Welcome Eagles | First Year Experience

Welcome, Eagles!

Congratulations on your admission to FGCU! Your admission to the University reflects our belief in your potential to be successful, and we are committed to help you reach it. The next step in your journey to become an Eagle will be attending a two-day orientation program this summer. After you register for an orientation date, you will be contacted by your academic advisor and the two of you will work on your course schedule for your first semester of college! This will happen before your orientation date and the classes selected will be based on your program of study (major), your academic background (high school courses completed, grade point average, and standardized test scores), any college credits you may have completed, as well as your personal interests and goals.

With all this information considered, there are two possible Student Success Pathways that will frame your first year of college, and your Academic Advisor will guide you toward understanding the requirements of your designated Student Success Pathway.

Student Success Pathway 1
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- You will be required to start in the Summer term enrolled in up to 7 credit hours, which generally equates to up to three courses. One of these courses will be English Composition or Math (depending on your academic goals) and the other one will be SLS 1101 (The University Transition). This class will help set you up for success in the Fall semester by reviewing the academic skills that will enhance your college experience.
- During Fall you will enroll in up to 11 credit hours (part-time), which is about three courses. These will be recommended by your advisor and will keep you making progress towards your degree.
- During Spring, you may enroll in at least 12 credit hours (full-time), or four to five courses, which will include SLS 1410 (First Year Seminar), thereby ensuring that you complete your first year at FGCU on track to timely graduation.
Student Success Pathway 2
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Option A
- In the Fall semester you will enroll in up to 11 credit hours (part-time). Courses will be recommended by your academic advisor to help you keep making progress towards your degree, and will include SLS 1101 (The University Transition). The focus and content of this course will allow for students to reflect on the progress of their journey through the first year of college while getting connected to resources that lead to student success.
- For Spring, you will complete at least 13 credit hours (full-time), which will include SLS 1410 (First Year Seminar). The content for this semester will help complete your first year of college and ensure a successful transition into sophomore year.
Option B
- You will enroll for the Summer term in up to 7 credit hours. This means an English Composition or Math course (depending on your academic goals), another academic class, plus a 1-credit course SLS 1101 (The University Transition), which will guide you in the transition from high school to college and will help you settle into the experience of being a college student.
- If you receive a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.00 after completing all of your Summer courses, AND you agree to live in University Housing during Fall (depending on availability), you will enroll in at least 12 credit hours (full-time) for Fall. Courses will be recommended by your academic advisor to help you keep making progress towards your degree, and will include SLS 1101 (The University Transition). While this is the same course you completed in the Summer, the focus and content in the Fall semester will be different, reflecting the progress of your journey through the first year of college.
- For Spring 2025 you will complete at least 13 credit hours (full-time), which will include SLS 1410 (First Year Seminar). The content for this semester will help complete your first year of college and ensure a successful transition into sophomore year.

Student Life Skills Courses for First Year Students

Students not admitted through a Student Success Pathway may also be recommended to take one of the Student Life Skills courses listed below as part of their individualized curated schedules. We want to ensure the success of all students and know that a strong foundation in the first year is important for continued success through graduation.

SLS 1101 The University Transition
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An examination of the academic culture of the university and exploration of what it means to be in college, through a focus on a variety of topics related to personal success, including the transition to college life, goal setting, decision-making, study skills, time management, using campus resources, and choosing/evaluating a major/career.
SLS 1410 First Year Seminar
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This faculty-led seminar invites first-year college students to dive into an engaging exploration of a special topic chosen by the instructor. Designed to spark curiosity and promote intellectual growth, the course emphasizes active discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Students will explore the topic through a variety of perspectives, incorporating readings, hands-on activities, and reflective assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

All Student Success Pathway questions related to Admissions should be directed to Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admissions@fgcu.edu.

As part of my Student Success Pathway, I am required to complete Summer (Session B) classes. What classes can I expect to take when I begin FGCU in the Summer semester?
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Students in Student Success Pathway 1 will take up to 7 credit hours in the Summer (Session B) semester. One of these courses will be English Composition or Math (depending on your academic goals) and the other one will be SLS 1101 (The UniversityTransition). Students in Student Success Pathway 2 will take up to 7 credit hours in the Summer (Session B). This will include an English Composition or Math course (depending on your academic goals), another academic class, plus a 1-credit SLS 1101 (The UniversityTransition).
When is the start date for Summer (Session B)?
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If I am required to start in the Summer (Session B), am I able to complete these classes online?
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Students who live out-of-state or a significant distance away (more than 50 miles) and do not have housing on campus have the option to participate in an online summer experience designed to provide flexibility. All other students are required to complete classes in person. To enroll in online courses, students will work with their assigned Exploratory Advisor to assist with registration.
Am I required to abide by the requirements of my Student Success Pathway to begin at FGCU?
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As part of my Student Success Pathway, I’m required to begin in the Summer (Session B). How does this work with Housing?
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How will my Student Success Pathway impact the progress made toward my degree as outlined in my program’s degree map?
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Student’s schedules are carefully curated by their Academic Advisor in Exploratory Advising to ensure timely progression to degree completion. Regardless of your Student Success Pathway, at the end of your first year, you will have completed the number of credits recommended for timely graduation.
I chose Option 2 of Student Success Pathway 2. How will I know if I’m one of the 50 first-year students chosen?
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Pathway 2 students who select this option will start in the Summer with 7 credit hours. They will also be registered for 12 credit hours in the fall. If they complete the Summer with a 3.00 GPA and have secured fall housing, they will be one of the 50 first-year students chosen. If they do not complete Summer with a 3.00 GPA, their schedule will be adjusted to reflect a part-time course load.
Will my Student Success Pathway determine what I can or cannot be involved with on campus?
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All students, regardless of their Student Success Pathway, will be able to be involved on campus and join Registered Student Organizations, become a part of Greek Life, participate in Service-Learning, or join any other initiatives or involvement opportunities.
Will my Student Success Pathway change if my high school GPA increases or decreases by the end of the year?
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Retention & Graduation Services

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