Online Resource Library

Alcohol Intoxication vs. Alcohol Poisoning 

Alcohol intoxication is when your BAC levels are around 0.01-0.11 and can lead to impaired judgment and lowered inhibitions, or your typical “drunk” effects(Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Gerchalk, n.d.). Everyone’s intoxication level can differ based on age, sex, amount of alcohol consumed, weight, how quickly you are drinking, and the amount of food in your body (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). 

Alcohol poisoning can occur when there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream, typically around BAC levels of 0.25 or higher. It can cause the body to shut downleading to unconsciousness, coma, and death (Gerchalk, n.d.). 

Signs and Symptoms:

Intoxication	Alcohol Poisoning
Lowered inhibitions  Altered mood: euphoria, excessive talking  Impaired judgment  Impaired balance and slowed reflexes  Slurred speech  *Memory loss	Clammy, pale, blueish skin  Slow or irregular breathing (erratic breaths, gasping)  Confusion  Unconscious, unresponsive, and will not wake up  Vomiting  Extremely low body temperature

(Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Gerchalk, n.d.; National Health Service, 2026)) 

*Memory loss can come as a “brownout” or “blackout.” A brownout is when alcohol temporarily blocks memories. You can recall some details, but you might need someone to fill in the gaps. A blackout is when memory formation stops due to the rapid spike of BAC. You could be conscious but will not remember anything the next day (Smith, 2025).  

For more tips on how to help someone experiencing alcohol poisoning: Click here

Alcohol intoxication and poisoning (as well as brownouts/blackouts) are commonly caused by binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as the pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol content to 0.08% or higher in a brief time period or singular occasion. For males (assigned at birth), this is five drinks or more in a two-hour period. For females (assigned at birth), this is four drinks or more in a two-hour period (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025). Males have more dehydrogenase, the hormone that processes alcohol, which allows them to drink more alcohol than females and feel less intoxicated (Duke University, n.d.). Females also typically weigh less and have less water content in their bodies, which makes the alcohol become more concentrated (Pasque, 2023). Drinking too much alcohol in a short time period can elevate a person’s risk for blackouts and alcohol poisoning, and sometimes even death through accidents and chronic health conditions (U.S. DHHS, 2025).  

Bystander Intervention

Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop dangerous behavior (PAVE, 2025). It is based on the bystander effect, a theory that suggests bystanders are less likely to help a victim if there are other people around (Teens for Courage, 2026). Individuals also may not intervene due to social influence, diffusion of responsibility, or safety. With social influence, a bystander would monitor other people’s reactions to determine if it is necessary or acceptable to intervene. If no one steps up, then others will stay silent because they do not want to be rejected by society for doing something socially unacceptable. Diffusion of responsibility is the phenomenon where bystanders believe someone else will step in if there are other people present (University of Waterloo, 2023). If the situation is not safe, do not put yourself in danger. Instead, call the University Police Department (239-590-1900) or 911.  

Before you intervene, be sure to recognize the situation, assess safety (you do not want to become a victim or put yourself in harm’s way), decide how to act, and determine how to help. 

Intervention Steps Example: 

A bystander is at a party and notices someone who is extremely drunk and has trouble standing. 

Action	Definition	Example
Direct	A person directly addresses the situation or the individuals involved.	Approach the person and see if they would like to sit somewhere with water.
Delegate	Ask others to help you intervene or have someone else intervene.	Find the party host or sober friends of the intoxicated person to help.
Distract	Create a distraction to interrupt the situation and diffuse potential harm.	If someone is bothering the intoxicated person, create a distraction to get them away.
Document	Have video or written evidence of the situation.	Record or write down how you helped the person, if you had to call 911, and any other actions taken.

(PAVE, 2025) 

You do not have to take every step, just whatever works for each situation! By encouraging an environment of proactive intervention, we can prevent harmful situations from escalating. 

Safety Drinking Tips!

• Have a designated driver or plan to use a rideshare app (Healthdirect, 2024). 

• Drink water or rehydrate with electrolyte packets throughout the night; it is important to stay hydrated (University of San Diego, n.d.). 

• Eat before and during drinking; this helps slow down the absorption of alcohol (University of San Diego, n.d.). 

• Be cautious when consuming shots and/or participating in drinking games (Healthdirect, 2024).  

• Drinking large quantities of alcohol in short periods of time can lead to alcohol poisoning. 

• Set a drinking limit before you go out (University of San Diego, n.d.). 

• Refrain from leaving your drink unattended (University of San Diego, n.d.). 

• Avoid mixing alcohol and other substances (Hodgman-Korth, 2025). 

• Depending on what you mix with alcohol determines the effects, but mixing substances can result in overdose or injury.  

• Alcohol and Opioids: drowsiness, weak pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness. 

• Alcohol and Depressants: drowsiness, dizziness, impaired movement, memory problems, slow breathing. 

• Alcohol and Stimulants: Using them together can mask the symptoms of the other, leading to people misjudging their intoxication level and being at risk of overdosing. 

• Alcohol and Hallucinogens: drowsiness, dizziness, overdose. 

• Alcohol and Cannabis: “greening out" -  the slang term for cannabis overuse and overdose (Laderer, 2024); masking symptoms of intoxication.  

Medical Amnesty Policy

Medical Amnesty is an FGCU policy where students will not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to intoxication or possession if they must call 911 due to alcohol or other drugs. This encourages students to call emergency services without fearing expulsion or other disciplinary actions. However, they will have to complete Educational Actions that may include parental notification, attending an alcohol or drug education workshop, and/or meeting with an alcohol or drug counselor. The policy is meant to be used only once during your academic career. 

FGCU Policy 4.014 details the student medical amnesty policy: https://www.fgcu.edu/regulations-policies/ 

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 11). Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22689-blood-alcohol-content-bac 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 12). About Standard Drink Sizes. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/standard-drink-sizes/index.html 

Duke University. (n.d.). Gender Differences in Alcohol Metabolism. The Alcohol Pharmacology Education Partnership. https://sites.duke.edu/apep/module-1-gender-matters/science-content/gender-differences-in-alcohol-metabolism/ 

Furst, J. (2023, December 13). What is the Recovery Position in First Aid? First Aid for Free. https://www.firstaidforfree.com/what-is-the-recovery-position-in-first-aid/ 

Gerchalk, R. (n.d.). Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms vs. Being Drunk: Is There a Difference? AlcoholAwareness.org. https://alcoholawareness.org/alcohol-poisoning-vs-being-drunk/ 

Gordon, C. (2023, April 21). What Are the Different Types of Alcohol? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/different-types-of-alcohol 

Healthdirect. (2024, June). Tips for safe and responsible drinking. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-safe-drinking 

Hesse, M. (n.d). Alcohol Poisoning: How to Tell, What to Do, and the Health Risks. Delphi Behavioral Health Group. https://delphihealthgroup.com/alcohol/alcohol-poisoning/

Hodgman-Korth, M. (2025, April 1). Mixing Drugs and Alcohol: Effects and Dangers. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/mixing-drugs 

Laderer, A. (2024, July 24). What is Greening Out? Recognizing and Preventing Cannabis Overdose. Charlie Health.  https://www.charliehealth.com/post/greening-out 

Medline Plus. (2024, January 3). Alcohol. Medline Plus | National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html 

National Health Service. (2026, June 4). Alcohol Poisoning. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-poisoning/ 

Parks, S. (2023, March 29). What Does Proof Mean in Alcohol Content? And Where Does it Come From? The Alcohol Professor. https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/what-does-proof-mean-in-alcohol 

Pasque, L. S. (2023, March 6). Drinking - It’s different for women. Mayo Clinic Press. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/drinking-its-different-for-women/ 

PAVE. (2025, January 22). Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention. Survivors.org https://survivors.org/steps-for-effective-bystander-intervention/

Smith, J. (2025, October). Brownout vs Blackout Drunk: What They Mean and Why They Matter. Solutions 4 Recovery. https://solutions4recovery.com/brownout-vs-blackout-drunk

Teens for Courage. (2026). Bystander Intervention. Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. https://www.teensforcourage.org/bystander-intervention/ 

The University of Toledo. (n.d.). Blood Alcohol Content. University Counseling Center, The University of Toledo. https://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/selfhelp/substanceuse/bac.html 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025, February). Understanding Binge Drinking. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/binge-drinking

University of San Diego. (n.d.). Tips for Safer Drinking. Student Wellness, University of San Diego. https://www.sandiego.edu/wellness/bewellusd/alcohol-and-other-drugs/alcohol/safer-drinking.php

University of Waterloo. (2023, October 6). Active Bystander Intervention. Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office, University of Waterloo. https://uwaterloo.ca/sexual-violence-prevention-response-office/give-support/active-bystander-intervention

WHO. (2024, June 28). Alcohol. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol 

Mental Health Disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

ADHD is a mental health condition characterized by concentration difficulties and impulsive behaviors (NIMH, 2024). It can present differently in males and females, but symptoms usually include: 

• Trouble focusing or concentrating 

• Easily distracted 

• Difficulty sitting still 

• Talking excessively 

• Interrupting or finding it hard to wait their turn 

• Poor time management skills 

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2025), there are three different types of ADHD: 

• Inattentive: easily distracted, unable to pay attention, forgetful, makes careless mistakes, processes information more slowly, and gets bored quickly. 

