Academic Catalog

A readmitted undergraduate student who has not been in attendance at FGCU for a period of at least three (3) years may apply to the Academic Standards Committee for academic amnesty. Specific details are published under Academic Amnesty in the Records & Registration section of the University Catalog.

Applicants denied admissions may appeal the decision to the Admissions Appeals Committee by a written request which must including new and compelling information that was not part of the original application. The Committee schedules meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters. These items must be submitted within 30 days of the denial date.

All items must be submitted in order to be considered for the admissions review process; moreover, Undergraduate Admissions will review these documents to determine if an applicant’s file will be reviewed by the admissions appeals committee. If selected for the appeals process, the file will be thoroughly reviewed by the committee.  Before pursuing this process, applicants should consider retesting (SAT or ACT), new grades, and/or other compelling new information.

The Committee schedules meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters. Notification of the Committee’s decision will be sent in writing within ten days after the Committee has reviewed the appeal. The Committee is chaired by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and is comprised of Associate Directors of Admission, and the Assistant Vice President for University Admissions.

If students are admitted to the University yet denied admission to a specialized admissions program, an appeal should be made to the specific program appeals committee. Students may access criteria and details on the specific program website.

Admission Appeals for Previous Conduct History

Applicants who are denied because of a conduct code issue may appeal; however, the documentation submitted in this situation is forwarded to the Dean of Students for review and as these types of appeals are not referred to the Admissions Appeals Committee. Applicants must provide any additional information from the courts (if applicable), provide a personal statement including supporting details as to why they are appealing the decision of the committee and a letter of reference from a teacher or counselor. The appeals documents must be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible - up to twelve months before the requested entry date. Application deadlines are listed on the Undergraduate Admissions website. Applicants still enrolled in high school at the time of the application should submit a high school transcript showing at least six semesters of course work. Students admitted to FGCU must submit a final high school transcript following high school graduation and prior to starting classes at FGCU.

Transfer students, with courses "In Progress" at the time of the initial application, must submit a final, official transcript showing grades for all course work and any degree conferred upon completion of the academic term. Admission remains contingent upon successful completion of in-progress coursework. Final official transcripts must be submitted prior to the start of classes.

Applications received after published website deadlines will be processed on a space-available basis. International students should refer to the section on International Admissions for appropriate deadlines.

English Proficiency: 

All students who completed high school or college in countries where English is not the primary language are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores that meet the minimum admission requirements. This requirement is not limited to international students.

The latest information regarding the application process is found on the Florida Gulf Coast University’s website. Student may apply online using the FGCU application or Common Application with a non-refundable $30.00 application fee. Admissions decisions are made by application type (Early Action vs Regular Admission). Applicants who receive a decision of “On Hold” are encouraged to furnish additional or updated information. The time for evaluating completed admission records will vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications under consideration.

Application Fees

Application fees for Undergraduate and Non-degree seeking students are required and non-refundable unless the student receives an application fee waiver. The application fee is a one-time payment per application. If the student fails to complete the application, is denied admission or once admitted does not matriculate within this one year a new application and fee are required.

Students returning to FGCU after a period of non-enrollment (three semesters) either as degree seeking or non-degree seeking, FGCU alumni returning to FGCU, and non-degree seeking students submitting a degree seeking application do not have to submit the application fee. Application fees will be waived in the following situations:

• When students submit a Request for Waiver of College Application Fee from the SAT or ACT Program Fee Waiver Service. These forms are obtained from the High School counselors. Students must submit these once they are completed to Undergraduate Admissions by mail, fax or electronically. Application fee waivers received and opened by the university may not be transferred to a third party or the applicant and become the sole property of FGCU. The SAT or ACT Test Fee Waiver forms will not be accepted as application fee waivers.

• Students may submit an Application for Fee Waiver Form from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). These forms are obtained from NACAC, then given to the High School counselor who then must mail the Fee Waiver Form directly to Undergraduate Admissions. In order to be considered, the waiver must be for the current year and include verification that the student is eligible to use the form, along with the designated school official's signature and the high school's raised seal or stamp. Application fee waivers received and opened by the university may not be transferred to a third party or the applicant and become the sole property of FGCU.

• For special programs initiated by the University that are designed to help specific groups of students who would otherwise not be able to attend the University. Request to waive the application fees for students in these programs should be made to the Assistant Vice President for University Admissions well in advance of the program start.

