The CAS & Water School Advising Office provides academic advising for all students within these majors/programs so they may achieve academic success.
We work with First-Time In College (following their transition from Exploratory Advising) and Transfer students.
(239) 590-7196
Teach
Listen
Connect
Encourage
Advocate

College of Arts & Sciences and the Water School Advising
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays
Students should utilize appointments for more intensive meetings to include any of the following:
- Traditional standard appointment
- Change or add/ drop major guidance
- Change or add/ drop minor guidance
- Semester to semester course planning
- College/University policy discussions
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Please ensure that your phone number is listed correctly or indicate a correct phone number in the Additional Information section when booking your appointment.
Your academic advisor will call you on the phone number indicated at the time of your appointment. Please note that the call may come to your phone as a blocked or private number or No Caller ID.
Wednesdays (drop-in)
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Quick questions advising sessions are intended to be 15 minutes or less.
Students should utilize quick question (drop-in) advising for the following:
- Registration errors
- Course permits
- add/drop withdraw
- internship discussion
- course scheduling suggestions and conflicts
*Spring 2023 transition students meeting with advisors during Quick Questions will be accommodated for their priority registration (see advisor for details).*
For advising outside of College of Arts & Sciences and the Water School, please visit the main advising page using the link below.
Are you an FSW student interested in a major in the College of Arts and Sciences?
START PLANNING YOUR TRANSFER TO FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY (FGCU)
Fall 2022 DESTINATION DAYS are available for YOU!
April 7th
May 5th
30-minute Zoom Appointment Times Available: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
FGCU academic advisors are available to meet with Destination FGCU Students from our
Florida State College partners. To schedule an appointment, please call the advising
office by clicking on the link below.
The following services are available to students:
- One-on-one advising by appointment
- Academic advising and program information for majors and minors
- Degree completion/graduation checks
- Orientation sessions for new students within the College of Arts & Sciences
- Registration and drop/add information
- Evaluation of academic transcripts and review of articulation of transfer credits
- Referral to faculty mentors for career and professional school advising
- Referrals for internship and research opportunities
- Maintenance of academic advising records
- Certification of graduation requirements
- Information regarding the transient enrollment process
Helpful Resources
General Education UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS RegistRar's OFFICE
Meet the Advising Teams
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Contact Your Advisor
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Director of CAS Academic Advising
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Administrative Specialist
Toggle More InfoWhat do you like about academic advising?
I love to problem solve with and for the students.
Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut and High Point, NC
Top five strengths: Organized, Team Player, Good Listener, Hard Working, Dedicated
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with family and friends, and cross-stitching
Administrative SpecialistOffice: SH 109Phone: 239-590-7196E-mail: srozes@fgcu.edu -
Team Arts & Humanities
Toggle More InfoTeam Arts & Humanities Majors: Art, Communication, English, History, Journalism, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Therapy, Philosophy, and Theatre
Majors I advise: Art, Communication, English, History, Journalism, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Therapy, Philosophy, and Theatre
Team Leader, Arts & Humanities, Academic Advisor IIIPhone: 239-745-4261E-mail: pkirk@fgcu.eduWhat do you like about academic advising?
Interacting with students and faculty, and working in concert with Departments that help students' success.
Hometown: Newport, RI
Majors I advise: Art, Communication, English, History, Journalism, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Therapy, Philosophy, and Theatre
Top five strengths: Student-centered, Calm, Advocate, Accommodator, Team Player
Hobbies: Poetry, Film, Music, Wine, Mindfulness
Academic Advisor IIPhone: 239-590-7434E-mail: salvanas@fgcu.edu -
Team Natural Sciences
Toggle More InfoTeam Natural Sciences Majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Geology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics
What do you like about academic advising?
I like the fact that advising is the only structured service on a college campus in which all students have the opportunity for on-going, one-to-one contact with a concerned representative of the institution. Academic advising is a relationship building experience! I enjoy building relationships with students over time as they navigate the academy. I enjoy crafting pathways for students in their academic pursuits. I like that I am part of their academic journey as I get to be a “sage on the stage” by using my expertise to share knowledge with them through advising and teaching them about their majors and being a “guide on the side.” I enjoy using my skills to engage them in first-hand learning through program requirements, degree plans and experiences. I like the fact that advising plays a vital role toward student success in enhancing their journey from the point of matriculation through to graduation.
Hometown: St. Catherine, Jamaica
Majors I advise: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Geology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics
Top five strengths: Collaborative, Empathetic, Respectful, Sincere, Committed/Dedicated
Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Running, Listening to music, Playing word games, Watching movies, and Broga - Yoga for Brothers
Team Leader Natural Sciences, Academic Advisor IIOffice: SHPhone: 239-590-1424E-mail: lknibbs@fgcu.eduWhat do you like about academic advising?
