On this page you will find the answers to common questions about different offices here at FGCU. Please use this as a guide and contact the specific office if you have further questions.

Academic Assistance
Adaptive Services
Campus Safety
Career Development Services
Counseling and Psychological Services

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Center for Academic Achievement
Website: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/learning/

Q: My student is having a hard time concentrating in class what should they do?

A: Your student should confer with their instructor first. Then, if the problem continues, encourage your student to contact the Center for Academic Achievement right away. They have many programs geared towards helping students improve their study skills.

Q. My student is usually receives very good grades in every course. However in one subject they are having difficulty for the first time. What should my student do?

A: It is not unusual for even the best students to feel overwhelmed in academics. Encourage your student to visit The Center for Academic Achievement immediately.

Q. My student is having a difficult time in Math (or another subject). What should I do?

A: The Center for Academic Achievement has tutors, supplemental instructors, and study sessions that are geared for specific subject areas. These services are flexible and free of charge to any FGCU student.

Q. What if no assistance is available for a subject my student is taking?

A: Have your student fill out a "Request for Learning Assistance Form" and the Center for Academic Achievement will try their best to provide supplemental instruction in the area specified.

Please Note: It is usually best for the student to confer with their instructor first either after class or via e-mail. Then, if the student is still having difficulties in any subject they should not hesitate to contact or visit the Center for Academic Achievement. They have experts standing by ready to help a student in any way possible.

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Adaptive Services
Website: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Adaptive/

Q: If I have a student with a disability, where can they go to receive services and accommodations?

A: Any student who has been diagnosed with a disability can register with the Office of Adaptive Services and can receive accommodations and services. Adaptive Services is located in Howard Hall 137.

Q: How recent does disability documentation have to be?

A: Disability documentation must be less than 3 years old. Learning disability documentation must be a psychological report with at least an IQ test and an achievement test. Physical disability documentation must be provided by a physician/specialist. Psychological disability documentation must be provided by a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist. (All documentation and subsequent accommodations are evaluated and determined by OAS)

Q: If I have a transfer student with a disability, what documentation do they need to provide in order to receive services?

A: Transfer students who received services from a previous institution will need to have that institution send the documentation that they have on file, as well as a letter stating the dates enrolled and services supplied. Transfer students who have not previously received services must adhere to the documentation guidelines previously described. (All documentation and subsequent accommodations are evaluated and determined by OAS)

Q: What types of accommodations and services are provided by Adaptive Services?

A: All accommodations and services are need-based according to an individual’s documentation and specific needs. Some of the accommodations and services include testing modifications, tutors, note taking assistance, books on tape, study skills instruction and interpreting.

Q: Is there a cost to receive services from Adaptive Services?

A: No. Anyone who is enrolled as a student at FGCU and who is properly documented with a disability will receive reasonable accommodations and services at no cost.

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Campus Safety
Website: http://admin.fgcu.edu/police/homepage.htm

Q: What safety measures does the university have in place to ensure the safety of my student?

A: FGCU is a very safety conscious institution and the Police Department has several programs to help ensure the safety of it's students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

- As anyone who has visited campus has noted, there are "blue poles" placed strategically all over campus. A button on the blue pole activates the 9-1-1 line at the police department which tells the Communication Center where the pole is in case the person is unable to talk. There

- There is a shuttle service that runs continuously from Student Housing to the main campus from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm and if, a student should need an escort after these hours the police department will provide the escort.

- The police department presents several crime prevention programs during the year. Computer safety, identity fraud, sexual violence prevention, and alcohol / drug awareness programs are the most common.

- The police department also offers Rape Aggression Defense classes approximately 9 times a year for women only. All students, staff, faculty and general public are welcome.

- The police department also operates Operation I.D. wherein any high-priced items such as stereos, laptops, or computers may be brought in and an officer will engrave the item with an identifier.

- In cooperation with the Student Housing staff, the police department monitors the panic and fire alarms that are installed in each of the residences on campus.

Q: Where can I find the crime statistics for FGCU?

