Inside FGCU - March 2024

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IN THIS ISSUE

Boardwalk opening soon CATCH A

GAME

With the exception of basketball, employees can attend any FGCU game for free by showing their Eagle ID. Learn more: www.fgcuathletics.com.

RETIREMENT

EGAN

Maryan Egan, director of Procurement Services, University Controller, retired after 27 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

Environmental sustainability is intertwined into our campus footprint as FGCU has protected approximately 400 acres of the campus habitat as nature preserve.

Over the years, the university has worked steadily to eradicate invasive non-native species from campus. Nature trails and raised boardwalks blend into FGCU’s land, providing employees, students and

The South Village boardwalk is nearing the end of construction and is set to open later in the spring.

The goal of the project is to provide a safer, more direct route for students and employees traveling between the South Village (SoVi) residential area and the main academic corridor. The raised, lighted pathway has been under construction since August 2023.

Designed in the shape of a Y, the boardwalk includes a 50-by-50-foot viewing deck, which is outfitted with benches, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi for students and employees who want to take a break or work outside.

Just beyond the observation deck, toward the SoVi side of the path, pedestrians will have an option to step off the boardwalk and into the nature trail below.

visitors with an academic setting rooted in nature.

Want to learn more? Connect with FGCU naturalists: fgcu.edu/ colloquium/campusnaturalists.

Right: Pedestrians will be able to access one of FGCU’s nature trails directly from the new boardwalk after construction is completed.

Signs will give pedestrians a clear idea of where they are going at the fork in the path. Go left to find the Bower School of Music & the Arts. Head right to end up at Academic Building 9 and Recreation Field 1, where intramural sports are played.

Students and employees will receive an email notifying them when the boardwalk is open.

The Y-shaped boardwalk forks after the 50-by-50-foot viewing deck, taking pedestrians to the Bower School of Music & the Arts (left) or Academic Building 9 and the intramural fields (right).

FGCU PHOTOS

Lighted crosswalks will assist pedestrians with crossing the street.

Tips for improving computer workstation ergonomics

At the end of the workday, do you find discomfort in your shoulders, wrists or back? You may be able to alleviate these musculoskeletal issues by making a few adjustments to your computer workstation and changing some habits.

Dr. Maria Colmer, associate professor for the Occupational Therapy Program in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, teaches workstation ergonomics. She said an ergonomic workstation — one that supports your body in a neutral position, can ease the stress on your body, protect your joints, promote good posture and help you stay comfortable at work. This will allow your body to relax, regenerate and heal.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ERGONOMIC TRENDS

of your fingertips to keep your head over your shoulders, keeping you from leaning into your monitor.”

Seat Position

Your seat position is an important part of the workstation. Colmer recommends sitting with your back supported against the chair back while maintaining a space between the front of the chair and the back of the knees, with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest to maintain the 90-degree ankle angle.

So where do you start? “Everyone has a different situation and corrections to make. There are a lot of moving parts when assessing your workstation,” Colmer said.

“The more deviated from the neutral position, the more stress it will cause on the musculoskeletal system." To maintain a neutral position at your workstation, Colmer recommends placing your upper arms close to your body, elbows positioned at 90 degrees and shoulders relaxed. Wrists should be in a neutral position with your middle finger aligned with your forearm.

“The keyboard needs to be flat under the wrists. A gel cushion will keep your wrists properly supported while resting on a soft surface,” she said.

Workstation Setup

“If you are using a laptop, a docking station is needed to raise the monitor, and an external keyboard is also needed to maintain relaxed shoulders. These pieces of equipment are both needed simultaneously to avoid issues in the neck and shoulder

YEARS

Celebrate your fellow Eagles who have reached new career milestones in March. Information

10 Years

• Patty Krupp | Business Operations Specialist, Honors College

• Debbie Schlief | Advanced Practice RN, Student Health Services

regions,” she said. “If your workstation is set up with your side to the door, you will find yourself looking over one side of your shoulder repeatedly, or turning your neck to see who is coming through the door. This may strain your neck and cause neck and shoulder issues. If you can, try to reposition your monitors to look directly at the door and minimize the turning of your head,” she said.