A student admitted to FGCU who does not matriculate (enroll) the semester to which he or she has been admitted, and who does not attend another post-secondary institution of higher education, may request a change of admission to a future term by submitting a change of term form within their Future Eagle Account. A change of application term may be granted for up to 3 terms after, or 1 term before, the original application term. The applicant’s request will be processed if space is available and he or she is admissible for the new term. Admissions for the new term is not guaranteed. If an applicant was denied admissions, or this is his or her second request to change an admissions term, a new application and fee must be submitted. A denied applicant cannot submit this form. If a student attends another post-secondary institution in the interim, an official transcript of all work attempted is required. A new application and application fee are required when deferring admission to a term beginning more than three terms after the original admission term or if the student requests a change of term for the second time.

It is the responsibility of an applicant to notify other FGCU departments of a change in admission term to ensure proper withdrawal from classes to avoid tuition & fee charges, release of housing and associated fees and deferment of financial aid (if applicable). An applicant interested in specialized admissions programs should contact program leaders for more information. Any applicant previously awarded a Tuition Waiver must re-apply for a waiver for the new term.

• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall review college credit submitted by an applicant which was earned through military training or coursework which is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE).
• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall utilize the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (as listed on the Joint Services Transcript (JST) or the Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCA)) in order to determine equivalency and alignment of military training or coursework with University courses.
• If it is determined that the military training or coursework is equivalent to and fulfills a general education or major course or degree program requirement, the training or coursework will be credited the student’s degree plan. Alternative course credit, including free elective course credit, will be granted if the coursework is not equivalent to a general education, major course, or degree program requirement.
• Articulation credit earned via military training and coursework that was previously evaluated and awarded by a college degree granting institution which is part of the State University System of Florida, and that is appropriate to the transfer student’s major at the University, will be accepted, subject to the University’s limit on the amount and level of transfer credit allowed for a given degree.
• Credit awarded for military education and training shall be noted on the student’s transcript and documentation of the credit equivalency evaluation shall be maintained in the student’s education record.

View the Military Experience Equivalency List for more information on College Credit for Military Training, Courses, and Occupations.

Section 1007.27(2), Florida Statutes, requires the Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) to establish passing scores and course and credit equivalents for Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced International Certificate of Education Program (AICE), International Baccalaureate (IB), DSST (DANTES), Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), UExcel (Excelsior College Exams), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Public community colleges and universities in Florida are required to award the minimum recommended credit for AP, AICE, IB, DSST, DLPT, UExcel (Excelsior), and CLEP exams as designated. If a student achieves the score listed on an AP, AICE, IB, DSST, DLPT, UExcel (Excelsior), or CLEP exam, state universities and community colleges must award the minimum recommended credit for the course or course numbers listed, even if they do not offer the course. Up to 45 total credit-by-exam credits may be awarded for guaranteed transfer. Credits earned through Credit by Exam that exceed 45 semester credit hours may be transferred at the discretion of the receiving institution.

CREDIT BY EXAM

Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Students must submit an official Advanced Placement transcript from The College Board as evidence of completion of a college-level course taken in high school. If the examination results meet the requirements in the equivalency table listed in the University catalog, the student may be given University credit. The courses listed indicate the FGCU course equivalency that will appear on the student's FGCU transcript. AP equivalence will count toward Communication and Computation Skills (previously known as Gordon Rule requirements) if the equivalent course fulfills the Communication and Computation Skills. AP credit will appear on the student's permanent record. Refer to the AP Examination table for equivalent courses based on AP exam scores.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students must submit an official transcript from The College Board for scores to be considered for credit. CLEP examination scores must meet the minimum standards established by the State University System and FGCU. CLEP credit will appear on the student's permanent record. CLEP credit will count toward Communication and Computation Skills if the equivalent FGCU course fulfills the Communication and Computation Skills. CLEP credit does not factor into the GPA because a grade is not associated with CLEP credit. Refer to the CLEP Examination Table for equivalent courses based on CLEP scores.

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
Students may be awarded up to 30 semester hours of credit in FGCU courses for scores of four (4) or higher on IB exams, in accordance with the equivalency table in the University catalog. IB equivalence will count toward Communication and Computation Skills if the equivalent course fulfills the Communication and Computation Skills. Refer to the IB Examination Table for equivalent courses based on IB scores.

Advanced International Certificate of Education Program (AICE)
The AICE program is an international curriculum and examination program modeled on the British pre-college curriculum and "A-Level" exams. Students enrolled in an AICE program are eligible to receive post-secondary college credit only if they achieve a passing score on the corresponding AICE examination.  Students may be awarded up to 30 credits earned via the AICE program.  Refer to the AICE Equivalency Table for equivalent courses based on AICE scores.

OTHER ACCELERATION PROGRAMS

Military Service
Official credentials from military service schools will be evaluated on the basis of American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. Credit may be granted when courses are equivalent to those offered by FGCU; however, recommendations by the ACE are not binding upon the University. For more information, refer to Transfer of Coursework section as well.

Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
These tests are designed to test student's knowledge in a variety of college-level subjects and credit will be accepted based on recommendations for exams and passing scores as determined by the State Board of Education. Refer to the Dantes Equivalency Table for equivalent courses based on DSST scores.

Credit by Examination
FGCU colleges and departments may offer examinations for academic credit to undergraduate students upon request. The colleges or departments must be directly contacted concerning the availability of examinations.

Articulation Agreements
Articulation agreements between FGCU and several Florida public community colleges allow students with Associate of Science (AS) degrees in some areas to enter FGCU with upper level status.

FGCU has full-time (early-admission) and part-time (dual enrollment) agreements with local school boards and private schools for academically talented eleventh and twelfth grade students who would like to challenge themselves by enrolling at FGCU through one of our Early College Programs. 

The Accelerated Collegiate Experience (ACE) Program offers full-time enrollment to students living in Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, or Lee county. Students must be full-time residents of one of the participating counties and registered with a public high school, participating private high school, or as a home education student with one of the participating counties. Courses completed through the ACE Program will count towards high school graduation and University degree completion.

The Collegiate Academy Programs through Bonita Springs High School and Gateway High School offer full-time enrollment to qualified students attending the respective high school. Courses completed through the Collegiate Academy Program will count towards high school graduation and University degree completion.

FGCU may enter into part-time dual-enrollment agreements with local school districts to implement specific programs.

Criteria for Early College Programs:

An applicant for dual enrollment must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate exceptional academic ability and college readiness,
• Be enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, and
• Meet the minimum GPA, test score requirements, and eligibility requirements as established in the dual enrollment agreement.
• Specific admission requirements and the application procedures are available through the Early College Programs office. Students should consult the Early College Programs website for specific information regarding application requirements, required documents, and deadlines.

Required Admission Materials for the ACE Program:

Students should consult the ACE website for the application procedure including deadlines and required documents.

First-Time-In-College Students (FTIC), are defined as students who have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent and who have earned no more than eleven (11) semester hours of transferrable credit after high school graduation. FTIC applicants who earn transferable college credit, regardless of the total number, before graduating high school are considered freshman (FTIC). Applicants must submit an application for admission, official transcripts of all secondary work from each post-secondary institution as appropriate, and official ACT or SAT test scores.

An FTIC student must be a graduate of a Florida public or regionally accredited high school, or its equivalent, and have completed 18 Carnegie units which are year-long courses and not remedial in nature. At a minimum, the following units must be completed: 4 units of English (at least three with substantial writing); 4 units of mathematics at the level of algebra I or higher (algebra A, B is equivalent to one unit of algebra I); 3 units of natural science (at least two with a laboratory); 3 units of social science (includes anthropology, history, civics, political science, economics, psychology, sociology or geography); 2 units of the same foreign language (American Sign Language can substitute for a foreign language) (see section 4 below regarding foreign language competency); and 2 academic electives. Students who entered high school as a freshman prior to July 1, 2007 are required to complete 3 units of mathematics and 3 academic electives. FGCU will utilize a weighted GPA as determined by Undergraduate Admissions. Weighted GPAs include one point for credits earned in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) courses, and Dual Enrollment courses for grades of C or higher. One-half point for honors courses, Pre-AICE, and Pre-IB for grades of C or higher.

Academic and elective courses are listed in the Counseling for Future Education Handbook published by the Florida Department of Education. Initial application review is based on high school weighted grade point average (GPA) in the academic units and performance on standardized admission tests. Acceptable tests include the SAT, or the ACT.

Each FTIC student admitted to FGCU is expected to demonstrate competency of foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher (Spanish 2 for example). A limited number of students not meeting the high school foreign language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Meeting Minimum Requirements

A freshman applicant who meets the Minimum Freshman Eligibility Requirements as listed above is not guaranteed admission to the University, even though everything possible will be done to admit all qualified applicants who apply by specified application deadlines. However, if the number of qualified freshman applicants exceeds the number the University can enroll; admission will be on a selective basis.

Talented Twenty. Any student ranked in the top 20% of his or her Florida public high school and has passed all required academic units, may be admissible to FGCU and admitted on a space available basis.

Non-traditional program of study. Any applicant who completed a non-traditional high school program of study, which is not measured in Carnegie Units, such as home schooling, or a student who presents a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) instead of a standard high school diploma, may not qualify for admission based on the criteria listed above. Students applying for Spring 2017 and later must present a combined score of at least 1060 on the rSAT (or concordant combined Critical Reading, Math and Writing score) or an ACT composite score of 21. Sub-sections of each test must be above the minimum/remedial levels as described above.

