Month by Month Calendar

What This Year Will Look Like – Month By Month

This year is going to be full of excitement and change for your family. It is important to stay up-to-date on all that is going on at FGCU as well as some changes that your student may be facing.

August 2022 October

September November

First day of classes (Aug. 19)

Deadline to drop or add classes (Aug. 25)

Payment deadline at 5:00 p.m.

Last Day to add/drop/withdraw from classes (Aug. 25)

In-person and via Gulfline, 100% refund. Deadline at 5:00 p.m.

Payment deadline by 5:00 p.m. (Aug. 25)

Weeks of Welcome events

Excitement around newfound freedom and surroundings

Students are learning to make choices, and figuring out how to make healthy choices can be a challenge. For many students, this is the first time they are solely in charge of choosing what they eat for every meal. Will it be a balanced meal or ramen noodles and ice cream again? Many students also struggle with creating a regular sleep schedule (that doesn’t include multiple naps each day) and there might be situations where your student finds themselves making decisions they wouldn’t normally make, or feeling pressured to do so to “fit in.” This can lead to negative consequences that impact your student and others in the Eagle community. The first six weeks are critical for forming healthy habits. Parents can use this time to talk with their students about healthy decision making.

Labor Day (Sept. 5)

Last day for students to withdraw from all classes to receive 25% back (Sept. 16) Study Day - No Classes (Oct. 4)

Last day for students to drop/withdraw from classes without Academic Penalty (Oct. 28)

Roommate Challenges

This is about the time where the fun, new roommate magic wears off and your student might have some disagreements with their new living mate. If challenges arise, encourage your student to chat with their Resident Assistant (RA). These are students who are trained in conflict management, communication skills, and more. Conflict is expected, and it’s important for your student to work through it in a productive, healthy way. Encourage your student to take the required roommate agreement seriously and for them not to be afraid to communicate what they need. Deadline is 5:00 p.m. (if within 3/2 Withdrawl Rule)

Homesickness & first midterms

Your student might feel overwhelmed balancing all of their responsibilities with homesickness also seeping in. Encourage them to find ways to engage and connect with family back home, whether that’s a set Facetime date or a weekly text to check-in. Your student’s first grades may not come back as high as they would have expected and that’s not unusual when transitioning from high school to college. It’s good to remind your student that there’s plenty of time in the semester for them to improve their grades and to reach out to their professors and go to the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) for support.

We are almost to the home stretch and Winter Break.

Veteran’s Day - No Classes (Nov. 11)

Thanksgiving Break - No Claases (Nov. 23-26)

Cold and flu season

Winter months can bring cold and flu season, especially if your student is living in the residence halls on campus. This, along with the stress of the end of the semester, can quickly lead to your student getting sick. This might be a good time to chat with your student about making sure they are sleeping enough, eating healthy foods, and doing something physical each day. If they do end up not feeling well, they are always able to book an appointment online on their Health Portal to see Student Health Services right on campus.

For a full list of important dates, refer to the FGCU Academic Calendar.

fgcu.edu/academiccalendar

December March

Last day of classes (Dec. 9)

Last day for students to withdraw from classes and receive 25% back (Feb. 3) Spring Break (Mar. 5-11)

Final exams (Dec. 12-16)

Anxiety over finals & first semester grades

Students’ anxiety is typically heightened when they return from Thanksgiving break to start studying for their finals. It’s imperative that your student continue with healthy decision making to ensure they do not burn out. A helpful resource if your student is feeling overwhelmed is to schedule an appointment with Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). When students receive their first semester grades, this might be a sign of success or this can be frustrating for them. Remind your student that this first semester is a time of growth and learning and for them to set an action plan for their next semester.

Last day for students to drop/withdraw from classes without Academic Penalty (Mar. 20)

Deadline is 5:00 p.m. (if within 3/2 Withdrawl Rule)

Spring fever

The media can send students messages of wild spring breaks in exotic destinations. Some students might see this as their perfect vacation, while others may be interested in going home and spending time with family or even completing an extended service opportunity. Regardless of what your student decides to do, encourage them to make smart and safe decisions. Spring break is also a great time to catch up or get ahead for classes.

January 2023

We’re back in January

First day of classes for spring semester (Jan. 9)

Tuition payment deadline (Jan.13)

Last day to drop/withdraw from classes (Jan.13)

In-person and via Gulfline, 100% refund. Deadline at 5:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No Claases (Jan.16)

Back to school relief & housing for next year

Try not to be offended when your student is excited to leave home and return to their new friends at FGCU. Your student still loves you, but appreciates the opportunity to practice being an adult. Students will receive an email this month letting them know to apply for on-campus housing for the next academic year. This is also the time that students who are moving off-campus should solidify their moving plans.

February

Considering a change of major

FGCU believes that the general education requirements expose our students to many academic areas. For some students, this may result in a change of major. It’s very normal that students change their major (even multiple times) during their academic career. Encourage them to meet with their academic advisor and Career Services to ensure they are on the right track.

April

Last day to apply for Grade Forgiveness (Apr. 28)

Anxiety over finals and second semester grades

Just like the final month of their first semester, it is vital to encourage healthy decision making during a time of high stress and anxiety. Remind your student that their first year is a time of learning and growth and make sure that they have a plan in place to be successful in their second year. This is also a time to solidify summer plans with your student. Will they take classes? Should they be looking for a summer job or opportunity? Remember, don’t be shy about sharing your expectations if this is the first time your student has lived with you in several months.

May - We made it!

Last day of classes (May 1)

Final exams (May 2-6)

Sadness leaving friends for summer

Students are often sad to leave the new friends they made, even if it’s only for a few months. These emotions are completely normal – it’s imperative that you encourage them to stay connected to their peers virtually over the summer. Consider even inviting some of their friends to stay with you and your family (then, you get to meet them).

Summer A - May 15 through June 24 Summer B - June 26 through August 5 Summer C - May 15 through July 22