Welcome to the Nest

Welcome to the nest, Eagle families!

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 student 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. 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

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.