AI: Trends and Transformation - Google Cloud Leader Brings AI’s Future to FGCU | | FGCU students with Sheri Cunningham, Head of AI Platform and Infrastructure Services at Google Cloud. | | |
On March 26, the Provost’s Seminar Series welcomed Sheri Cunningham, Head of AI Platform and Infrastructure Services and Generative AI Leader at Google Cloud, for a talk entitled “AI: Trends and Transformation.” The event drew 92 attendees, including community members, faculty, staff, and students, for a broad conversation about where AI is heading.
We Are Past the Hype
Cunningham predicts that within five years AI will be embedded in every application and work tool, no longer treated as a separate conversation, but simply as a way of life. She brought perspectives from academic, management, workforce, and industry angles, making for stimulating, cross-disciplinary conversation.
| “The most critical skill is to speak yourself and think yourself.” | Honors Ambassador Talan Tharpe and WGCU's Mike Kiniry with Sheri Cunningham. | |  | |
A Vision for Higher Education
In her view, the pressure is no longer about whether AI adds value, but about who can implement it best and fastest. As organizations continue to adopt AI into their processes and operations, Cunningham highlighted key topics, including these four:
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From Prompting to Orchestration: The key human skill is shifting from writing prompts to “AI Orchestration”—designing and managing systems of multiple AI agents to achieve organizational goals.
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Focus on Measurable Impact: Institutions should move beyond celebrating AI’s potential and demand measurable impact on key goals and outcomes.
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Avoid the “Efficiency Trap”: Avoid simply automating existing broken processes. Instead, prefer a strategic shift to fundamentally redesign educational and service outcomes with AI.
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Build a “Data Moat”: A key recommendation is to create a strong advantage by using proprietary data to train and inform the AI agents.
The Student as Agent of Change
Her message to students was hopeful. She charged students with building their “human moat” as subject-matter experts, empathy, leadership, and authentic communication are irreplaceable.
“The most critical skill is to speak yourself and think yourself,” Cunningham advised the students and other attendees.
| | Have you seen a faculty member or academic team exhibiting academic excellence and going the extra mile for student success? Let us know! Click here to submit your story. | | |
Create a Nickname for your Canvas Course
FGCU Canvas courses are created using Banner (SIS) information, and this generates courses with similar names that may be hard to distinguish. You can personalize how a course appears on your dashboard by using nicknames that make long or similar course titles easier to work with.
Want to add nicknames to your Canvas courses? Go to the Canvas Instructor Guide and scroll down to the section “Create Nickname”.
| | 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. | |
Your voice matters!
The Digital Learning Department invites FGCU faculty and staff to participate in our Support Survey.
Why participate?
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Your feedback directly influences decisions about tools, services, and support priorities.
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Help shape future training and resources to better fit your teaching and work needs.
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Ensure faculty and staff voices are represented in digital learning planning.
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Support continuous improvement of instructional technologies and services.
- This survey takes ~ 8-10 minutes.
You may access the survey questionnaire via the QR code or through the link below. Survey closes May 1st, 2026.
Link to survey: https://fgcu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37SiRzWFP1XbgAC
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Closing Out the Season Patrick Mork
Startup CEO Coach and Former Chief Marketing Officer at Google who led the team that created Google Play
Click here for more details
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Foreign Influence: The Threat You Can’t Afford To Miss
OIEC and ORSP invite you to an FBI briefing on Foreign Influence - Protecting your research, your team, and your institution. The session will provide an overview of foreign influence risks that can impact academic research. The FBI will share current insights into foreign influence tactics targeting universities.
- Registration is required for this event.
- Doors open for lunch at 12:30 PM and the presentation will run from 1:00-2:00 PM.
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Click this Eagle Link to sign up.
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Expanding Access: FGCU’s Degree Completion Initiatives
FGCU is dedicated to helping adult learners and returning students "Finish What They Started" by streamlining the path to graduation. Recognizing that modern learners often balance complex professional and personal lives, our Degree Completion pathways are designed to help students leverage previous academic work and life experience to earn their bachelor’s degrees.
Core Pathways Include:
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FGCU Complete: Tailored for students with an earned AA, offering flexible online, in-community, and on-campus course formats.
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Return to the Nest (RTTN): Re-engages former FGCU students with personalized re-entry support to help them cross the finish line.
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Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Validates the expertise of our workforce by awarding credit for professional certifications, military training, and significant learning acquired outside the classroom.
