🍂November 9, 2026 | Fall News🍂 | | |
In This Issue
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Caught in the Act of Academic Excellence: Showcasing The Water School
- Service & Sacrifice Week, November 9–13: events honoring area veterans
- Practices and Considerations for Academic Learning with Generative AI
- FGCU’s second Graduate and Professional School Fair hosts 384 students
- Faculty Promotion Workshop Provides Guidance and Support for Faculty Advancement
- Building Stronger Connections with Online Students: Faculty Fellow Exchange
- Plus important announcements and faculty resources. Keep reading!
| | Caught in the Act of Academic Excellence | | |
Caught in the Act: At The Water School (TWS), academic excellence is found in the classroom, the community, and the careers our alumni build.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Marine and Earth Science freshman and transfer orientation day at Vester Field Station. Students were able to start their journey exploring Estero Bay by boat, learning about their academic program, and connecting with faculty and student ambassadors.
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(Top, left to right) Brian Bovard, Mike Savarese, and student lead Sophia Steffensmeier.
Dr. Brian Bovard led the charge for Florida Climate Week at FGCU in October 2026 with five cocurricular events. Each event was run by student leaders as they organized poster presentations, coordinated speakers, and led panel discussions.
The week also included a service-learning project where more than 1,800 mangrove propagules were planted in the nursery. These mangroves will eventually be part of restoration projects.
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Leading the way toward solutions, Mike Savarese (above) brought FGCU to the community when he coordinated FGCU’s involvement at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Sanibel Report 2.0: Science Informing Policy for the Next 50 Years working group.
This effort included faculty, SCCF staff, city personnel, and others to identify critical threats to habitats and potential management solutions. TWS faculty Serge Thomas, Win Everham, Chris Daly, James Douglass, and Melissa May were among the attendees.
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The Water School alumni are making an impact
Alumna Celina Ceballos (below), the research manager at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, leads the sanctuary’s research department, overseeing biologists and working with long-term datasets that track everything from hydrology and aquatic life to vegetation, birds, reptiles, and mammals across 13,000 acres of protected land.
| Zoe Szabo (cover photo) is an alumna whose scientific diving background and experiences at The Water School helped shape her career in marine conservation and coral reef restoration.She currently works with iCare, a nonprofit coral restoration organization based in the Florida Keys that provides opportunities for recreational divers to participate in reef restoration through coral and sponge outplanting, maintenance dives, and other conservation activities. | |
(Top, left to right) Win Everham and Brian Bovard with baby mangroves.
Alumni were at The Water School Career Expo on November 6, recruiting talent from FGCU through the hard work and planning of TWS faculty member Rachel Rotz and Career Development Services.
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Academic Excellence
FGCU’s second Graduate and Professional School Fair hosts 384 students
| | FGCU’s second Graduate and Professional School Fair, held on October 13, 2026, welcomed 384 students, providing them with a valuable opportunity to explore advanced educational and professional pathways. | |
The Graduate and Professional School Fair helps students gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available beyond their undergraduate experience.

The fair brought together graduate programs, 16 external institutions, including Florida State University and Tufts University School of Medicine, and key campus resources, such as Graduate Admissions, Service-Learning & Civic Engagement, Scholarly Innovation & Student Research, and Career Development Services.
Representatives from each of FGCU’s academic units and support offices engaged with students to discuss graduate program offerings, resources available to support academic success, career development, research opportunities, and pathways to continued education, as well as to answer questions and provide guidance.
| | The fair aligns with Goal 1, “Innovate in Academic Excellence,” of FGCU’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, Innovating for Student Success, and with Metric 1 of the FGCU Student Success Plan: Percent of Bachelor’s Graduates Enrolled or Employed ($40,000+). | The date is set for next year’s Graduate and Professional School Fair: Thursday, October 28, 2027. To learn more, contact Shannon Acosta, sacosta@fgcu.edu. | |
Faculty and Student Resources
& Best Practices
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Practices and Considerations for Academic Learning with Generative AI
Because Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has become a more prevalent tool in academic learning for students, the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) collaborated with FGCU faculty and staff to create a student-facing webpage to highlight general practices and considerations webpage. The resources and guidance provided on this webpage are meant to help students navigate the use of GenAI in a responsible, ethical, and informed manner. For academic coursework, it is expected that students are following guidance from their course instructors, consulting course syllabi, and engaging their instructor to confirm acceptable use of GenAI.