I enjoy helping students reach their goals.
Hometown: Georgetown, South Carolina
Majors I advise: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Geology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics
Top five strengths: Approachable, Easy-going, Caring, Dedicated, Hard Working
Hobbies: Biking, Astronomy, Fishing, Reading, and Traveling
Academic Advisor IIOffice: MHPhone: 239-745-4260E-mail: rdennison@fgcu.eduWhat do you like about academic advising?
I enjoy seeing students grow academically and personally over time. I also enjoy encouraging and motivating students to overcome obstacles and barriers to their progress.
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Majors I advise: Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Marine Science, Environmental Studies
Top five strengths: Analytical, Deliberative, Consistency, Responsibility, Learner
Hobbies: Piano Playing, Photography, Video Editing, Spending Time Outdoors in Natural Settings, Visiting Theme Parks and Riding Roller Coasters.
Academic Advisor IOffice: SHPhone: 239-590-7203 -
Team Social Sciences
Toggle More InfoTeam Social Sciences Majors: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies, Legal Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
What do you like about academic advising?
Academic Advising is a very important component to aiding students in meeting their academic goals. I love being a part of the student's journey.
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Majors I advise: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies, Legal Studies, Sociology, Political Science.
Top five strengths: Dependable, Reliable, Impeccable Work Ethic, Ethical, Student Centered
Hobbies: Fitness, Outdoors, Biking, Healthy Cooking, and Grandchildren
Team Leader Social Sciences, Academic Advisor IIIOffice: MHPhone: 239-590-7477E-mail: jalterkay@fgcu.eduMajors I advise: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies, Legal Studies, Sociology, Political Science.Student Success CounselorOffice: MHPhone: 239-745-4424E-mail: bdietter@fgcu.eduWhat do you like about academic advising?
What I like about academic advising is the opportunity to build respectful relationships with students. It's motivating to see the trust students have in me to instruct and guide them on their academic journeys. I enjoy the many conversations I have with students - topics ranging from academics, career goals, personal matters to "crackin'" jokes. I love academic advising and my students will enjoy having me as their advisor.
Hometown: Manhattan (Harlem), NY and Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Majors I advise: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Geology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics
Top five strengths: Trustworthiness, Respectful, Dedicated, Honesty, Caring
Hobbies: Cooking (chef in my own right), Speed Driving, Karaoke, and Watching Reruns of 90's Sitcom "Martin" and "Whazup."
Academic Advisor IOffice: SHPhone: 239-590-7412E-mail: cnpeters@fgcu.edu
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Orientations
Toggle More InfoTransfer Students
Please familiarize yourself with CAS Advising, the degree evaluation process and other degree requirements that will assist you in your pursuit of a degree within the College of Arts & Sciences.
Your advising hold will be lifted once you attend the Eagle View Orientation and the CAS Advising session.
Transition
All First Year students have an Advising Hold (AV) placed on their accounts once they are eligible to transition from First Year Advising (FYA) to the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Advising. Students will be sent an invitation to a Canvas Transition Course. After accepting the course invitation, students should review these Canvas modules and familiarize themselves with CAS Advising, the degree evaluation process, and other degree requirements that will assist students in pursuit of degrees within the College of Arts & Sciences. In order to have the AV Hold removed, students must complete the Canvas course and earn a perfect score on the Transition Quiz, and attend an appointment with their CAS Academic Advisor. The AV Hold will then be removed within 48 business hours. Registration for future semesters will be restricted if the AV Hold remains active.
Please review the modules on your CAS Advising community on CANVAS to familiarize yourself with CAS Advising, the degree evaluation process and other degree requirements that will assist you in your pursuit of a degree within the College of Arts & Sciences.
Your advising hold will be lifted once you complete ALL modules in CANVAS.
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Responsibilities and Expectations
Toggle More InfoStUDENT ADVISORS Treat students, staff and faculty with respect. Treat students, staff and faculty with respect. Schedule an advising appointment at least once per semester for proactive planning. Arrive on time and prepared to appointments.
Arrive on time and prepared to appointments. Know degree requirements and sequencing. Stay current on curriculum changes and educate students on degree requirements and sequencing.
Know where to find answers to questions on campus and online. Know resources on campus and online, and build relationships with offices that serve students. Be engaged in the decision-making process regarding your academic career. Empower students to make purposeful decisions about their academic career.
Maintain active communication with advisors and other offices on campus by checking Eagle Mail regularly (once every 24 hours if wait-listed for a course).
Be accessible to students and faculty. Respond to phone calls and email within a reasonable amount of time (2 business days).
Know how to use Gulfline to search for courses and register based on your plan to graduation.
Know how to use the online degree evaluation.
Know where to find the academic calendar and adhere to relevant deadlines.
