THE FIVE PILLARS Academic Excellence

Highlights Of Accomplishments

} FGCU’s Honors Program transitioned to the Honors College, which enhances the student and university’s profile to produce timely graduates and higher retention. Enrollment has grown by over 49%

} Since 2019, over 95 students have received prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and other nationally competitive awards through the Office of Competitive Fellowships

2. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

We aspire to create and sustain a learning culture that supports and values excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service across the university We find evidence of excellence in the success of our graduates as defined by several metrics, including time to graduation, career placement, and success on licensure exams Furthermore, excellence is achieved when we are held accountable for ensuring high standards for success

OBJECTIVE 1: FOCUS on the further development of the Honors College

OBJECTIVE 2: FOCUS on expanding internship opportunities and doubling the number of co-op educational and practicum experiences

OBJECTIVE 3: FOCUS on creating new and/or refining existing programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs

OBJECTIVE 4: FOCUS on increased collective accountability on the Board of Governors performance metrics

OBJECTIVE 5: FOCUS on increasing externally sponsored research by 100% in next 5 years

OBJECTIVE 6: FOCUS on resources and structures to foster faculty research and scholarship while also expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research

• Awards include: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Goldwater, Fulbright, Boren, Gilman, and the Critical Language Scholarship

• FGCU is now recognized as a Fulbright Top Producer

} Internship Leadership Team formed to increase co-ops campus-wide; new internship courses created

• Increased employer profiles by 115% in Eagle Career Network

• Established $1,000 internship award program for unpaid internships

} Created The Water School and the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, which provides additional opportunities for student and faculty research that fosters an environment for an entrepreneurial mindset

} Academic Affairs continued curriculum updates and new program developments to respond and meet the needs of ever-changing workplaces and prepare students for in-demand careers

} In partnership with industry leaders and employers, micro-credentials and digital badges were created and developed to focus on closing skills gaps for all learners while meeting the workforce needs of Southwest Florida

} Developed FGCU Complete, Return to the Nest, and Credit for Prior Learning to increase access to academic programs to promote degree completion for all students in any stage of their education