When working with AI tools, students can visit the CAA’s website to explore practices in GenAI for Academic and Professional Uses, Primary Considerations, GenAI as an Academic Support Tool, and Citing GenAI as a Resource. Students can also navigate to the FGCU AI Tools page to explore AI tools built and shared by FGCU faculty across a range of majors and fields.
Faculty can encourage students to use the CAA’s resources by including links to the GenAI in Academic Learning Support webpage in their course syllabus and Canvas courses. Students can also visit the CAA in-person or virtually to talk with an Academic Coach for more information.

Questions? Please contact the CAA at caa@fgcu.edu.
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Notice of Intent to Apply for Promotion Deadline
Faculty must submit their Notice of Intent to Apply for Promotion for the 2026-2027 application cycle by November 30, 2026. To submit a notice of intent, please fill out the Notice of Intent to Apply for Promotion form.
Questions? Contact Kristin Toth at ktoth@fgcu.edu.
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FGCU Faculty Promotion Workshop Provides Guidance and Support for Faculty Advancement
On October 22, the Office of the Provost, in collaboration with the Lucas Center for Faculty Development, hosted its annual Faculty Promotion Workshop. The event welcomed approximately 80 attendees and provided an opportunity for faculty to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and explore resources to support their professional advancement.

The workshop began with remarks from Executive Vice President and Provost Debbie Thorne. Sessions covered guiding principles for promotion, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and important deadlines to help faculty better understand the promotion process.

Faculty also had the opportunity to hear from chairs of Peer Review Committee, who shared insights into the review process and recommendations for preparing a strong application. A panel of previously-promoted faculty offered practical advice and reflected on their experiences developing their promotion portfolios.
The workshop supports FGCU’s Strategic Plan by advancing Goal 1: Innovate in Academic Excellence and Goal 4: Strengthen Organizational Culture and Commitment to Employees. The workshop reinforces FGCU’s commitment to faculty advancement while fostering a supportive and engaged academic community.
The Office of the Provost also recognizes the Lucas Center for Faculty Development for its continued innovation to support faculty advancement. Each summer, the Lucas Center offers an Academic Portfolio Workshop, providing faculty with mentorship and individualized guidance as they prepare for promotion.
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Canvas Inbox Settings
The Inbox Settings in Canvas provide you with the ability to set an Out of Office automated message and personalize your outgoing messages with a signature.
Explore this feature: How do I manage my Inbox Settings?
| Missed a tip? Bookmark Digital Learning's Canvas QuickTip Archive and access expert guidance whenever you need a refresh to use Canvas more efficiently and effectively. CLICK to browse the Archive. | |
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Spring 2027 Syllabus Posting and Instructional Materials Attestation Deadline
Syllabus posting and instructional materials attestation for Spring 2027 must be completed by November 15, 2026. These actions are required of all faculty each semester for FGCU to remain compliant with Florida Board of Governors Regulation 8.003.
Faculty must complete the following steps in order:
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Submit the textbook and instructional material adoption through the Barnes & Noble textbook adoption site. These actions were due to Barnes & Noble by October 15, 2026.
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Fill out all the necessary syllabi components in Simple Syllabus.
- Complete the attestation in Simple Syllabus.
- Publish each syllabus.
Questions? Contact Merri Incitti, mincitti@fgcu.edu, or Wheatly Dorsainvil, wdorsainvil@fgcu.edu.
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Academic Affairs News: Publication schedule and deadlines
The newsletter is published on a biweekly schedule. To be included in future issues, please submit your content by 5 p.m., eleven days prior to publication.
