2021 Parent and Family Guide by Florida Gulf Coast University

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

Parents & Guide F A M I LY

2021-2022

CONTENTS

Welcome to the

FGCU FAMILY!

Welcome to the Nest

Family Member Checklist After Orientation & During Their First Year

FGCU Lingo

Letter from a Parent

FERPA

Month by Month Calendar

Academic Adjustment from High School

Move-in Day

Staying Safe on Campus Emergency Communication

Staying Healthy and Well in College

Campus Recreation

Get Involved Soar in 4

Balancing Working While in College

Local Services and Resources

Helpful Resources

Conversation Starters

FAQs

Helping Make Healthy Decisions

Campus Map

North Lake Village

Welcome To The Nest, Eagle Families! We are an office dedicated to providing you with programming and information to better assist your students in their college years. This handbook is designed to give you a glimpse into life here at FGCU.

I want to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the FGCU family. On behalf of our department, we are so happy to have you and your student here at Florida Gulf Coast University, and we look forward to our continued partnership. The Office of Parent and Family Programs, located within the Office of First Year Experience and Retention Programs, is here to serve as a resource and support system for all FGCU families. Our office is here to stand by you and serve as a link between you, the university, and your student as you guide and support your student through the FGCU experience. We are an office dedicated to providing you with programming and information to better assist your students in their college years. This handbook is designed to give you a glimpse into life here at FGCU, introduce you to some of our university lingo, as well as offer resources to you that we hope you encourage your student to use throughout their time here with us.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

I was the ﬁrst person in my family to attend college, and I remember how challenging it was for my mom, dad and me to learn to navigate the university. I also remember that what I needed most from my parents was not for them to know everything about the university, but to simply have a willingness to listen, space to learn and grow, and, of course, to provide my favorite meal during every holiday break! Whether you are sending your ﬁrst or 11th (that’s the FGCU orientation record) to college, we will be here for you every step of the way. We are so happy you chose FGCU, and we hope you will let us know if we can ever be helpful to you.

WINGS UP! Tabitha Dawes Director, Orientation and Family Programs F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

During Their First Year:  Send text messages, emails, and mail with words of encouragement.  Make plans to join us for Eagle Family Weekend. It’s a great time to visit your student – now on their turf.  Make note of key events and deadlines, but allow your student to take responsibility for these.

Family Member Checklist

FGCU Lingo

AFTER ORIENTATION:

Coming to a college campus, there can be a lot of what we like to call “alphabet soup” that’s casually thrown around in everyday conversation. We want to take some time to provide you with some of the more common abbreviations you and your student may see or hear around campus.



 Encourage your student to stay on campus to create a sense of belonging. Plan a time to visit campus to experience your student’s life as an Eagle.



 Give yourself permission to grieve, celebrate, or both (sometimes, at the same time). This is a transition for you, too.



 Identify the support network you’ll have as you adjust to your new role in your student’s life.



 6

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Make plans for the transition, such as planning a sibling night for your student, a family dinner, and your departure from campus on move-in day.

Buildings/Areas on Campus:  MCT

McTarnaghan Hall

 HH

Howard Hall

 CSU

Cohen Student Union

 SRHM

Sugden Resort and Hospitality Management

 RH

Reed Hall

 BHG

Ben Hill Grifﬁn Hall

 WH

Whitaker Hall

Support your student by identifying healthy snacks and a wellness routine.

Academic Colleges:  CAS

College of Arts and Sciences

 MH

Merwin Hall

Talk to your student about your expectations, including what and how often you expect them to share important information (grades, account holds, bill information, etc.). If you determine that the third-party waiver needs to be signed, instruct your student to visit the Ofﬁce of Records and Registration.

 LCOB

Lutgert College of Business

 MAR

Marieb Hall

 EH

Edwards Hall

 SH

Seidler Hall

 HE

Holmes Hall

 LH

Lutgert Hall

 CCC

Community Counseling Center

 PAL

Palmetto Hall

 EAG

Eagle Hall

 EVE

Everglades Hall

 BIS

Biscayne Hall

 OSP

Osprey Hall

 SoVi

South Village

 NLV

North Lake Village

 WLV

West Lake Village

 ACC-

Ackert Community Center

If you would like your own account access to your student’s Bill and Payment Center, instruct your student to set up an account for you. Visit the Cashier’s Ofﬁce website for a tutorial. Ensure that your student has downloaded the Rave Guardian app. They can add you as a guardian and set you up to receive emergency alerts from the university. Create a monthly budget with your student and locate banking options. Review tuition and fees. Make note of payment and disbursement dates (check your parent calendar). Review with your student their class schedule. If they have any questions or need to make adjustments, they should reach out to their academic advisor. Is your student living on campus? Review the Eagle Move-In Guide to be fully prepared. Set your student up for success to manage their new living environment, by reviewing such things as how to do laundry, ways to clean, etc. Identify plans for school breaks, family vacations, and your student’s desired travel plans.

 MCHHS Marieb College of Health & Human Services

 COE

College of Education

 WCE

U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering

Academics:  UIN

University ID Number

 GPA

Grade Point Average

 CRN Course Reference Number  M, T, W, R, F Days of the week classes are offered Ofﬁces/ Departments:  FYE

First Year Experience and Retention Programs  P&W Prevention and Wellness

 MLD Multicultural and Leadership Development

 OSI

Ofﬁce of Student Involvement

 OIEC Ofﬁce of Institutional Equity and Compliance

 UPD

University Police Department

 CAPS Counseling and Psychological Services  EA

Exploratory Advising

 UAS

University Advising Services

 CAA

Center for Academic Achievement

 Lib -

Library

Student Life:  RSO

Registered Student Organization

 SG

Student Government

 PB

Programming Board

 FSL

Fraternity and Sorority Life

 RA

Resident Assistant

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

was recently asked to write a letter to share a few of my experiences as a parent of two FGCU students. Looking back at the “process” of getting in and going to college, I clearly remember thinking that my wife and I have been shepherding our daughters for the last 18 years and now was the big moment, “so don’t screw it up!” Being a life-long Florida resident, I am well aware of the pull of the major state universities: Florida, FSU, UCF and USF. Each of them are excellent schools and can be a good ﬁt for many students. I too was drawn to them and hoped my daughters felt the same. As the “process” of visits, applications and more visits progressed, I began to develop a clearer picture of what it looked like to be a student at each school. At the majors, you must expect large lecture halls often ﬁlled to overcapacity, limited exposure to professors in a classroom setting and often multiple online classes, especially freshman year. This info is not talked about on the tour, rather it comes from our friends who have kids at each school. Bottom line: This concerned us.