• Hyperactive impulsive: fidgeting, restless or getting up often, trouble playing quietly, impatient, constantly moving. 

• Combination: symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive. 

Scientists are unsure what causes ADHD, but research suspects it may be due to genetics and decreased dopamine, a chemical in the brain that triggers emotional responses and movements (NIMH, 2024; Cleveland Clinic, 2025). Treatment usually includes behavioral therapy and/or medications. 

Anxiety 

Anxiety is feeling scared, overwhelmed, or worried in response to things in the environment such as public speaking or a major test. Symptoms may also include fast breathing, elevated heart rate, irritability, and trouble focusing (Mayo Clinic, 2025).  

Anxiety is different from stress. Stress is a response to an external trigger or perceived threat. The feelings of stress go away once the threat is gone. Anxiety, on the other hand, is persistent, excessive, and doesn’t go away, even after the threat disappears (APA, 2022). Anxiety can often have no clear cause. 

Experiencing anxiety is a normal part of living. However, when anxiety becomes chronic and unmanageable, it may turn into a disorder (APA, n.d). 

There are many different types of anxiety disorders such as: 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): individuals excessively worry about ordinary issues to the point of harm and interference with daily life (Medline Plus, 2025) 

• Social Anxiety Disorder: individuals experience intense fear and anxiety in social situations due to feelings of self-consciousness, potential judgement, and/or embarrassment (Holland, 2025; Mayo Clinic, 2025) 

• Separation Anxiety Disorder: individuals have a fear of being away from home or loved ones (Holland, 2025). This is typically a childhood disorder but can happen at any time in a person’s life (Mayo Clinic, 2025). 

• Panic Disorder: individuals experience panic attacks, or sudden periods of extreme fear when there is no danger; these come quickly and can last for several minutes (Medline Plus, 2025; Mayo Clinic, 2025). 

• Phobias: having an intense fear of something that poses little or no threat (Medline Plus, 2025). 

Research suspects that some factors may contribute to the onset of an anxiety disorder such as genetics, stress, medical history, drug use, trauma, and personality traits (Holland, 2025; Mayo Clinic, 2025). Anxiety is typically treated with therapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes such as sleep, exercise, and eating healthy (Holland, 2025).  

There are many ways to cope with or reduce anxiety: 

• Talk to a friend, loved one, or mental health professional; it is good to share your feelings with other people to feel less alone.  

• Engage in self-care; do things that make you feel good about yourself! 

• Reduce consumption of caffeine; stimulants and other drugs can increase anxiety symptoms (Mayo Clinic, 2025). 

• Breathing exercises are a way to calm down during an anxiety attack and help you breathe normally again.  

• Box Breathing 

 

(Behavioral Health Connection, 2019)

• 4-7-8 Breathing

(The Deep Sleep Co., 2018)

• Guided meditation is the process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, supports emotional health, and improves self-awareness (Thorpe & Ajmera, 2024).  

• Headspace meditations for anxiety: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/anxiety 

• Oak Meditation app: https://www.oakmeditation.com/ 

Find something that works for you! 

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It is persistent feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even anger with a loss of interest in things and activities once enjoyed (Cleveland Clinic, 2026). It can change how you think, feel, act, and handle daily activities (NIMH, 2024). Depression looks different for people, so it is important that individuals are diagnosed by a trained professional who can interpret the symptoms, severity, and length of impact. Symptoms of depression mayinclude, but are not limited to: 

• Feeling sad, worthless, or helpless 

• Not enjoying things that used to bring joy 

• Easily irritated or frustrated 

• Eating too much or too little 

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 

• Difficulty concentrating 

The main type of depression that people most often refer to is major depression disorder (MDD), which includes the above symptoms. However, there are different types of depression that an individual can experience: 

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): a period of major depression when the seasons change. For example, having an onset of sadness when winter startsbecause the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. (Cleveland Clinic, 2026; Bruce & McPhillips, 2024).  

• Postpartum Depression (PPD): occurs during or after pregnancy due to hormonal shifts that affect a person’s mood. Symptoms include mood swings, trouble bonding with the baby, social withdrawal, and thoughts of hurting self or baby (Bruce & McPhillips, 2024).  

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): this can develop in individuals who menstruate. They may experience mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and major depression about a week or two before their period begins (Cleveland Clinic, 2026; Bruce & McPhillips, 2024).  

• Bipolar Disorder: although bipolar has its own category now in the DSM, it may be classified with depression due to its depressive (low) episodes. Individuals also experience manic episodes (highs) and constantly swing back and forth between the two (Bruce & McPhillips, 2024).  

It is important to seek treatment as worsening symptoms can lead to self-harm and/or suicide (NIMH, 2024). Treatment for depression may include therapy and medications, but can be managed at home by exercising, getting quality sleep, avoiding alcohol (a depressant), and spending time with loved ones (ClevelandClinic, 2026).  

Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders are conditions characterized by severe and persistent intrusions in eating behavior with negative thoughts and emotions (Guarda & Wu, 2026). Individuals with these disorders are often preoccupied with food, weight, and body shape. If not addressed and treated, these can lead to serious health issues and possibly death due to individuals not getting enough nutrients in their bodies. Health issues usually occur within the cardiac and gastrointestinal systems like heartburn, disordered gastric motility, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Santonicola et al., 2019).  

The most common eating disorders include:  

• Anorexia nervosa: individuals restrict their eating (calorie) intake, excessively exercise, and/or purge (Guarda & Wu, 2026). Purging is purposefully engaging in an act to lose calories such as self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives (Petre, 2024). It is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.  

• Bulimia nervosa: individuals typically alternate between dieting and binging, which leads to a purging and/or excessive exercise episode. They feel guilty about the food they binged and use purging behaviors to compensate for the calories they consumed (Petre, 2024; Guarda & Wu, 2026).  

• Binge-eating disorder: individuals experience episodes of binge eating without purging episodes (Petre, 2024). They feel a lack of control over their eating which can lead to obesity and diabetes (Guarda & Wu, 2026).  

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): individuals lack an interest in eating and/or only eat from a limited menu (Petre, 2024). Typically develops in infancy or early childhood but can start at any age (Guarda & Wu, 2026). 

Current causes of eating disorders are known to be genetic and/or social factors (Guarda & Wu, 2026). Individuals experiencing an eating disorder can seek treatment with a professional therapist. In extreme cases, individuals may be hospitalized and sent to treatment centers until they are stabilized again. If you are looking for treatment, the National Eating Disorder Association’s website has resources available: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-treatment/ 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is characterized by intrusive and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive/excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both(NIMH, 2024). There is no clear factor for its cause, but risk factors include family history, brain structure and functioning, and childhood trauma (Medline Plus, 2023). Individuals with OCD feel driven to do something repetitive to get rid of their intrusive thoughts. Most of the time they know it is an obsession or compulsion, but feel great distress if they stop (Phillips, 2024).  

Examples of obsessions via Medline Plus (2023): 

• Fixation on contamination or germs 

• Worries about harming to self or others 

• Unwanted, intrusive thoughts about religion or sexual acts 

• Concern with specific ordering of things 

• Fearing of losing or misplacing something 

 Examples of compulsions via Medline Plus (2023): 

• Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing 

• Checking and rechecking 

• Rituals related to numbers 

• Following rigid rules of order 

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder are associated with the OCD realm (Phillips, 2024). People feel out of control with their thoughts/obsessions and compulsively pick at their skin or pull out their hair to stop the behavior. 

 Treatment for OCD and related disorders usually includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and/or medications such as antidepressants (Medline Plus, 2023). 

Body Image

 Body image refers to a person’s inner thoughts and perceptions of themselves. It is based on how we see ourselves, how we think about ourselves, how we feel, and how we behave (UChicago, n.d). There are two types of body image: positive and negative. A positive body image means one has an accurate perception of their body and feels confident and secure about it. Having a positive body image can look like having appreciation for your body's functions, confidence in your appearance, and resilience against unreal body standards. A negative body image consists of a distorted or unrealistic perception of one's body, which can lead to low self-esteem and shame (Ferguson, 2024). This can look like comparing yourself with others, going to extreme lengths to change your appearance, constant validation seeking, and frequent body checking. Cultural influences such as social media can distort someone’s view of what a healthy or realistic body image looks like. Some people may also experience body shaming, either in person or online.  