Publication Date | Submission Deadline
- Monday, November 23 | Thursday, November 12
- Monday, December 7 | Monday, November 23
- Monday, December 21 | no edition
Submissions received after this deadline will be held for a future issue, if applicable.
Please send content by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date to academicaffairs@fgcu.edu.
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FGCU Service & Sacrifice Week, Nov. 9–13
FGCU is expanding Veterans Day into a week of recognition, education, and engagement as part of America's 250th anniversary, with each branch of the armed services spotlighted.
Events are hosted by the Office of Military & Veteran Success in partnership with organizations throughout Southwest Florida.
Today, Nov. 9, is Army Day, with a military heritage display and vehicles at the Cohen Student Union, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Flag-Folding Ceremony follows on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m., at the Veterans Pavilion, and the Veterans Expo runs Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom. The week closes on Nov. 13 with the Grand Recognition Ceremony at 9 a.m., honoring approximately 250 veterans. Salute to Service Night at Alico Arena is Nov. 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. All events are open to students, employees, and the public.

Full details are on the FGCU Salutes event page. Read more in FGCU 360.
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FGCU Digital Learning
Building Stronger Connections with Online Students: A Simple Approach to Communication Planning
Faculty Fellow Exchange • 30-Minute Virtual Workshop
Students do better when they feel connected to their instructor, and a clear communication plan is one of the simplest ways to make that happen. Join Conan Griffin, Instructor III in the Department of Language and Literature and Online Faculty Fellow for Digital Learning and Academic Affairs, for a practical workshop. You’ll get information on building a communication plan that strengthens your connection with students.
A good communication plan helps students in every course, not just online courses. If you teach face-to-face, hybrid, or online, you’ll come away with ideas you can use right away.
What we’ll cover:
- What good communication looks like: a short overview of what’s expected for predictability, frequency, and content.
- Build your plan: write a new communication plan or improve the one you already have.
- Share and discuss: bring your questions, experiences, and challenges.
Choose a session (both are virtual):
- Tuesday, November 17, 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 18, 2 p.m.
Register now
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Moving Between Ally and Acrobat to Improve Canvas Content Accessibility
Training Overview:
Learn how to identify and fix common PDF accessibility issues in Ally and Adobe Acrobat. This practical training walks you step-by-step through real remediation scenarios so you can confidently bring your documents into compliance.
Training Dates via Teams:
- Tuesday, November 10 at 2:30 pm
- Thursday, November 12 at 12:30 pm
- Wednesday, November 18 at 10:00 am
To register for one of the training dates, fill out the form here.
Link to registration form:https://fgcu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Tbi7jEQRNquoLk
| Questions? Contact the Ed.D. Dissertation Committee. | |
Office of the Ombuds
FGCU's Office of the Ombuds is here to assist faculty, staff, and students! Students or Employees who may be experiencing a university-related concern or conflict are encouraged to reach out to the Ombuds Office as an informal and confidential resource. Visit the Ombuds’ webpage for more information.
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Career Advancement Assistance Program
The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the Career Advancement Assistance Program. The purpose of the Career Advancement Assistance Program is to provide time for faculty members to engage meaningfully in activities that yield outputs and impacts enhancing FGCU’s scholarly impact and timely promotion of faculty members.
- Faculty categories included in this initiative are those on the professor and instructor tracks. The Career Advancement Assistance Program partially relieves teaching obligations to provide time for scholarly, research, or career development endeavors. During the Career Advancement Assistance Program, faculty teaching load and/or other assignments will be reduced, and no overload teaching will be permitted.
- The number of awards is contingent on the availability of funding through the Provost’s office.
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The deadline for the Summer 2027 Career Advancement semester is Monday, November 16, 2026. Summer semester is now available for 12-month AND 9-month faculty. Please see the guidelines for details and submit your application in its entirety to Julie Leyden (jleyden@fgcu.edu).
Access the application cover page and detailed information about the program here:
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The Lucas Center Symposium on Teaching & Learning
Exploring the Faculty Role in Student Success
Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19, 2027
This year, the Lucas Center Symposium on Teaching and Learning invites the FGCU community to explore an important question together: How do faculty contribute to student success?
