Inside FGCU - August 2023

Your Campus. Your News. INSIDE

IN THIS ISSUE

• FGCU presents digital badges model at conference • On the move Page 3 • Employee wellness • Five things to know • Retirements

• Meet the newsletter committee

• Photo of the month

• Holiday hours

• Did you know?

Expanding Student Success

FGCU’s $10.9 million state funding request aims to strengthen student success initiatives

Campus leaders want to amplify the results of FGCU’s student-centered education model, which strives to address the needs of students from all walks of life so they can transition seamlessly from the academic setting to an ever-changing workforce. But to keep up with student success trends, FGCU needs to expand its services.

That’s why FGCU has created a three-pronged approach to better support students in their journey as part of its 2024 legislative budget request, or LBR.

The document asks state leaders for $10.9 million in funding, which will be used to support the development of programs and opportunities to get our students where they need to be upon graduation. The document features three main areas.

veterans, non-traditional students, and those who need an accelerated path to complete their degree.

FGCU Alumni’s bowling fundraiser set for Sept. 16

TheFGCU Alumni Association’s Strikes for Scholarships bowling fundraiser is set for Saturday, Sept. 16. All proceeds go to the FGCU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Bowling starts at 4 p.m. at HeadPinz Fort Myers, located at 14513 Global Parkway.

The silent auction will be live on Sept. 11 and will close at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Gather your department, friends and family for an afternoon of bowling, food, beverages, a silent auction and contest prizes.

Registration fees are $20 for children under 7 and $30 for adults, with VIP registration options available. For more information, visit www.fgcu.edu/alumni/ events/strikesforscholarships.

Offering extra summertime learning opportunities, providing more class sections for popular freshman-level courses, and enhancing early interventions so students have the necessary tools and information to stay on track throughout their freshman year.

2. Building tomorrow's workforce

Creating more meaningful and early access to internship and job shadowing opportunities, while also providing access to skills-focused instruction, like certificate programs aimed at meeting the evolving needs of employers. Ultimately, this provides graduates with a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.

3. Leveraging innovative programs

Preparing students to positively impact the well-being of Southwest Florida, be it through interdisciplinary research on sustainability or positive aging, while also making sure support systems are in place for students with unique needs, such as

Combined, these efforts will not only ensure more FGCU students complete their programs on time with skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce, but it will improve the university’s overall standing in the state’s performance-based funding metrics.

The LBR has been submitted to the Board of Governors, pending approval by the FGCU Board of Trustees on Aug. 18. If approved by both boards, FGCU President Aysegul Timur and Government Relations will work closely with the Southwest Florida Legislative Delegation as well as leadership within the Florida House and Senate to advocate for the funding request. The funding requires approval by the governor.

How to get involved

PHOTO BY JAMES GRECO, JGRECO@FGCU.EDU

1. Preparing students for college

FGCU presents best practices of launching a digital badge program

InJuly, members of the FGCU community presented “12 Steps for Starting Your Own Micro-Credential/Digital Badge Program” at InstructureCon 2023 in Denver, Colorado.

The conference is hosted annually by Instructure, the parent company of the Canvas learning management system, and it seeks to bring together educators and educational technology enthusiasts.

Presenting from FGCU were Jenna Fedewa, instructional technologist II in Digital Learning; Dr. Andrea Fortin, visiting assistant professor of the Department of Integrated Studies/Digital Badges; Dr. Clay Motley, the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; Kristen Vanselow, assistant vice president of Innovative Education and Partnerships; and Dr. Glenn Whitehouse, director of Core Skills/associate professor.

Together, they showcased FGCU’s innovative model for creating a successful micro-credential/digital badge program that enhances the mission and goals of the university, with a focus on student success and community engagement. The program

ON THE MOVE

is critical to workforce development and future employment. FGCU’s model aims to help students demonstrate new skills while mastering learning outcomes so they have a competitive advantage in the workforce.

This “degree-plus” micro-credential model leads to the award of a digital badge, which is a credential containing meta data that is designed to validate student achievement

• Graham Diemer is now the deputy athletics director competitive success and chief revenue officer. He will continue to work with Advancement and take on direct reporting relationships for Men’s Basketball, Softball, Women’s Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Cross Country and Women’s Cross Country.