Alternative Assessment. A student applying for admission who does not meet these requirements may be eligible for admission through a student alternative assessment, which considers additional factors, including, but not limited to, the following: a combination of test scores and GPA that indicate a potential for success, improvement in high school record, military service, family educational background, socioeconomic status, graduation from a low-performing high school, graduation from an international baccalaureate program, the length of time since high school graduation, geographic location, creativity, character, and special talents or abilities. These additional factors shall not include preferences in the admissions process for applicants on the basis of race, national origin, or gender. These students may be admitted if, in the judgment of the Admissions Committee, there is sufficient evidence that the student can be expected to succeed at the institution.

• The number of FTIC students admitted each year through profile assessment shall not exceed 10% of the total number of admitted FTIC students.

• Students admitted through profile assessment shall be monitored and provided a learning plan to help ensure that their retention and graduation rates remain at or near the institution’s average. Each year a report will be provided to the FGCU Board of Trustees reviewing the success of these students.

• Any FTIC or Transfer student with a learning disability shall be eligible for reasonable substitution or modification of any requirement for admission pursuant to Board of Governors Regulation 6.018.

A returning student is any former FGCU degree-seeking undergraduate student who has not earned a degree, who has not been enrolled at FGCU for three semesters, and who wishes to re-enroll. The former student must submit a new application for admission by the appropriate application deadline. A new application fee is not required. Students should refer to the Readmission Student Website for guidance on application processes. Readmission to FGCU does not equate to readmission into a specific academic program. Students who do not meet stated progression requirements, or criteria for admission into a specialized admissions program, will need to select an alternate program of study. Additionally, students who left FGCU in poor academic standing should refer to the Academic Standing Policy for guidance and reinstatement options. Students enrolled in an FGCU approved study abroad program are exempt from this requirement and will be permitted to re-enroll upon their return to FGCU. To be readmitted, a student must (a) be in good standing and eligible to return to the last institution attended, including FGCU; and (b) have achieved a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college-level academic courses attempted. Students enrolled in an FGCU approved study abroad program are exempt from this requirement and will be permitted to re-enroll upon their return to FGCU.

Florida Gulf Coast University ("University" or "FGCU") encourages application from all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or veteran's status. Undergraduate Admissions provides prospective students, parents, and other interested individuals with admission counseling, presentations, tours, and informational workshops. All credentials and documents submitted during the admission (from submission of the application to rendering of an admission decision) and enrollment (from admission decision to registration for course work) process become the property of FGCU and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution, agency or person. Furnishing any false or fraudulent statements or information in connection with the admission or enrollment process may result in disciplinary action, denial of admission, and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to programs designated as specialized admissions, teacher certification, or other programs that have application criteria beyond the minimum criteria for admission to the University. Program descriptions provide additional admission requirements and application deadlines.

The State University System of Florida/FGCU requires all students born AFTER December 31, 1956 to present documented vaccine proof or lab immunity to MMRs, (Measles (Rubeola) and German Measles (Rubella))

Requirements

• Effective 06/01/11 the vaccination date must be in the following format: MM/DD/YY (Month/Day/Year) must be provided on documents. Month/Year will not be accepted
• 2 MMR vaccine dates (Measles/Rubella) After 1971 OR positive Rubella/ Rubeola/Mumps lab/titer results. (MUST HAVE actual lab results)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (3) shot series OR select the FGCU waiver located in your SHS Portal.
• 1 Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine administered AFTER age 16 OR select the FGCU waiver located in your SHS Portal. Note*** Meningitis B will not fulfill the FGCU requirements, although, it is highly recommended.
• If you are a PREVIOUS/RETURNING FGCU student or APPLIED TO GRAD SCHOOL please call 239-590-1254 as we may have your documents on file (have your UIN ready).

DO NOT drop off, mail, email or fax records. Documents must be uploaded to your SHS Portal for processing. Once you have your documentation please visit http://fgcu.studenthealthportal.com to upload.

For inquires or to schedule an appointment please email immune@fgcu.edu.

Please visit https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studenthealth/immunizations for all immunization information.

FGCU is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Applicants are classified as international if they are not United States citizens, dual citizens, or permanent residents, and if they are applying for an F-1 student visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa (Exchange visitors are classified as either scholar or student). International students may apply to study in any degree program or major for which the University has been granted authorization by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Student Exchange Visitor Program, or U.S. Department of State to enroll international students. Degree majors with program designs and limitations that do not comply with federal regulations or are pending federal approval are not open to international student applicants. 

International students must meet admission criteria at the level of entrance for the program to which they apply, as well as the following:

1. International students must have all credentials and admission information submitted to Undergraduate Admissions prior to the published deadline on the Admissions website for international students. Students whose applications are not completed by these respective dates (all elements of the application process including submission of required documents, transcripts and evaluations, test scores and application fee, etc.) may be changed to the next fall or spring term for admission.
   