The Symposium provides an opportunity for colleagues from across FGCU to learn from one another's experiences, ideas, innovations, and reflections. We invite proposals that share practices, research, partnerships, challenges, or questions that deepen our collective understanding of the many ways faculty contribute to student success.
For more information and the link to submit your proposal, visit:
tinyurl.com/LCSymposium2027
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Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) | |
ORSP Open Office Hours
From September through December, ORSP will host open office hours twice each month in Sugden Hall, Suite 201, where attendees can drop in to learn about research administration topics, ask questions, and receive one-on-one assistance from ORSP staff. Each session will feature brief discussions on selected topics, as well as time for individual questions and consultation. No appointment necessary. Drop in for the topics that interest you, stay for questions, and connect with ORSP staff to get the support you need for your research and sponsored programs activities. Light snacks provided.
Fall Schedule
Monday, November 23 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Writing Specific Aims and Abstracts
- Post-Award 101
- Budget and Scope of Work Amendments
Friday, December 4 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- ORSP Services Overview
- Tracking Cost Share
- IRB Deadlines and Timeline Management
Monday, December 14 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- IACUC Overview
- Grant Closeout Procedures
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Foreign Travel & Export Control
Learn more at: fgcu.edu/academics/research/
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Celebrate 10 Years of First-Generation Celebrations at FGCU!
Panel of Pioneers - The First-Gen Experience: Tuesday, November 17, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in AB9 106. Hear from FGCU undergraduate students and alumni about their first-generation experiences and gain insights to support students inside and outside the classroom. RSVP on EagleLink.
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Personal Shred Day
This is a free service as a personal benefit for FGCU employees, students, and community members provided by Campus Reservations & Records Management.
Those who come love the event and appreciate the service. Please join us and spread the word.
What to bring:
- Personal paper documents only - no FGCU records
- Paperclips, small binder clips, rubber bands and metal folder tabs are acceptable
Please remove/Do not bring:
- No electronic equipment
- Remove jumbo bonder clips, hanging folders and three-ring binders
Questions or more information?
Teri Bigos | tbigos@fgcu.edu | fgcu.edu/recordsmanagement
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FGCU & Imagine Solutions Seminar
November 18, 2026
This Imagine Solutions Seminar is taking place on November 18, 2026. The topic of the Seminar will be "Closer to Midnight: Nuclear History, Great Power Rivalry & the Terrorism Threat."
The keynote speaker will be Christine Wormuth, the President and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Link: FGCU Formstack
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Bower School of Music
Monday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Peruvian Alumni Concert Nisita Concert Series; Experience an unforgettable evening with three proud FGCU alumni, Paula Liliana Alva Garcia (’21, Music), Valeria Estrada Jaime (’22, Music) and Angelita de Jesus Berdiales Juscamaita (’19, Music), celebrating the rich musical heritage of Peru through song, poetry, and vibrant cultural traditions; U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers; Tickets are $15 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts; 239-745-4268
25th Annual Pottery Sale
Friday, November 20, 2026 | 10:00am–4:00pm | FGCU Arts Complex
For twenty-five years, the FGCU Art Program has partnered with United Arts Collier to produce an annual pottery sale offering beautiful, functional, handmade ceramics while also benefiting UAC’s arts and education programs. This year’s sale will feature work by amazing alumni potters who made their start in clay with the FGCU Ceramics Studio. Come at 10:00am for a free cup of coffee with the potters, and shop throughout the day!