• Lauren Leister is now the deputy athletics director and chief operating officer. She will continue to serve as chief financial officer and senior woman administrator (SWA). She will also take on direct reporting relationships for Women’s Basketball, Baseball, Men’s Soccer, Beach Volleyball and Volleyball.

of the competencies associated with the respective badge.

FGCU's Digital Badge Summit is set for Jan. 24-25, 2024, in partnership with Instructure. Attendees will interact with FGCU leaders, faculty, students and community and industry partners. Learn more at fgcu.edu/ digitalbadges or by emailing digitalbadges@ fgcu.edu.

UPD celebrates award nominee and rank promotions

Sgt. James Bair was named one of five finalists for the Lee County Officer of the Year, and he was recognized June 3 for his service to the FGCU community during the Law & Order Ball of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South.

Bair was honored for always being willing to assist his fellow officers in distressing situations as well as his unwavering commitment to his duties, which consist of enforcing county, state and federal laws and university policies within the jurisdiction of the Florida Gulf Coast University Police Department.

Bair has been part of the FGCU Eagle community for two years and was promoted from officer to sergeant during the summer semester.

Other rank promotions include Brian Jones to police lieutenant and Anthony Garcia to police sergeant.

LAUREN LEISTER

GRAHAM DIEMER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UPD

Shown from left to right are Lt. Brian Jones, Chief Jim Slapp, Sgt. James Bair, Sgt. Anthony Garcia, Capt. Anthony Rispoli and Sgt. Terry Targia

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

FGCU representatives at InstructureCon 2023 show their Eagle spirit. From left are Kristen Vanselow, Dr. Andrea Fortin, Jenna Fedewa, I’Riel Williams, Dr. Glenn Whitehouse and Dr. Clay Motley.

URecWell provides services for FGCU employees

University

Recreation & Wellness has unique programs and state-of-theart facilities that are available for use by FGCU faculty and staff. The only thing required is a membership.

Various membership options are available, including a $15-a-month Early Eagles membership that is perfect for employees who like to hit the gym early in the morning. Membership information can be found at fgcu.edu/ urecwell, along with details about program offerings.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s available to FGCU employees when they sign up for a membership:

• Access to the URecWell facilities, including the main facility in SoVi, the Aquatics Center near Alico Arena and the Waterfront.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

It’sbeen a busy summer at FGCU, and the university has implemented a few changes ahead of the fall semester. Here are five things to know as faculty and staff start the new academic year.

1. Parking Garage 4 | Located between Marieb Hall and WGCU is one of the most popular places to park on campus Garage

4. It is not uncommon for it to be overwhelmed with traffic congestion during peak hours of the day, especially as drivers attempt to turn left upon exiting the parking structure. Over the summer, a new traffic pattern was created to alleviate the stacking of cars within the garage and provide safer exit and entry. While this results in a quicker turnover of parking spaces, drivers can no longer turn left when exiting the garage.

2. Freshly paved loop | The main roadway loop around campus was repaved and spruced up with new paint over the summer, thanks to state funds distributed by the Board of Governors. The money is meant to help State University System campuses catch up on deferred

• The URWC is also home to an award-winning Rec Deck, an outdoor fitness space that was recently recognized nationally as an outstanding facility in collegiate recreation.

• Members can also experience a free consultation, fitness assessment and personal training session through the Exercise is Medicine program. Just fill out the referral form and URecWell staff will connect you with a personal trainer to discuss your fitness goals. Special group fitness classes, like Cardio Kickboxing, Pilates, CrossHIIT and a high-heels dance class.

• Intramural sport leagues for flag football, sand volleyball, pickleball and more are also offered for members seeking a more competitive scene.

Would you like to introduce a new employee to the FGCU community? Submit a request at fgcu. edu/inside or email newsletter@fgcu.edu to have them featured in an upcoming edition.

maintenance projects.

3. New signs | Indoor and outdoor signs are being updated campuswide with FGCU’s new logo and brand design, which was launched last fall. The work includes more than 1,100 signs, including wayfinding or directional signs as well as hundreds of vinyl logo designs you will see on office doors and windows.

4. Building a new boardwalk | While it won’t open until the spring term, a new boardwalk is being built to provide a lighted pathway between the SoVi residential area and main campus. You’ll be able to access it near SoVi Dining, the Bower School of Music & the Arts and the multipurpose rec field near Academic Building 9.