According to Dr. Monica Johnson (2022), there are four ways that people view their body:  

• Perceptual: how you see yourself (can be real and/or distorted). 

•  Ex: Noticing a pimple on your face and viewing it as bigger than it is.  

• Affective: your feelings about your body (satisfied or dissatisfied by your looks).  

• Ex: Feeling too thin or too heavy.  

• Cognitive: thoughts and beliefs about your body.  

• Ex: If I build more muscle, I will be more attractive and comfortable with my body.  

• Behavioral: the actions you take in relation to your body image.  

• Ex: Makeup, exercising, dieting, isolating.  

Ways to boost your self-esteem regarding your body image (Clerkin, 2025; UChicago, n.d.):  

• Limit body checking and scales.  

• Engage in intuitive eating: the practice of feeling neutral about one's weight by honoring the messages of the body. This involves trusting your hunger queues and eating when you feel hungry. 

• Spend less time on social media. 

• Speak to a counseling professional to discuss your relationship with food and/or your body. 

• Celebrate things that you like and appreciate about your body.  

• Practice positive affirmations: this helps minimize negativity and improves focus on seeing oneself in a positive light. This can help boost self-worth and confidence.  

• I am strong. 

• I am happy to be me.  

• I am powerful. 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, also known as body dysmorphia, is a type of negative body image disorder characterized by preoccupation of flaws or defects on one's body. Individuals who experience this disorder have a distorted view of their appearance and spend a significant amount of time and energy trying to cover up or fix what they believe is “wrong”. Cultural influences (social media), childhood abuse, brain chemistry, and genetics can increase someone’s risk of developing body dysmorphia (Cleveland Clinic, 2026).  

 Further reading: https://bulimia.com/eating-disorders/healthy-body-image/ 

Self Harm

Self-harm refers to when a person hurts themselves on purpose to cope with a problem or to stop themselves from feeling lonely, angry, or hopeless (SAMHSA, 2025). This can look like cutting, burning, not eating, purging, or punching themselves or other objects. Usually, it is not a suicide attempt, but the individual may be at a higher risk for it. The following are potential signs of self-harm behavior (SAMHSA, 2025): 

• Scars 

• Fresh wounds, cuts, or bruises 

• Wearing long sleeves in warm weather 

• Changes in mood and behavior 

• Talking about feeling worthless or helpless 

You can create a safety plan for yourself or with a loved one to prevent or reduce self-harm behaviors. A safety plan serves as a personalized list of things to do for navigating crisis situations or triggers (Headway, 2025). It includes warning signs, internal coping strategies, social support networks and distractions, seekingprofessional help, and identifying ways to restrict access to means of self-harm. This is a worksheet you can download to fill out your own safety plan: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/safety-plan 

If you are in a crisis, FGCU’s Counseling and Psychological Services has a 24/7 hotline you can call: 239-745-EARS (3277). Southwest Florida also has the Center for Progress and Excellence (CPE) that has a mobile crisis team: 844-395-4432. It is available 24/7 to provide on-site support in all 5 counties in Southwest Florida- Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades. Additionally, there is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline you can call or text. 

Suicide

Suicide is death caused by self-inflicted injury with the purpose to die (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). It is common amongst all groups and does not discriminate based on demographics. Here are some warning signs to identify if you or someone else is thinking about suicide: 

• Experiencing or expressing suicidal thoughts 

• Making preparations like a will or giving away belongings 

• Reckless or risk-taking behavior 

• Withdrawal from loved ones and friends 

• Expressing feelings of being a burden 

• Sudden mood changes or intense emotions 

• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns  

Suicide is a very hard topic to talk about, but it is important to note that mentioning it will not put the idea in someone’s head. In fact, it might help the individualfeel less alone and more likely to open up and receive help (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).  

If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, FGCU’s Counseling and Psychological Services has a 24/7 hotline you can call: 239-745-EARS (3277). Southwest Florida also has the Center for Progress and Excellence (CPE) that has a mobile crisis team: 844-395-4432. It is available 24/7 to provide on-site support in all 5 counties in Southwest Florida- Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades. Additionally, there is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline you can call or text. 

Self Care

Self-care is the act of taking care of oneself to ensure physical and emotional needs are met (Bottaro, 2026). Engaging in self-care can help boost different dimensions of wellness such as physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual (Scott, 2026). Self-care looks different for everyone. Something that works for one person may not work on another. Try to implement some form of self-care in your daily routine to avoid burnout, especially during high stress periods like midterms and finals. Having an effective self-care routine can reduce anxiety and depression, improve resilience, and increase energy (Scott, 2026).  

Below are some suggestions for self-care: 

• Exercising at the University Recreation & Wellness Center (URWC): physical exercise releases endorphins or happy chemicals! 

• Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a health program available at the URWC. This is based on a global health initiative focused on including physical activity into treatment plans. The EIM program includes a free fitness assessment, one free personal training session, and a specialized exercise schedule tailored to you. You can refer yourself or have Student Health refer you. Sign up today: https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/rehabilitationsciences/exercisescience/exerciseismedicine 

• Schedule an appointment at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). 

• https://www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/ 

• Schedule an appointment with a Wellness Coach to work on a dimension of wellness. 

• Log into your Success Hub and select “Schedule Appointment” 

• Select “Coaching - Prevention and Wellness” 

• https://appointments.fgcu.edu/myamonline/#/home  

• Use one of the Student Government hammocks outside the Cohen Student Union. 

• Drop in for free tutoring at the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) - no appointment necessary! 

• https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/caa/tutoring 

• Attend events on campus tailored to your interests. 

• https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/ 

• Nurture relationships with peers and friends by scheduling time to interact with them. 

There is no wrong way to engage in self-care! Find something that works for you and do it.  

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d). Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/ 

American Psychological Association. (2022, February 14). What’s the difference between stress  

and anxiety? https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference 

Behavioral Health Connection. (2019, October 1). A Simple Breathing Technique for Panic Attacks. Behavioral Health Connection.  

https://behavioralhealthconnection.net/blog/simple-breathing-technique-panic-attacks 

Bottaro, A. (2026, July 3). What Is Self-Care and Why is It Important? Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-self-care-5212781 

Bruce, D. F. & McPhillips, A. (2024, July 11). Types of Depression and How to Recognize Them. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-types 

Clerkin, B. (2025, February 11). Guide to Cultivating a Healthy Body Image. The Bulimia Project. https://bulimia.com/eating-disorders/healthy-body-image/ 

Cleveland Clinic. (2026, June 10). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder 

Cleveland Clinic. (2026, May 28). Depression. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression 

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, March 12). ADHD. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784- attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd 

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, July 22). Suicide. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/suicide 

Ferguson, S. (2024, August 23). What Does 'Body Image' Mean? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/body-image 

Guarda, A. & Wu, J. (2026, January). What are Eating Disorders? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are- eating-disorders 

Headway. (2025, August 29). How to help your clients create a safety plan for self-harm in therapy. Therapymatch Inc. https://headway.co/resources/safety-plan-for-self-harm 

Holland, K. (2025, August 22). Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety 

Johnson, M. (2022, February 11). The 4 Components of Body Image. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-savvy-psychologist/202202/the-4-components-of-body-image 

Mayo Clinic. (2025, July 29). Anxiety disorders. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961 

MedlinePlus. (2023, October 17). Anxiety. National Library of Medicine.  https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html 

MedlinePlus. (2023, October 17). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/obsessivecompulsivedisorder.html 

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, December). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd 

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, December). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression 

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, December). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd 

Petre, A. (2024, June 11). 6 Common Types of Eating Disorders (and Their Symptoms). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders 

Phillips, K. (2024, September). What Is are Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients- families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder 

SAMHSA. (2026, June 23). Mental Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health 

SAMHSA. (2025, December 23). Self-Harm. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental- health/conditions/self-harm 

Santonicola, A., Gagliardi, M., Pier Luca Guarino, M., Siniscalchi, M., Ciacci, C., & Iovino, P. (2019, December 12). Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6950592/ 

Scott, E. (2026, June 20). 5 Types of Self-Care for Every Area of Your Life. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729 

The Eating Disorder Foundation. (n.d). About Eating Disorders – Health Consequences. The Eating Disorder Foundation. https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/learn-more/about- eating-disorders/health-consequences/ 

The Deep Sleep Co. (2018, January 27). The easy guide to the 4 7 8 Breathing Technique. The Deep Sleep Co. https://www.thedeepsleepco.com/4-7-8-breathing/ 

Thorpe, M. & Ajmera, R. (2024, August 15). How Meditation Benefits Your Mind and Body. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation 

UChicago Student Wellness. (n.d). Body Image and Eating Concerns. The University of Chicago. https://wellness.uchicago.edu/healthy-living/health-information/body-image-and-eating- concerns/ 

Communication

We cannot talk about consent without communication. Communicating consent involves two things: expressing your boundaries and actively listening to others (Steps to HOPE, 2025). Remember that consent is involved in relationships that are not just romantic; it is also found in platonic, familial, work, and faith-based relationships (Palmer, 2023). Being honest, open, and direct about your feelings and comfortability is the foundation of any healthy relationship. 