20th Annual Empty Bowls Soup Lunch Fundraiser
Friday, November 20, 2026 | 11:30am until the soup and bowls run out | FGCU Arts Complex
In these challenging times, assistance with food insecurity has never been more important. Now in its 20th year, the FGCU Empty Bowls Soup Lunch continues to support the food pantry at our partner organization, Interfaith Charities of South Lee. Information about both events can be found at https://www.fgcu.edu/artevents/. Questions? Please contact Tricia Fay, 239-590-7229, pfay@fgcu.edu
Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Joyful & Triumphant, a combined concert with the FGCU Choirs and Symphony Orchestra; Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr., Naples; Tickets are $30 for General Admission and $10 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/joyful
August 17, 2026-July 2027
Between Creation & Concrete: Collaborative Window Installation by Breah Fyffe and Marcela Pulgarin; Arts Complex Front Windows, Arts Complex, FGCU Campus; This bird-safe window public art will be available for viewing every day through July 2027 and is free and open to the public; 239-590-7199 or fgcu.edu/artgalleries
August 17-December 4, 2026
Peter Massing and Selections from the Permanent Collection; Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, 3rd Floor, Behind University Archives & Special Collections, FGCU Campus; This exhibition is free and open to the public during regular Library hours; 239-590-7199 or fgcu.edu/artgalleries
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Global Engagement Office (GEO)
Chinese Cultural Exchange: Fall 2026–Spring 2027
September 2026 through January 2027
Presented by the Southwest Florida Chinese Association in partnership with the FGCU Global Engagement Office. The program offers Chinese language classes, music, Tai Chi, dance, calligraphy, knot tying, paper cutting, and other cultural activities at FGCU from September 2026 through January 2027. All FGCU students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome; no prior experience is necessary. Visit swfchinese.org/cultural-exchange.html for details and registration.
Chinese Cultural Exchange: Fall 2026–Spring 2027
29th Annual International Reception
November 16, 5–8 p.m.
Join FGCU's Global Engagement Office on November 16th from 5–8 p.m. in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom for an evening celebrating the university's international community and cultures from around the world. The event will feature international music and performances, cultural displays, artwork, guest speakers, and cuisine representing diverse traditions. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome.
29th Annual International Reception
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Symposium of Undergraduate Research, Internships, & Service-Learning (SURIS)
SURIS: Experience Learning Beyond the Classroom
Friday, November 20 | 3–5pm
Celebrate undergraduate research, internships and service-learning experiences that turn knowledge into real-world impact. Outdoor posters will be on display on the lawn and breezeway of the academic buildings.
Visit fgcu.edu/cas/centers/whitaker/suris for more info.
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Lucas Center for Faculty Development
Upcoming Events
Click event titles to register. Some sessions are offered twice, once in person and once online. Please select your preferred format below.
Upcoming Conferences
Below you will find links to upcoming conferences that may be of interest. You might consider applying for a Lucas Center Teaching Enhancement Award to support your attendance. (In addition to the conferences listed below, Kennesaw State University maintains a teaching conferences directory that enables searching by discipline.)
There’s more to explore! Check out our full events calendar here for additional workshops and sessions.
| Staff Advisory Council (SAC) | |
SAC presents the Staff Shout-Out Submission Form
Form will be available throughout the semester
The Staff Shout-Outs program through the FGCU Staff Advisory Council (SAC) provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of FGCU Staff members who exemplify our institutional values. Please use the Staff Shout-out Submission Form to submit a shout-out for a colleague that you think deserves recognition.
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University Archives & Special Collections
When Books Went to War: The Extraordinary Story of the Armed Services Editions
November 10, 11:30am–12:30pm | Data Viz Wall
“When Books Went to War: The Extraordinary Story of the Armed Services Editions,” presented by Jeffrey A. Margolis on Nov 10, 11:30am–12:30pm at the Data Viz Wall, hosted by FGCU University Archives & Special Collections.
When Books Went to War: The Extraordinary Story of the Armed Services Editions
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FGCU Scholar Series
Join us for the last installment of the FGCU Library’s Fall Scholar Series! On November 18 , Lisa Alberts, DNP, Associate Professor in Psychiatric Mental Health, will explore "Where Mind and Body Meet: Rethinking Mental Health Through an Integrated Lens .” The talk begins at 11:45 a.m. at the Data Visualization Wall in Library West. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome and we have a good lunch waiting for you.Learn more: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/12474596.
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