2025 Student Government Candidate Forum sponsored by FGCU’s Office of Public Policy Events | |
Past president of FGCU’s Student Government (SG) Emory Calvin at President Aysegul Timur's Presidential Inauguration, fall 2024. | |
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The FGCU Student Government Candidate Forum is an important event for the university community, offering a unique look into the future of campus leadership and governance. As Florida’s student body presidents serve as university trustees, this forum presents faculty and staff with an opportunity to engage directly with potential university board members who may cast decisive votes on important university matters.
“Student Government, at its core, gives students the assurance that there will always be someone like them fighting for them,” said Emory Cavin, past president of FGCU’s Student Government (SG), and current FGCU’s resident director for Everglades Hall. “It ensures that every student always has a voice at the highest levels while still being able to focus on securing their future.”
Beyond its representative role, Student Government manages substantial responsibilities that directly impact campus life. The organization oversees the allocation of millions of dollars in Activity and Service (A&S) fees, directing vital funding to campus resources including FGCU’s Multicultural and Leadership Development Center. These allocations support a myriad of student organizations and foster an engaging campus environment where students develop meaningful and lasting connections.
The influence of FGCU’s Student Government extends beyond campus through advocacy initiatives. Student leaders regularly engage with state legislators in Tallahassee to advocate for university funding and student-centered legislation. These interactions, which do not always reach federal levels, serve to humanize policy discussions by connecting legislators with the students whose lives are affected by their decisions.
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The Student Government’s alignment with FGCU’s strategic goals is sustained through targeted initiatives supporting student success and retention. Through funding professional development opportunities and facilitating strategic partnerships with University Athletics and University Recreation and Wellness, Student Government helps create a unique campus culture that enhances student engagement.
"When I was a freshman, the university seemed like a huge incomprehensible machine that was almost impossible to understand. Joining Student Government completely changed that for me," said Cavin. "I could clearly see how everyone at the university works together in a complicated yet beautiful web of interconnected processes."
Faculty and staff partnerships prove instrumental in identifying and nurturing future student leaders. Through mentorship and guidance, faculty and staff often inspire students to pursue leadership roles, which creates a sustainable channel of engaged student representatives who understand the importance of collaborative governance.
"My time in Student Government taught me more than I could reasonably describe," said Cavin. "It taught me how to communicate, to advocate, to listen. It showed me the complex systems that work together to create change."
The upcoming Candidate Forum holds particular significance as most university trustee positions are appointed by state officials. The student body president's role as trustee provides a unique voice in university governance as it often influences important decisions that affect the entire campus community. Individual trustee comments can shape the course of key discussions, thus why the selection of student leadership is significant for all university stakeholders.
Engagement across the Eagle community becomes more valuable, as these student leaders prepare to take on roles that may influence decisive votes and shape important discussions.
The 2025 Student Government Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Office of Public Policy Events (OPPE), will take place 7-9 p.m., on February 24, 2025, Cohen Student Union, Room 201. The entire Eagle community is encouraged to attend this significant event and demonstrate support for student leaders dedicated to advancing student success.
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Minority Rights: Is the Minority or the Majority Currently Winning?
Next up on the Provost's Seminar Series
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Guest Speaker: Andrew Ballard
Assistant Professor Political Science, Florida State University (FSU)
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Feb. 27, 3-4:30 p.m.
AB9 (The Water School), Room 106
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Faculty Spotlight. Are you a FGCU faculty member who has achieved a recent milestone or an accolade? Email us: academicaffairs@fgcu.edu | |
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Join us March 6, 2025 at the Resnick-Wynn Family Business Conference in partnership with FGCU!
The Resnick-Wynn Family Business Conference on March 6, 2025, offers FGCU faculty a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of family businesses. The program includes a keynote address on navigating economic shifts, along with focused panels and presentations on cybersecurity best practices and successful leadership transitions. Join us for insightful discussions and networking with industry experts.
RSVP on EagleLink: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11044298
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Let's get #ReadyTogether!
Join the Department of Emergency Management as we discuss the steps, resources, and strategies essential to a unified University response.
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Session 1 [In-Person} - The date has already passed.
Session 2 [Virtual] - Register Here
Session 2 is open to students, faculty and staff. Visit our Inform the Nest page for more information.
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EduBite Canvas Accessibility Made Easy: Quick Wins for Inclusive Courses
There are two separate dates/times to accommodate different schedules, both sessions are the same, and you will only need to attend one.
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Session 1: Tuesday, March 18, 1-1:20 pm
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Session 2: Wednesday, March 19, 11-11:20 am
- Modality: Teams
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🎓📚 Apply for Grant-in-Aid Program! 📚🎓
The application is open now
FGCU is offering awards for the 2025-2026 academic year to support employees in advancing their education! Whether you're a Support Personnel (SP), Administrative/Professional (AP), or Faculty member, this is your chance to take your learning to the next level.