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Destination FGCU: A seamless transfer partnership with Florida Southwestern State College and other partner institutions, ensuring a clear pipeline for AA graduates to transition into FGCU.
The Navigator Advantage To ensure persistence, every student in these pathways is paired with a dedicated FGCU Navigator. These staff members provide high-touch, personalized guidance from inquiry to commencement, working to identify and remove institutional barriers to graduation.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to share these resources with students or community members looking to return to higher education.
Learn more: fgcu.edu/degreecompletion
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The Skills Advantage: From Campus to Career
is recruiting faculty for the Fall 2026 cohorts
The cohorts are a one-semester deep dive designed to help you more fully integrate transferable skills into your assignments, teaching you best practices for skills forward pedagogy, learning the career value of these skills, and becoming familiar with FGCU’s nine Transferable Skill Badges. Faculty will also design two badge-able assignments for their own courses and implement those assignments into future courses.
The cohort is open to full-time faculty teaching in any undergraduate program or in gen ed. The Fall cohort is limited to 12 participants. This is a compensated faculty development activity. The cohort will meet biweekly throughout the Fall term.
Apply by filling out the formstack or clicking on the above QR code. Applications are due by April 24th.
Interested but can't join the cohort right now? There are other ways to get involved!
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Canvas Course: This self-paced Canvas course provides the basic information you need to create and embed course assignment that helps students make progress toward the transferable skill badges. To be added to the course, send an email to theskillsadvantage@fgcu.edu.
- Program/ Course Level Training: The Core Skills Office can work with Chairs and program leaders to embed transferable skill badging assignments into a multi-section course or into a sequence of courses in a major.
For more information about The Skills Advantage, visit https://www.fgcu.edu/theskillsadvantage/ or send an email to theskillsadvantage@fgcu.edu.
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2027 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Proposals - Due May 29, 2026
Faculty interested in leading a study abroad program during Spring Break, Summer or Fall 2027 may request a proposal packet by e-mailing the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@fgcu.edu.
Faculty proposing new programs or who have not previously led a program at FGCU should also schedule a meeting with Dr. Dechen Albero (dalbero@fgcu.edu) or Dr. Michael McDonald (mmcdonal@fgcu.edu) to discuss their plans.
Proposals and supporting documents are due via e-mail to studyabroad@fgcu.edu by May 29, 2026.
| | Lucas Center for Faculty Development |
The Lucas Center is seeking Faculty Partners for the Fall 2026 Student-Faculty Partnership Program (SFPP).
Applications are open until Sunday, April 12!
The Student-Faculty Partnership Program (SFPP) at FGCU places one student and one faculty member in dialogue with each other for an entire semester. Students work up to 6.5 hours per week in the paid role of teaching consultant to a faculty member, earning approximately $1,560 per semester. Faculty serve in the role of an equal partner, working with the student to accept feedback on various aspects of a specified course. Student consultants analyze, affirm, and support the revision of classroom practice in one of the faculty partner's courses with the goal of maximizing engagement and learning. Student and faculty partners take a range of approaches to their collaboration, starting with a focus on classroom practice and often expanding to consider curriculum, assessment, inclusion, and other dimensions of teaching. Overall, student and faculty partners work to develop a dialogue in the interest of improving the course.
If you are interested in learning more about the SFPP you can read about the program and watch a video in the FGCU 360 feature here or visit the SFPP section of the Lucas Center website here.
Use the following link to submit your application to be a faculty partner:
https://fgcu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wRHa9OO7tf2JRc
Are you unable to participate but want to share? Feel free to forward this email to other faculty you think may be interested! Do you know a student who may be a good partner? Please share the student application link: https://fgcu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HyfkqdkNWFCurQ
If you have any questions please contact FGCU Lucas Center at lucascenter@fgcu.edu.
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The Lucas Center for Faculty Development invites you to register for our Summer Programs!
For more information on each workshop/academy and to secure your spot, visit:
🔗 https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/programs#Academies
📍 All programs take place in-person at the Lucas Center (LIB-221)
⌛Please note that programs may fill up prior to the indicated registration deadline!
Course Design Academy – May 11th, 13th and 15th from 9:00a-3:00p
Participants will meet to explore learner-centered design principles, discuss ideas in small learning teams, and collaboratively design more intentional, transferable, and transformative learning experiences.
