The Office of Government Relations is Responsible for Advocacy of the University at the Local, State, and Federal Levels
The Office of Government Relations helps fulfill this mission by actively engaging elected leaders, monitoring state and federal legislative activity and advocating for FGCU’s Board of Trustees approved legislative priorities.
We also promote FGCU’s education and public service activities in an effort to increase state support for the campus and to expand awareness of FGCU in Tallahassee, FL. Because Florida’s term limits bring new elected officials to Tallahassee every other session, educating legislators regarding the impact of their funding and policy decisions on FGCU’s future is more important than ever. By being a community partner, we seek to strengthen support for FGCU and public higher education by linking the campus to government and the community.
Our success is critical to FGCU’s future due to state support compromising an indispensable part of FGCU’s core operating and capital budgets and the amount of federal research funding provided to institutions and their jurisdiction over policies relating to a variety of student issues. Success at all levels of government will allow FGCU to advance its mission and vision to achieve academic excellence and student success.
Learn About FGCU Eagle Advocacy Program
Eagle Advocacy brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of FGCU to ensure the university receives the resources necessary to continue to provide innovative and student-centered education in SWFL.
University Advocacy and Interactions with Elected Officials Guidelines
The Office of Government Relations (OGR) serves as the official conduit to legislative bodies and agencies, and only designated lobbyists can represent FGCU in funding requests and appropriations. Faculty and staff must coordinate advocacy efforts through OGR to ensure consistency and effectiveness. This document outlines guidelines for faculty and staff at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) regarding advocacy and engagements with government officials.
Legislative Internship Program
FGCU students have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience learning about state political dynamics and the legislative process while working for a member of the Florida Legislature or within a government agency.
Applications Opened on July 1, 2023
Students are encouraged to submit applications throughout the year as the application process will be open-ended. Qualified applicants will be considered for the next internship cycle.
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Legislative Priorities and Legislative Updates
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Staff Contacts
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State Legislative Calendar
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Calendar of Events
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How to Help Advocate for FGCU
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Jennifer Goen has been the Director of Government Relations at Florida Gulf Coast
University since August 2005 and is a member of the President’s Executive team. Before
joining FGCU, Jennifer served as Senior Legislative Assistant to Florida State Senator
Mike Bennett. From 2000 to 2003 she was the first Legislative Affairs Administrator
for the Florida House Finance Corporation (FHFC), where she represented the Corporation’s
interests before the United States Congress, Florida Legislature, Office of the Governor,
Florida Cabinet and various State agencies. While at FHFC, Jennifer was awarded the
Special Friend of Affordable Housing by her colleagues for her outstanding Legislative
accomplishments. Prior to her management position at FHFC, she served as a Special
Assistant to Florida Speaker Tom Feeney and as Chief of Staff for Florida State Representative
Greg Gay of Cape Coral.
Jennifer “Susie” Wentworth holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Elon University; a
Master of Arts Degree from the University of Florida in Political Science and Master
of Science Degree from the University of Florida in Sports Management. 
