Academic Catalog

Student Success & Enrollment Management

The Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management is responsible for providing services and opportunities for students that will enhance their experiences at FGCU and support their efforts to engage the faculty during their academic studies. The goal of the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management is to complete the university experience of students through extracurricular activities and programs across the university.

Specifically, the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management develops programs and offers services that facilitate student academic progress and social maturation; assess student needs; assist students in understanding FGCU, policies, procedures, and governance, and to encourage campus involvement; enhance the social and cultural environment through student activities and programs; serve as an institutional resource with regard to information about students; promote an environment appreciative of ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity; encourage a public spirit among students that works towards the common good of Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida, the State, and global community.

Numerous offices dedicated to student development comprise the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management. These offices are described below.

Campus Recreation

The Department of Campus Recreation offers students, staff, and faculty recreational programs and facilities that contribute to the overall educational experience at FGCU.  The department provides programs and services that educate and encourage healthy lifestyle choices; fosters diversity in abilities, cultures, ideas, and beliefs; promotes student leadership and development; support being engaged with our community; and operate with a student-centered philosophy.  Currently, Campus Recreation is comprised of six program areas (Aquatics, Intramural Sports, Fitness, Sport Clubs, Informal Recreation, and Outdoor Pursuits) and operates five recreation facilities (Fitness Center, Outdoor Complex, Waterfront, Aquatic Center, and Recreation Fields).  Please visit the Campus Recreation website https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/campusrec/ or call 239-590-7935 for more information.

Eagle News

Eagle News, the student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University, is committed to representing diverse voices on campus with fairness and journalistic integrity. We select content for our publication, radio, TV, and our website that is relevant to the student body, faculty and staff of the FGCU community. Eagle News, founded in 1997, is the only student produced publication on campus and is entirely student run. For more information, visit http://www.eaglenews.org

Multicultural and Leadership Development

The Office of Multicultural and Leadership Development promotes academic and personal growth of our students through educational programs which foster and teach multicultural competencies and leadership development. This office promotes an institutional climate of justice, access and equity in higher education through retreats, resources, workshops, and mentoring programs. For more information, visit the website https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/mld/ or call 239-590-7991.

Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct at Florida Gulf Coast University serves to promote a safe and secure community of civility, integrity, and student learning while treating each student with dignity and respect. The Office serves as a resource for students concerning their rights and responsibilities to their community, as well as providing assistance to faculty, staff, and students regarding student conduct matters.
Please visit the website https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/ or call 239-590-7904 for more information.

Office of Student Involvement

The Office of Student Involvement creates an experiential learning environment to enrich students’ academic endeavors through programming, student organization membership and individual leadership development through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Programming Board, and Student Organization Development. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studentorgs/ or call 239-590-7739 for more information.

Student Government (SG)

The Student Government (SG) provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and abilities through student elected and appointed positions. One of the primary roles of SG is to be the “voice” of students. In this capacity, the SG facilitates the flow of information among the student body, faculty, staff, and administration. The SG provides a mechanism for addressing student concerns and provides opportunities to communicate suggestions that may enhance the student experience at FGCU. The SG is responsible for recommending the annual budget of the use of Activity and Service (A&S) funds to the University President through their legislative process. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/sg/ for more information.

Office of Housing and Residence Life

The Office of Housing and Residence Life offers housing options to students in three different residential communities. Their primary purpose is to provide a safe, well-maintained living accommodation for students while attending the university. The office fosters a living environment that supports the personal and academic growth of residents who live on campus. The office provides numerous resources and opportunities for students to engage and get involved in the university community. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other students from diverse backgrounds and cultures that will enable them to develop important relationships during their time here at FGCU. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/housing/ or contact the office by telephone 239-590-1700.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides accessible and quality counseling and therapy, consultation, outreach education, and assessment for the university community. Services are based on acceptance, understanding, respect and care for all who seek services. Currently registered students are eligible for free counseling services or can access testing for potential learning disorders at a significantly reduced rate. Counseling and Psychological Services is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.
If a student experiences a mental health crisis/emergency after hours, a licensed professional can be contacted through our 24-hour help line at 239-745-EARS (3277). Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/healthandsafety/caps/ or call 239-590-7950 for more information. To make an appointment, come to the CAPS office, 228 Howard Hall.

Prevention and Wellness Services

Prevention & Wellness Services (PWS) is the health and wellness education resource for FGCU students, encouraging them to live well and be well while in college. PWS provides programs and events to the student population on topics such as nutrition, alcohol, stress and sexual health. Leadership opportunities are available through Peers CARE, the PWS Peer Education group, where students receive training on various wellness topics and support the programming and efforts of PWS. Located on the first floor of Howard Hall, PWS also offers a free resource area, where students are welcome to come by and pick up information on virtually any wellness topic and talk to staff if desired. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/wellness/ or call 239-590-7733 for more information.

