August 18, 2025

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Faculty Spotlight is now Academic Excellence, highlighting the outstanding faculty and teams across campus who go above and beyond to drive student success.


Dean Fisher’s “Office Hours” take Honors students on a weekly journey of intellectual dialogue and critical thinking

Dean Tyler Fisher wields one of the walking sticks students learn to carve and take with them on their intellectual and discovery strolls—or rolls.

The Honors College’s “Stroll or Roll with the Dean” takes place every Thursday throughout the year, departing at 8:00 a.m. from the Honors College, located in Reed Hall. So far, this weekly tradition, which began in June 2024, has been interrupted only by hurricane closures.


Stride or ride, on heels or wheels: the “Stroll or Roll” welcomes students of all abilities. It is Dean Fisher’s most open “office hour.” Students who might feel intimidated by meeting in a formal office have opportunity for more informal dialogue. All are welcome, discussion is open, and students set the pace.


Destinations have included FGCU support offices, such as the Food Pantry and Career Development Services, as well as the WGCU studio and University Archives.


Sometimes the “destination” is wandering by design. In the great tradition of the peripatetic philosophers, Dean Fisher and the students explore big ideas and beautiful trails across our campus, wherever those ideas and trails may lead.


“Stroll or Roll” might be a new initiative at FGCU, but the custom goes back to Aristotle’s penchant for walking while talking with his students (the “peripatetics,” from peripatein, “to walk up and down, to wander”), pacing the paving stones of the Lyceum.


And the Lyceum of Athens was really the FGCU of its day, the regional comprehensive university, accessible to the public, in contrast to the Academy, which was more like a private club.


“Stroll or Roll” gives our students a heightened sense of presence, continuity, and connection, even ownership of their university. It connects them to one another and to the place.



This tradition is a simple step toward integrating the first two Goals of FGCU’s Strategic Plan, creating a culture of academic excellence, student success, and well-being.

One week, when the weather was particularly hot, students brought folding fans along with their favorite walking sticks. From left to right, Idalys Palmer (Environmental Studies), Eva Gaudette (Chemistry), Raymie Jones (Entrepreneurship), and Dean Fisher.

Have you seen a faculty member or academic team exhibiting academic excellence and going the extra mile for student success? Email us:academicaffairs@fgcu.edu.

Introducing Canvas quick tips!

We're excited to announce our newest newsletter section featuring routine tips to help you use Canvas more efficiently and effectively, brought to you by the Digital Learning team.


Each edition will deliver practical, bite-sized guidance to streamline your Canvas experience and enhance your teaching toolkit.


Missed the first episode of the Canvas quicktip on student accommodations? Click here to view the complete tip and explore the resources on how to add accommodations in Canvas.

Check out past editions of the Academic Affairs newsletter: Academic Affairs Events

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FGCU First Day Ready

Help your students be ready on their first day of class!


Questions? Email firstdayready@fgcu.edu or visit www.fgcu.edu/firstdayready

Faculty Reminder: Fall 2025 Textbook & Course Material Attestations


This is a friendly reminder that Textbook and Course Material Attestations for Fall 2025 are still being collected in HelioCampus to ensure compliance with BOG Regulation 8.003.


We’ve received several questions about the automated emails sent from HelioCampus using the Planning and Institutional Performance (PIP) email address: pip_ie@fgcu.edu.


Please note:


  • These emails are legitimate and not phishing attempts.
  • They will continue to be sent until your attestation is submitted.


Sample email:

To avoid continued reminders, please log in to HelioCampus and complete your attestation as soon as possible.

Deadline: September 15, 2025


Questions? Contact Merri Incitti and Wheatly Dorsainvil, Planning and Institutional Performance

University Library


Scholar Series, Wednesday, August 27

Bower School of Music & the Arts

Making A Clear Mark, 1997 to 2025:

Morgan T. Paine exhibition opening reception and talk


Thursday, August 28 at 5:00 p.m.


Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU


This event is free and open to the public



Call 239-590-7199 or visit fgcu.edu/artgalleries

SAVE THE DATE!

Graduate & Professional School Fair on October 28, 2025


Academic Building 9 Room 138

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


The entire Eagle community is invited!

We’re excited to invite you and your students to attend this important event designed to support our students’ academic and professional futures! 


This fair is open to all FGCU students interested in exploring graduate and professional school opportunities. Three easy ways you can help:


  • Promote the event by adding it to your undergraduate course syllabi as an assignment, a class activity, extra credit, or an announcement. 
  • Encourage attendance by highlighting the value of early graduate and professional (law, medicine, etc.) school exploration. 
  • Showcase your graduate program by attending the fair and engaging with prospective students who are eager to learn more about FGCU’s graduate offerings. 


