Academic Affairs Weekly

June 2, 2025

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

The Faculty Spotlight features the outstanding members of the FGCU faculty, a diverse body of experts in their fields who invest their passion, creativity, and knowledge for the academic and social development of our students, staff, and community.

Joseph P. Buhain named Golisano Institute Fellow and SWFL Inc.’s Citizen of the Year

Dr. Joseph P. Buhain, director of Interprofessional Simulation and Emerging Technology and assistant professor in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

In May, the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disabilities Nursing at St. John Fisher University introduced FGCU's very own Dr. Joseph P. Buhain among the Institute’s 2025-2026 Faculty Fellows.

Through his fellowship, Dr. Buhain, who is the director of Interprofessional Simulation and Emerging Technology and assistant professor in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services (MCHHS), will incorporate his thirty years of clinical practice to continue to expand the usage of simulation into training for nursing students.

The training will focus on learning to meet the needs of patients with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) in a diverse array of scenarios and environments.

But this was not Dr. Buhain’s only May accolade. In addition to becoming a Golisano Institute Faculty Fellow, Dr. Buhain has been selected as SWFL Inc.’s Citizen of the Year.

Dr. Buhain’s contribution to the successful Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation Event on November 15, 2024, was underscored as a key factor for winning the Citizen of the Year award at SWFL, Inc.’s annual Incredible Awards ceremony.

"It was a surprise that I won the (Citizen of the Year) award," said Dr. Buhain.

In appreciation for Dr. Buhain's service and commitment to FGCU, MCHHS programs, and students, his peers at Marieb College praised Dr. Buhain for bringing to fruition his vision for interprofessional education and for the Disaster Day event in the college, whose impact was felt strongly in the community, captivating the hearts of many.

Faculty Spotlight. Are you a FGCU faculty member who has achieved a recent milestone or an accolade? Email us: academicaffairs@fgcu.edu.

Access past editions of the Academic Affairs newsletter: Academic Affairs Event

Is Academic Affairs Weekly connecting you to the Eagle Community? (1 sec. click)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

What’s the SCOOP on Service-Learning?

The Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement invites faculty to spotlight an engaging co-curricular opportunity designed to introduce students—particularly first-year students—to the value and impact of service-learning at FGCU.

Join us for The Scoop on Service-Learning

📅 Monday, June 24

🕚 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

📍 Library Lawn

🔗 RSVP: https://fgcu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11259037

This interactive, outdoor event offers students an opportunity to learn about FGCU’s service-learning graduation requirement, explore ways to engage with community partners, and connect with campus resources—all in a welcoming atmosphere featuring free ice cream.

Faculty are encouraged to:

Integrate the event into summer syllabi as an experiential learning opportunity
Promote the event during class sessions or through Canvas
Offer reflective assignments or extra credit for attendance and participation

By supporting events like The Scoop on Service-Learning, faculty play a key role in cultivating a culture of civic responsibility and community engagement from the outset of the student experience.

For more information about incorporating service-learning into your courses, visit:

🔗 www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/facultyresources.

About the Creamery

FGCU's student-operated ice cream business offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that empowers students to develop practical skills in all aspects of entrepreneurship.

From sourcing ingredients and overseeing production to crafting marketing strategies and delivering exceptional customer service, students gain firsthand knowledge of managing a business.

This experience builds expertise in leadership, financial management, teamwork, and innovation while instilling a strong sense of accountability and ownership.

It’s more than just a business lesson—it’s about applying those lessons in a real-world setting, building confidence, and preparing for future success.

Dendritic Summer Academy on AI and Data Science

Learn about the present and future of AI and Data Science at our Summer Academy. This innovative program combines trainings, workshops, and webinars to provide a flexible and thorough learning experience for both academic and industry participants.

2025 Registration Now Open!

Click below to view Calendar and register. Seats are limited. You can register for one or more activities.

Click to view calendar and register

FGCU Outbound Mobility

2026 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Proposals - Due June 2, 2025

Faculty interested in leading a study abroad program during Spring Break, Summer or Fall 2026 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 June 2, 2025.

University Library

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Announcements

Notice of Hanover Grant Academy 2025-2026

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (OSRP) is soliciting nominations for the Hanover Grant Academy. The goal is for eight faculty to undergo an intensive proposal development plan over a one-year time frame.

The Academy consists of approximately 4-6 in-person meetings during the year and one-on-one meetings with the Hanover experts. The requested information for application is listed below. A key factor in selection will be the goal of submitting a proposal for extramural funding.

Hanover will provide grantsmanship training, proposal critique, guidance on project and alignment with grant opportunities, and proposal revision assistance. Faculty selected are expected to submit a proposal for extramural funding at the completion of the grant academy.

Faculty are permitted to apply for an additional round of intensive proposal development assistance provided an application for extramural funding was submitted during their previous participation.

The deadline is September 15, 2025, by 5 PM. Please submit the application as a single pdf to Dr. Rosemary Higgins (rhiggins@fgcu.edu). Questions can be referred to Dr. Higgins.

FGCU continues to use our negotiated Federal Rate Agreement

The indirect rates continue to be 43% for on-campus activities and 19% for off-campus activities. ORSP staff will work with faculty to ensure proper rates are applied.

Please reach out to ORSP if you have questions.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER AND EVENTS CALENDAR

Submission requests must be sent to academicaffairs@fgcu.edu by end of business on the Wednesday of the prior week. Submissions received after this deadline will not be shared until the following newsletter.

Please send attachments as either a .PNG or .JPEG file 250kb or less.

.PDFs are NOT accepted.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and content expressed in these programs, events, and materials are those of the author(s)/presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, positions, or endorsements of Florida Gulf Coast University's Academic Affairs Division.