FGCU Service-Learning

We Develop, Guide, and Coordinate Community Engagement

With a service-learning graduation requirement for all undergraduate students, service-learning is integrated into classes, student organizations, FGCU offices, and all of campus culture. The Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement (SLCE) also facilitates the promotion of service opportunities through Eagle Link, as well as the tracking, verification, and reporting of all service-learning experiences via Eagle Service Network. To provide deep intentionality with each service-learning experience, the SLCE integrates a number of core frameworks into all programming and initiatives.

To support this deep integration of service-learning, the SLCE conducts nearly 65 classroom presentations and campus wide workshops each year. Additionally, the SLCE trains and collaborates with faculty for nearly 275 classes a year that are designated with a service-learning attribute in the course catalog (search SRVC attribute in the course catalog) as well as advisors and student leaders for over 100 student organizations that each integrate service-learning. The SLCE also trains, coordinates, and manages relationships with nearly 600 community agencies to help them meaningfully connect with campus, including projects with faculty and students, participation in service-learning fairs, annual "day of service" events, an annual showcase of award-winning service-learning projects, and more. Since its inception, FGCU students have engaged in over 4.4 million hours of service-learning and continue to add approximately 275,000 additional hours each year.

What is Service-Learning?
Toggle More Info

Service-learning is a method of teaching, learning, and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service that meets actual needs in the community.¹ As one form of experiential learning, service-learning enriches the learning experience, teaches civic responsibility, encourages lifelong civic engagement, and strengthens communities. Service-learning is reciprocal as both the server and those being served are teaching and learning during their interaction. According to The National and Community Service Act of 1990, "Service-learning experiences put abstract classroom concepts into concrete form and provide meaningful opportunities to test and refine theories while helping to meet basic community needs." Additionally, according to The Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), the incorporation of service-learning in higher education is a "high-impact practice" that increases content knowledge, higher-order thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, career skills, civic responsibility, and academic success.
Our Frameworks
Toggle More Info

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

National Association of Colleges and Employers' Career Readiness Competencies

Active Citizen Continuum

Social Change Model

Four Types of Service
Service-Learning Graduation Requirement
Toggle More Info

Service-learning at FGCU is integrated through a graduation requirement. Service-learning must be completed with a registered nonprofit or government agency.

Learn more about the graduation requirement

Learn more about the parameters for completing service-learning hours
Career Readiness
Toggle More Info

Service-learning experiences help students develop and refine the same skills that employers are seeking from recent college graduates.² FGCU cares deeply about each student as well as the communities in which they will soon live. The FGCU service-learning requirement sets students up with an advantage through these experiences that can put them above other candidates when applying to jobs and graduate schools. At the same time, FGCU graduates leave with a deeper understanding and level of positive engagement in the world around them.
Our Team
Toggle More Info

Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
Florida Gulf Coast University
McTarnaghan Hall 229
10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Fort Myers, FL 33965

Open: 8am-5pm
Email: servicelearning@fgcu.edu
Phone: (239) 590-7023

Having worked for several years on community development programs with nonprofits across the country, it’s safe to say community engagement efforts run deep for Justin. A unique career path of nonprofits, politics, and even a stint as a Co-Op at NASA eventually led him back to college campuses. Once in higher education, Justin began in residential education but was soon drawn back to his love of community engagement and service-learning. Prior to joining FGCU in the Fall of 2019, he served six years as the Assistant Director of the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement at the University of South Florida - Tampa. Although he was raised and attended undergrad in Cleveland, Justin also lived in DC ,and Indiana, before moving to Tampa. When not at work, Justin can be found enjoying time outdoors, at a community meeting, attempting some creative project, or jamming to a "Best of the 80s and 90s" playlist with his wife and two kids!

Justin Fitzgerald

Director of Community Engagement

Office: McTarnaghan Hall - Rm 230

Phone: (239) 590-7031

E-mail: jfitzgerald@fgcu.edu

Rayna Smith

Coordinator, Data & Student Outreach

Office: McTarnaghan Hall - Rm 229A

E-mail:
raysmith@fgcu.edu

Jamie Wilson has been teaching at FGCU since 2011. She has an undergraduate degree in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University. After managing events and communication at non-profit and local entities, Jamie became certified to teach within the K-12 school system. She brings her passion for engaging students, faculty, and community partners to her role within the Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement. Recently, Jamie was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year at Florida Gulf Coast University and awarded 2020 Tomorrow’s Leader Award for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s West Florida Chapter. Jamie is proud to be a current member of the Class of 2025 Leadership Estero program.

Jamie Wilson

Coordinator, Faculty Development & Partnerships

Office: McTarnaghan Hall - Rm 231

Phone: (239) 745-4727

E-mail: jawilson@fgcu.edu

Katie is a native Floridian who is passionate about Service-Learning after a diverse professional career. She was an entrepreneur and sole proprietor of a tattoo shop in Gainesville, Florida. Having a lifelong passion for the environment, she pivoted her interests and passion towards conservation after obtaining a degree from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. As an animal care professional, Katie served the South American “Range of the Jaguar” team at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and then returned to Santa Fe to be an instructor, community educator, and student success coach. Recently, her family moved to south Florida where she served as the Field Supervisor of Mixed Mammals at the Naples Zoo before affirming her passion for higher education and joining the Service-Learning team!

Katie Long

Coordinator, Service-Learning

Office: McTarnaghan Hall - Rm 229

Phone: (239) 590-1149

E-mail: kalong@fgcu.edu

Originally from Upstate New York, Shannon has a background in local government and a strong drive to make a difference. Warmer weather has been a welcome change, aligning with her love for the ocean, animals, and the outdoors. Family-centered and service-driven, she finds true purpose in giving back. Whether she’s volunteering or supporting community initiatives, Shannon is always aiming to leave a positive impact wherever she goes.

Shannon Coelho

Coordinator, Events & Promotions

Office: McTarnaghan Hall - Rm 229B

Phone: (239) 590- 7227

E-mail: scoelho@fgcu.edu

Leyla Mohajeri

Student Guided Trip Leader

Landry Yablonowski

Student Guided Trip Leader