Examples: “You can hold my hand but please ask me before you give me a kiss.” 

“I am not comfortable with going further, can we stay at this stage?” 

“I do not like hugs, can we fist-bump or shake hands?” 

People may have different communication styles: passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive, and assertive. 

Passive communication: not expressing needs, deferring to others for decision making, misunderstandings.  “I’m okay with whatever you want to do.”	Aggressive communication: expressing feelings and needs at the expense of others, defensive, can alienate others.  “Get over it.”
Passive-aggressive communication: passive on the surface but subtly angry, sarcasm and indirect communication, limited consideration of others.  “Yeah, whatever, that’s totally a great plan.”	Assertive communication: direct and honest communication of feelings, respecting others’feelings while asserting your own. This is where the “I” statements come in.  “I feel…when you…and I need you to…”

(Palmer, 2023; The Trustees of Princeton University, 2025) 

“I” statements 

These are ways of speaking or phrasing your feelings without putting the blame on anyone. It helps reduce defensiveness and opens the conversation to resolutions. To make an “I” statement: 

1. Identify your feelings (“I feel nervous, anxious, scared...”)
2. Describe the behavior that bothers you (“This happens when you....”)
3. Talk about how their behavior affects you (“This affects me because...”)
4. Check that you’re being assertive (“I need you to...”) 

(Watkins, 2022) 

It is okay to ask questions and use “I” statements if you are unsure. Remember, this is supposed to be a fun and connecting activity; both parties must have a mutual understanding of what the other party wants and needs. 

For more information about consent, visit this website: https://www.stepstohope.org/blog/understanding-consent-a-guide-to-clear-communication-and-respectful-boundaries 

Conflict Resolution

Learn about Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to their disagreement (Ratson, 2024). Disagreements usually start due to miscommunication, unclear expectations, competing goals, personality clashes, and change (AMA Staff, 2019). To get through a conflict, both sides need to display healthy communication by being respectful, clear, and levelheaded. Conflict can be good when used appropriately because it can foster team building, critical thinking, and new ideas (Ronquillo et al., 2023). Managing a conflict healthily can strengthen a relationship by building up trust and reducing stress (Modern Recovery Editorial Team, 2023). 

Steps to conflict resolution (AMA Staff, 2019; MRET, 2023; Ratson, 2024): 

1. Identify the problem or the source of the conflict. 

2. Understand everyone's needs and concerns by talking to everyone involved and finding a common goal. 

3. Practice active listening and use “I” statements to express your feelings. 

4. List and discuss possible solutions that all parties can support. 

5. Agree on the solution. 

Building conflict resolution skills has many benefits, including enhancing communication skills, fostering empathy, boosting self-esteem, and improving problem-solving skills (Ratson, 2024). 

People may deal with conflict differently due to having different conflict management styles. The Thomas-Kilmann Model discusses the five ways people respond to conflict (AMA Staff, 2019; Ronquillo et al., 2023): 

• Avoidance: an individual avoids the situation or ignores its existence; conflict remains unresolved, builds until it becomes a bigger problem. 

• Accommodative: one person or party defers to the others to preserve relationships rather than asserting their needs; may not satisfy all parties involved, can lead to resentment. 

• Competitive: conflict is seen as a win-lose situation where one party asserts their position and claims victory; the situation is resolved but does not lead to a unified team. 

• Compromise: neither party will be fully satisfied; each party sacrifices a part of their solution; parties may harbor resentment. 
• Collaborative: all parties brought together and have a say in the solution; active listening and respectful communication are used. 

Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships

People are using the terms “green flag” and “red flag” to demonstrate healthy and unhealthy signs of a relationship. A green flag means that the behavior or action is healthy; everyone feels safe and respected in the relationship (A Woman’s Place, n.d.). For example, respecting the other person’s point of view or taking responsibility for your actions. One Love Foundation (n.d.) details 10 signs of a healthy relationship: 

• Comfortable pace - relationship moves at a pace that feels enjoyable for each person 

• Honesty - can be truthful without fearing how the other person will react 

• Respect - value one another’s opinions and love one another for who they are as a person 

• Kindness - are caring and empathetic towards one another 

• Healthy conflict - can openly and respectfully discuss issues and conflicting ideas non-judgmentally 

• Trust - confidence that your partner has your back and will not do anything to hurt or ruin the relationship 

• Independence - you have space to be yourself outside of the relationship 

• Equality - the relationship feels balanced, and everyone puts in the same amount of effort 

• Taking responsibility - owning up to your actions and words 

• Fun - enjoy spending time together and bringing out the best in one another 

For more information about One Love and their resources: https://www.joinonelove.org 

A red flag refers to unhealthy, toxic, or abusive behavior. This can include belittling, insulting, and “blowing up” or having explosive reactions. Domestic violence, sometimes known as intimate partner violence, is a type of abusive relationship where one partner uses behaviors to maintain power and control over another partner (National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.). These behaviors can include, but are not limited to, physical violence, manipulation, threats, emotional abuse, and financial control (NDVH, n.d.). One Love Foundation (n.d.) details the 10 signs of an unhealthy relationship: 

• Intensity - someone expresses very extreme feelings and over the top behavior that feels overwhelming 

• Manipulation - someone tries to control your actions, decisions, or emotions 

• Sabotage - someone purposefully ruins your reputation, success, or achievement. 

• Guilting - someone makes you feel responsible for their actions or makes you feel like it’s your job to make them happy 

• Deflecting responsibility - someone repeatedly makes excuses for their actions 

• Possessiveness - jealousy that leads to someone trying to control you and who you spend your time with 

• Isolation - someone keeps you away from your family, friends, or other people 

• Belittling - someone does and says things to make you feel bad about yourself 

• Volatility - someone has a strong, unpredictable reaction that makes you feel scared, confused, or intimidated 

• Betrayal - someone is disloyal or acts in an intentionally dishonest way 

For more information about One Love and their resources: https://www.joinonelove.org 

Other terms that people commonly use: 

• Gaslighting - a form of manipulation where the abuser misleads the target or victim; creates a false narrative and makes them question their judgment and reality; includes lying, discrediting, distractions, minimizing, shifting blame, rewriting history, and using kind words to smooth over the situation (Gordon, 2026) 

• Love-bombing - an excessive, overwhelming display of attention, affection, or devotion; typically appears in early relationships; looks like excessive communication, rapid escalation, overwhelming gifts/gestures, constant idealization, and mirroring (Sharma, 2026) 

• Ghosting - the sudden end of communication with someone without warning or explanation; typically done to end a relationship to avoid experiencing discomfort or difficult conversations (Fagan, 2025) 

• Grooming - a deliberate, calculated process of gaining someone's trust to exploit them; looks like friendship, mentorship, or generosity, and usually targets the social system around the victim (parents, teachers, institutions) to create a protective shield (NeuroLaunch Editorial Team, 2024) 

• Narcissist - someone with an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and limited ability to empathize with others; term gets thrown around a lot, but the clinical definition is associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD); someone with NPD displays at least five of the following traits: grandiose self-importance, fantasies of unlimited success, belief in their own specialties, excessive need for admiration, sense of entitlement, willingness to exploit others, lack of empathy, frequent envy, arrogant behavior (ScienceInsights, 2026) 

• Projection - a defense mechanism in psychology that involves attributing one’s undesirable traits, feelings, or impulses to other people; usually done to others unconsciously (McLeod, 2024) 

How to Help a Friend

It can be hard to get out of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. There are many tips on how to help a friend who is the victim or perpetrator in an abusive relationship (NDVH, n.d.; OLF, n.d.). 

If your friend is the victim: 

• Be supportive, but don’t force the conversation.  

• “I am here whenever you are ready to talk.” 

• Label the unhealthy behaviors you have noticed.  

• “I have noticed that __ berates you a lot. Is that something that bothers you?” 

• Avoid placing blame on your friend.  

• “Hey, thank you for taking this time to talk to me about this. I want you to know that it is not your fault.”  

• Keep the conversation two-sided.  

• This means that both parties contribute to the discussion; one person does not control the conversation.  

• Be patient and follow up.  

• “How about we talk about this tomorrow? I have a break at 12pm and we can get some lunch together.” 

• Encourage them to talk to a professional. 

• “It is okay if you do not want to talk to me, but it would be a great idea to speak to a professional about your relationship.” 