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🔹 Award Options
Full-time leave for one semester or Part-time leave for two semesters.
🔹 Eligibility
Open to Support Personnel (SP), Administrative/Professional (AP), and Faculty. Doctoral-level applicants must show satisfactory progress toward their degree.
🔹 Deadline to Apply:
Monday, March 10, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
🎯 How to Apply:
Submit your application before the deadline to be considered for this incredible opportunity.
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🔹 Read more about Grant-in-Aid and apply here:
🔗 https://www.fgcu.edu/ombuds/grantinaid#
Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future! 💡 #FGCU #GrantInAid #EducationalLeave #CareerDevelopment #ApplyNow
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The PhotoVOICE Project | Share your FGCU experience!
Deadline to submit photos: February 28, 2025
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Use the QR code or link above to submit photos by February 28. | |
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SAVE THE DATE - SOAR INTO SPRING 2025
Calling all FGCU SP/A&P Staff
Join your colleagues during the week of Spring Break for personal and professional development opportunities!
End the week with free lunch at our Food Truck Rally on the Library Lawn!
Session Registration and Food Truck Rally Sign up Information Coming
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Click to register or scan the QR above. | |
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Compassionate Caregivers Support Group at FGCU
Every other Wednesday at Merwin Hall, Room 120.
Upcoming: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Please RSVP at rock@fgcu.edu
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WALK DAYS at FGCU
Join us and enjoy the benefits of walking
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Each Tuesday and Wednesday until 2/26, or until spring break. | |
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Radium Girls; TheatreLab, Arts Complex, FGCU Campus
February 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m.
February 22 (with post-performance discussion) & 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 general public, $7 students
Available at fgcu.edu/theatrelab
Phone: 239-745-4268
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United Campus Ministries (UCM) Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon
"Faithful and Grateful" with guest speaker Jorge Lopez
RSVP by Feb. 18 to hmathews@fgcu.edu
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FREE Blues Concert for FGCU's faculty, staff, and students
Tuesday, March 18 | 5:30 p.m.
Featuring from Clarksdale, Mississippi
Big A & the All-Stars and Super Chikan
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Student Faculty Partnership Program Info Panel
- Date: Wednesday, March 12
- Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Modality: In-Person at the Lucas Center (LIB-221) or Virtual via Zoom
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Click here to register to attend in-person
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Click here to register to attend virtually
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If you are interested in learning more about the SFPP but cannot make it to the info session, you can read about the program and watch a video in the FGCU 360 feature here!
Questions? Please contact the Lucas Center at lucascenter@fgcu.edu
| Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Announcements | |
ORSP is excited to announce that Effort Certification will be going live in Workday in February 2025!!
ORSP will be holding training sessions in Workday Learning for Effort Certification Training. Whether you currently have an externally sponsored project or intend to apply for one in the future, this training is for you.
This training will show faculty and staff how to certify effort in Workday. Effort Certification is a requirement of Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.430 which contains the federal regulatory requirements for internal controls over certifying time expended on externally funded sponsored projects.
The University's practice is to utilize after-the-fact effort reporting to certify that salaries charged, or cost shared to sponsored awards, are reasonable and consistent with the work performed. It requires that each employee whose salary (or portion of salary) is charged to an externally sponsored project certify that the amount that the sponsor is billed for his/her work is reasonable in relation to the work that the employee actually performed.
All individuals involved with the administration and conduct of externally sponsored award activities, including central and departmental sponsored project administrators, principal investigators, and other research personnel must comply.
While we understand that not all projects are federally funded, Uniform Guidance also requires us to treat all projects with consistency so the effort certification will be on all externally sponsored projects.
Please sign up for one of these sessions using the link below before the session date.
Course Link: https://wd5.myworkday.com/fgcu/learning/course/e1d7e48ed2631001158206f323bb0000
Friday, February 21 -10-11 a.m.
Friday, February 28 -10-11 a.m.
Friday, March 7 -11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Friday, March 14 -10-11 a.m.
Friday, March 21 -11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Friday, March 28 -11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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FGCU has received a new federal rate agreement from the Federal Government.
Our F&A costs effective immediately are 43% for on-campus activities and 19% for off-campus activities. The rates will be applied to all applications submitted on and subsequent to January 13, 2025.
ORSP staff will work with faculty to ensure proper rates are applied. If you have existing sponsored program funding the rate at the time of application or budget amendment will be honored.
If rebudgeting occurs on an existing award, new rates will be applied. Reach out to ORSP if you have questions.