Student Health Services

Florida Gulf Coast University offers low cost, evidence based evaluation and treatment to our students. Located adjacent to Parking Garage 2, Student Health Services, a member of the American College Health Association, provides a variety of services including basic medical care, physical exams, gynecological exams and birth control, pregnancy testing, limited prescription medications, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, laboratory tests, free HIV testing, TB skin testing and immunization. An after hour's nurse telephone system is available to assist with any medical concerns while the clinic is closed. The staff consists of licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, RN's, and clerical staff. Student Health Services is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Please call 239-590-7966 for information or visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studenthealth/index.aspx.

Experiential Learning & Career Development

Career Development Services

Career Development Services (CDS) assists students in preparing for and achieving their career goals. A relationship with the Career Development Services office starts when the student arrives at FGCU. CDS provides assistance in career assessment, major selection, and occupational research through individual career advising. Students are encouraged to return often for assistance with internship selection, resume and cover letter critiques, interviewing preparations, graduate school counseling, personal branding, and job search strategy. CDS has well-developed relationships with area employers who attend our numerous career fairs and recruitment events. Jobs and internships are posted on Eagle Service Network https://fgcu-csm.symplicity.com/ and all career resources are on the department website. For more information, go to https://www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/, call 239-590-7946, or visit the CDS Office on the first floor of the Cohen Center.

Internships & Cooperative Programs

The Office of Internships & Cooperative Programs partners with employers to offer students meaningful work with a learning component related to their major and future career path. In addition to earning a degree, gaining meaningful on-the-job training offers students a competitive edge when they seek full-time employment upon graduation. The Office of Internships & Cooperative Programs promotes internship opportunities and offers elective credit for internship and co-op experiences. Please visit our website for more details https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internships/index.aspx and to review the requirements and credit options. Jobs and internships are posted on Eagle Service Network https://fgcu-csm.symplicity.com/. Please call 239-745-4423 or email icp@fgcu.edu for more information.

Service-Learning

One of the defining characteristics of Florida Gulf Coast University is its institutional commitment to service, put into practice through the civic engagement activities of faculty, staff, and students. Service-learning connects students to the community and the classroom to the real world. Through service-learning, students are both learners and teachers, sharing themselves and their knowledge and, in turn, learning from the clients and the environment where they serve. Because service-learning is such a powerful teaching tool and because service-learning sets the stage for continued community involvement, the University established service-learning as a requirement for graduation for undergraduate students.  Although there is no service-learning graduation requirement for graduate level students, they may be enrolled in courses that integrate service-learning as an effective teaching methodology and therefore would engage in service as a component of their coursework.

The office assists students in locating appropriate service agencies and documenting their service-learning graduation requirement. It is each student’s responsibility to know his or her classification at matriculation and to submit and document the required service-learning hours through Eagle Service Network, preferably one semester prior to graduation. For information on particular service-learning requirements, identifying and verifying service activities, and the process of documenting service hours, consult the department website at www.fgcu.edu/servicelearning or contact the department at ServiceLearning@fgcu.edu.

Academic Support Programs & Services

Office of TRiO and Outreach Programs

The purpose of TRiO and Outreach Programs is to provide programs and services that increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of typically underrepresented students at FGCU and in the Southwest Florida region. The federally funded TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) and Talent Search programs are designed to increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students, including low-income, first generation, and/or students with disabilities through identified support services. The state funded College Reach Out Program (CROP) was established in 1983 by the Florida Legislature in order to identify, motivate and prepare underrepresented middle and high school students to complete post-secondary education. The Scholars Program is a locally developed program which provides enrichment opportunities and promotes academic excellence in the elementary, middle, and high schools. Please visit the website https://www.fgcu.edu/trio/, or call 239-590-7834 for more information.

Adaptive Services

In accordance with the mission of Florida Gulf Coast University, it is essential for the university to provide services and accommodations to individuals who have a documented disabling condition, which could have adverse effects for the individual’s ability to learn and fully participate in events and activities, both inside and outside of the classroom. Individuals with a documented condition will be provided services and accommodations that will supplement their learning styles and aid them in becoming academically, professionally, and personally successful. Adaptive Services also promotes self-advocacy, and each individual receiving assistance will be guided to become independent and successful learners. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/adaptive/ or call 239-590-7956 (Video Phone: 239-243-9453) for more information.

Testing and Assessment

The Florida Gulf Coast University Testing Center is committed to providing testing services to students, faculty and the local community. The guiding principle of the FGCU Testing Center is service with dedication to the Professional Standards and Guidelines for Post-Secondary Testing, established by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), the Florida Association of College Test Administrators (FACTA), and the Consortium of College Testing Centers (CCTC).