• Create a safety/exit plan 

• This is a plan of actions that can improve safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after you leave. 

• Personalized; everyone can look different 

• Can include code words, people you trust, alternate safety locations, and a list of items you would need if you had to leave quietly.  

• To create your own safety plan, you can use resources available here: https://www.thehotline.org/ 

If your friend is the perpetrator: 

• Trust your gut; if you are concerned, say something. 

• Label the behavior, not the person. 

• “You’re really mean, stop doing that.” vs “I noticed you seem stressed/angry. Would you like to talk about it?” 

• Try to remain non-judgmental and supportive. 

• “I know that this behavior is not like you. I want to help you be the best version of yourself.” 

• Let them know their behavior is not okay. 

• “Hey, I saw that you were yelling at your girl. That is not okay.”  

• Encourage them to talk to a professional. 

• “Because you’re feeling stressed out, I think it would be a good idea to talk to a professional like your primary care doctor or a therapist. It is not fair to take it out on other people.” 

Bystander Intervention

Bystanders are those who view a situation happening but do not intervene due to social influence, diffusion of responsibility, or safety. With social influence, a bystander would monitor other people’s reactions to determine if it is necessary or acceptable to intervene. If no one steps up, then others will stay silent because they do not want to be rejected by society for doing something socially inacceptable. Diffusion of responsibility is the phenomenon where bystanders believe someone else will step in if there are other people present (University of Waterloo, 2023). Also, if the situation is not safe, do not put yourself in danger. Instead, call the University Police Department (239-590-1900) or 911.  

Before you intervene, be sure to recognize the situation, assess safety (you do not want to become a victim or put yourself in harm’s way), decide how to act, and determine how to help. 

Intervention Steps Example: 

You are at a party and see a man yelling and catcalling a woman nearby. 

Action	Definition	Example
Direct	A person directly addresses the situation or the individuals involved.	Address the man and tell him to stop catcalling.
Delegate	Ask others to help you intervene or have someone else intervene.	Ask people around you to help make sure the woman is safe and away from the man who was yelling.
Distract	Create a distraction to interrupt the situation and diffuse potential harm.	Say that there is free ice cream down the road or that a celebrity is nearby.
Document	Have video or written evidence of the situation.	If someone took videos, save those and give them to the police or other law enforcement.

(Lehigh University, n.d.; PAVE, 2025; University of Waterloo, 2023) 

Note - you do not need to do all these interventions. You can do the one that works best for your situation. 

By encouraging an environment of proactive intervention, we can prevent harmful situations from escalating.  

Campus Resources

• Victim Advocacy Services (Cohen 174): Free and confidential support to any student who has been victimized by a crime. https://www.fgcu.edu/university-recreation-and-wellness/wellness/ 

• Student Health Services (modular 2 behind the music school building): Confidential services provided such as STI testing and/or treatment. Free STI testing is available for students who report experiencing assault and for everyone during certain times of the month. https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studenthealth/ 

• Counseling and Psychological Services (3rd floor of Student and Community Counseling Center): Free and confidential counseling for students. https://www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/ 

• University Police Department (Campus Support Complex): Emergency response for incidents and crimes on campus; reporting service. https://www.fgcu.edu/upd/ 

References

AMA Staff. (2019, July 25). The Five Steps to Conflict Resolution. American Management Association. https://www.amanet.org/articles/the-five-steps-to-conflict-resolution/ 

A Woman’s Place. (n.d.). Healthy vs. Unhealthy: Resources. A Woman’s Place. https://awomansplace.org/resources/healthy-vs-unhealthy.html   

Gordon, S. (2026, March 18). Is someone gaslighting you? look out for these red flags. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/is-someone-gaslighting-you-4147470   

Lehigh University. (n.d.). What is Bystander Intervention. Student Affairs, Lehigh University. https://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/content/what-bystander-intervention   

McLeod, S. (2024, October 10). Psychological Projection (+ Examples). Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychological-projection-defense-mechanism.html 

Modern Recovery Editorial Team. (2023, July 26). Conflict Resolution Skills for Better Mental Health. Modern Recovery Services. https://modernrecoveryservices.com/wellness/coping/skills/social/conflict-resolution/   

National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Understand Relationship Abuse. National Domestic Violence Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/   

NeuroLaunch Editorial Team. (2024, September 22). Grooming Behavior: Recognizing and Understanding Its Various Forms. NeuroLaunch. https://neurolaunch.com/what-is-grooming-behavior/   

One Love Foundation. (n.d.). One Love. https://www.joinonelove.org/   

Palmer, M. (2023, November 7). Types of Communication Styles and How to Identify Them. Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/liberal-arts/types-of-communication-styles   

PAVE. (2025, January 22). Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention. Survivors.org. https://www.survivors.org/steps-for-effective-bystander-intervention/   

Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (n.d.). Sexual Consent. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent   

Ratson, M. (2024, January 11). Managing Conflict Resolution Effectively. Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-wisdom-of-anger/202401/managing-conflict-resolution-effectively   

Ronquillo, Y., Ellis, V. L., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023, July 3). Conflict Management in Healthcare. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470432/   

ScienceInsights. (2026, May 8). What is a Narcissist? Traits, Types, and NPD Explained. ScienceInsights. https://scienceinsights.org/what-is-a-narcissist-traits-types-and-npd-explained/   

Sharma, P. (2026, December 10). Love Bombing: What It Is, Why Narcissists Do It, and How to Spot It. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.com/articles/narcissist-love-bombing 

Steps to HOPE. (2025, March 6). Understanding Consent: A Guide to Clear Communication and Respectful Boundaries. Steps to Hope. https://www.stepstohope.org/blog/understanding-consent-a-guide-to-clear-communication-and-respectful-boundaries  

The Trustees of Princeton University. (n.d.). Understanding Your Communication Style. UMatter, Princeton University. https://umatter.princeton.edu/respect/tools/communication-styles 

University of Waterloo. (2023, October 6). Active Bystander Intervention: How can I be an Active Bystander?. Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office, University of Waterloo. https://uwaterloo.ca/sexual-violence-prevention-response-office/give-support/active-bystander-intervention 

Watkins, N. (2022, September 13). I-Statements: How & When to Use Them (With Examples). SocialSelf.  https://socialself.com/blog/i-statements/  

Financial Terminology

Debit vs. Credit Cards

(DePersio, 2026)

Debit cards are tied directly to a checking or savings account that automatically pulls out money to make a purchase. If there is not enough money in the bank account, the card can be over drafted or declined. Overdrafting is when a bank allows customers to continue withdrawing money, even when their balance is zero (Kagan, 2025). Overdraft fees occur when you do not have enough money in your account to cover your transaction and usually cost $35 or more per transaction, depending on your bank (FDIC, 2022). Debit cards require a personal identification number (PIN) to approve transactions. These are best used for small purchases and ATM access. (Kiernan & Comoreau, 2025; DePersio, 2026). 

Credit cards establish a line of credit that users can borrow up to a certain amount. Credit is best known as the ability to borrow money and repay it over time (Waugh, 2024). You can build credit by making payments on time, applying for a credit card or loan, and paying your bills. Having good credit means you have a respectable history of borrowing and repaying debts. Having bad credit means you either do not have enough to report or do not pay back your debts. If the amount borrowed is not paid back on time, the user can accrue interest which increases the amount they have to pay back. A credit score is the numerical value calculated from information in one's credit file. These cards are best used for big purchases, emergency expenses, and earning rewards (Kiernan & Comoreau, 2025; DePersio, 2026).  

A good credit score depends on payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, types of credit used, and the amount of accounts open. Having a good credit score can help you qualify for new credit, rent or buy a home, lower insurance rates, and apply for jobs (Waugh, 2024). You can check your credit score through certain banks, Experian, or through the app Credit Karma.  

• 300-579: Poor; trouble qualifying for a loan or credit card, might have higher fees and interest rates. 

• 580-669: Fair; might have an easier time qualifying for loans and credit cards if you go from poor to fair.  

• 670-739: Good; more likely to qualify for more loans and cards with lower fees and interest rates.  

• 740-799: Very Good; could qualify for lenders’ credit accounts and receive the lowest fees.  

• 800-850: Excellent; qualifies for the best available offers.  

(DeNicola, 2024) 

Best student credit cards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/college-student 

A credit report is the summary of one's financial reliability and can be looked at once a year for free through one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).  

To check your credit report:  

https://www.experian.com/ or https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action 

Savings vs Checking Account 

A savings account is an account at a bank or credit union where you can hold your money to earn interest and/or save up for a big purchase (Sharkey, 2026; Kagan, 2024). This helps keep your savings separate from your everyday spending cash. Each bank has different rules about savings accounts like minimum balances, how many times you can transfer or withdraw a month, and varying interest rates (Kagan, 2024). You can maximize your savings by looking at online banks or credit unions (these tend to have better interest rates), getting a sign-up bonus, and avoiding fees (Sharkey, 2026). The amount of money recommended for a savings account depends on what you are using the account for. If you are using your savings for an emergency fund, it is recommended to keep three to six months' worthof living expenses in the account. If you are saving up for a car or house, you would keep the amount for it in the account.  