Click here for more info & to register for the Course Design Academy
Assignment Design Academy – May 19th from 8:30a-1:00p & May 21st from 9:00a-12:00p
Participants will learn about the Transparency in Learning & Teaching (TILT) framework & apply it in the revision or creation of an assignment they plan to use in an upcoming semester. Greater transparency has been shown to improve the quality of students’ work & improve success.
Click here for more info & to register for the Assignment Design Academy
Academic Portfolio Workshop – Week of June 1st
Participants will engage in a week-long mentored experience designed to aid in the development of an organizational framework for an upcoming promotion portfolio. Feedback is intended to help you showcase your strengths & accomplishments & offer guidance on how to organize your portfolio to meet university standards. Full-time faculty members are eligible to participate.
Click here for more info & to register for the Academic Portfolio Workshop
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Eagle X 2026: A Tradition of Celebrating Excellence
All are welcome to attend!
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Sign up to judge by Apr 6
Plan to attend Eagle X on Apr 17
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For questions about Scholarly Research, please contact Dr. Megan Norcia at mnorcia@fgcu.edu.
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For questions about Community Engagement Projects, please contact Justin Fitzgerald at jfitzgerald@fgcu.edu.
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For questions about Internship Experiences, please contact Ashleigh Droz at adroz@fgcu.edu.
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For questions about Leadership Experiences, please contact Alexandra Pipitone at apipitone@fgcu.edu.
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For questions or to explore sponsorship opportunities for Eagle X, please contact Jessica Rhea at jrhea@fgcu.edu.
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FGCU AI Summer Academy 2026
The Dendritic Institute for Human-Centered AI & Data Science invites faculty, staff, students, and community members to participate in the FGCU AI Summer Academy, a month-long program taking place in May 2026.
The Academy features 30 sessions and nearly 200 hours of programming covering AI in teaching, research, technical development, leadership, and applied domains.
Participants may register for individual sessions based on their interests.
👉 Learn more and register:
https://www.fgcu.edu/eng/dendritic-institute/academy/summer_academy/
| Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) | | |
FGCU Institutional Review Board (IRB) Announcement
In accordance with the IRB regulations and FGCU IRB Guidelines, IRB approval must be obtained BEFORE any research projects involving human subjects may proceed. The Board cannot retroactively approve the collection of data which falls under our definition of research. However, the regulations recognize that there are instances where data are collected without the intention to conduct human subject research.
To approve the use of these data, the IRB will evaluate the data collection process to ensure it meets the same ethical and regulatory standards required for any research involving human subjects, including the requirement for informed consent. If the IRB determines that the data were not collected in accordance with these standards, the Board will NOT approve the use of these data.
The IRB’s role is to provide ethical and regulatory oversight for research involving human participants, safeguarding their rights and welfare while also supporting the integrity of the research, the research team members, and the interests of the University.
For detailed guidance on conducting research with human subjects, please refer to the FGCU IRB guidelines or contact the IRB office.
Questions? Please email Sherry Alexander at sralexander@fgcu.edu
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Notice of Intent for Extramural Proposals
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) has Streamlyne in place for PreAward Applications. If you are unsure about a submission and not quite ready to enter your request into Streamlyne, ORSP has developed a Notice of Intent (NOI) for Principal Investigators or Project Directors to complete to request a consultation for proposal submission for extramural funding. The NOI requests information for the investigator, proposal, and agency. This will assist applicants and ORSP in facilitating the process of applications.
ORSP can also review the request for proposal for details regarding required information to guide investigators on required elements for a submission. Some proposals are quite simple; others require a significant number of documents.
The NOI can be found at: https://fgcu.formstack.com/forms/notice_of_intent_form.
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SciENcv Update
NIH and NSF now require that the PI and all Key Personnel generate their Biosketches and Current & Pending Support documents for every proposal submission through SciENcv. They also require an ORCID iD to be linked to SciENcv.
If you have not yet signed up for an ORCID iD number, please do so as soon as possible to avoid any delays at the time of proposal submission. If you have not yet created a SciENcv account to maintain your Biosketch and Current & Pending, ORSP suggests that you do so now.
There are several ways to log in to SciENcv; however, the most efficient method is through login.gov. If you do not already have a login.gov account, you should first create one using your FGCU email address and then use it to set up your SciENcv account.
To create an ORCID iD, go to this link and sign up where indicated. If you already have your SciENcv and ORCID ID accounts, the SciENcv site will prompt you to link the accounts.
