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