A checking account is an account used for everyday spending and helps keep your money together rather than bringing cash everywhere (Shahid, 2025). It is an easy way to track spending, transfer money, withdraw cash, deposit cash/checks, and receive paychecks by direct deposit (Van Der Hoop, 2025; Shahid, 2025). Most checking accounts are connected to a debit card. Be aware of potential fees, overdraft, insufficient funds, out of network ATMs, potential rewards/bonuses, and *FDIC/NCUA insurance (Van Der Hoop, 2025; Shahid, 2025). There are different kinds of checking accounts based on benefits (Van Der Hoop, 2025; Shahid, 2025): 

• Student checking: for high school and college students, low fees. 

• Rewards checking: cash back and other perks when using a debit card.  

• High-yield checking: pays interest on balances. 

• Second-chance checking: designed for those with poor or limited banking history. 

• Joint checking: two people have full access to funds.  

• Business checking: designed to handle the daily spending/deposits of a small business.  

*If you open an account that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), your balance up to $250,000 is covered in case the bank fails.  

Differences of checking and savings accounts:  

(Shahid, 2025) 

Checks & Money Orders

Although most of today’s banking is online, physical payments like checks and money orders are still around. They are used for rent payments, large purchases, gifts, government/legal payments, and business payments (Bennett, 2026). You can check with your bank on how to get a checkbook.  

How to fill out a check:

(Bankrate, 2026)  

ALWAYS USE BLUE OR BLACK INK TO FILL IT OUT.

If you use a pencil, it can be erased and altered.  

• Date: Write the date in the top right-hand corner; it does not matter if you use numbers or spell it out (For example: 1/1/2000 or January 1st, 2000). 

• Pay to the order of: This is who the check is for; use their complete legal name.  

• $ Box: Write in numbers the amount for the check. (Ex: $100.50) 

• DOLLARS Line: Write the amount for the check in words. If there are cents, write them out as a fraction over 100. (Ex: One hundred and 50/100). 

• Memo: This is optional, but you can write a note about the check’s purpose.  To the right of the memo line, add your signature.  

(Bennett, 2026)

A money order is an alternative to cash or checks, except you do not need a bank account to send or receive one (Burnette, 2025). This is great for reducing the risk of identity fraud since money orders do not reveal your bank account information. You fill it out like a check. You pay for it up front at banks, credit unions, U.S Postal Service, and certain grocery stores/retailers (Goldberg, 2025).  

How to fill out a money order: 

ALWAYS USE BLUE OR BLACK INK TO FILL IT OUT.

If you use a pencil, it can be erased and altered.  

• Pay to: Fill out the name of who the money order is going to. If there is a “from,” “purchaser,” or “sender,” fill in your own name.  

• Address: Write your full address; it is there for the person to contact you if something went wrong with the money order and provides a paper trail for your records. 

• Memo: Write in your account number to make sure the payment is being applied correctly. 

• Purchaser’s signature: Add your signature. 

• Make sure to keep your receipt as this contains a tracking number. You could verify if the recipient got it or if it was lost. If the recipient has not cashed in the money order yet, you can use your receipt to cancel it.  

(Goldberg, 2025) 

 Interest Rates

Interest rates are percentages that show the rate at which your credit is owed or your savings will grow over time. This can help you as you add money to a savings account or hurt you as a borrower by increasing the amount of money that you owe. Interest rates are usually determined by credit score, income, the economy, or missed payments (McCann, 2026). Types of interest rates include: 

• Fixed rate - stays the same throughout the loan term. 

• Ex: personal loans, auto loans, mortgages 

• Variable rate - changes based on an underlying factor, or *prime rate. 

• Ex: credit cards, mortgages, bonds 

• Regular rate - rate you pay under normal circumstances. 

• Purchase intro rate - a temporarily low rate you may get after opening a new credit card. 

• Balance transfer rate - when you use a credit card to pay off another credit card or loan, the resulting balance accrues interest at this rate. 

• Penalty rate - higher rate that is enacted if you do not pay on time. 

• Cash advance rate - the rate you pay on fees after withdrawing cash with a credit card. 

• *Prime rate - the rate banks charge other banks and large corporations. 

• Ex: In May of 2026, the prime rate was 8.50%. 

• Real interest rate- rates that have been adjusted for inflation. 

(McCann, 2026) 

 Annnual Percentages Rates (APR)

APRs reflect the total cost of a loan, factoring in fees, closing costs, and other charges. It represents the total cost of borrowing money, expressed as a yearly percentage. APR is calculated by taking in the total cost of borrowing and dividing it by the original loan amount. This is then divided by the number of days in the loan and multiplied by 365. To make it into a percentage, the result is multiplied by 100. (Tamplin, 2025; Fernando, 2026). 

(Fernando, 2026) 

Graphic contains a mathematical formula designed for calculating annual percentage rates, or APR. The formula is APR equals parentheses fees plus interest over principal divided by n times 365 parentheses times 100. Below the formula is the word “where:” and underneath it says “Interest = Total interest paid over life of the loan,” “Principal = Loan amount,” and “n = Number of days in loan term.

Student Financial Information

Student Loans

A student loan is an amount of money borrowed from the government or bank to pay for schooling. Some people prefer to take out a federal student loan because the interest rates are fixed and usually lower, you do not need a credit check or cosigner, you do not have to pay back the money right away, and there is a possibility it could be forgiven (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

Types of Federal Student Loans from the U.S. Government website: 

• Direct Subsidized loan: undergrad students with demonstrated financial need offered up to $5,500 annually depending on grade level and dependency status. 

• Direct Unsubsidized loan: undergrad students offered a certain amount annually based on grade level and dependency status; graduate students offered up to $20,500 annually; professional students offered up to $50,000 annually. 

• Direct PLUS loans for graduate or professional students: graduate or professional students eligible for an amount equal to the maximum cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.  

• Direct PLUS loans for parents: parents borrow money for their dependent undergrad student eligible for an amount equal to the maximum cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. If the maximum amount is $20,000 or higher, they do not qualify.  

• Direct Consolidated loans: anyone with eligible federal student loans who wants to combine any number of those loans into a single loan. 

Learn more about student loans here: 

• Student loan types: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans 

• Subsidized vs unsubsidized: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized 

 Student Loan Tips:

• Learn about which loan(s) you have, how much you must pay off, and when it is due (Epstein, 2026).  

• Enroll in autopay so you do not forget to pay for it each month (Haverstock, 2026). 

• Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans – this plan bases your monthly student loan payment amount on your income and family size (Federal Student Aid). The types include the income-based repayment (IBR), income-contingent repayment (ICR) plan, or pay as you earn (PAYE) plan.  

• Look into loan payment or forgiveness options (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2024; Federal Student Aid, n.d.). 

• Public Service Forgiveness (PSLF) program - the remaining balance on your Direct Loans can be forgiven if you have already made the equivalent of 120 monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and you work full-time for an eligible employer (either the government or a not-for-profit organization) (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness- if you teach full time for five complete and consecutive years in a low-income school or educational agency, you may be eligible for forgiveness up to $17,500 on certain Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

• Total and Permanent Disability Discharge- if you are totally and permanently disabled and provide documentation from the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, or an authorized medical professional you may qualify for a discharge of your federal student loans (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

• Borrower Defense to Repayment- you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness if your school gave misleading information or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain laws (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

• Military Service Benefits- you may be eligible to receive benefits if you are a military service member (Federal Student Aid, n.d.). Contact the VA to learn more: https://www.va.gov/education/ 

• Refinance if you have good credit, a steady job, and/or private loans (Haverstock, 2026). 

• Watch out for scams (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2024). If you get mail, email, calls, or text messages advertising loan forgiveness, doublecheck if it is real or fake. Do not give away your bank information or pay a company to help with your student loans.  

Grants

A grant is a financial award distributed by a government, foundation, corporation, or other organization to support specific projects, initiatives, or individuals (Grants HQ, 2026). There are different types of grants that the U.S. Department of Education offers for students: 

• Federal Pell Grant: awarded only to undergraduate students who display financial need, and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree(Federal Student Aid, n.d.). 

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): awarded to undergraduate students who have an exceptional financial need and who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree (Federal Student Aid, n.d.).  

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: awarded to undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or graduate students who are enrolled in programs that prepare them to teach in a high-need field at the elementary or secondary school level (Federal Student Aid, n.d.). 

