Faculty Governance
Faculty governance at Florida Gulf Coast University safeguards academic quality, promotes effective and open communication, insists upon academic integrity, emphasizes rights and shared responsibilities of students, staff, community, faculty, and administration, and sustains a dynamic learning environment.
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Mission Statement
Toggle More InfoThe purpose of faculty governance at Florida Gulf Coast University is to safeguard academic quality, promote effective and open communication, insist upon academic integrity, emphasize rights and shared responsibilities of students, staff, community, faculty, and administration, and sustain a dynamic learning environment. This mission is accomplished through a system of collegial faculty self-governance ensuring that the rights of faculty are supported and faculty responsibilities in fulfilling the mission of the university are properly executed.
Next Meeting:
Friday, August 28, 2026 9:30AM - 11:45AM
2025-26 Senate Meeting Schedule
Questions? Contact Us
Standing Teams
Faculty Senate oversees 13 standing teams that perform important work reviewing and advising numerous areas of the university.
Faculty Awards
FGCU Faculty are eligible for awards in teaching, service, scholarship, mentoring, advising, and department leadership.
Resources
Explore the past work of the Faculty Senate and find important documents regarding the faculty experience.
Faculty Senate Officers
Communications From Faculty Senate
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April 2026
Toggle More InfoApril 30, 2026Hello Fellow Faculty,
Please see the attached report from the Academic Advising Taskforce, which includes recommendations for changes to the structure and practice of advising, by all members of the FGCU community, but of greatest interest to our Academic Advisors.
To help with disseminating the taskforce recommendations and move collectively toward implementation, Dr. Charles (Billy) Gunnels, Dr. Paul Dosal and I would like to invite feedback from the faculty. To this effect, we will be hosting a meeting to present these results and the Strategic Enrollment Plan from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, in Cohen Student Union, Room 201. A virtual option will also be provided. For your convenience, a calendar file is included as an attachment to this email with the event details (and virtual link).
The purpose of this meeting is to give faculty the opportunity to learn about and discuss the draft Strategic Enrollment Plan and the Academic Advising Task Force recommendations before final recommendations are implemented for the fall semester. This meeting will provide a space for faculty to learn about the drafts, ask questions and participate in the conversation.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to share your feedback, suggestions, questions or concerns, email me at dlura@fgcu.edu.
Thank you all for your service and dedication,
Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026-April 23, 2026Hello Fellow Faculty,I know many of you are already working on this in your units, but if you haven’t yet, please review your Course Learning Outcomes in Simple Syllabus for your summer and fall 2026 classes.If they are missing or need to be updated, and you’ve not already submitted changes to your unit’s curriculum team, please follow your unit’s curriculum approval process to make updates needed in our Curriculum Management System (CMS). Then, please send a list of approved CMS forms to Academic & Curriculum Support prior to the end of the day on Friday, May 1.I will then work with the Faculty Senate curriculum teams to review the changes and approve them in the week of May 4. After that review, the updated Course Learning Outcomes will be sent to Tallahassee for review and update into Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System. After the state has approved the Course Learning Outcomes, Merri Incitti, director of Assessment & Accreditation, will update the database for Simple Syllabus.The reason we’re using this process is to ensure that our syllabi match the state database and are compliant with state regulations, while preserving the integrity of our curriculum approval process and the work these teams do. For the summer terms, this entire process needs to be completed prior to the first day of classes. Immediate action is required for summer and fall 2026 courses, which need to be updated by this deadline.If you cannot complete the review of all courses in your unit, please prioritize summer term classes. If needed, Faculty Senate teams may conduct an additional review in the week of June 8 to ensure FGCU can report fall 2026 Course Learning Outcomes to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) on time.I know this is a busy time of year and I apologize for putting more pressure on you all. I hope your final week of classes is going well.For questions on Course Learning Outcomes revisions and process, contact Dr. Lucero Carvajal at lcarvajal@fgcu.edu.For questions on Simple Syllabus, review the resources available at fgcu.edu/planning/simplesyllabus or contact Merri Incitti at mincitti@fgcu.edu. Additional resources for Course Learning Outcomes are also available.For other questions or concerns, feel free to email me at dlura@fgcu.edu.Thank you all for your service and dedication,Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026-April 21, 2026Dear Faculty,
On behalf of the Faculty Senate Appointments Team, I would like to highlight the following service opportunity for faculty involvement across campus.
We are looking for an in-unit faculty member to serve on the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Search Panel.