student suites. North Lake is probably the oldest, but is on the waterfront so it’s very popular. Both of my girls have lived there and loved it. The student life at FGCU is more laid back than at the majors in a number of ways. First is size. FGCU currently has around 15,000 students and will be capped at approximately 20,000. Second, its campus sits on 800 acres and is surrounded by nature. Only half of campus can be developed and it has a major emphasis on being green and environmentally friendly. Third, the reports I hear are that the party life is boring (thank goodness!). Whereas, elsewhere not so much (ask around). Lastly, “The Fort” (Fort Myers) is a pretty sleepy town, but has all the amenities you could ask. Not to mention, some of the nicest beaches and sunsets in Florida. As parents of incoming students, I cannot stress enough the need for your kids to be active in school/social clubs and events. Because of the location, it is necessary to seek out and join in on the fun. There are lots of options on campus, but it’s your kid’s job to ﬁnd them. Think of it as a fun

They have met students from all over the U.S. as well as a number from other countries. The fit for our girls has been excellent. In our mind, FGCU is the best-kept secret in the Florida University system. But as you know, it’s hard to keep a secret. We wanted a more intimate setting, with small lecture halls, smaller class sizes and very limited online classes. This is exactly what we found at FGCU. The largest lecture hall has 130 seats and is rarely full. My daughters’ average class size was 30 students or less and they only took the number of state mandated online classes. Each of our girls has thrived at FGCU. It is a beautiful campus and is relatively new so its facilities are modern and ﬁrst rate. Most of the dorms have been built in the past few years and offer students their own room in 2-4

process, and I am sure there are people and groups for each of our kids. Last thoughts: We live a couple hours away and both girls went to a large public high school, yet not one of their friends went to FGCU. This has been a blessing in disguise as they were forced to meet new people and make their own way. They have met students from all over the U.S. as well as a number from other countries. The ﬁt for our girls has been excellent. In our mind, FGCU is the best-kept secret in the Florida university system. But as you know, it’s hard to keep a secret.

FERPA FGCU is concerned about the privacy of your student’s records. When you student was in elementary school and high school, FERPA gave parents and students the right to access their educational records. That same law now transfers ownership of their records solely to the student. FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, considers college students, regardless of their age, responsible adults who now have the right to determine who can access their educational records. While parents and family members understandably have an interest in their students’ education, a student must now grant you access to their ofﬁcial records.

How can I gain access to my student’s information?

The quickest, easiest way to get information about your student’s grades, university bill, or other information is from your student. Most of this information is available to them through their Gulﬂine account.

What is covered by FERPA?

An “educational record” includes information such as your student’s grades, discipline record, and ﬁnancial statements.

What is a waiver form?

Your student can sign a Third Party Release form and submit it in person to the Ofﬁce of the Records and Registration, with a photo ID, granting you or others ofﬁcial consent to access their records.

If I don’t have access to my student’s records, how can I pay the bill?

Your student can grant you an Authorized User Account. Authorized Users have the ability to log in directly to the Bill and Payment Center to view the student account, make payments, and receive statement notifications. Please note this access is only for the Bill and Payment Center, not the entirety of Gulfline. The student can assign Authorized Users by following the steps below: 1. Log into Gulfline 2. Click on Bill & Payment Center 3. On the far right-hand side of the screen under My Profile Setup click on Authorized Users 4. Click on Add Authorized User and follow the steps

What’s the bottom line?

Students have a right to privacy when it comes to their educational records. IF you would like to know about their grades, bill, or other information, the best thing to do is keep open lines of communication and share your expectations about what information you need your student to share and when they should share that information. If you both agree that it makes the most sense to grant you access, your student can submit a Third Party Release form through the Ofﬁce of Records and Registration.

What is FERPA? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a United States federal law that governs the access to educational information and records by public entities such as potential employers, publicly funded educational institutions, and foreign governments.

More information about FERPA can be obtained from the Ofﬁce of Records and Registration at orr@fgcu.edu or 239-590-7980. You can visit their website at fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/guidelines/ferpa/

 Matt Kessler Parent of two FGCU students 8

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

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 2021 The ﬁrst day of classes (Aug. 19) Deadline to drop or add classes (Aug. 25) Tuition payment deadline (Aug. 25) Submit FAFSA forms

October 2021 Eagle Family Weekend (Oct. 29-31) 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.

Weeks of Welcome 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.

September 2021 Labor Day (Sept. 6) Study Day (Sept. 7) Last day for students to withdraw from classes to receive 25% back (Sept. 16) 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 roommate to take the required roommate agreement seriously and for them not to be afraid to communicate what they need.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

November 2021

We are almost to the home stretch and Winter Break.

December 2021 Last day of classes (Dec. 10) Final exams (Dec. 13-17) 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.

January 2022

We’re back in January

Last day for your student to withdraw from classes without academic penalty

First day of classes for spring semester (Jan. 10)

Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11)

Tuition payment deadline (Jan.14)

Study Day ((Nov. 12) Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 24-27) Register for spring semester courses 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.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan.17) 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 2022 Last day for students to withdraw from classes and receive 25% back Homecoming

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

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.

March 2022 Spring Break (Mar. 6-12) 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.

April 2022 Last day for students to withdraw from classes without academic penalty Register for summer and fall semester courses 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 2022

We made it to May Last day of classes (May 2) Final exams (May 3-7)

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).