Questions? Contact Dr. Dawn Kirby, Shannon Acosta, Jessica Rhea

FGCU's Office of the Ombuds is here to assist faculty, staff, and students!


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.


The University Ombuds is available to assist with a wide range of university-related concerns, including:


  • Policy and procedural guidance – Understanding which regulations, policies, or procedures apply to your specific workplace situation
  • Communication challenges – Navigating difficult conversations or improving dialogue between parties
  • Workplace relationships – Addressing concerns involving colleagues, supervisors, or other members of the university community


Whether you're seeking clarification on university processes, looking for strategies to resolve interpersonal conflicts, or simply need a confidential space to discuss workplace concerns, the Ombuds office provides a neutral, informal resource to help you explore your options and find constructive paths forward.


While the Office of the Ombuds is in Edwards Hall, 211, the Ombuds can speak or meet with visitors via phone, virtually, or another mutually agreed upon location.


Please note that information sent via email to the Office of the Ombuds is not confidential.


Visit the Ombuds’ webpage for more information.

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

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.

Lucas Center for Faculty Development

 Lucas Center Symposium on Teaching & Learning

A Celebration of Passionate Teaching

 

The Lucas Center is excited to announce the return of the Lucas Center Symposium on Teaching and Learning, to be held in-person on February 17 and 18 in the Bradshaw Library.


Call for Proposals Opens on September 29!

 

Symposium Dates:


Day 1: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Day 2: Wednesday, February 18, 2026


Specific presentation dates, times and locations to be determined! 

Pugs! - Not Drugs

An event for faculty, staff, and students


September 3, 2025 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Veteran's Pavilion

Socrates Café Dialogue 13 | September 24, 2025

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Missed an announcement? We've got you covered.

Global Engagement Office Launches ABEONA:

New International Travel Registry | Click here for the complete announcement. For any inquiries, please contact us at abeona@fgcu.edu.

New attendance tool in Canvas | Click here for the complete announcement.

FREE entrance into the Naples Botanical Garden: FGCU faculty and staff receive free entrance into the Garden | Clear here for the complete announcement.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR STUDENTS

Service-Learning & Civic Engagement


Bring Service Learning to Your Classroom: Request a Custom Presentation Today


Looking to introduce your students to service-learning opportunities at FGCU? The Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement offers in-class presentations tailored to your course—making it easy to connect students with meaningful, community-based learning experiences.


Whether you're teaching a Foundations of Civic Engagement course, integrating service-learning into your curriculum, or simply want to spark student interest in community Engagement, our team is here to help.



Presentations can include:

  • Overview of FGCU’s service-learning graduation requirement
  • Guidance on finding approved service opportunities
  • Information on hours tracking and reflection expectations
  • Tips for connecting service to career


Requesting a presentation is easy—just fill out this quick form and save space in your syllabus: 👉 Request a Presentation.

Faculty: Encourage Your Students to Start the Year with Purpose — Promote WOW Day of Service!


FGCU’s annual Weeks of Welcome (WOW) Day of Service is happening on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM—and we need your help spreading the word!


This beloved campus tradition is a powerful way for students to build friendships, explore their career paths, and connect with the Southwest Florida community through a morning of meaningful service.


Please encourage your students to register early — space is limited and

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND!


Pre-register here:

fgcu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11179304


Highlights of the event:


  • Serve with local nonprofit partners across SWFL
  • Free transportation, food, and new friends
  • Learn how to track service-learning hours 
  • Represent FGCU proudly in the community


Encourage your students to sign up early and commit to showing up — our community partners will be counting on them!


View and Share the Event Link

Career Development Services Fall Events


Fall 2025 Career Recruiting Events & Workshops


FGCU Faculty and Staff


Career Development Services is thrilled to announce the Fall 2025 lineup of career recruiting events and student workshops! These events provide incredible opportunities for our students and alumni to connect with employers seeking talent for internships and full-time roles, empowering them to take the next steps in their career journeys.


We encourage faculty and staff to share these events with students and promote attendance at workshops to help prepare them for success. Event information, registrations and Job & Internship opportunities are located on Eagle Career Network. Visited our updated website.

Lutgert College of Business

Center for Supply Chain Excellence


FOUR (4) NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS | Pursuing a certificate at Florida Gulf Coast University is a powerful move to advance your career, not just a resume booster. Our (4) four new Graduate certificates are thoughtfully crafted to equip you with high-demand skills, enhance your professional credibility and support your continued growth. CLICK here for the complete announcement and application links.

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.

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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.