- Role: Panel members will be responsible for finalizing the search materials, reviewing candidates and making recommendations for hiring of FGCU’s next director of intercollegiate athletics. Members should have knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and the role of athletics in university culture and student achievement.
- Time Commitment: Service will begin as soon as possible, and will likely conclude with the hire of the new director, with a goal of completing the process prior to the start of the fall 2026 term. We expect that the opportunity will require a combination of virtual and in-person meetings.
- If you are interested or would like to nominate a colleague for this position, email Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by April 28.In your nomination, please include a short paragraph describing your interest in the role and the qualifications you bring to the panel.
Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026
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April 3, 2026Dear Colleagues,
The Faculty Senate Appointments Team would like to share the following service opportunity with you.
FGCU is looking for five to seven in-unit faculty to participate in the FGCU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council. The council will be chaired by Dr. Huzefa Kagdi, dean of the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, and co-chaired by John Dove, senior associate vice president of Administrative Services & Finance.
The purpose of the council is to foster an AI-enabled institution, as aligned with FGCU’s strategic plan, to strengthen both human and infrastructure capabilities to drive positive change and shape the future of higher education. The council will include champions from across the university to establish a pathway for elevated use of AI in teaching, learning, training, research, service and all operations.
Role:
- Make recommendations to the President’s Cabinet on how to integrate relevant infrastructure, hardware, software, professional development, partnerships and initiatives into a coherent and dynamic eco-system.
- Serve as a resource to FGCU university-level policy, governance, ethics, risk management, operational enhancement, possibility of academic programs and resource options that are developed in response to innovations in the global use of AI.
The AI Council should empower individuals, units and teams to advance meaningful AI integration. It should promote existing synergies and identify new opportunities for collaborative impact and continuously improve efforts to become an AI enabled university for its students, faculty, staff, alumni and community at large.
Interested in-unit faculty or those who wish to nominate a colleague for this service opportunity should send nominations to Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by 5 p.m. April 10. In your nomination email, please include a brief statement that explains your interest and qualification for the role.
Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 -
March 2026
Toggle More InfoMarch 16, 2026Dear Faculty,Applications for the Faculty Senate Professional Development Fund Grants (PDFG) are now open. The PDFG supports faculty development and institutional excellence by offering grants of up to $2,000 per person per academic year for reimbursable expenses.The final application deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is March 31. Decisions will be announced no later than April 22, 2026.Grant guidelines, scoring rubric, frequently asked questions, the application and committee roster are available on the PDFG website.If you have questions, email pdfg@fgcu.edu.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 -
February 2026
Toggle More InfoFebruary 17, 2026Dear FGCU Faculty,Faculty Senate is considering revisions to our processes to allow for representation of adjunct faculty within the FGCU Faculty Senate, and we are also considering changes to the formula for the number of representatives per academic unit. I want to stress that no specific language has been presented for approval by Faculty Senate to date, as we are still in the process of collecting feedback and opinions from all faculty.To assist us with this effort, I encourage you to complete this short, four-question survey: Faculty Senate Bylaws Revisions - Survey of Perspectives. This information will help inform our discussions moving forward.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026-February 3, 2026Dear Faculty,The Faculty Senate Appointments Team would like to highlight the following service opportunity for faculty involvement across campus.The FGCU 30th Anniversary Campus Committee is looking for up to three faculty representatives. The committee will be guided by a steering committee, headed by Vice President of Advancement Kitty Green.-
Role: Committee members will contribute ideas for the anniversary celebration, ensure that final plans adequately reflect and support their respective divisions/areas and the university, and assist with implementing the plan where practical.
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Time Commitment: Service begins February 2026 and continues through the conclusion of the main celebration event, which is anticipated for spring 2028. Most meetings will be held virtually, with the possibility of having a couple per month.
If you are interested or would like to nominate a colleague for this position, email Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by February 10. In your nomination, please include a short paragraph describing your interest in the role and the qualifications you bring to the committee.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 -
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January 2026
Toggle More InfoJanuary 30, 2026Dear Faculty,On January 23, Faculty Senate voted 18-12, with three abstaining, to adopt the No Credit Academic Policy. The Student Affairs Team thoroughly reviewed the policy and included recommendations to support the program's implementation and success. A copy of the policy and the Student Affairs Team’s recommendations are attached. The policy will now go to the Provost for final review and approval.