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New platforms for IACUC and IRB protocols through Streamlyne
ORSP is excited to announce that there will be new platforms for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols through Streamlyne. These platforms will allow us to better track protocols and renewals. Please note that training will be required before you can enter an application. Please note that training will be required before you can enter an application.
With regard to IACUC – as of today, Formstack forms are no longer available. Please contact Sherry Alexander sralexander@fgcu.edu for information and training on the new process through Streamlyne.
With regard to IRB – The IRB application process will transition to the Streamlyne platform on March 1st. The current Formstack application will be deactivated and closed to further submissions on Friday, February 28th. All users are required to complete training to be given access to the new management platform. To sign up for training, please register at: https://wd5.myworkday.com/fgcu/learning/course/e1d7e48ed2631001a7c8ad45544c0000
For questions, please reach out to Sherry Alexander sralexander@fgcu.edu.
The compliance team in ORSP looks forward to sharing these platforms with you and will be available to assist you as this moves forward. Keep a lookout for more information later.
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Implementing Effort Certification in Workday
With the assistance of Information Technology Services (ITS), ORSP will be initiating Effort Certification in Workday. Effort Certification is a requirement of Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.430 which contains the federal regulatory requirements for internal controls over certifying time expended on externally funded sponsored projects. The University's practice is to utilize after-the-fact effort reporting to certify that salaries charged, or cost shared to sponsored awards, are reasonable and consistent with the work performed.
It requires that each employee whose salary (or portion of salary) is charged to an externally sponsored project certify that the amount that the Government is billed for his/her work is reasonable in relation to the work that the employee performed. All individuals involved with the administration and conduct of externally sponsored award activities, including central and departmental sponsored project administrators, principal investigators, and other research personnel must comply.
The labor provided by an employee often is called his/her "effort." The method by which an employee certifies his/her effort depends on whether the employee is "non-exempt" (also called "hourly" i.e., that he/she is paid by the hour and fills in bi-weekly time sheets), "exempt," (also called "monthly," i.e., that his/her salary is stated by the month, semester, or year, he/she does not fill in bi-weekly time sheets), faculty, (9-month, 12-month, or out-of-unit) or student (including OPS salary who also fills in bi-weekly time sheets with the hours worked on each project they are assigned.)
Effort Certification will be initiated by ORSP in Workday within 60 days after the end of each semester, fall, spring, and summer. The effort certification will be routed for approval and review at the college level grant/budget manager, then to the employee, then to ORSP. Student/OPS effort will be certified by the principal investigator for the project, not the student/OPS worker. Once you log into Workday, the effort will show under notifications. There you will review the effort and decide whether it is the amount committed and hit approved. If the amount is not what you expect to see, you must hit "send back" with a comment on what the issue is, so the effort can be checked and adjusted, if necessary.
We ask that you not hit the "Change Effort" button. The changing of effort requires ORSP to review the budgeted amount and compare with the effort shown in Workday. Once confirmed, the department will enter any salary adjustments, if needed.
The following is an expected schedule for the Effort Certification to be initiated in Workday:
- Fall – ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers review in mid Jan – Feb will run Fall effort - Should have all effort certified by March/April.
- Spring – ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers review in late May will run Spring effort in June - Should have all effort certified by July/Aug.
- Summer –ORSP will send notifications to grant/budget managers in September and will run Summer in Oct. Should have all effort certified by Nov/ Dec.
ORSP will be announcing training sessions for grant/budget managers, principal investigators and employees that include handouts with instructions regarding effort certification prior to the release.
One can also sign up for a training on the Workday Open-Lab Sessons when they are announced. It is scheduled for April 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In the meantime, please reach out to ORSP with questions.
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Opportunities for Your Students | |
1st Annual Azul’s Innovation Challenge this spring! | |
The Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship is excited to launch the 1st Annual Azul’s Innovation Challenge this spring! This interdisciplinary idea competition is open to ALL FGCU students and recent alumni (Fall 2023 or later) and offers a total of $35,000 in prize money. | |
Who Can Participate?
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Each team must include at least one current FGCU student or recent alumnus from any college or school across campus.
- Teams can have up to four members, including students, faculty, friends, family, or others (we will discuss this in the training sessions).
How to Enter
- Submitting an entry is simple—just provide a two-page idea summary.
- The deadline to enter is February 21, 2025, by 11:59 PM.
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Submission requests must be sent to academicaffairs@fgcu.edu by end of business on the Wednesday of the prior week. Submissions received after this deadline will not be shared until the following newsletter.
Please send attachments as either a .PNG or .JPEG file 250kb or less.
.PDFs are NOT accepted.
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Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and content expressed in these programs, events, and materials are those of the author(s)/presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, positions, or endorsements of Florida Gulf Coast University's Academic Affairs Division. | | | | |