   
2. Transcripts must be in the original sealed envelope of the issuing institution to be considered official. Any transcript that is not in English or if the course work has not been taken in a U.S. institution must be accompanied by a certified evaluation. For academic work completed at non-U.S. institutions, a credential evaluation is required for all undergraduate and graduate programs. All coursework required for an admissions decision must be evaluated by an international evaluation agency. Agency recommendations are listed on the University's international admission website. If you have previously attended FGCU in pursuit of a degree, you do not need to submit your FGCU transcripts. All documents submitted become the property of FGCU and cannot be returned or forwarded. A course by course evaluation is required for any college courses taken and is recommended for high school equivalency unless a GPA is included in the evaluation. If so, then a document by document evaluation will suffice. You need to request that the agency send the results directly by mail to Undergraduate Admissions as an official document.
   
   
3. International students currently attending any institution in the United States must submit a visa clearance form issued by FGCU to be completed by their current school designating Florida Gulf Coast University as their transfer institution and confirming their status as an F or J visa holder.
   
   
4. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency in accordance with University policy, and will be required to submit satisfactory evidence to demonstrate English proficiency based on the following options:
   
   
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores unless the country of origin uses English as the official language.
1. A minimum score of 213 is required on the computerized TOEFL, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, and 550 on the paper-based TOEFL.
2. Some academic programs may require a TOEFL score greater than the minimum (see program requirements).
   
   
2. With the approval of the Assistant Vice President for Admissions and the appropriate dean, applicants may furnish satisfactory evidence of English competency in lieu of the TOEFL. Examples of satisfactory evidence include, but are not limited to:
1. Completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System, www.IELTS.org) with a minimum score of 6.5.
2. Completion of ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 (or equivalent) with a grade of C or higher;
3. Receipt of an AA degree from a Florida public institution;
4. A Bachelor's Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution;
5. Completion of the Duolingo English test with a minimum score of 110;
6. Graduation from a United States high school where instruction was in English if enrolled for at least four (4) years; or
7. An English Language proficiency assessment by a certified ESL faculty. Proficiency assessment will include the following: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The certified ESL faculty will provide Undergraduate Admissions with a written evaluation of the assessment and their recommendation that the international student has the language skill to do full-time university work.
   
   
5. The applicant must file a Financial Statement Letter confirming availability of specific funds to finance the first year of study before the University issues the appropriate documents for obtaining a visa. The Financial Statement cannot be more than 6 months old, prior to the beginning of the term for which the applicant has submitted their application. Examples of the Financial Support Letters can be found in the International Admissions Guide.
   
   
6. A J-1 student's Financial Statement must document that the student is directly or indirectly financed by the U.S. government, the government of their home country, an international organization of which the U.S. is a member (by treaty or statute) or if they are substantially supported by funding from any source other than personal or family funds, including an FGCU tuition waiver.
   
   
7. No international student in F or J non-immigrant status shall be permitted to register, or continue enrollment, without demonstrating that the student has adequate medical insurance coverage for illness and accidental injury and which meets the minimum requirements set forth in FGCU-PR4.008 and the Board of Governors Regulation 6.009.
   
   
8. International students are subject to the same University policies and procedures that apply to all students, such as admission, enrollment, immunization, etc. Additionally, international students are obligated to follow and comply with the laws and regulations set by the United States Department of State, United States Department of Homeland Security and/or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which may determine the student's eligibility for enrollment, residency status, limitations on credit hours or semesters of study, limitations on enrollment of distance learning courses and length of presence in the U.S.

All admitted undergraduate students must satisfy the statewide foreign language admission requirement by demonstrating competency of foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher.  A limited number of students not meeting the high school foreign language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to completion of the associate of arts or baccalaureate degree.  These students may meet the foreign language admission requirement by demonstrating competency at the elementary 2 level in one foreign language or American Sign Language at an undergraduate institution.  Competency can also be demonstrated through other means approved by the institution.  Applicants whose native language is not English must also satisfy this requirement, but may do so with appropriate course work in their native language.

A student may be exempt from the state university foreign language requirement if one of the following criteria is met:

1.  Received an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public community college prior to September 1, 1989; or

2.  Enrolled in an Associate of Arts program at Florida public community colleges prior to August 1989 and maintained continuous enrollment until admission to and enrollment in FGCU; or

3.  Has a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university; or

4.  Can demonstrate equivalent foreign language competence through credit awarded
on the basis of scores on the foreign language subject matter examinations in the
College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which must be equivalent to elementary 2 level college coursework (see CLEP Examination Table).

Transfers with less than 30 transferrable hours:

Students who are lower division transfer applicants (those with at least 12 but fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must meet all requirements of incoming first-time-in-college applicants as described in the above section. These students must also have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the University and be eligible to return as a degree- seeking student in good standing to the last institution attended. Lower division transfer students who meet minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission into FGCU.

Transfers with 30 or more but less than 60 transferrable hours:

Lower division transfer students with 30 or more but less than 60 transferrable hours must have a minimum transfer GPA of 2.5 (based on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the University, and be eligible to return as a degree seeking student in good standing to the last institution attended. In addition, students must have successfully completed, with a C or Higher, at least one English Composition course and one college level mathematics course of at least three (3) semester credit hours. High school transcripts may be required to demonstrate completion of the foreign language admission requirement. Students not meeting these requirements must then meet the requirements for transfer students with less than 30 transferrable hours. Lower division transfer students who meet minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission into FGCU.

A limited number of lower division transfer students not meeting admission criteria may be admitted if the student can reasonably be expected to complete satisfactory academic work.  Factors such as the number of post-secondary hours completed, grades obtained, coursework completed, and length of time since high school graduation are some of the factors that will be considered.

Non-degree seeking enrollment allows a student to enroll in courses on a space available basis and has been established for those individuals who do not have an immediate intention to pursue a degree program. Former FGCU degree seeking students who have not completed a degree program will not normally be permitted to enroll in a non-degree seeking category.  Successful completion of courses while in this classification does not provide a basis for regular admission at a later date. Students seeking graduate courses on a non-degree-seeking basis are considered Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bac) and should reference Graduate Admissions requirements.

Students enrolling in this classification are subject to the following regulations:

1. Non-degree seeking students are subject to the same University rules and regulations as degree seeking students.
2. International students may only enroll as non-degree seeking students with permission from the University due to limitations of certain visa statuses and federal regulations.
3. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to receive financial aid.
4. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to stay in University housing or to receive University honors.
5. A degree seeking student denied admission to FGCU may not subsequently enroll as a non-degree seeking student. This restriction will be waived if the student subsequent to the denial from FGCU has completed a degree program or has been a student in good academic standing at another postsecondary institution. Official transcripts will be required in these cases.
6. A non-degree seeking student dismissed from the University will not be eligible for
   admission as a degree seeking student.
7. A non-degree seeking student is limited to 30 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. A college may waive this restriction for students wishing to enter specific degree programs in special circumstances.
8. Hours taken at FGCU as a non-degree-seeking student cannot be used to meet the 60 transferable hours required for admission as an upper division student.
9. A non-degree seeking student must be in good academic standing at his/her previous institution (including FGCU) and eligible to return.
10. Registration for classes is on a space-available basis; subject to any required course prerequisites and other restrictions as determined by the applicable College or Program.
11. Registration is in accordance with the deadlines posted on the academic calendar.
12. Former degree seeking students at FGCU who have not completed a degree program will not normally be permitted to enroll in a non-degree seeking category.

Application Procedure

Application procedures for non-degree seeking students or transient students are provided on the Non-Degree Admissions website.

Freshman in high school earning an AA Degree from a public Florida college or university

Freshman applicants in high school earning an AA Degree include: High school students participating in dual enrollment and other acceleration programs who are on track to earn an associate in arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution.

Freshman in high school earning an AA may choose to apply as a First-Time in College/Freshman or as a Freshman earning an AA Degree.  Once you make your decision you may not change it.

Students that apply as a First-Time in College/Freshman will be eligible for Freshman Merit Awards by applying early and standardized test scores are required.

Students that apply as a Freshman earning an AA Degree will be eligible for Transfer Scholarships and standardized test scores are optional. Students who would benefit from the A.A. admissions option have the choice to submit official ACT/SAT test scores. Please keep in mind students may find their admission offer rescinded if they do not complete their A.A.

All students are required to respond to the questions related to prior conduct on the University admissions application and are subject to a conduct clearance prior to admission. Florida Board of Governors’ Regulation 6.001(7) authorizes universities to refuse admission to applicants due to past misconduct. The Dean of Students or designee reviews all applications disclosing information regarding any academic or conduct violation. Applicants must submit to the Student Conduct Office information regarding academic or legal violation including but not limited to, criminal charges, convictions, criminal traffic violations, a conduct case at another institution, or pending FGCU Student Code of Conduct charges. Decisions are made in the best interest of the University community consistent with state and federal law. A misrepresentation in the response to the conduct history questions may result in a rescinding of admission.

Graduates from regionally accredited four-year U.S. institutions may apply for admission to work toward a second bachelor's degree. The first baccalaureate degree satisfies the general education and writing skills requirements, and provides exemption from the foreign language requirement for admission. Second baccalaureate degree applicants should submit all transcripts and an undergraduate application for acceptance into the University. Individual programs may have additional requirements over and above that which is required to gain University admission including a supplemental application, minimum GPA, pre-requisite courses and test scores.  Students should verify specific program requirements prior to commencing the application process.

