WCE Advising Syllabus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arriving for an In-Person Appointment

If you scheduled an in-person appointment, please arrive at our office at least 5 minutes early. We’re located in Holmes Hall, Suite 207 on the second floor. Look for the sign on the pedestal outside our door. Once you arrive, have a seat on the bench outside the suite. An advisor will come out to greet you shortly.

Drop-In Wednesdays?
If it’s a Wednesday and you’re here for a drop-in appointment, scan the QR code on the pedestal to join the queue.

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Attending a Virtual Appointment

Virtual appointments are held through Microsoft Teams.

• Make sure you’ve downloaded the Microsoft Teams app on your computer or mobile device.
• Log in using your FGCU credentials before your appointment time.
• At your scheduled time, we’ll call you through Teams. In some cases, you may receive an email with a link to join the meeting.

Need help with Teams? FGCU IT Services has a helpful guide to get you started.

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Phone Appointments

Phone appointments are available, but they’re best for quick questions. If we need to go over registration or course planning, a virtual or in-person meeting is better so we can share our screen with you.

If you choose a phone appointment:

• Be sure to provide your phone number when booking.
• We’ll call you at the time of your appointment.
• Important: For safety reasons, we won’t conduct the appointment if you’re driving when we call.

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