The only times a grant would need to be paid back is if you withdrew early from the program, your enrollment status changed, you received outside funding that reduces your need for financial assistance, or you received Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a gift of money from schools, employers, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups, or social and professional organizations (Federal Student Aid). YOU DO NOT PAY THEM BACK. The money is yours to keep and use towards tuition, room and board, travel, living expenses, and textbooks (University Living, 2026). There are different types of scholarships (University Living, 2026): 

• Merit-based: awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academics, arts, or athletics.  

• Need-based: provided to students who have a significant financial need. 

• Student-specific: targets a specific group based on gender, race, religion, or family background.  

• Career-specific: for students pursuing degrees in high-demand jobs.  

• College-specific: offered directly by colleges or universities.  

• Athletic: for students who have shown outstanding athletic abilities to participate in collegiate sports.  

• Creative contest: based on submissions in art, writing, or music.  

Scholarship information can be found online or through a school counselor or financial aid office. You can visit websites like scholarship.com, Fastweb, College Board, Scholarship360, ScholarshipOwl, Bold.org, Appily, and CareerOneStop to find scholarships (Bareham, 2026). 

Budgeting 

A budget is a plan or tool for managing income, expenses, savings, debt and other financial goals (Schwahn & Barroso, 2026). It could be for a month, year, or other time period. Budgeting is important to see where your money is going, plan for upcoming expenses, save for the future, get out of debt, and relieve stress (Schwahn & Barroso, 2026). In 2026, National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) surveyed Americans on their financial wellbeing. 88% reported feeling some form of financial stress, one of the highest rates over the past couple years. Being able to understand your finances and learn how to budget can drastically reduce the amount of stress experienced.  

You can make your own budget to be flexible towards your own life. The standard budget includes your income after taxes, your estimated expenses for a month, and your wants and needs. One of the popular budgeting methods is called 50/30/20: 50% of your income goes towards needs like groceries, housing, and transportation. 30% of your income goes towards wants like entertainment, traveling, and dining out. The remaining 20% of your income goes towards paying off debt and/or savings. The worksheet linked (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/budget-worksheet) can guide you through the 50/30/20 process.  

You can also meet with a Wellness Coach at Prevention & Wellness. They can help you start and manage a budget!  

• Log into your Success Hub and select “Schedule Appointment” 

• Select “Coaching - University Recreation and Wellness” 

• https://appointments.fgcu.edu/myamonline/#/home 

Check in With Your Financial Wellness: 

Take the quiz to discover your current financial health- https://tenhash.com/financial-health-quiz 

Ask yourself: 

• How is your current financial situation impacting your emotional well-being? 

• Do you know how to create and stick to a budget? 

• Do you have an emergency and/or savings fund? 

• Are you up to date with your financial obligations? 

Financial Resources

Financial stressors are a common contributor to anxiety and depression. There are resources both on and off campus that can help those who are experiencing challenges with their finances. Take care of yourself by being educated on the different opportunities on and off campus. Gain perspective on your current financial standing by taking this quiz:  

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/financial-well-being/ 

Azul’s Attire/Closet 

Azul’s Attire is a free professional closet on campus through the Career Development Services Office. Azul’s Attire is completely online and includes a meeting with a virtual stylist who can help students create a look in which they feel professional and confident! Students can apply to receive a voucher which will allow them to receive a free professional outfit shipped directly to their door that is theirs to keep. For more information about Azul’s Attire, visit their webpage: https://www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/azulsattire 

Basic Needs Initiative 

FGCU offers a basic needs initiative for students experiencing homelessness, foster care, or being a ward of the state. They offer academic/career support, financial/resource navigation such as homeless waiver assistance, and student advocacy (case management). They have an “essentials closet” where students can receive hygiene items, household products, and school supplies at no cost. https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/dean_of_students/bni 

FGCU Financial Aid Office 

The Financial Aid Office is located in McTarnaghan Hall and offers guidance on how to navigate student finances. The office provides information about loans, financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/financialaid/ 

FGCU Food Pantry 

The campus food pantry is in Kleist 102, the building next to the Food Forest and the Sugden Welcome Center. It is stocked with perishable, non-perishable, and personal hygiene items that students can take, no questions asked. Students can visit the food pantry once a week, or take items from their outdoor food pantry, a box outside the building that is open 24/7. For more information about the Food Pantry, visit their website: https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/foodpantry/ 

Other Free Opportunities Provided by FGCU 

• University Recreation & Wellness facilities are free for students (link to URecWell website - https://www.fgcu.edu/university-recreation-and-wellness/). 

• Recreation & Wellness Center: a gym free for students; includes all the equipment and group fit classes. Showers are also available in the locker room.  

• Aquatics Center and SoVi Pool: lap pool in North Lake and resort-style pool in South Village.  

• Waterfront: beach style layout in North Lake where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and camping gear.  

• Recreation Outdoor Complex (ROC): basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts in North Lake.  

• RecVentures: includes free or reduced cost trips and clinics.  

• Peddle Power Program: students can rent a bike for up to 7 days to use around campus.  

• Prevention & Wellness (Cohen 161): free condoms, hygiene products and Wellness Coaching available. 

• Center for Academic Achievement hosts free tutoring in the library (link to CAA website - https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/caa/). 

• Tutoring in person: free drop-in tutoring for most classes/majors in the library. 

• Online tutoring through Brainfuse: provides additional support for courses online, including some that are not available in person at the CAA.  

• Academic coaching: helps students improve their academic performance, self-regulation skills, motivations, and navigating the school environment. 

• Writing lab: helps students revise essays and other literary works. 

• Counseling and Psychological Services offers free therapy for students (link to CAPS website - https://www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/). 

• Free psychological and psychiatric services 

• Group therapy sessions offered 

• 24-hour crisis line: 239-745-EARS (3277) 

*A lot of places offer student discounts! Do not be afraid to look into it and/or ask. 

Thrifting 

Thrifting is the act of buying secondhand or lightly used clothing at discounted rates (Shieh, n.d.). It is a great way to save money and live sustainably. Opportunities to go thrifting include thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. There are a lot of benefits to thrifting: 

• More affordable than buying new items 

• Better for the planet and it reduces waste 

• Supporting local organizations and communities 

• Older items often have better quality 

• No pressure to buy  

Thrift Stores in Southwest Florida: 

• Goodwill:  

• Naples: 10455 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL 34108 

• Estero: 10041 Estero Town Commons Place, Estero, FL 33928 

• Bonita Springs: 11601 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 

• Fort Myers: 5120 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 

• Our Lady of Light: 24600 S Tamiami Trl, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 

• Second ACT Thrift: 12519 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 

• HOPE Hospice Thrift: 

• Bonita Springs: 28520 Bonita Crossings Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 

• Fort Myers: 6900 Daniels Pkwy Suite B23, Fort Myers, FL 33912 

• St. Matthew's House Thrift:  

• Fort Myers: 13140 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33966 

• Bonita Springs: 25091 Bernwood Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 

• Family Thrift Center: 4231 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966 

• The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store: 4506 Del Prado Blvd S D, Cape Coral, FL 33904 

• Teen Challenge SuperThrift:  

• West Fort Myers: 15631 San Carlos Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33908 

• Fort Myers: 15121 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL 33908 

Bareham, H. (2026, June 12). What Are the Best Scholarship Websites for Students? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/ 

Bennett, R. (2026, March 4). How to Write a Check: A step-by-step guide. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/how-to-write-a-check/ 

Burnette, M. (2025, October 2). What Is a Money Order? How a Money Order Works and Where to Buy One. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/money-orders 

Califano, J. (2025, April 11). What Is Financial Wellness & How Do You Achieve It? SoFi. https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/what-is-financial-wellness/ 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024, September 6). Tips for paying off student loans more easily. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/repay-student- debt/student-loan-debt-tips/ 

DeNicola, L. (2024, December 18). What Are the Different Credit Score Ranges? Experian. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/infographic-what-are-the-different- scoring-ranges/ 

DePersio, G. (2026, February 21). Debit Card vs. Credit Card: Understanding Key Differences. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/050415/what-are-differences- between-debit-cards-and-credit-cards.asp 

Epstein, L., & Velasquez, V. (2026, February 4). 10 Tips for Managing Your Student Loan Debt. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/082115/10-tips- managing-your-student-loan-debt.asp 

Fernando, J. (2026, May 23). Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Definition, Calculation, and Comparison. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/apr.asp 

Goldberg, M. (2025, September 22). How to fill out a money order. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/how-to-fill-out-a-money-order/ 

Grants HQ. (2026, June 3). What Is a Grant? A Complete Guide to Grant Types, Eligibility, and Application Success. Grants.com. https://grants.com/what-is-a-grant-a-complete-guide- to-grant-types-eligibility-and-application-success/ 