A specialized admissions program is one where program admission and registration in program classes are restricted to a certain number of students meeting pre-determined criteria. This means that you are initially accepted into the university as a pre-major and then you must submit a supplemental application for consideration for acceptance into a specialized admissions undergraduate major. Specialized admissions status is justified where student demand exceeds available resources (student/faculty ratios, instructional facilities, equipment or specific accrediting requirements) or students require minimum skills to be admitted into the program (such as Music or PGA Golf Management). Specialized admissions programs have separate admissions processes and selection criteria. Not all students who meet the selection criteria are admitted into these majors. The selection process is competitive and space is limited in each incoming class.

Degree programs that require a supplemental application due to specialized admissions are listed below. Admission to FGCU does not guarantee admission to any of these programs.

Marieb College of Health & Human Services:

• BS Clinical Laboratory Science
• BSN Nursing

College of Arts & Sciences:

• BME Music Education
• BA Music - Performance
• BMT Music Therapy
• BA Music

Lutgert College of Business:

• BS PGA Golf Management

A student who is requesting a reasonable substitution or modification for any requirements for admission into an undergraduate program due to a disability must provide appropriate documentation (less than three years old) that supports the ability to succeed at the university level.  The Admissions Appeals Committee will review this petition for admission.  The admission decision will be made on an individual basis from documentation provided by the student.  If an admission test score is required for the specific category of undergraduate admission, the test score will not be waived.

Official transcripts and test scores, if applicable, are required of applicants seeking formal admission to FGCU. To be official such documents must be sent directly to FGCU from the issuing institution and must be received by the published deadlines. It is the applicant's responsibility to have the required documentation forwarded to the FGCU Office of Admissions in order for the application to be processed. All materials and fees (except the on-line application) may be mailed to Florida Gulf Coast University, Office of Admissions, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565. Documents may also be electronically transmitted using recognized services. Official test scores (ACT or SAT), a high school transcript, and transcripts of all previously attended colleges and universities should be sent to the Office of Admissions.

The Office of Admissions is responsible for receiving and evaluating transfer credit. The office evaluates the acceptability of total credits transferable to FGCU and identifies total credits accepted at the lower division (1000 and 2000 level courses). The college of the student’s major assigns equivalent upper division (3000 and 4000 level) courses and graduate (5000 and 6000 level) courses in determining which courses are applicable toward specific degrees.

The University reserves the right to evaluate transfer courses on an individual basis. Age and concordance of content to current requirements may be factors in determining course transfer and acceptance toward degrees; individual colleges and programs have the authority to establish age standards for acceptance of transfer courses.

FGCU evaluates transfer coursework taken at another college or university if that institution is accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by one of the following regional accrediting associations:

1. New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. /Commission on Institutions of Higher Education;
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools;
3. Higher Learning Commission;
4. Northwest Commission on Association of Schools and Colleges;
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges; or
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities and Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Notwithstanding, transfer credit from all post-secondary education institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

General guidelines for awarding transfer credit:

• Credit is not given for technical, vocational, physical education, or pre-college courses, or for courses completed below a grade of D-.
• Credit by departmental examination from another institution and credits awarded by another institution solely based on SAT or ACT scores will not be accepted by FGCU.
• Courses with a transfer grade of C- or below may not be used toward satisfaction of computational and communication requirements.
• An equivalent FGCU course number will be entered on the student’s official academic transcript.
• Transfer credits will not be computed into a student’s FGCU institutional GPA for FGCU coursework, but will be included in the student’s overall GPA.
• All coursework completed in an international post-secondary institution required for an admissions decision must be evaluated by an international evaluation agency. Agency recommendations are listed on the international admission website.  A course-by-course evaluation is required.  The applicant pays for this service and contacts the evaluating agency directly.
• All transfer credit evaluations are completed during the evaluation process to determine admission to the University. Only official transcripts will be evaluated.
• Transfer students from non-regionally accredited Florida institutions that follow the state common course numbering system may have a limited number of courses credited.
• Transfer of credit from an institution based on the quarter system will be converted to the semester system by multiplying the credit by a factor of .67.
• Transfer credit earned through the Statewide Course Numbering System is acceptable, based on the System’s guidelines. 
• Transfer course credits that exceed the number of credits for that equivalent course at FGCU will be split and articulated as separate credit.  (Example: STA 2023 for 4 credits at the issuing institution will be articulated as STA 2023 for 3 credits and STA XXXX for 1 credit).  Articulation officers should keep the same prefix for the excess credits to allow for attaching of appropriate course attributes.
• When determining excess hours for transfer courses taken prior to 2016 the same methodology may be used.  While the student's academic articulation history will not be changed the hours may be deducted from the excess hours report.