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Academic Adjustment from High School to College A student’s transition from high school to college is perhaps the first of its nature for both you and your student. However, much about this transition is different for each and every student and that is something to keep in mind while trying to support your student through this new world of challenges they may be facing. As students, their biggest focus coming to college, and perhaps one of their biggest adjustments, is the academic transition. A huge part of every student’s transition and adjustment to college is their focus on academic performance. Many times they can have a tendency to put unnecessary pressure on themselves. They hear all the time coming in as first years “Your first semester is the easiest you’ll ever have,” and “You think it’s hard now? Well, it only gets harder from here,” and so the pressure for them to perform in their first semester can be intense. The reality, though, is that this isn’t particularly true. To many students, the first semester and the first year of being at college presents challenges that they have not experienced before and as students they need time to adjust.

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) is a department entirely dedicated to your student’s academic success. The CAA provides free resources to students, everything from writing consultation to academic coaching.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Academic Coaching

Free personal consultation with one of our academic success coordinators designed to help your student address speciﬁc academic issues. Together with an academic success coordinator, students examine habits of working, current academic difﬁculties, develop individual academic goals, and enhance knowledge of campus resources. Academic success coordinators are available to coach students through obstacles that arise at any point in the academic career and to help students create positive, effective habits.

Tutoring at FGCU

The CAA offers free appointmentbased tutoring in a small group setting in more than 25 courses. We recommend that students seek tutoring early in the semester. The tutor can give attention to the student’s needs, while at the same time the student will beneﬁt from the questions and experience of the other group members. Groups for tutoring sessions may consist of up to three members. While tutoring never replaces course work or class lectures, it does enhance material presented in the classroom.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction is an academic support service offered by the CAA and an opportunity for students to enhance their learning in speciﬁc courses. Each SI leader attends one professor’s course and conducts weekly study sessions. All students in the course can participate in these study groups to discuss content for the week’s lecture. Led by the SI leaders, students work collaboratively in groups and brainstorm to solve problems and to increase understanding of course material.

South Village

Writing Consultation

Students can also utilize the CAA for writing consultations where they have the opportunity to meet one on one with a writing consultant. Students can utilize this resource for any writing material they may have in their time at FGCU. Our Writing Lab also provides writing and citation guides that are all available on the website.

UNIVERSITY ADVISING SERVICES Academic Advising at FGCU begins at orientation. As students progress, professional advisors match individual needs with available resources in the ﬁeld of study with the goal of keeping students on track to graduate. Academic advisors can help with:  Major choice and selection  Course selection and planning  Understanding university resources  Interpreting rules and regulations that impact academics

ADVISING OFFICES Exploratory Advising

fgcu.edu/academics/advising/explore/ 239-745-4422 explore@fgcu.edu

Center for Career and Exploratory Advising

College of Arts and Sciences Advising

Most ﬁrst-year students are advised by Exploratory Advising. In a student’s ﬁrst year, there are four required meetings with Exploratory Advising – two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester.

fgcu.edu/cas/advising/ 239-590-7196 casadv@fgcu.edu Seidler Hall 109

New Student Meeting

fgcu.edu/coe/admissionsandadvising 239-590-7778 coeadvising@fgcu.edu Merwin Hall

These meetings are conducted in small groups during the ﬁrst few weeks of the term, and serve as an initial check-in with our students to talk about how their semester has started, and to reinforce the role of the academic counselor, address any issues of concern, and to look ahead to preregistration for the next semester.

Pre-Registration Meeting

The pre-registration meeting takes place once every semester. Students will be required to meet with their academic advisor to talk about their academic progress, discuss possible course options for their second semester, and review the online course registration process. Once students meet their transition criteria for their major (usually after their ﬁrst year), they will transition to college advising. We recommend that students meet with an academic advisor each semester prior to course registration.

College of Education Advising

Lutgert College of Business and School of Entrepreneurship Advising

fgcu.edu/cob/advising/undergraduate 239-590-7302 lcobadv@fgcu.edu Lutgert Hall, Suite 1300

Marieb College of Health & Human Services Advising fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/advising/ 239-590-7391 mchhsadvising@fgcu.edu Marieb Hall 213

U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering Advising fgcu.edu/eng/advising/ 239-590-1704 engadvising@fgcu.edu

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Move-In Day If your student will be living on campus, move-in day is just around the corner. This is the day you may have been looking forward to or dreading for 18+ years. This day is very exciting for some and very nerve-wracking for others, but don’t worry – you are part of our family now and at FGCU, we take care of each other. First, let’s start with some recommendations to prepare for a smooth move-in experience:

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

LOTS OF WATER

This may be a long day, depending on how much stuff your student has to move, and the Florida weather can be very warm. Make sure you are hydrating throughout the move-in process.

IT’S TIME TO LIVE

THE FGCU LIFE One-third of FGCU students live on campus, including about 80% of ﬁrst- year students. Whether it’s the convenience of living where you learn, the opportunity to live with friends, or easy access to resources, opportunities, and fun, many students ﬁnd that living on campus aids in their transition to college.

CAMPUS SIZE

800

AN UMBRELLA OR RAIN JACKET

ACRES

There are two things you can almost guarantee when it comes to Florida weather: 1. It is going to be hot, and 2. there may be some unexpected rain in the afternoons.

A HAND TRUCK OR A DOLLY

ATHLETIC TEAMS (NCAA DIVISION I)

During move-in day some volunteers will be around with hand trucks, but we recommend bringing a personal one as well.

FUN AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE

This is a big day for everyone. No matter how many times your student says they are ready to get out of the house, this day usually comes with some nervousness, so bring a positive attitude to help ease their stress (and yours, too).

Encourage your student to check their student Eagle Email account daily. This is where they will receive details regarding roommate selection, move-in dates and times, and further details from the Ofﬁce of Housing and Residence Life. We also highly recommend consulting Housing and Residence Life’s Move-In Guide to help you plan. 14

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MORE THAN

250

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Staying Safe on Campus UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (UPD)

The University Police Department (UPD) is responsible for law enforcement, security, disaster planning and emergency response at FGCU. UPD works with the entire university community to provide a safe and secure environment that enables everyone to achieve their academic goals and enjoy the FGCU experience. In addition to promoting crime prevention, UPD ensures safety for both vehicle and pedestrian trafﬁc and assists in coordinating special events.