Haverstock, E. (2026, June 22). How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 7 Strategies for 2026. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/student-loans/learn/pay-off-student-loans-fast 

Heather. (2025, November 14). What is thrifting? Meaning, benefits, and why it matters today. Thrifters. https://wearethrifters.com/what-is-thrifting/ 

Kagan, J. (2024, December 1). What Is a Savings Account and How Does It Work? Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/savingsaccount.asp 

Kagan, J. (2025, August 19). Overdraft Fees Explained: Fees, Protection, and Types. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/overdraft.asp 

Kiernan, J. S., & Comoreanu, A. (2025, May 19). Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards. WalletHub. https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/debit-card-vs-credit-card/25883 

Lambarena, M., Mims, C., & Young, K. (2026, July 15). Best College Student Credit Cards of July 2026. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/college-student 

McCann, A. (2026, February 23). Interest Rates Explained. WalletHub. https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/what-is-interest-rate/72205 

National Endowment for Financial Education. (2026, January 29). Poll: Americans Feeling Financial Stress to Begin 2026. NEFE. https://www.nefe.org/news/2026/01/poll- americans-feeling-stressed-to-begin-2026.aspx 

Schwahn, L. (2026, February 18). Free Budget Template: A Simple Tool to Help You Track Your Money. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/budget-worksheet 

Schwahn, L. & Barroso, A. (2026, May 1). What is a budget? A simple guide to getting started. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/what-is-a-budget 

Shahid, M. (2025, June 30). What Is A Checking Account And How Does It Work? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/checking/what-is-a-checking-account/ 

Sharkey, S. (2026, January 13). What is a savings account? Definition, how it works. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/what-is-a-savings-account/ 

Shieh, G. (n.d.). What Is Thrifting? The Sensible Fay. https://thesensiblefay.com/blog/2019/thrifting-101 

Tamplin, T. (2025, February 21). What Is APR? Here’s How It Works And 7 Tips to Get Lower Rates. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/truetamplin/2025/02/21/what-is-apr-heres- how-it-works-and-7-tips-to-get-lower-rates/ 

University Living. (2026, April 17). What is a Scholarship and How Does it Work? A Complete Guide for Students in 2025. University Living, https://www.universityliving.com/blog/student-finances/scholarship-guide/ 

Van Der Hoop, H. (2025, April 30). What Is a Checking Account? Here's Everything You Need to Know. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/checkingaccount.asps 

Waugh, E. (2024, January 27). What Is Credit? Experian. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask- experian/credit-education/faqs/what-is-credit/ 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2022, August 17) Overdraft and Account Fees. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource- center/2021-12/overdraft-and-account-fees 

Federal Student Loans. (n.d). Federal Student Loans. Federal Student Aid.  https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans 

Federal Student Loans. (n.d). Finding and Applying for Scholarships. Federal Student Aid. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships 

Sustainability

Learn about Sustainability

Sustainability is being able to fulfill human needs while not compromising the resources for future generations (UN Brundtland Report, 1987). It is a balance between using available resources while not overconsuming them to the point where they would not be replenished in time for the future (EPA, 2025). The basis of sustainability is consuming in moderation. For example, buying 3 apples instead of 5 because you know that you will not be able to eat all of them before they go bad, or composting your fruit and vegetable scraps. 

Sustainability is comprised of three pillars: social, economic, and environmental (Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, n.d.). 

(Giesenhagen, 2023)

• Environment: protection and management of natural resources (ACCIONA, n.d.); protecting and enhancing both our natural and developed environments; using natural resources responsibly, minimizing waste and pollution, and being mindful of the impacts of climate change (Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, n.d.).  

• Economic: development and growth of goods and services without harming the environment (ACCIONA, n.d.); aligning lending and investment with sustainability goals and measuring the cost of using natural resources (Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, n.d.). 

• Social: ensuring basic needs (e.g., food, safety, and housing) are able to be met for all members of society (Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, n.d.). 

• Ex: Cutting down enough trees to ensure profit and an equal chance of buying the wood, but not enough to disturb the wildlife’s habitat. 

FGCU Campus Safety

Florida Gulf Coast University has safety measures in place in case of an emergency. 

• Blue Poles: These are 9-foot blue poles around campus with a telephone button that will send an alert to campus police when pushed. Dispatch will be able to see the scene, where it is, and the blue strobe light is activated. 

• Active Assailant: If there is an active assailant in your vicinity, call 911, evacuate to safety or hide out, and cooperate with law enforcement. 

• Warning Siren: There is an outdoor warning siren located on the main campus that becomes activated due to weather emergencies or dangerous situations. When this goes off, you should seek shelter in the nearest building. 

• Guardian Eagle App: This is an app that allows two-way communication with the University Police Department (UPD). You can chat and send photos to UPD, set a safety timer, call UPD, or call 911. 

• Victim Advocate: This resource is available to assist students who have experienced a crime including sexual misconduct, dating violence, stalking, or other forms of victimization. The Victim Advocate provides confidential support, explains reporting options (including criminal and university reporting), assists with safety planning, and may coordinate with university officials to address academic, housing, or personal safety concerns. The Victim Advocate can also connect students with internal campus services and external community resources. For more information, contact Aisha Lewis, Victim Advocate, at 239-745-4344 or alewis@fgcu.edu. 

Emergency Preparedness 

FGCU also has an Emergency Management Department on campus located at the Campus Support Complex (on the other side of the UPD building). They have information on campus alert and notification systems, essential personnel information, threats and hazards, and an emergency response guide on their website: https://www.fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement/  

Red Cross hurricane preparedness video: Watch here

Hurricanes are one of Florida’s biggest natural disasters. They are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and bring high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and storm surge (American Red Cross, 2026). They can be dangerous if people do not prepare properly. There are steps you can take to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane.  

[insert American Red Cross hurricane preparedness checklist as a photo: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/hurricane/EN_Hurricane-Safety-Checklist.pdf]  

• Before: Make plans to evacuate or shelter safely, stay connected via backup batteries and generators, review emergency skills like first aid and CPR, gather emergency supplies, and protect your home from wind or flood. 

• During: Evacuate if local authorities advise it. Determine your best protection against winds and flooding, stay away from glass windows, and move to higher ground.  

• After: If you evacuate, do not return home until authorities permit it. If you sheltered in place, stay safe and healthy, wear appropriate gear when cleaning up, and take care of yourself.  

(American Red Cross, 2026) 

A hurricane/disaster response kit suggestion can also be found on the FGCU Emergency Management's Emergency Response Guide: https://www.fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement/responseguide/  

Tornados are another type of natural disaster that Floridians can encounter. It is a violent whirlwind that develops in association with hurricanes or severe thunderstorms with winds that reach 200 miles per hour or more (FDEM, 2026; Ready.gov, 2026). The winds are violent and unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared beforehand. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends identifying a safe room in your house (one without a window), creating a family emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed of weather updates.  

During a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building (mobile homes and vehicles are not safe)! If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch on your knees and protect your head and neck like shown: 

(National Weather Service, 2019)

After a tornado, stay clear of debris and other damaged structures and report all damage to the local authorities (National Weather Service, 2019; Ready.gov, 2026). 

References

ACCIONA. (n.d.). What is sustainability?. Active Sustainability. https://www.activesustainability.com/sustainable-development/what-is-sustainability/ 

    American Red Cross. (2026). Hurricane Safety. American Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of- emergencies/hurricane.html 

Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability. (n.d.). Sustainable development: Three pillars of sustainability: Chapter 1. Bard College. https://gps.bard.edu/a-crash-course-in- sustainable-development 

 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2025, September 23). Learn About Sustainability. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability 

FGCU, (n.d.) FGCU Emergency Management. FGCU. https://www.fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement/ 

 Florida Division of Emergency Management. (2026). Tornadoes. FDEM. https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hazards/tornadoes/ 

   Giesenhagen, E. (2023, January 10). What is Sustainability? Colorado State University. https://agnext.colostate.edu/2023/01/10/what-is-sustainability/ 

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2026, July 14). Environmental Wellness Toolkit. National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self- wellness-toolkits/environmental-wellness-toolkit 

National Weather Service. (2019, February 27). Tornado Safety. https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/TornadoSafety-OnePager-2-27-19.pdf 

Ready.gov. (2026, June 2). Tornadoes. Ready.gov. https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes 

Rowan, M. (2025, February 26). 7 Mindful Activities to Promote Environmental Wellness. Reality Pathing. https://realitypathing.com/7-mindful-activities-to-promote-environmental- wellness/#google_vignette 

Thoreson, A. (2023, August 1). Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of- health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering 

UCLA Health. (2025, May 14). 7 health benefits of spending time in nature. UCLA. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/7-health-benefits-spending-time-nature 

United Nations Brundtland Report. (1987). Sustainability. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability