Advising Syllabus

Philosophy and Mission

Academic advising at Florida Gulf Coast University serves to increase student engagement and success through teaching students how to navigate their FGCU experience and available resources, while also connecting students to the University mission, vision, and guiding principles. Using a developmental approach to student advising and demonstrating a concern for the whole person, advisors partner with students to help them discover and explore their interests, skills, and values in the context of major choice, curriculum, and career planning. They seek to empower students to make informed decisions and to increase their autonomy, and they prepare students to lead enlightened, examined, and engaged lives.

Student Learning Outcomes

As a result of active engagement in the academic advising process, students will:

1. Understand degree requirements for their selected major.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the tools and resources essential for facilitating the academic advising process effectively.
3. Acquire knowledge of the campus support resources designed to enhance student success.
4. Articulate the connection between their selected major and their post-graduation goals.

Student Expectations

In order to foster their own success and informed decision making, FGCU students will:

Treat fellow students, faculty, and staff with respect and professionalism.
Actively participate in advising sessions and take ownership of their academic journey.
Accurately read and effectively use their Degree Works audit to monitor progress toward degree completion.
Utilize campus resources and services to support their educational goals, and follow through on referrals provided by advisors or other university personnel.
Understand the General Education and major-specific degree requirements for their chosen program of study.
Demonstrate sound decision-making by gathering relevant information, evaluating alternatives, and considering potential outcomes.
Reflect on academic or personal challenges by identifying root causes, exploring solutions, and implementing action plans to prevent recurrence.
Regularly check and use their FGCU Eagle Email for all official university communications.
Exhibit the qualities of a prepared advisee by:
- Scheduling advising appointments in advance and arriving on time.
- Reviewing their Degree Works audit prior to the meeting.
- Bringing specific questions, concerns, or topics to discuss with their academic advisor.

Advisor Expectations

To support student success and informed decision making, FGCU Academic Advisors are committed to:

Treating students, faculty, and staff with respect and professionalism.
Teaching students how to effectively use academic tools such as the Academic Catalog, FGCU website, Gulfline, Degree Works, and other relevant platforms.
Connecting students with appropriate FGCU resources and services to support academic performance and enrich their college experience.
Staying current on curriculum changes and educating students about degree requirements, course sequencing, and academic policies.
Maximizing the accessibility of advising services by offering multiple opportunities for student engagement (e.g., in-person, virtual, email).
Actively listening to students’ concerns, needs, and aspirations with empathy and attention.
Cultivating the development of educational plans that align with students’ strengths, interests, and life goals.
Advocating for students within the FGCU community and helping them navigate institutional processes.
Encouraging and modeling a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
Maintain student privacy and confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and university policies.

Core Syllabus Policy Statements

The Core Syllabus Policy Statements are accessible to students through the Office of the Provost Website.