A: FGCU complies with the federal Clery Act which dictates that any institution that receives federal funds must publish the crime statistics so that potential students and their families are able to find them. FGCU's crime statistics can be found on the University Police and Safety webpage at http://admin.fgcu.edu/police/homepage.htm.

Q: Is the police department operational 24 hours a day?

A: Yes, we are a fully functioning police department that provides services to the campus 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Our department now consists of 14 sworn officers and 5 Police Service Aides.

Q: Where do the students go in the event of a hurricane?

A: Alico Arena, which is adjacent to Student Housing, also serves as an emergency shelter. Any student who is not able to leave the area is sheltered here on campus at the Arena. The Alico Arena is staffed by members of the Red Cross and the University Police Department.

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Career Development Services
Website: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/careers/jobs.htm

Q: What is the difference between a Work Study position and a Non-Work study position for On-Campus jobs?

A: There are a good number of positions available on campus for undergraduate students and they are classified in one of two categories, Work Study and Non-Work Study. Work Study is a program that comes through the financial aid to help students with limited financial backing to work while attending college. The way that work-study works is that it provides assistance to the University departments with a limited budget, allowing those departments to hire students. To receive this grant, a student must first apply for Work Study through the financial aid. If the student is approved, he or she can then apply for a Work Study position. From the student’s perspective, there is no difference between a work-study position and a non work-study position. The pay method will be the same for both. The student will still be paid by the hour and will get a paycheck every other week. 

Q: My child wants to get a job on campus, what are the steps that need to be followed?

A: If a student is interested in getting a position on campus, there are a couple ways of finding them. The first option is to come to the Career Center in room 201 of McTarnaghan Hall. The Career Center has all on Campus jobs listed and also has applications available to apply for these positions. Here, your child will be assisted with applying for an on campus job and can also receive help with other aspects of the job search that will help them later on. The second option is to visit the Career Center Website at http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/careers/jobs.htm and look under On-Campus Employment. The contact information for each position will be listed so the student can contact each department directly.

Q: What can my child do to better prepare them to find a job once they graduate?

A: The job search process can be a difficult one, and sometimes the college student might need help in other aspects of choosing a career. The Career Services can help in all phases of the job search process. If your child has selected a major and is not quite sure what kind of jobs are out there with regards to their degree, then they can visit the Career Center for advice and examples of jobs available for certain majors. The Career Center can also set up Informational Interviews, which gives the student an opportunity to meet up with someone who works in their field of interest. This allows your child to see up close what it is like to work in a certain career. If the student is looking for an Internship, the Career Center has internships listed for all the majors offered at Florida Gulf Coast University. An Internship is a great way for a student to get their foot in the door in the career that they want. Other services that are provided through the Career Center include preparing resumes and cover letters, and conducting mock interviews. All of which allow the student to be better prepared to begin the job search process.

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Counseling and Psychological Services
Website: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Counseling/

Q: What if my student becomes depressed and is not able to function normally?

A: Encourage your student to contact CAPS (Counseling and Psychological services) and set-up an appointment to evaluate what they are experiencing and what can be done. They can call the CAPS office (590-7950) or go to the website to make contact.

Q: What if my student becomes overwhelmed and “stressed” to a point that they cannot cope with things at school?

A: Ask them about the source of their stress. If this is related to their living situation they may want to contact the RA (Resident Assistant) or RD (Resident Director). If it is health related they may want to contact Student Health Services. If it is academic they may want to talk to their instructor or visit the Center for Academic Assistance. If it is a personal situation they may want to contact the CAPS office

Q: What if my student has a personal concern or problem, like with a relationship that they would like to discuss privately and confidentially with someone?

A: The professional staff of CAPS offers free and confidential counseling and consultation services to all students. Suggest they contact the CAPS office via the CAPS website, or by phone 590-7950.

Q: What if my student is experiencing homesickness or difficulty “fitting in”?

A: Encourage your student to get involved or look for a job on campus. Suggest they contact the Student Activities office, talk to their RA, talk to their advisor, or contact the CAPS office if they are having difficulties emotionally.

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