CODE BLUE POLES

These emergency telephones are mounted on 9-foot steel columns, are wheelchair accessible, include instructions in Braille and have a highly visible push button on an illuminated telephone faceplate. A single touch on the push button summons campus ofﬁcers, allows dispatchers to hear what is going on, pinpoints the exact location of the trouble, and triggers the bright blue strobe light on top of the column.

Code Blue Poles are located in all parking lots, student housing and in the academic core areas. If you experience an emergency, this is a way to call for assistance. When activated, you are immediately connected with the UPD dispatcher, and an ofﬁcer will arrive in a short time.

How to contact?

 Campus Support Complex (North Side) 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Fort Myers, FL 33965

SIRENS

As part of the FGCU Alert System, the university has an outdoor warning siren for the main academic core of campus.

 Police Emergency: 239-590-1900  Fire/Medical Emergency: 911

The siren is designed to be heard outdoors only. It is not intended to be heard within buildings. Although the primary alarm area is the academic core, it is possible the siren will be heard in North Lake Village and South Village.

 Non-Emergency: 239-590-1900  Fax: 239-590-1910

In the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of those outdoors, the university may sound the siren. The alert tones are very loud and distinct and should be easily heard by anyone who is outdoors within the academic core. The siren will be activated when the best course of action is for community members to seek shelter.

Emergency Communication FGCU Alert components include text messaging, e-mails, Axis TV, the FGCU.EDU homepage, and the RAVE Guardian App. FGCU Alerts are primarily communicated to the campus community through email notiﬁcation. One of the most proactive things you can do to encourage your student’s safety is to ensure they download the RAVE Guardian app to which parents can be added as emergency contacts and receive emergency alerts from the university. All major campus alerts are also made public on the homepage of the FGCU website.

HOTLINES & HELPFUL RESOURCES University Police Department

In case of emergency always call 911. University Police Department: 239-590-1900

Student Care Services

Parents and family members are often the ﬁrst people a student calls when they are having difﬁculties in

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

college. There are situations that arise throughout the academic year when parents or families need to get involved or seek help for their student. Student Care Services may work closely with parents and families to determine how best to support students and discuss available campus and community resources. Phone: 239-590-7900 Email: care@fgcu.edu Submit a Student of Concern report.

Food Insecurity

FGCU Campus Food Pantry Location: Music Modular, Lot 7, Room 102 E-mail: slloyd@fgcu.edu Phone: 239-745-3663

FGCU Emergency Management

To see the latest emergency alert, current operation status of the university, and weather alerts, we suggest bookmarking this webpage:

fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement/

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

West Lake Village

Staying Healthy and Well in College STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Student Health Services strives to help students when they are sick, educate them on healthy lifestyle choices, and protect them through vaccination, education, and accessibility.

ROUTINE CARE Free of charge: 

Routine medical care and preventive medicine



Physical exams (athletics, employment, work, school, and camps)



Women’s healthcare



Health screenings



Contraceptive counseling



Referrals for specialist care



Nebulizer treatments for asthma



Uncomplicated wound care



IV ﬂuids for rehydration



Wart care/treatment



Nutritional assessment and counseling by a registered dietitian



Health education



HIV testing using OraSure (mouth swab)

Available for nominal fee:

Students can use their Student Health Portal to schedule appointments, review and update medical information, and submit immunization records. 18

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

Laboratory testing through Quest Lab



Rapid lab tests done in-house for strep, mono and ﬂu



Pregnancy testing



Emergency contraceptive



Minor surgical procedures (i.e. laceration repair and cryotherapy)



EKGs



Not provided: 

X-rays and other diagnostic testing



Specialty physicians care (i.e. obstetrics, orthopedics, etc.)



Overnight inﬁrmary services



Allergy injections



Chronic disease management



Drug testing



Storage of prescription medications



Physical therapy



Mental health care (prescribing of ADD/ADHD medications)



Travel clinic for overseas immunization requirements

South Village

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

CAPS, as it is known at FGCU, is a fully accredited counseling center that offers mental health support psychotherapeutic services right on campus at no additional charge to students. All college students face challenges during their transition to college and through the college years. Most are able to work through those challenges with the support of family, friends, and mentors. However, there are times when speaking with a professional is necessary and helpful; that’s where CAPS comes in.

Students can schedule an appointment by calling 239-590-7950. A 24/7 helpline is also available at 239-745-EARS (3277).

ADAPTIVE SERVICES

Adaptive Services supports FGCU students by coordinating accommodations for students in order to provide equal access and opportunity for an education at FGCU. The most common accommodations, though not an exhaustive list, include:



Note-takers



Tutoring



Extended time on tests

Immunizations: Measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A&B, meningococcal, tetanus, Gardasil, inﬂuenza (offered seasonally)



Minimal distraction testing environment



TB screening

Readers/scribes for tests



Pap smears

Books in alternate format



Conﬁdential HIV testing (serum/blood draw)

Adaptive technologies



STI testing and treatment

Sign language interpreters



Dispensing of commonly prescribed medications



Dental services

Students in need of an accommodation(s) should reach out to Adaptive Services at 239-590-7956 or adaptive@fgcu.edu. F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Campus Recreation Campus Recreation is a great cross-section of involvement and wellness on FGCU’s campus. There are many facilities, events, and organizations through which students can stay active, meet people, and have fun.

While academics are and should be a top priority for FGCU students, what they choose to do outside of the classroom is of equal importance. Getting involved on campus leads to better grades, more college pride, skills that will beneﬁt students after graduation, and a college experience they won’t forget with people that will remain lifelong friends.

AQUATICS

 WEEKS OF WELCOME (WOW)

Campus Recreation offers aquatic programming at three facilities:  Aquatics Center | With more than 1 million gallons of water, this facility is meant for lap swimming, diving, and competition.  SoVi Pool | This resort style swimming pool is right in South Village residents’ back yard.  The Waterfront | Paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats are available for free checkout with a student’s Eagle ID card. Students can even go out on the Heyday wake boat for tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.