Additionally, Faculty Senate voted to approve the Institutional Affairs Team draft calendars for fall 2028 (version 2), spring 2029 (version 1) and summer 2029 (version 1), which are attached to this email. The next step is to present the proposed calendar to the President’s Cabinet for final approval.Attachments: No Credit Policy, Student Affairs Team Feedback to No Credit Policy, AY 28-29 Calendar Approved by SenateDerek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 -
December 2025
Toggle More InfoDecember 4, 2025
Dear Faculty,On behalf of the Faculty Senate Appointments Team, I would like to highlight the following service opportunity for faculty involvement across campus.The FGCU Employee Housing Implementation Committee is looking for a faculty representative. The ideal candidate would be a faculty member who has recently relocated to Southwest Florida in the last year or two.-
Role: Guide implementation of the new employee housing project (Eagle View Village) by giving feedback regarding initial plans. This committee will review and recommend a management firm through FGCU’s procurement process, provide input on an internal marketing plan and initial rental policies, and address other issues as they arise.
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Time Commitment: Time requirements will vary depending on the issues needing review. It is anticipated that the first few months of 2026 will be when most decisions will be made. This will likely involve two or three meetings per month for two or three months, followed by a more sporadic schedule.
If you are interested or would like to nominate a colleague for this position, email Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by December 12. In your nomination, please include a short paragraph describing your interest in the role and the qualifications you bring to the committee.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 -
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September 2025
Toggle More InfoSeptember 24, 2025
Dear Faculty,
On behalf of the Faculty Senate Appointments Team, I would like to highlight the following service opportunities for faculty involvement across campus.
- Taskforce on Regional Sustainability and Resiliency: Two-year term position that begins fall 2025 and concludes fall 2027. The taskforce
will meet monthly with possible field trips to sites, including Babcock Ranch.
- This taskforce is an advisory group that will work on expanding program offerings on sustainability and community resilience in Southwest Florida, elevating FGCU faculty as worldwide experts in the field and establishing an interdisciplinary research institute as a global hub.
- This taskforce will work with regional partners to meet FGCU’s strategic goal to devise strategies and implement actions that enhance community resilience.
- The faculty representative will share ideas on how FGCU and regional partners can advance scholarship and practices related to sustainability and resilience.
- University Sustainability and Resiliency Council: Two-year term position that begins fall 2025 and concludes fall 2027. The group will
meet monthly.
- This council will serve as an advisory group that will promote, implement and advance sustainability and resiliency practices on FGCU’s main campus and properties.
- This group will focus on ways to continue engaging in and modeling these practices as employees and students, and how to elevate and make FGCU’s commitment to its founding principle of instilling an environmental consciousness among university stakeholders more visible.
- The faculty representative will share ideas on how we can improve facilities and practices for sustainability and resilience.
If you are interested or would like to nominate your colleagues for these positions, email Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by October 1.
Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026
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September 12, 2025
Dear Faculty,Applications for the Faculty Senate Professional Development Fund Grants (PDFG) are now open. The PDFG supports faculty development and institutional excellence by offering grants of up to $2,000 per person per academic year for reimbursable expenses.Grant guidelines, scoring rubric, frequently asked questions, the application, and committee roster are available on the PDFG website. As you plan your professional development activities and seek funding, there are three review periods and three decision dates you should be aware of:- September – October Review Cycle: Closes October 31 with decisions announced no later than November 25
- November – December Review Cycle: Closes December 31 with decisions announced in January
- February – March Review Cycle: Closes March 31 with decisions announced in April
If you have questions, email pdfg@fgcu.edu.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026 - Taskforce on Regional Sustainability and Resiliency: Two-year term position that begins fall 2025 and concludes fall 2027. The taskforce
will meet monthly with possible field trips to sites, including Babcock Ranch.
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August 2025
Toggle More InfoAugust 8, 2025
Dear Colleagues,Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing and restful summer.On behalf of the Faculty Senate Appointments Team, I would like to highlight the following service opportunities for faculty involvement across campus:-
Internal Communication Committee (ICC): One-year term position, with one opening available and the possibility of extension. This position begins fall 2025 and concludes summer 2026, unless the faculty member wishes to remain involved. A retreat is planned for August 8, and the next meeting of the committee is August 22.
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The ICC plans community conversations (topic-based panels, forums, listening sessions, town halls, etc.) as well as reviews and makes recommendations on university communications efforts, such as the MyFGCU app. The committee contributes innovative ideas to enhance current communication efforts and propose new strategies to address gaps and reduce communication silos.
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The committee meets once a month as a group, with subcommittees meeting more frequently. However, it tends to slow down during the summer months.
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University Parking Citations Appeals Board: Two-year term position with one opening available.
