FAQs

BREAKDOWN of students at FGCU:

97%

FROM FLORIDA

50%

FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

3%

OTHER STATES & INTERNATIONAL

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

FINANCES

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS ACADEMICS

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

ACADEMIC PLANNING

LIVING SITUATION 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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.