FITNESS



FGCU’s fitness program offers programs and services to benefit students’ health, fitness, and wellbeing. With a brand-new fitness center now open in South Village, students have an opportunity to participate in group fitness classes and use the facility at no additional cost. Personal trainers are also available for a nominal fee.

SPORTS PROGRAMS



Intramural sports provide an opportunity for students, regardless of athletic ability, to participate in organized, competitive recreational sports. Leagues and tournaments are available each semester. Sports clubs can be highly competitive while others are more instructional. With 31 clubs and 900+ athletes, many students ﬁnd sports clubs to be a great way to participate in a sport without playing at a varsity level.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS



 

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Get Involved

Trips and Clinics | Students can learn how to paddleboard, kayak, camp, ski, snowboard and snorkel while exploring unique outdoor settings with a variety of trips and clinics offered each semester. Camping equipment, such as tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, canoes, and more, can be rented on a daily, weekend, or weekly basis. Pedal Power offers students an opportunity to rent bikes right from the Waterfront.

Throughout your student’s ﬁrst few weeks on campus, we are all very focused on helping them connect with ofﬁces and organizations and each other. There will be a full schedule of events from their very own Class Launch Party to the Student Organization Fair to the WoW Carnival (complete with rides) on the Library Lawn and much more. This is a great way to start off the semester.

 REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

With more than 250 registered student organization (RSOs), there is something for everyone. Organizations can be major-speciﬁc, religious/faith based, political, focused on service, or just for fun. Encourage your student to visit EAGLELINK, their home for all student involvement information, to browse or search for student organizations and events happening on campus.

 FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

Greek Life at FGCU is focused on scholarship, leadership, community service, and sisterhood/ brotherhood. There are 29 Greek organizations on campus for students to choose from. We encourage you to take a look at the PARENT RESOURCES FROM THE OFFICE OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE to ﬁnd answers to some common questions.

 STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Just like the federal government, FGCU’s Student Government is organized in three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has opportunities for students who are elected and appointed. If your student is interested in aspects of government, this can be an excellent way to get involved, and there are even some paid positions.

TIMELY GRADUATION CAN PAY OFF HELP YOUR STUDENT GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS

As a parent or family member, one of the goals for your student is likely to see them graduate college in four years. This can drive down the overall cost of college and accelerate your student’s ability to launch a career or attend graduate school. FGCU offers many resources to keep students on track toward a timely graduation. Although you may be offering ﬁnancial support to your student by paying the bill, graduating in four years will need to be their goal as well to help ensure success. We encourage you to have a conversation with your student about why graduating in four years is important to you. Cheering your student on when challenges arise and offering an encouraging reminder of university resources at the right time can make a major impact. Encourage your student to take these three steps to help ensure a timely graduation:

 DECLARE A MAJOR DURING THE FIRST YEAR. Students should utilize resources offered by Career Development Services such MyPlan.com to ensure their interests, skills, and personality are a good match for the major and career they are considering.

 USE ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING EARLY AND OFTEN.

All ﬁrst-year students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor during the ﬁrst year. Though not required in the years following, meeting with an advisor each semester, prior to course registration, is a good habit to build. Missing key prerequisites or deadlines or dropping classes can throw a student off course and ultimately increase costs. Academic advisors can help students map a degree plan and ensure students register for the right classes at the right time. Regular visits to Career Services can help students prepare for the career or further education that awaits them after graduation. Assistance with major selection, resume help, mock interviewing, and connecting students with employers through career and internship fairs are services provided by Career Development Services to help ensure students graduate in a timely manner and have a plan for what comes next.

 TAKE 15 TO FINISH. DO THE MATH.

Most degree programs require 120 credit hours to graduate. A full 15 credit hour load each semester, or an average of 30 credit hours per year, adds up to a 4-year degree. If students are unable to take 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester, the summer semester is a great way to catch up.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Balancing Working While in College A common question from parents is, “Should my son/daughter work while in college?” Based on ﬁnancial need, this may be less of a question and more of a necessity. Regardless, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to balancing work and being a college student.

BENEFITS

 Money Of course, a major beneﬁt of working while

in college is the ability for students to earn money. For some students, this money is used for “extras” like going to the movies with friends or buying a new video game. For others, this is an opportunity to learn some ﬁnancial independence and some students are asked to pay for certain bills such as car insurance or tuition. An added beneﬁt of earning an income during college is the opportunity for students to gain budgeting experience.

 Professional Experience There are many skills to

be gained from working during college. Managing the time it takes to add work to a busy schedule, professional skills such as customer service and work ethic, and effective communication are often learned on the job. Similarly, students often meet people they work with who become future professional references or mentors.

Local Services and Resources FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many hours per week should my student work? Certainly, this is unique to each student and depends on how many classes they are taking and the other things they have on their plate. Generally speaking, students should not plan to work more than 10 – 15 hours per week. Can my student work on campus? Yes. FGCU does offer some student employment opportunities. These range from working at a campus restaurant, for a particular office or department, or even serving as a lifeguard for Campus Recreation. Working on campus can have several added benefits, such as flexible scheduling, working with other FGCU students, and even getting paid for leadership positions such as being a Resident Assistant, Tutor, or Orientation Leader. Encourage your student to check out campus employment opportunities at

fgcu-csm.symplicity.com/.

What are some signs my student may be working too much?  If your student holds an irregular work schedule or works 

CHALLENGES  Balance Sometimes students who work during college

stretch themselves too thin. They often realize too late that they do not have enough time to balance everything they have on their plates – academics, work, campus involvement, and downtime with friends makes for a busy week. It’s really all about prioritizing what is most important, and sometimes students need a little help putting this into perspective.



late at night and isn’t getting enough sleep or often complains about being tired. If he/she shares that they didn’t do as well on a test or assignment as they hoped, it’s a good idea to ask questions like, “Were you able to spend enough time working on it?” If not, this may be because they are prioritizing work over academics. If you notice your student choosing work over other opportunities consistently. For example, are they missing out on involvement opportunities or even having a hard time making new friends because they are always choosing work over those things?