College Credit for Military Training and Education Courses:

• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall review college credit submitted by an applicant which was earned through military training or coursework which is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE).
• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall utilize the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (as listed on the Joint Services Transcript (JST) or the Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCA)) in order to determine equivalency and alignment of military training or coursework with University courses.
• If it is determined that the military training or coursework is equivalent to and fulfills a general education or major course or degree program requirement, the training or coursework will be credited the student’s degree plan. Alternative course credit, including free elective course credit, will be granted if the coursework is not equivalent to a general education, major course, or degree program requirement.
• Articulation credit earned via military training and coursework that was previously evaluated and awarded by a college degree granting institution which is part of the State University System of Florida, and that is appropriate to the transfer student’s major at the University, will be accepted, subject to the University’s limit on the amount and level of transfer credit allowed for a given degree.
• Credit awarded for military education and training shall be noted on the student’s transcript and documentation of the credit equivalency evaluation shall be maintained in the student’s education record.

College Credit for Online Courses Completed Prior to Initial Enrollment

• If requested by an applicant prior to the student’s initial term of enrollment in undergraduate education, FGCU shall evaluate online coursework. Credit will be awarded if the academic program determines the online course content and learning outcomes are comparable to FGCU offered courses, the online course meet the quality and accreditation standards intended for transfer courses, and the online course is relevant to the applicant’s intended program of study.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to initiate the request for review of such online coursework. The request should be made to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and include an official transcript, course description, and syllabus.  Additional documentation made be required as determined by the reviewing academic program.
• A student denied transfer of online coursework may submit a written appeal to the appropriate College Dean.
• Credit awarded by the University for online coursework will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Admission of Associate of Arts (AA) degree graduates from Florida College System institutions, state colleges, and state universities will be governed by the Articulation Agreement between the state universities and Florida College System institutions, as approved by the Board of Governors and State Board of Education. These Florida Associate in Arts graduates shall receive priority for admission over out-of-state transfer students. The agreement states that, except for specialized admissions programs, admission as a junior to the upper division of the University may be granted to any graduate of a state-approved Florida College System institution or State University System institution who transfers to FGCU, who has completed the university parallel program, and who has received the AA degree which includes all of the following:

• AA degree has been awarded and posted on official college transcript;
• Completed at least 60 semester hours of academic work excluding occupational, remedial and physical education courses;
• Completed an approved general education program of at least 36 semester hours;
• Has a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the University and is eligible to return as a degree-seeking student in good standing (with at least a 2.0 GPA) to the last institution attended; and
• Completion of requirements for English and mathematics courses as adopted by the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education.

Each transfer student admitted to FGCU is expected to demonstrate competency of foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher (Spanish 2 for example). A limited number of students not meeting foreign language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Transfer students must submit an application for admission to the University and official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended. In addition, a High School Transcript showing graduation date is required.

Individual programs may have additional requirements over and above that which is required to gain University admission including a supplemental application, minimum GPA, pre-requisites courses, and test scores. Students should verify specific program requirements prior to commencing the application process.

Students with at least 60 semester hours of transferable credit (as determined by the Office of Admissions) are not required to submit test scores for admission to the University.  Transfer students must submit the application to the University as well as an official transcript from every postsecondary institution attended. Upper division transfer students who meet minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission into FGCU.

A transfer student must also have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the University and be eligible to return as a degree-seeking student in good standing (with at least a 2.0 GPA) to the last institution attended. A transfer student also must have completed at least two college level math and English courses with grade of C or higher.

Each Transfer student admitted to FGCU is expected to demonstrate competency of foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher (Spanish 2 for example). A limited number of students not meeting the foreign language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Individual programs may have additional requirements over and above that which is required to gain University admission including a supplemental application, minimum GPA, pre-requisites courses, and test scores.  Students should verify specific program requirements prior to starting the application process.

FGCU has entered into articulation agreements with several public Florida State/Community Colleges for the purpose of facilitating transfer into FGCU degree programs. Applicants who have received an Associate of Science degree immediately prior to transferring to FGCU will be admitted if, and only if, the following requirements are met:

• the AS degree is in one of the approved disciplines listed on the Transfer Agreements website;
• from an approved public Florida State/Community College; and
• the applicant has applied for the corresponding FGCU degree program.

However, transfer applicants with an Associate of Science degree who matriculate to a post-secondary institution and fail to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in additional courses, will not be eligible to transfer to FGCU. Admission is not guaranteed to programs designated as specialized admissions. Some programs have additional program admission criteria.