Soar in 4

If you are a degree-seeking FTIC student admitted to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) during or after the summer 2015 term, then you are considered as eligible. This includes international and out-of-state students. Students can also view their eligibility in Gulfline by selecting the Student tab, followed by Soar in 4: The Governor's Challenge.

The Rebate Criteria are defined as activites that must be completed for a student to be awarded a Soar in 4 rebate. These are as follows:

1. Receiving academic advising on major selection and the sequencing of degree requirements to stay on track for timely graduate within four years once per year throughout their four years.
2. Selecting a major during the First Year.
3. Utilizing FGCU Career Development Services, including:
   • In-person advising on career decision making, career prospects, resume preparation, interview techniques, career choices, etc.; and
   • Participation in at least one recruitment event hosted by Career Development Services or the Office of Internships and Cooperative Programs.
4. Participating in internships, co-op work experiences, or other similar opportunities with potential employers.
5. Graduating from FGCU in four years or less.
6. Attaining Full-Time Employment (including military service) of at least thirty-five hours per week in Florida within six months of graduation with an annualized salary of $25,000 or higher.

Students can access their Rebate Amount through Gulfline by selecting the Student tab, followed by Soar in 4: The Governor's Challenge. Rebate amounts are calcualted after the students' first three terms are completed, including summer. For example, a student who started in the summer 2015 semester will be able to view their rebate after the spring 2016 semester has been completed (summer 2015, fall 2015, spring 2016.) If a student has not yet completed their first three terms, this page will read that it is too early to calculate thier rebate amount and they will need to check back once their first three semesters have been completed. 

Students have eight consecutive regular semesters (fall and spring) to complete their degree. For example, if you started at FGCU in the fall or summer of 2015, you must graduate no later than spring 2019. If you started in the spring of 2016, you must graduate no later than fall 2019. Please see a full list of admission terms and the corresponding graduation terms below. If a degree program takes you longer than four years to complete (even by one semester), then you will not be eligible for the rebate program.  Students should work with an advisor to be proactive and stay on track for a timely graduation.

Students will need to submit a Soar in 4 Rebate Application along with all requested documentation to the Office of the Bursar within one (1) year of your graduation date. The Soar in 4 Rebate Application can be found here.

• U S Citizens and Resident Aliens should complete and submit a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.
• Non-Resident Aliens should complete and submit a Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United State Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals).

• For U S Citizens and Resident Aliens, the rebate will be reported to the IRS on Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income if the total rebate is in excess of $600.
• For Non-Resident Aliens, the entire rebate will be reported to the IRS on Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U S Source Income Subject to Withholding.

The Rebate Criteria are defined as activites that must be completed for a student to be awarded a Soar in 4 rebate. These are as follows:

1. Receiving academic advising on major selection and the sequencing of degree requirements to stay on track for timely graduate within four years once per year throughout their four years.
2. Selecting a major during the First Year.
3. Utilizing FGCU Career Development Services, including:
   • In-person advising on career decision making, career prospects, resume preparation, interview techniques, career choices, etc.; and
   • Participation in at least one recruitment event hosted by Career Development Services or the Office of Internships and Cooperative Programs.
4. Participating in internships, co-op work experiences, or other similar opportunities with potential employers.
5. Graduating from FGCU in four years or less.
6. Attaining Full-Time Employment (including military service) of at least thirty-five hours per week in Florida within six months of graduation with an annualized salary of $25,000 or higher.

Parents can have conversations with their student early in their college career to ensure that they are taking the appropirate steps to Soar in 4. The topics of these conversations may include...

• Meeting with an Academic Advisor at least once a year, every year
• Choosing a major that is best with your student's interest and strengths 
• Making sure that a major is chosen within the first year, which are the first three semesters including summer
• Encouraging your student to take a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester
• Asking your student about meeting with Career Development Services and attending an event hosted by this office
• Ensuring that your student has confirmed with their Academic Advisor that they are taking the courses needed to graduate in four years