Advocating for FGCU at the capitol

February 02, 2026

A large group of FGCU students stands together at the front of the Florida Senate chamber beneath the “In God We Trust” inscription. The group is positioned in front of the dais, with U.S. and Florida flags displayed behind them and a screen reading “The Florida Senate – Florida Gulf Coast University.” They are dressed in business attire.

Students participate in FGCU Day at the Capitol 2026.

FGCU Day at the Capitol brings together a group of influential members of the Southwest Florida community and students to advocate for the university to ensure it receives the resources necessary to continue to provide innovative and student-centered education.

This year, FGCU Day at the Capitol took place Jan. 27, and participants spent the day educating elected officials on the university’s legislative priorities that are vital to advancing its mission.

Employees can support the university efforts by visiting fgcu.edu/governmentrelations, scrolling down to the “FGCU Eagle Advocacy Program” button and signing up with their personal email address to receive “action alerts” and stay connected.

legislative budget request priorities for the 2025-26 state budget cycle:

Recurring Operational Funding – The $24.2 million request will assist FGCU in continuing to advance its five-year strategic plan, FGCU’s Journey to Excellence.
Academic Building 10 – FGCU is requesting $27.4 million to complete construction of this facility, which will expand programs in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services. The college supplies much of the workforce needed for Southwest Florida’s growing healthcare industry.
Babcock Ranch Facility (Academic Building 11) – The university is requesting $59.7 million to move forward with construction of a major learning, research and outreach facility in Charlotte County through its partnership with Babcock Ranch. The building will house the future Institute on Sustainability and Resiliency.
Reed Hall Renovation – This $25.4 million project will update one of FGCU’s original 1997 buildings, improving how space is used on the main campus and creating more opportunities for academic collaboration.
Wilson G. Bradshaw Library and Annex – FGCU is requesting $39.4 million to update the library into an innovative and flexible learning space that better meets the needs of today’s students.
Cohen Student Union Enhancements – A $15.8 million request will add study rooms and expand student support services in the Cohen Student Union.
Student Career Preparation & Innovative Partnerships Facility – FGCU is requesting $42.5 million to create a dedicated space for career preparation and partnership development, helping better connect students with employers.