ORSP is aware of ongoing issues and delays in responses from the associated help desks. Please contact ORSP early so we can assist you with generating Biosketches and Current & Pending Support documents that are compliant with grant submission requirements.
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Required Training for NSF Submissions
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has required training starting December 2, 2025. The new requirements set forth in NSF Important Notice No. 149 will take effect.
What you need to know:
- Proposals submitted before December 2, 2025, including those submitted during the recent lapse in appropriations, are not subject to those requirements originally set to take effect on October 10, 2025.
- As of December 2, 2025, such new certifications are required at the time of proposal submission within the Cover Sheet, Biographical Sketch, and Current and Pending (Other) Support forms. These include new certifications related to:
- Completion of research security training by all senior/key personnel; and
- An institution of higher education’s status regarding contracts or agreements with any Confucius Institute.
- Organizations are required to provide supporting documentation, including copies of grants, contracts, and agreements, upon request by NSF.
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You are instructed to take this course, download and save your completion certificate and provide it to ORSP_preaward@fgcu.edu. This certificate must be uploaded with your proposal to NSF.
To assist research organizations and investigators, NSF has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page summarizing the new requirements, certification procedures, and relevant timelines. Access the FAQs here.
Training can be done using the following link and takes 45-60 minutes: https://www.secure-center.org/ctm.
NIH research security training (RST) becomes mandatory for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 26, 2026 - https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-26-017.html
If you have questions, please reach out to ORSP.
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Application Deadlines
There are posted deadlines for ORSP applications. For time-sensitive opportunities, ORSP will attempt to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee submission unless the following are met:
For FGCU to meet sponsor requirements and provide added value to each proposal, the following standard internal deadlines have been established for electronic and paper submissions (these lead times do not include time required by the relevant unit(s) for their review/approval):
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Five (5) business days (days when FGCU business operations are open) prior to submission deadline: The final complete budget, additional administrative materials, and draft narrative are due to ORSP.
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Fourteen (14) business days are required for subrecipient documentation when FGCU is the prime for the proposal.
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Two (2) business days prior to submission deadline: The final complete proposal is due to ORSP, including the final proposal narrative. Final changes between the two deadlines are limited to tweaking of the narrative that has no impact upon the budget and other administrative documents.
The deadlines are in place so that last minute errors/warnings can be addressed in advance of the sponsor’s deadlines. If error/warnings are received close to the sponsor deadline and cannot be adjusted, applications may not be submitted if we are not able to remedy the issue(s).
More information can be found at:
orsp_deadlines3.2026.pdf
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Dr. Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science & Research at the Smithsonian Institution
Join us on April 10 for an inspiring one-hour conversation with Dr. Ellen Stofan, the Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian, as she takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s leading centers for science and discovery. While the Smithsonian’s iconic museums are well-known, Dr. Stofan will reveal the vast, often unseen network of their scientific research, education, and outreach that spans the globe. Learn how Smithsonian scientists tackle questions as vast as the mysteries of the universe and as intricate as ecosystem resilience—and how their work drives real-world solutions.
Dr. Stofan oversees the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, and much more. With over 25 years in space-related leadership, including serving as NASA’s Chief Scientist, she offers a rare perspective on exploration, innovation, and public impact.
Friday, April 10, 4:00-5:00 pm, AB9 214
Register on EagleLink.
| | Didn't get the Faculty Publications newsletter for February sent out last Monday? Here is the link to the web version. Contact Em Farmer (emfarmer@fgcu.edu) with any questions. | |
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College of Education
Chad Aaron Evers
Oral Dissertations: April 7, 2026, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., Cohen 249
| | Bower School of Music & the Arts | |
Nisita Concert Series
Don't miss the final concert of the season!
Sunday, April 12
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U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers;
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts; Ph. 239-745-4268
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Sunday, April 19
Chamber & University Choirs and Symphony Orchestra with Choral Artistry Concert perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs
Tickets are $35 for premium seating and $20 for general admission
Available at choralartistry.org/performances.
| | FGCU & The Edison Awards present | | |
College of Education
Tina Mullins
Oral Dissertations: April 20, 2026, 2 p.m., Marieb Hall 214
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Bower School of Music & the Arts
April 10-26 | She Kills Monsters
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TheatreLab, Arts Complex
FGCU Campus, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers
April 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m.
April 12, 18 (with post-performance discussion) & 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for the general public | $7 for students
Available at fgcu.edu/theatrelab
| | OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR STUDENTS | | Career Development Services | | | | |