Print and ﬁll out this form.

Going to college often means moving away from home and finding local services to help navigate daily life or resources when things come up. Many first-year students find themselves making their own doctor’s appointment, buying laundry detergent, renting a storage unit, and more for the very first time. Help set them up for success by taking some time to identify local resources they can reach out to if or when it is necessary. Students and families have different needs, so be sure to add anything unique to yours.

MEDICAL:

PERSONAL CARE:

Counseling/psychiatric services

Grocery store

Dentist/Orthodontist

Hair salon/barbershop

Dermatologist

Nail salon

Hospital

Place of worship

Pharmacy

Other:

Urgent care

Other:

Eye doctor

CAR:

ADDITIONAL:

Auto mechanic

Bank

Dealership

Dry cleaner

Car wash

Storage facility

Tire repair

Computer maintenance

Oil change

Credit card (number to call in case of loss)

Postal/shipping service 22

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

South Village

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Helpful Resources Often when a student needs advice, direction or help, you will be their ﬁrst text or phone call. Here is the contact information for some of the most common resources on campus to share with your student.

ADAPTIVE SERVICES (239) 590-7956 adaptive@fgcu.edu ATHLETICS BOX OFFICE (239) 590-7145 tickets@fgcu.edu @FGCUAthletics @fgcuathletics CAMPUS RECREATION (239) 590-7935 campusrec@fgcu.edu @FGCUCampusRecreation @fgcu_campusrec CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (239) 590-7946 careercenter@fgcu.edu

@FGCUCareerDevelopmentServices

@fgcucareerservices

CASHIER’S OFFICE (239) 590-1213 cashiers@fgcu.edu CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (239) 590-7906 caa@fgcu.edu @fgcu_caa COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (239) 590-7950 caps@fgcu.edu EAGLE ID CARD OFFICE (239) 590-7645 smile@fgcu.edu @eagle.id

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS (239) 590-7920 ﬁnaid@fgcu.edu @FGCUFinancialAid @fgcuﬁnancialaid

SERVICE LEARNING & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (239) 590-7015 servicelearning@fgcu.edu @fgcuservicelearning

HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE (239) 590-1700 housing@fgcu.edu @FGCUhousing @fgcuhousing

STUDENT CARE SERVICES (239) 590-7900; (239) 590-7903 care@fgcu.edu @fgcucare

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES (239) 590-7925 internationalservices@fgcu.edu @fgcuinternational @fgcu_iso INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY & COMPLIANCE (239) 590-4366 oiec@fgcu.edu MULTICULTURAL & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER (239) 590-7990 mld@fgcu.edu @fgcumld @fgcu_mld OFFICE OF RECORDS & REGISTRATION (239) 590-7980 orr@fgcu.edu @FGCURegistrar @fgcuregistrar PARKING SERVICES (239) 590-1912 parkingservices@fgcu.edu PREVENTION & WELLNESS (239) 745-4204 pws@fgcu.edu @fgcupw @fgcupws

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (239) 590-7966 shs@fgcu.edu STUDENT INVOLVEMENT (239) 590-7739 osi@fgcu.edu @fgcuosi

Conversation Starters ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS When students go to college, research shows us that the conversations families have and the messages parents and supporters share have an inﬂuence on the decisions students make, even if they don’t always acknowledge that inﬂuence. First Time in College students will watch a skit during their orientation program, followed by conversation with each other and upperclassmen, that focuses on good decision making in college. All incoming students will also complete a virtual My Student Body course focused on the topics of alcohol, drugs, and sexual violence. We hope you will partner with us to continue these conversations encouraging healthy and safe behavior to enhance your student’s college experience. Here are a few ways you can get that conversation started:



TESTING & ASSESSMENT SERVICES (239) 590-7955 testing@fgcu.edu UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS (239) 590-7878 undergrad@fgcu.edu @FGCUUndergraduateAdmissions @fgcuadmissions UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (239) 590-1990 police@fgcu.edu @FGCUPD @fgcuupd UNIVERSITY OMBUDS (239) 590-1022



Even if you have already shared your expectations through the years, sharing one more time before they leave for college what you expect when it comes to use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other substances keeps the conversation fresh. You can even try asking questions of your student: What are some pros and cons of drinking? Do you know ways to turn down the offer to drink or to do it safely? This will give you direction for the conversation and an opportunity to learn about your student’s views.

AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE APP STORE & GOOGLE PLAY

ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO DOWNLOAD THE

RAVE GUARDIAN APP Once it is downloaded, students can:

Chat and send photos to University Police Dispatch (can even do it anonymously).

Call the University Police Department (UPD) or 911 with the touch of a button.

An alarm will sound at UPD, and their location will be sent from their phone.

Set a safety timer.

It will notify UPD if the timer isn’t deactivated in the time the student has estimated it will take to make it to their intended location. Students can also set you, their parent or family member, as the guardian. This will allow you to be notiﬁed of emergency notiﬁcations and will alert you if their safety timer hasn’t been deactivated.

This would also be a good opportunity to share what they can expect as a response from you if an issue arises that relates to their use of drugs or alcohol. We recommend sharing speciﬁc consequences for your student’s behavior. Of course, you love and support your student, but that does not mean you can shield them from consequences they may face if they engage in things like underage drinking, driving under the inﬂuence, etc.

On the topic of consent:  Any person engaging or planning to engage in acts

of sexual intimacy must be clear about the need for consent. As a general rule, if students are not comfortable or cannot have a conversation with someone about consent, they probably should not engage in intimate behaviors. We encourage you to ensure your student knows how to send and receive clear messages about consent and how to ﬁnd assistance on campus.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

AT A GLANCE

BREAKDOWN of students at FGCU:

97%

50%

FROM FLORIDA

2. How will my student make friends? There are so many ways your student can make friends while on campus. They can meet people in classes, at events, in their residence halls (if they’re living on campus), or by joining student groups. EagleLink is a GREAT resource when it comes to involvement and your students can use it to ﬁnd student organization and events happening on campus. If your student lives on campus, encourage them to get to know their Resident Assistant (RA) and attend the programs they put on to help them get to know other people living in their halls.

FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

OTHER STATES & INTERNATIONAL

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

1. What’s the best meal plan? The best meal plan really depends on your student’s eating habits. FGCU Dining can walk you through all of the available options. If you and your student are still having a hard time deciding, remember that you can go with a smaller plan and upgrade at any point, but there won’t be an option to downgrade.

3. Should I let my student come home on the weekends?

The TOP THREE CONCERNS families shared regarding their student entering college were:

FINANCES

FAQ’s

ACADEMICS

The TOP THREE CONVERSATIONS families had with their student to prepare them for entering FGCU were:

Obviously, this is a personal decision and one that will depend on a variety of factors. Overall, it is good to remember that we, and likely you, want your son/daughter to have every opportunity to ﬁnd their niche on campus and take advantage of all the resources and opportunities that come with being an FGCU student. Spending weekends on campus gives them the opportunity to do just that – study in the Library, attend an event with friends, work at a job in the area, etc. If you notice they are coming home often, encourage them to make plans to spend a weekend on campus.

4. What’s your best tip for dealing with the “empty nest” feeling? The transition of a child going to college is transition for the whole family – not just the student. Families often realize that much of the time they spent dedicating to their student is now available to invest in a new project, endeavor, or hobby. Remembering that your student still needs you, although in a different way, and choosing to frame this new time as an opportunity are key.

5. How often should I contact my son or daughter?

ACADEMIC PLANNING 26

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

LIVING SITUATION

Students will want to communicate in different ways and at different times. No one knows your student better than you, and they want and need you to continue to let them know you are still there to guide and support them, while providing time and space for them to explore

and experience college life. Don’t be surprised if the contact is more frequent at ﬁrst then tapers off as they become busier and more involved.

9. Is drinking part of college culture? How will it affect my student?

6. Should I let my student “go Greek”?

Drinking is not a part of the culture at FGCU and underage drinking is strictly prohibited, but some students do choose to partake in it. We always encourage parents to have conversations with their students about things like this and to use the “Conversation Starters” section of this handbook if you’re not quite sure how to approach the conversation with your student.

Greek Life is not all that different from other types of involvement. In other words, it may or may not be a good ﬁt for your student. A good message to send is that your student should explore fraternity and sorority life if it is something that interests them. They will gain more information and be able to make an informed decision. Many students build their network and ﬁnd their home at college through Greek Life, and it may be a truly rewarding experience for your student, while other students will choose other ways to get involved.

7. What advice should I give if my son/daughter isn’t doing well in a class? Here at FGCU we have an awesome resource known as the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) where students can access resources like Academic Coaching and Tutoring. Sharing information about resources like the CAA is helpful, as your student is likely to heed the advice of parents and family members. If their professors and other staff are sharing information about these resources, and they hear it from you as well, we stand a better chance of encouraging them to take advantage of it.

10. What’s the best way to encourage my student while they are away at college? Many students appreciate, even if they don’t always show it, knowing that their parents and families are there to support them. Being available as a listening ear and someone to provide guidance (not always intervention) is one of the very best things you can do.

11. What’s the difference between Eagle Dollars and Flex Dollars? We have a super fun way of remembering this one: E-everything; F-Food. Eagle Dollars allow you to purchase or pay for anything, anywhere around campus. Flex Dollars are offered by Campus Dining and are a form of campus currency that allows your student to purchase food items without being taxed.

8. How do I know the grades my student is earning in classes?

12. When/why should I contact the ofﬁce of Parent and Family Programs?

The best way to know about your students’ grades is to ask them. Having an honest conversation as your student heads off to college about when and how often you expect to know about grades ensures you are both on the same page. If your family decides it is best, your student can sign a release waiver in the Ofﬁce of the Records and Registration that will allow the university to release that and other information to you.

Anytime, for anything. The Ofﬁce of Parent and Family Programs is here to support you as you guide and support your students. Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns you may have about FGCU, or if you just want to say “Hello!”.

13. How do I help my student budget while at college? While most students probably attest that budgeting and prioritizing their spending is a skill that they develop throughout their college experience, workshops and events from various campus departments and organizations are offered to help students learn to budget. They can also set up an appointment with our partner bank, Wells Fargo, to learn about budgeting. Be patient – this is a skill that takes some time and practice. Having a conversation about any ﬁnancial support you are willing to provide, and any stipulations that might come with it, is very important to have early on.

14. What is Eagle Family Weekend? Eagle Family Weekend provides the opportunity for you and the rest of the family to come to campus and engage in a weekend full of activities and programming designed just for you and your student to enjoy the weekend together now on their turf. It’s a great way of showing your support, having fun as a family, and checking in to see how things are going with your student.

15. Where do I ﬁnd important dates and deadlines? The Ofﬁce of Parent and Family Programs provides a calendar to new FGCU families that includes important dates set by the university. In addition, the FGCU Academic Calendar has the most updated information with important academic dates and deadlines.

16. How do I get notifications about emergencies on campus? To be included on any university emergency notification, we encourage parents to have their students download the RAVE Guardian App. With this, your student can add you as a guardian to them. By doing this, you will be included on any emergency notification from the university to your cellular phones. F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Helping Your Student Make Healthy Decisions In addition to conversations about substance use and relationships, it is a good idea to discuss other elements of wellness that can impact your student’s overall wellbeing. These include:

Sleep

Without someone reminding them to turn off the lights to get some sleep and the fact that classes may start before noon, many students struggle with establishing a healthy sleep schedule. This often leads to skipping class, exhaustion and higher stress levels, poor grades, and “self-medicating” with extra coffee or energy drinks. As your student begins college, a check-in to ensure they are getting enough sleep is a good idea. Ask questions like: What time are you going to sleep and waking up? Do you feel rested? Are you losing sleep because you aren’t managing your other time well, so you have to stay up to ﬁnish assignments or homework? These questions can be followed with messages about the importance of getting 7 – 8 hours of sleep every night and establishing habits of going to bed and waking up at a similar time every day. If they need some help with managing time to be able to get more sleep, you can refer them to the Center for Academic Achievement. They can also speak with someone in Prevention and Wellness about creating a better sleep schedule.

