Academic Policies & Practices

General

Adding or Dropping a Course

Adding a course. Students may add courses or change sections of courses during the registration and the drop/add periods, as published in the Academic Calendar. Classes may be added by accessing the Gulfline feature on the university website, through the Enrollment Services Center, or with an Academic Advisor.

Dropping a course. Students may drop a course(s) during the registration and drop/add period through Gulfline and the Enrollment Services Center as published in the Academic Calendar. Course(s) dropped during this period do not appear on the student's academic record.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Application to Graduate

An Application to Graduate form must be submitted online (via GULFLINE--Student Self-Service) for the term of expected graduation by the deadline noted in the Academic Calendar. By submitting the form, a student initiates the process of verifying degree requirements and ensures that all commencement information and registration forms are sent to the student. If an application for graduation is denied, a new application must be submitted by the deadline in the new term.

It is the student's responsibility to clear all incomplete (I) grades and to provide official transcripts of all transferred coursework needed for graduation prior to the application deadline. An application for grade forgiveness should be filed no later than the noted deadline, as stated in the Academic Calendar. Students are encouraged to apply for grade forgiveness upon completion of the repeat.

Grade changes and transfer work received after the degree statement has been posted to the transcript will not be incorporated into the degree.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Choice of Catalog

To graduate, each degree-seeking student must meet all graduation requirements specified in an FGCU catalog. A student has the right to choose a catalog year for his or her program of study. However, the choice cannot be from a catalog year that is earlier than the matriculation term and the student must remain in continuous enrollment. Matriculation is defined as being admitted to and enrolled in a degree program. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrolling at least one term in each academic year. Catalog is defined as the program and graduation requirements published each academic year beginning with the fall semester and concluding with the summer semester.

If students cannot meet all of the graduation requirements specified in the catalog of choice due to changes by the university in matters of policy or course offerings, appropriate substitutions will be determined by the program manager to preclude penalizing the student. Due to program accreditation requirements, students in certain majors may not have this option.

All former students will be readmitted to the university under the catalog applicable to the term of readmit for degree requirements.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Grade Appeal Process

Student Grade Appeals

Scope

This rule shall apply to all student appeals of:

1. Grades or other academic action taken by an instructor.
2. Grades resulting from an instructor’s:
   1. Alleged deviation from established and announced grading policy;
   2. Alleged errors in application of grading procedures;
   3. Alleged lowering of grades for non-academic reasons.

Note: The professional judgment exercised by an instructor in assigning a grade or in conducting a class are excluded from the provisions of this rule except as noted in (1), (2) a, b and c above.

General Policy – The Following Assumptions Are Adopted

1. Students are entitled to a fair, prompt, and open resolution of complaints.
2. Faculty members are entitled to a fair, prompt, and open forum in defense of their action.
3. Students have access to published materials and student government representatives to help them become familiar with and understand procedures for handling complaints.
4. Faculty members have access to published materials and the university staff to help them know and understand procedures through which charges against them will be addressed.
5. Resolution of student appeals should be made as speedily and informally as possible.
6. The university as an institution and its faculty are entitled to procedures which ensure the maintenance of academic standards.
7. The appropriate forum for discussion or alteration of academic matters is the unit responsible for these matters.

For grade appeal details managed by each college/school, please use the links below:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Education
• Lutgert College of Business
• Marieb College of Health and Human Services
• U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering
• School of Nursing

Academic Grade: Appeals Committee

1. Each college shall establish an Academic Grade Appeals Committee whenever required for the purposes of this rule.
2. This Committee shall be made up of at least three and no more than five faculty members and two students.
3. Student members shall be selected by the Dean of Students from a list of ten (10) students furnished by the President of Student Government.
4. Any member may be challenged for cause by either party. The validity of such challenges shall be decided by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. If a challenge is upheld by the VPAA, the College Dean shall appoint a replacement from the college’s faculty and for the Student Panel.
5. The instructor and the student may each exercise peremptory challenge of one member of the initial committee.