The Student is our primary focus, within an environment of security and confidentiality. Through the instructional-based exams administered by the Testing Center, we strive to support and enhance a student's formal education in a manner that moves the student toward a successful future. To that end, we offer placement testing in Mathematics, CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams, Civic Literacy competency exams, professional exams for licensure, and certification exams for employment. This same level of service is provided to people in the local community who need to take exams for licensure and/or employment. As an auxiliary unit, we charge an administrative fee for all exams administered in our center. Please visit our website at https://www.fgcu.edu/testing/ for more information or send an email to testing@fgcu.edu. Our telephone number is 239-590-7955.

The Center for Academic Achievement

The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) is a learning and success center that provides targeted programming and services designed to maximize student’s ability to realize their academic goals. We support all FGCU students, offering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Through our Academic Success and Instructional Support programs students learn various strategies to be successful in and outside of the classroom. CAA Academic Coaching helps students with essential skills such as time management, test taking, study strategies, goal setting and motivation. While our Peer Tutors and Supplemental Instruction Leaders provide free support for select math, science and business courses. Writing Lab services are available to assist students in improving their writing skills for any type of writing. Writing Lab Consultants assist students in developing their abilities with prewriting, writing, and revising strategies. Writing Consultants also work with students to facilitate improvement in mechanics and documentation format.  

Find out more about the CAA at www.fgcu.edu/caa or send us an email at caa@fgcu.edu.

Office of the First Year Experience & Retention Programs

The mission of the Office of the First Year Experience is to assist new students and their families in making a smooth transition to the university setting by providing accurate, useful, and timely information that focuses on the resources of the institution as well as a complete understanding of the factors that impact success in college. The services of the office include orientation and transition programming, courses, activities and programs that foster academic engagement and academic success, and outreach to parents and families that is purposeful, caring, and student-centered. Based upon theoretical models of college student development, services are educationally-based, technologically enhanced, family centered, and delivered with courtesy and respect for all.

Eagle View Orientation

Required of every incoming student, attending Eagle View Orientation (EVO) facilitates the transition of new students and their families into FGCU by introducing them to the offices and services of the institution and helping them learn about the educational opportunities and personal responsibilities that come with being a college student. In this way, EVO supports the academic mission of the university by serving as the gateway to completing the FGCU experience. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/firstyearexperience/orientation/ for more information, or contact the office at 239-590-7875 or via email at orientation@fgcu.edu.

Parent and Family Programs

Parents and families perceive their student’s college journey as a shared experience to a much greater extent than ever before. In light of this complex cultural dynamic, it is imperative that the roles and responsibilities of the student, the university, and the family be appropriate and balanced to ensure the success of the students who attend FGCU. To that end, the Office of the First Year Experience provides programs and services to assist the university in clarifying the changing roles of the student and the family while acknowledging and supporting the rights of the family to know about, and be involved in, the college experience of their child. These services include Eagle View Orientation for parents and families, Eagle Family Weekend, an online newsletter, and multiple forms of outreach to the families of incoming and current students. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/firstyearexperience/orientation/parentfamilyorientation for more information or contact the office at 239-590-7875.

University Advising Services

University Advising Services staff of professional academic advisors provide academic advising to first-time-in-college (FTIC) and transfer students. Academic advising at FGCU is a holistic, developmental process that is designed to assist students in articulating their academic goals, selecting a major that is the best fit with academic interests and abilities, envisioning a career path to connect the major to the world of work, and taking the necessary steps to ensure academic success and timely graduation. Please visit the website at https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/advising/ for more information.

Hartley Academic Resource Center

The Hartley Academic Resource Center exclusively serves NCAA Division I student-athletes and is a joint endeavor between Student Success & Enrollment Management and the FGCU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The mission of the Center is to promote the academic success of our student-athlete population by providing programs and services that assist students in becoming skilled, independent learners who achieve their academic goals.

Although the services rendered at the Hartley Academic Resource Center are focused on the individual needs of student-athletes, our philosophy on academic support is to incorporate all campus resources available to all students into the study schedules of our student-athletes. The student-athletes are able to utilize the university Writing Center, Supplemental Instruction and Math/Science Walk-In Lab to assist them in academic success. Achieving excellence in our student-athletes both in and out of the classroom has always been the goal of the Athletics Department; partnering with campus to creates a unique relationship to achieve this goal. Included in FGCU Athletics' annual goals are to witness the collective student-athlete population equaling or exceeding the University's general undergraduate population's overall semester and cumulative grade point averages and graduation rate.

For more information visit https://fgcuathletics.com/facilities/hartley-academic-resource-center-harc-/1268.