Join FGCU’s thriving campus community
In nearly 30 years, Florida Gulf Coast University has achieved national prominence in academics, sustainability, service-learning and athletics. We are still growing — developing groundbreaking programs like entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary initiatives such as The Water School.
As our region’s premier higher-education institution, we are committed to serving and collaborating with our community. That has, in turn, inspired and informed our curriculum and strategic growth. Our students, alumni, faculty and staff actively engage in their communities and inspire others by making a difference.
FGCU’s unparalleled natural setting between the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico creates an outdoor classroom and laboratory for a diverse community of 16,000 students. Our dedication to their success and the professional growth of our 1,500 faculty and staff members is second to none. But that’s only part of the bigger picture.
FGCU’s mission:
Student Success
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has made an indelible impact on Southwest Florida since opening in 1997. With 64 undergraduate and 50 graduate and doctoral programs and certificates, the university creates a pipeline of teachers and nurses, engineers and entrepreneurs, social workers and scientists. Nearly half of our graduates stay in the area and contribute to economic growth and community life.
Learn more:
u Mission and guiding principles
u FGCU leadership
u Accreditation
u Fast facts about FGCU
Undergraduate degrees
World-class faculty and staff
Master’s degrees
Doctoral degrees 19
Academic certificates
Faculty members represent a diverse collection of scholars and researchers with a strong commitment to teaching and service. Unlike most universities, we do not have a tenure system; faculty members work on multiyear contracts. And, because the university is relatively young, it tends to attract professors with entrepreneurial spirit, those who are excited by the prospect of creating new programs and initiatives that benefit students and the community.
FGCU offers a comprehensive benefit platform for faculty and staff. These may include paid annual and sick leave, holidays, state- and university-sponsored insurance programs, and retirement options.
Learn more:
u Benefits guide
u Insurance options
u Retirement plans
Classes taught by full-time faculty
20:1 74%
Student-to-faculty ratio
Each employee appointed to an administrative and professional (A&P), support personnel (SP) or faculty position accrues leave hours each biweekly pay period. Accruals for part-time employees are prorated.
Learn more:
u Time off and holiday schedule
Empowering Eagles to Soar in the Classroom
FGCU provides faculty with the tools, support and innovative resources to thrive in teaching, research and service. From instructional design and professional development to technology assistance and academic guidelines, everything you need is easily accessible — so you can stay focused on what matters most: student success.
Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU
The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU promotes the university’s mission by supporting faculty growth and promoting teaching excellence. Through programs like the Course Design Academy, New Faculty Academy and Faculty Mentoring, the center equips instructors with tools for effective, learner-centered teaching and long-term career success. Additional offerings include Peer Observation of Teaching, Small Group Instructional Diagnosis for mid-semester student feedback and the Student-Faculty Partnership Program, which fosters collaborative course improvement. The center also leads new faculty orientations and hosts an annual teaching symposium to build community and share best practices. Together, these initiatives enhance the quality of education and student success at FGCU.
FIND OUT MORE: fgcu.edu/lucascenter
Digital Learning Department
The Digital Learning Department encourages innovation and quality in education. The highly experienced instructional designers and instructional technologists facilitate numerous professional development programs on a variety of teaching, course design and technology-use topics for all faculty and adjuncts teaching online, hybrid/blended, flex and technology-enhanced modalities. The department encourages innovation and quality in education.
FIND OUT MORE: fgcu.edu/digitallearning
Faculty Resources
The Faculty Resources page serves as a hub for tools, information and support services to help faculty succeed in teaching, research and service. From academic policies and professional development opportunities to instructional support and wellness services, this comprehensive resource center ensures that faculty have what they need to thrive throughout their careers. FIND OUT MORE: fgcu.edu/about/leadership/ officeoftheprovost/facultyresources
Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate is the cornerstone of faculty governance at FGCU, providing a structured forum for faculty to actively participate in university decision-making. It promotes academic quality, integrity, and collaboration by representing faculty interests in institutional planning, policy development and academic oversight.
FIND OUT MORE: fgcu.edu/facultysenate/
FGCU employment has its perks
The university is committed to nurturing personal and professional growth and lifelong learning and wellness of faculty and staff. FGCU community members can take advantage of diverse campus dining options, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, high-quality early care and education for children, and tuition breaks for ongoing education.
Learn more:
u Tuition fee vouchers and tuition reimbursement
u Little Eagles Learning Center
u University Recreation & Wellness
u Employee Assistance Program
u Employee discounts
u Campus dining
Enjoy the coastal lifestyle
Southwest Florida offers a great environment for higher education. But it’s the lifestyle that keeps people here. Miles of white-sand beaches stretch from Sanibel and Captiva islands to Bonita Beach and Naples. Year-round outdoor activities include boating, fishing, biking and golfing. There’s a lot to love about working and living here.
An oasis amid a booming vacation destination, the FGCU campus is a short drive from big-box and boutique retail centers, Major League Baseball training facilities, performing arts halls and healthcare complexes. Just minutes away, Southwest Florida International Airport connects travelers with the world, while easy access to interstate highways provides direct routes to diverse attractions in Tampa, Orlando, Miami and the Florida Keys.
Explore more:
u Lee County Visitors Convention Bureau
u Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau
u Visit Florida
Now it’s time to plan your visit
Florida Gulf Coast University is at 10501 FGCU Blvd.
S., Fort Myers, about 3.5 miles south of Southwest Florida International Airport.
Visitors must obtain a parking pass from the information booth at the main campus entrance, FGCU Boulevard. If the booth is closed, go to the Sugden Welcome Center (first right off FGCU Boulevard) or the University Police Department at the Campus Support Complex (turn right at the stop sign, then second left) to obtain a pass.
u Interactive campus map
u Campus virtual tour
u Parking Services