5. WiFi on the Lawn | Wireless coverage is available on the Library Lawn as well as the area outside Academic Building 9, home of The Water School. Eduroam, the campus WiFi network, is offering faster speeds and higher security standards in these outdoor locations. Need help logging into eduroam? Visit fgcu.edu/wifi.

• Dr. Christine Wright-Isak Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing

• Dr. TC Yih Professor, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering

Dr. Diana Cheshire is the dean of the College of Education.

WRIGHT-ISAK

Dr. Eileen DeLuca is the interim chief strategy and program innovation officer.

Dr. Jennifer Hammat is the associate vice president for student engagement within Student Success & Enrollment Management.

Catherine Horgan is an administrative specialist in the Occupational Therapy Program in Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

Amy Menzel is an administrative assistant for the Dean's Office in Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

The Rec Deck, located at the University Recreation & Wellness Center, was recently recognized as an Outstanding Facility by the National Intramural & Recreational Sports Association.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Announcing the 2023-24 Inside FGCU Editorial Advisory Committee

Inside FGCU is pleased to introduce the charter members of the Editorial Advisory Committee:

• Emily Helm, marketing coordinator for University Recreation & Wellness;

• Chuck Kaufman, academic success coach for the Center for Academic Achievement;

• Tami Tassler, associate director for Undergraduate Admissions and the Sugden Welcome Center;

• Lexi Velte, the content and events coordinator for the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering;

• I’Riel Williams, marketing and student enrollment coordinator for Innovative Education & Partnerships;

• Lori Zallie, administrative specialist for Physician Assistant Studies in the Department of Health Sciences.

Each member will serve the university community during the 2023-24 academic year by creating and evaluating content while working alongside the newsletter’s Executive Committee and staff.

Throughout the year, they will be on the lookout for ways to inform our campus and showcase the faculty and staff who serve our Eagle community.

Meet the 2023-24 Inside FGCU Editorial Advisory Committee. Front row, from left, are Tami Tassler and Lori Zallie. Back row, from left, are Emily Helm, Chuck Kaufman and I’Riel Williams. Not pictured: Lexi Velte

Feel free to reach out to any of the committee members to discuss future Inside FGCU content ideas.

Suggested content may also be shared online at www.fgcu.edu/inside/ideas and through the Inside FGCU email, newsletter@fgcu.edu.

Photo of the Month

Deadline to get new parking permits is Aug. 31

The deadline to purchase a new parking permit is Aug. 31. All faculty, staff, OPS non-students and adjuncts who regularly park on campus need to have the vehicle registered with the university and display a valid parking permit.

Full instructions on how to register, pay for and receive your new permit can be found online at fgcu.edu/parkingservices.

Questions? Email parking@fgcu.edu or call ext. 1912.

WGCU wants to hear your Hurricane Ian story

WGCUPublic Media is creating a 60-minute documentary to air on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian's landfall in Southwest Florida, and reporters are looking for FGCU employees to share their stories of survival and recovery.

If you are interested in sharing your story, email wgcunews@fgcu.edu with "Hurricane Ian Story" in the subject line. There is a chance you will be contacted to be interviewed as part of the documentary.

HOLIDAY HOURS

FGCU is closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day. Please follow the procedures outlined by the Office of Administrative Services & Finance to submit hours through Workday. If you have questions, email payrolloffice@ fgcu.edu.

DID YOU KNOW?

FGCU will celebrate its 26th year of instruction on Friday, Aug. 25! When we opened the doors in 1997, the university had 2,584 students and 398 full-time employees. Today, our enrollment is holding strong at 16,000 students, and we now employ 1,516 full-timers.

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FGCU University Change Manager Ivy Cowgill captured this image of the beach in North Lake Village at daybreak. Do you have a picture you would like to submit to Inside FGCU? Send it to newsletter@fgcu.edu with your full name, title and a brief description of the image.

PHOTO BY IVY COWGILL, ICOWGILL@FGCU.EDU

PHOTO BY PAMELA MCCABE, PMCCABE@FGCU.EDU

The Sept. 5 Inside FGCU newsletter will highlight the 2023-24 budget allocations, which will be finalized later this month.

FGCU PHOTO

A 1997 bird’s-eye view of FGCU’s campus.