Know how to use Gulfline, Banner, online degree evaluation and Eagle Mail efficiently and accurately. Educate students on the effective use of the tools available to them. -
Forms
Toggle More InfoCollege of Arts & Sciences General Advising Forms
- CAS Advising Syllabus
- Change of Major/Minor
- Dual Major/Dual Degree Form
- Schedule Planning Worksheet
- Transient Instructions
College Research/Internship Forms
- Communication Internship Registration Form
- Please contact your Natural Science Advising team member to make an appointment to discuss your research/internship.
Non-Advising Forms
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Curriculum Maps
Toggle More InfoCurriculum Maps listed below are to be used as a general guideline for students and are based on the program requirements for the current catalog year. Some students' scheduling needs may vary based upon completed courses and transfer credits. Please see your advisor for assistance and verification.
Transfer Notes and Acceptable Substitutes:
- For All Majors: Students are strongly recommended to select required lower-division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.
Program Specific Curriculum Maps:
- Anthropololgy BA
- Art BA
- Biochemistry BS
- Biology BA
- Biology BS
- Biology BS Accelerated
- Biotechnology BS
- Chemistry BA
- Chemistry BS
- Communication BA
- Criminal Justice BS
- Digital Media Design BA
- English BA
- Environmental Geology BS
- Environmental Studies Ecology BA
- Environmental Studies Education BA
- Environmental Studies Water BA
- Forensic Science BS
- Forensic Studies BS
FAQ
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How should I select the classes I need to schedule each semester?
Toggle More InfoYou should select courses based on the following priorities:
During your first two years:
- Common course prerequisites for your major;
- General education requirements;
During your junior/senior years:
- Any of the above, which were not completed;
- Required courses for your major;
- Electives in your major;
- Concentration coursework (if applicable);
- University Colloquium
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I want to take a course at another institution and make sure the credits will count toward my degree. What should I do?
Toggle More InfoSchedule an appointment to see a CAS advisor, who will determine whether or not the course you wish to take will fulfill a requirement in your FGCU degree. You can fill out this transient form. Do not sign up for a course elsewhere before you have seen a CAS advisor.
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I want to take a class that is closed. What do I do?
Toggle More InfoSome courses have a wait-list function in the registration system. If a course is full and has a wait-list function, you can register yourself for the wait list. Further instructions.
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I cannot register because there is a hold on my record. What do I do?
Toggle More InfoVia Gulfline determine the source of the hold and contact the appropriate FGCU office to determine how to resolve the hold. -
When should I register for classes?
Toggle More InfoAs early as possible. Your priority registration date (based on number of earned hours) can be found on the Academic Calendar. This will give you the best chance of registering for the courses you want at the times you want them. You can change your registration via Gulfline at anytime until the end of the drop/add period at the end of the first week of classes. -
Do I need a “C” or better in the courses in my major?
Toggle More InfoYou must earn a “C” or better in all Composition & Computation courses, the common course prerequisites for your major, and all the coursework in your major. Remember: a C- is not a C. -
How can I check my degree evaluation?
Toggle More Info1. Log into Gulfline2. Click on Student and Financial Aid
3. Click on Student Records
4. Click on Degree Evaluation
Detailed instructions are available in DegreeWorks
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What should I do as I near graduation?
Toggle More InfoApplications to graduate must be submitted via Gulfline in the term of expected graduation by the deadline noted in the academic calendar. -
What is the Excess Hours Surcharge?
Toggle More InfoThe 2009 State Legislature enacted a student charge for excess hours. For students enrolling in a state university for the first time in or after the fall 2009 semester, a tuition rate surcharge will be applied for credit hours that exceed 120% of the completion requirements for the chosen degree program. The surcharge will apply to all “excess hours” and will amount to 50% of the tuition rate. For a program that requires 120 credit hours to graduate, all hours that exceed 144 count as excess.
In 2011 the legislature modified the statute and changed the threshold to 115% and a surcharge of 100% of the tuition rate for students entering in fall 2011 and later. For a program that requires 120 credit hours to graduate, all hours that exceed 138 (115% of 120) count as excess.
The law does allow for exceptions to the excess hour surcharge. For example, the courses taken under the following circumstances would not count as excess hours:
- Articulated accelerated credit (e.g. Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP, Dual Enrollment, etc.)
- Internship credit
- Certification/recertification and certificate program credits
- Credits withdrawn due to medical or personal hardship
- Credits taken by active-duty military personnel
- Credits required for a dual major
- Remedial and English as a Second Language (ESOL) credit
- Military Science credits in Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs
All students should make every effort to enroll in and complete only those courses that are required for their degree program. Repeating courses, changing majors and adding minors that are not required as part of a major may result in excess hours. Student should regularly review their degree audit and consult with an academic advisor to ensure that they are not enrolling in excess hours.