Eating

Many students go to college worried about gaining the “Freshman 15”. Although it is something of a myth, the truth is that students begin creating eating habits in the same way they do other habits in their ﬁrst year. For some students, they realize that freedom in college also means the freedom to eat whatever they want whenever they want, and that may lead to weight gain or an overconsumption of sugary, fried, and processed foods and a lack of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Check in with your student about when and what they are eating. Encourage them to use resources on campus like the Registered Dietician and Prevention and Wellness to learn some easy ways to make healthy eating decisions.

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Staying or Getting Active

Students who get some activity in their daily routine report feeling and doing better. Everyone is at a different level and has different abilities. Encourage your student to walk or bike to class rather than taking the shuttle, take advantage of their free membership to Campus Recreation’s Fitness Center, and/or use activities like intramurals as a way to meet people and be active. Remember, doing something is always better than doing nothing.

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES

Students are usually so excited about the freedom and independence that college brings, that they sometimes forget about the responsibility that goes along with it. Your student’s ﬁrst semester will be full of choices. Do I go out and hang with friends, or do I study? Do I make another bowl of ramen noodles, or do I eat an apple? Sometimes it is not as easy as what food to eat but rather big decisions that are impacted by outside forces (friends, stress, etc.) affecting their decisions. And, just because they know the healthiest decision, that does not always make it easy to make that choice. If your student chooses to share these with you, do your best to be patient, listen, and understand that your own wisdom was developed over time by your own unique experiences. They, too, will need experiences to grow and learn. We encourage you to be a listening ear, provide advice when it’s asked for or needed, and don’t assume it is a request to step in on their behalf unless it is a serious matter. Your role and relationship with your student will likely change when they go to college, but it certainly does not mean they don’t need or want your inﬂuence.

Nearby Hotels and Restaurants HOTELS

fgcu.edu/ﬁrstyearexperience/ orientation/localhotels

RESTAURANTS Grand Oaks Shopping Center Marsala Pizza of Estero Bahia Bowl Estero

Miromar Outlets

Ford’s Garage Naples Flatbread Kitchen and Bar La Bamba The Llama’s House Wasabi Go Greek Italian Kitchen

University Village

Cali Burger Get Fried Marlins Brewhouse Mellow Mushroom Poke Fusion Skillets Slicers Hoagies Tacos & Tequila Cantina Thai Udon The Bowl

Gulf Coast Town Center Amore Brick Oven Pizza Burntwood Tavern Cantina 109 Conners Miller’s Ale House Outback Steakhouse P.F. Chang’s Pinchers

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

Florida Gulf Coast University Campus FORT MYERS

Florida Gulf Coast University

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NORTH TO TAMPA

EMERGENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE

WEST LAKE VILLAGE

LAKEFRONT BEACH & BOARDWALK P

29 16

36 P

FGCU LAKE PARKWAY WEST

SOFTBALL FIELD

SWANSON STADIUM

P RECREATION OUTDOOR COMPLEX (R.O.C.)

NORTH LAKE VILLAGE

SOCCER COMPLEX

FGCU LAKE PARKWAY EAST FGCU BOULEVARD NORTH

SOLAR FIELD

NATURE TRAIL

MAIN ENTRANCE

POLICE STATION

BEN HILL GRIFFIN PARKWAY

F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

NATURE TRAIL

Faculty/Staff Parking

Visitor Parking

Resident Parking

Emergency Telephone

NATURE TRAIL

SOUTH VILLAGE FGCU SOUTH BRIDGE LOOP

26 PGB

NATURE TRAIL

PG2

SOUTH VILLAGE BLVD

30 FGCU BOULEVARD SOUTH

RESIDENCE HALLS: North Lake Village / South Village (SoVi) West Lake Village

SOUTH VILLAGE MODULAR ONE & TWO

910 SOUTH TO CORKSCREW ROAD & NAPLES

Lee Tran City Bus Stop

911 914B

Student Commuter Parking

Gulf Coast Town Center Shuttle Stop

INTRAMURAL FIELD

FOOD PANTRY

FOOD FOREST

FUTURE SITE OF THE WATER P8 AUX SCHOOL

Eagle Express Shuttle Stop

VETERANS PAVILION

14 9

2 12

Faculty/Staff Student/Visitor Parking (Pass required)

Places to eat

PG1

17 5

PG4

FGCU BOULEVARD

PG3

Richard C. Ackert Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Alico Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Aquatics Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Arts Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Boardwalk Waterfront Dining . . . . . .36 Bower School of Music . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Wilson G. Bradshaw Library . . . . . . . . . 3 Campus Rec Waterfront Complex . . .29 Campus Support Complex . . . . . . . . .10 The Center for Career & Exploratory Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Central Energy Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Cohen Student Union . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Myra Janco Daniels Public Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Edwards Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Egan Observatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Griffin Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Grounds Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Holmes Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Howard Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Information Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Kleist Health Education Center . . . . .20 Little Eagles Learning Center . . . . . . . . 9 Lutgert Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Marieb Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 McTarnaghan Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Merwin Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Modular Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 Music Modular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 Outdoor Sports Complex . . . . . . . . . .19 Reed Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Seidler Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Student & Community Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 South Energy Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 SoVi Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Sugden Resort & Hospitality Management Building Hall . . . . . . . .23 Margaret S. Sugden Welcome Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Whitaker Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 University Recreation & Wellness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

33 F G C U I PA R E N T & FA M I LY G U I D E

When your student becomes an Eagle you become part of the Eagle family as well. We hope you’ll be able to visit campus often and join us for the many exciting events FGCU offers. Please know we are all here to make your student successful. The ﬁrst year experience is a critical step in making this happen. Our faculty and staff are available to address questions and to solicit your input. Thank you and Go Eagles!“

—Mike Martin FGCU President

Florida Gulf Coast University fgcu.edu

@FGCU_FYE

@fgcufamilies