registry: ABEONA

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Academic Affairs and the Global Engagement Office are pleased to announce that FGCU has transitioned from Veoci to ABEONA as the university’s new international travel registry. When traveling to international destinations for university business, faculty and staff must seek approval by registering their travel through FGCU's ABEONA travel registry system.

To learn more about ABEONA and FGCU’s international travel policy, including how to submit your international travel request, visit the Global Engagement Office website. The website includes a direct submission link and a QR code to access the ABEONA application.

For any questions, send an email to abeona@fgcu.edu.

Debbie M. Thorne, Ph.D. | Executive Vice President and Provost

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July 14

Partnering in Excellence: Greetings from FGCU’s New Provost

Dear colleagues,

I am thrilled to join the FGCU community as your executive vice president and provost and to be part of our university’s ongoing journey to excellence. From Eagle View Orientation to attending a Florida Board of Governors meeting, my first days on campus have revealed an enduring passion, dedication and innovative spirit. Thank you for the warm welcome. 

Each one of us has a critical role in the university’s success. Every interaction we have with students, partners and each other, whether in the classroom, research lab, community site or office hallway, reflects and reinforces our culture of excellence and care. Together, we will continue to innovate for student success while building upon the strong foundation of collaborative learning, interdisciplinary scholarship and community engagement that distinguishes FGCU from all other institutions. 

I joined FGCU because of its momentum and spirit of place – the remarkable intersection of academic innovation, community engagement and sustainability that makes our university truly distinctive. As Southwest Florida’s living laboratory, I believe FGCU is uniquely poised to address the challenges and opportunities of our dynamic region and beyond. 

As we move forward together in Year 2 of our strategic plan, Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence, my commitment to you is clear: we will elevate academic excellence and student success, accelerate operational excellence, strengthen our partnerships and collective impact and ensure FGCU remains a destination of choice for outstanding faculty, staff and students. 

I am eager to learn from your expertise, understand your priorities and collaborate across the institution to advance our mission. In the coming weeks, I will be exploring more of our campus community to better understand how I can facilitate and embolden your important work. I look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Fall Kickoff Celebration, college, school and department meetings, and many other campus events.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and our university. I am honored to be here. 

Wings Up & Go Eagles!

Debbie M. Thorne, Ph.D. | Executive Vice President and Provost