Monitor Height

When setting up the height of your desk monitors, Colmer said your eyes should align with the top of the monitor to lengthen your posture and help you stay upright. Set the double monitors as close to each other as possible to minimize neck movement to the right and left. “If you wear bifocals, lower your screen so when you look through the bottom part of your glasses, you will maintain the natural inward curve at the neck and not be overextended,” said Colmer.

To determine how far you should sit from your monitors, use the reach test. “Your monitor depth should be as far as the edge

If you have to sit forward to obtain the space between the back of your knees and the front of the chair seat, a back cushion is needed to support your lower and upper back in this position, she said. “Some people spend a lot of money on a new car with a lumbar support that they may only spend 20 to 30 minutes driving rather than on a workstation chair that they may spend a majority of their day,” Colmer said.

Eyes

Taking a break at your desk is important to help alleviate eye strain watering, dry eyes, blurred vision or headaches. Colmer cites the "20-20-20 Rule" developed by Dr. Jeffrey Anshel and recommended by the Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). “Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce fatigue and eye strain,” she said. “You can also increase your font size and change the screen lighting to help reduce eye strain.”

Telephone

Finally, when using the telephone, Colmer said to keep your head upright, don’t rest your phone on your shoulders while talking and always maintain relaxed shoulders.

• Myles Kittleson | Sergeant, University Police Department Patrol Operations

• Robert L. House | Assistant Director, Housing Budgets, Housing & Residence Life

5 Years

• Amber Nicole Richards | Coordinator, Early College Programs, Accelerated Collegiate Experience

• Amy Hall | Payroll Manager, Payroll

• Christopher Seink | Applications Programmer Analyst II, Enterprise Applications Support

• Michael Thomas Marciano | Building Systems Control Tech, Building Maintenance

• Terry Lee Targia | Sergeant, University Police Department Patrol Operations

5 THINGS TO KNOW

There are plenty of ways to get moving and prioritize your health this season! With any of these wellness initiatives happening, you can kick the spring off right by putting yourself first.

1. Wellness practices for FGCU employees

The FGCU Employee Wellness Committee through Human Resources promotes and encourages wellness practices for faculty

President's

and staff through education and programs. Check out their spring offerings at www. fgcu.edu/hr/wellness, including a 5K and Lunch & Learn events.

2. Try out University Recreation & Wellness URecWell will be offering a Free Membership Trial Week for faculty and staff. During the week of March 3-9, any faculty and staff can try out the facilities and programs at no cost. Come to one of the membership offices during open hours to sign up. Visit fgcu.edu/urwc/membership for more information.

3. Soar Into Spring 2024 with SAC Check out the variety of fun activities and offerings with the Staff Advisory Council’s annual Soar Into Spring events. There will be activities such as wet walks, specialty group fitness classes, facility tours, a food truck rally and more. Visit fgcu.edu/sac/ soarintospring for more information.

4. Big Red Bus Blood Donations on campus

Donate blood in the inside loop of Parking Lot 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the following dates:

• March 11-13

• April 15-16

Cabinet town hall

Faculty, staff and students gathered on Feb. 2, 2024, for the President’s Cabinet town hall on performance-based funding and metrics.

During the open forum, hosted by the Internal Communications Committee (ICC), attendees engaged with the panel

by asking questions and offering feedback about the university’s five-year strategic plan, "Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence."

You can send your ideas or questions for the next town hall to icc@fgcu.edu.

5. Get Up & Go Stretching & Relaxation Session

Get Up & Go is a staff wellness initiative designed to help FGCU employees get away from their desks for short periods to do some simple stretches and deep breathing exercises in a private room to relaxing music. It is led by Dr. Patti Bauer, assistant professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and advisor for Exercise is Medicine On Campus. The program is held in Marieb, Room 103, from 11:30–11:50 a.m. Mondays and 11–11:20 a.m. Thursdays. Contact lzallie@ fgcu.edu to learn more or reserve a spot.