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The board meets four times per semester to review parking citation appeals. This position starts fall 2025 and concludes summer 2027. The first meeting is scheduled for August 29.
If you are interested or would like to nominate your colleagues for either or both positions, email Appointments Team Chair Dan Vo at dvo@fgcu.edu by August 15.Derek Lura - Faculty Senate President 2025-2026
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July 2025
Toggle More InfoJuly 11, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
In coordination with Dr. Tony Barringer, senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs, I am writing to share important updates to the Faculty Promotion Evaluation Document (FPED), approved by Faculty Senate and Academic Affairs for implementation beginning August 7.As outlined in the Faculty Senate Bylaws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the Faculty Affairs Team for Faculty Senate led the drafting of revisions to the FPED. The revised document was subsequently approved by the Faculty Senate and Academic Affairs in alignment with FGCU’s commitment to transparency, faculty development and continuous improvement. It reflects thoughtful, collaborative work to ensure the document remains aligned with institutional goals and our 2024-27 CBA.We encourage all faculty to review the updated document in full, but we wish to highlight several substantial changes that respond to new and evolving faculty needs:- New Pathway for Instructors to Transition into Ranked Faculty Positions:
Instructors may now request a change in appointment to a ranked faculty position through a defined process that includes submission of a dossier for review by a faculty panel, chair/supervisor and academic leadership. - Petition Process for Early Promotion Eligibility:
Faculty members are now eligible to petition their Peer Review Committee for early promotion consideration after three full years in rank or level, with adequate evidence, per the new process. A successful petition permits early submission of a promotion portfolio; however, it does not guarantee successful promotion. - Expanded Letter of Promotion Denial:
In alignment with the CBA and our commitment to clarity in faculty advancement, any letter of denial for promotion must now include a descriptive, evidence-based explanation. This justification must directly reference the promotion criteria and offer actionable recommendations to guide future applications.
These revisions underscore our joint commitment to consistency, equity and transparency in faculty evaluation, promotion and advancement. We appreciate the many faculty, staff and administrators who contributed to this process and reaffirm our commitment to shared governance.Thank you for your continued dedication to academic excellence at FGCU.Lyndsay Rhodes - Faculty Senate President 2024-2025 - New Pathway for Instructors to Transition into Ranked Faculty Positions:
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March 2025
Toggle More InfoMarch 26, 2025
Dear Faculty,
The deadline to submit applications for the Faculty Senate Professional Development Fund Grants (PDFG) for this academic year is 11:59 p.m. March 31. Decisions from this review cycle (February-March) will be announced no later than April 18.
Click here to view the online application. Additional information about the PDFG process is attached to this email. The PDF includes a list of committee members that you can contact for more information.
The next opportunity to apply for PDFG funds will be the 2025-26 academic year. Applications open in September and decisions will be announced November 2025.
Lyndsay Rhodes - Faculty Senate President 2024-2025
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February 2025
Toggle More InfoFebruary 7, 2025
Faculty,
The Provost Candidate on-campus schedules have been set. In addition to the open forums, Faculty are invited to join Senate Leadership meetings scheduled with each candidate. Schedules for these events are below. Additionally, candidate CVs are linked on the www.fgcu.edu/provostsearch website.
Public forums and interviews for finalists in Florida Gulf Coast University’s search to fill the role of executive vice president and provost are scheduled Feb. 12-18.
Wednesday, Feb. 12: Daniel O'Sullivan, Ph.D.
- Search Committee Meeting - Interview: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 138
- Faculty Senate Meeting: 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 222
- Public Forum: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 106, and via Teams.
Thursday, Feb. 13: Tony Barringer, Ed.D.
- PublicForum: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 106, and via Teams.
- Search Committee Meeting – Interview: 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 138
- Faculty Senate Meeting: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 222
Friday, Feb. 14: Debbie Thorne, Ph.D.
- Faculty Senate Meeting: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 222
- Search Committee Meeting – Interview: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 138
- Public Forum: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 106, and via Teams.
Monday, Feb. 17: Corrie Fountain, Ph.D.
- Public Forum: 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 106, and via Teams.
- Faculty Senate Meeting: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 222
- Search Committee Meeting – Interview: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 138
Tuesday, Feb. 18: Lorenzo Smith, Ph.D.
- Search Committee Meeting – Interview: 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Academic Building 9, Room 138
- Public Forum: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 106, and via Teams.
- Faculty Senate Meeting: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Academic Building 9, Room 222
Visit fgcu.edu/provostsearch for more information.
Lyndsay Rhodes - Faculty Senate President 2024-2025