AROUND THE NEST

Alianza for Hispanic/Latinx Employees of FGCU held its second official general body meeting on Jan. 29 to adopt Alianza’s constitution and install its executive board.

FGCU PHOTO

Above, left to right: Leading the town hall discussion are Vice President for Administrative Services & Finance David Vazquez, Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Management Dr. Mitch Cordova, President Aysegul Timur, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Mark Rieger, and Vice President for Advancement Kitty Green

The SAC's Special Events Committee "popped up" on the Library Lawn to distribute popcorn treats and promote micro-credentialing, digital badges and the FGCU Campus Food Pantry, now located in Modular 4, Room 32.

FGCU PHOTOS

FGCU PHOTOS

Left to right, Alianza's executive board members are Roberto Garcia, parliamentarian; Cara Ryan, vice president; Eve Olvera, treasurer; Dr. Marianela Rivera, secretary; and President Alexandra Pipitone. Email alianza@fgcu.edu for more information.

Exercise is Medicine: A positive environment for employees' fitness journeys

The Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program has been serving the FGCU community for many years. It has been a platform for many to start or continue their fitness journeys and achieve wellbeing goals, with faculty and staff being one of its frequently benefited populations.

“(EIM-OC) is a fantastic program here at FGCU,” explained Francyne St. Thomas, Business Operations Specialist for Academic Support Programs and Services and an EIM-OC participant. “There is no cost and (it) is available to all students and employees. Trained student interns and professional staff do a great job tailoring a comprehensive workout based on your individual fitness goals, a fitness assessment and health history, including any limitations. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and wonderful to work with.”

Lisa Caldwell, assistant director of Fitness Programs with University Recreation &

Wellness, and Dr. Patti Bauer, assistant faculty and academic advisor for Rehabilitation Sciences Exercise Science Program (and EIM-OC committee advisor), are two professionals who coordinate the program. They offer more details on how it works and how you can get involved.

What is the Exercise is Medicine program at Florida Gulf Coast University? Exercise is Medicine On Campus is an initiative through ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine). The goal of EIM-OC is to promote more activity and movement for students, staff and faculty on college campuses. Here at FGCU, we accomplish that by offering a free fitness consultation, assessment and personal training session to anyone on campus. Whether you are a beginner or an avid gym-goer, our goal is to help people move better in the way they would like to move. From this, we offer different events and mentorship opportunities.

How does this program benefit FGCU faculty and staff? Whether you have a membership at the URWC or not, you can take advantage of the free offerings from EIM-OC. You work with a certified fitness professional to help set goals and create a game plan based on your needs and barriers to exercise. Don’t have a gym membership? We can help you strategize on how to get physical activity without one. Have a gym membership but not sure where to start? We can answer those questions, too.

How can faculty & staff participate in the program? (Faculty and staff) just need to fill out the referral form, which can be found on the website (fgcu.edu/studentlife/ university-recreation-and-wellness/ fitness/certificationsandevents), or on self-

Photo of the Month

referral flyers around campus (specifically Marieb Hall). Typically, I (Lisa Caldwell) will meet with them versus a student trainer, which helps faculty and staff feel more comfortable with someone in similar shoes to them.

Are there any upcoming events or initiatives? EIM Assessment Day is (noon) to 2 p.m., on Thursday, April 4, on the Library Lawn. Stop by one of our tables, participate in an activity and walk away with a prize. We are also working to offer a Walking Wednesday series with exercise science students for the next few months starting (soon). It's just a chance to walk around campus with a route leader and engage with students and other faculty while walking around our beautiful campus.

Got

Employees work with certified fitness trainers to set personalized goals.

Experienced and beginner gym-goers benefit from Exercise is Medicine On Campus events.