Resolution of Student Appeals: Department Level

1. All student grade appeals or allegations of specific wrongful academic action(s) by an instructor shall first be brought to the attention of the instructor of the course. This action must be initiated within one semester of the alleged wrongful action or grade, or as soon thereafter as the student becomes aware of such action. The parties should attempt to resolve the problem in as speedy and satisfactory manner as possible. If dissatisfied with the instructor’s decision, or if the instructor is not available, the student may continue to pursue an informal solution with the Chair/Team Leader of the department in which the course is housed. 
2. The Chair/Team Leader and instructor should make every effort with the student to solve the problem at the informal level. This resolution shall take place within ten (10) school days of the complaint being brought to the Department Chair/Team Leader. At the time the Chair/Team Leader notifies the student of this decision, he/she should also inform the student of the formal procedure for appeal. The Chair/Team Leader’s decision must be in writing.
3. When the instructor is not available to discuss the problem, if at all possible, the resolution should wait until such time as the instructor can return to the campus, but not longer than one semester. If the Department Chair/Team Leader determines that an emergency exists requiring that the problem must be solved prior to the availability of the instructor (e.g. in a case of probable delayed graduation), the Department Chair/Team Leader shall make every reasonable effort to apprise the instructor of the situation. The instructor may elect to submit a written statement and to designate a faculty replacement to aid in solving the problem. If the instructor cannot be reached or does not elect to designate a replacement and the complaint must be dealt with promptly, then the Chair/Team Leader shall act on behalf of the instructor.
4. If the appeal or allegation is made against the Chair/Team Leader in the role of instructor, then the student shall treat the initial appeal as the appeal to the Chair/Team Leader of the department and proceed accordingly.

Resolution of Student Appeals: College Level

1. If not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint proposed by the Chair/Team Leader, the student may proceed within ten (10) school days of receipt of the Chair/Team Leader’s decision to file a written appeal with the Office of the Dean of the College in which the course is housed. The written appeal to be introduced at the college level only after informal resolution has failed must clearly specify the action which the student perceives as wrong. The purpose of any subsequent hearing at the college level is to determine whether a broader segment of the campus represented by the committee also judges the action as wrong. If so, they are to suggest a resolution for the action. Before filing the complaint, the student should consult with the Dean of Students, or designee, who shall furnish advice as to the student’s rights and responsibilities with respect to this rule. The written appeal shall include the basis of the original complaint, the dates when the instructor and/or Chair/Team Leader met with the student to discuss the problem, and the suggested resolution at that time.
2. The College Dean shall call the Academic Grade Appeals Committee together and ascertain the availability of the instructor or instructor’s replacement (see paragraph (4) (c) below).
3. In conducting a formal review, the Academic Grade Appeals Committee shall adhere to the following guidelines:
   1. The time limits specified in the following review procedure may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties.
   2. The student and the instructor or instructor’s replacement shall be permitted to have a representative to appear with them before the committee if they so choose. If the student has legal counsel, the university shall provide legal counsel for the faculty member, without charge, at the discretion of the faculty member.
   3. The committee shall not be officially convened to review the appeal until the faculty member involved, or replacement, has received a copy of the appeal or complaint and had at least five (5) school days to submit, if desired, any information. The student will be provided with a copy of any material submitted by the instructor at least five (5) school days before the committee meets to review the case.
   4. The committee should make every reasonable effort to meet for review of the case within 15 school days after receipt of the student’s written appeal and any information provided by the faculty member and/or Chair/Team Leader.
   5. The committee will function as an objective, fact finding body when examining all available and relevant information concerning the student’s appeal of academic action by the instructor. Such information shall include the student’s written appeal, written and/or oral information provided by the instructor, statements made by both parties before the committee, and any other information the committee may deem relevant.
   6. The student and faculty member shall be invited to meet with the committee. Each shall be allowed adequate time to respond to the appeal (and material) as submitted as well as any questions from committee members. Additionally, each shall be able to present information needed to clarify the issues involved.
   7. After meeting with both parties, the committee shall develop its recommendations by majority vote. The committee chair shall designate a member to record the committee’s recommendations. These recommendations concerning the disposition of the case shall be submitted to the College Dean.
   8. The College Dean shall render a decision within ten school days of the conclusion of the committee hearing. Copies of the committee’s recommendation and the Dean’s decision shall be made available to both parties concerned, to the Provost, and all other involved parties and departments.

Final Appeal

1. If dissatisfied with the College Dean’s decision, the student may, within ten (10) school days, file a written request for review with the Provost stating the basis for review and the resolution sought by the student.
2. Acting as the University President’s representative, the Provost shall make final decision on the matter within ten (10) school days of receipt of the student’s request for review. Copies of the Provost’s written decision and the basis therefore shall be sent to the student, the College Dean, the chair, the Dean of Students, the instructor involved, and other involved parties.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Transcripts

Transcripts are released only with written authorization from the student. E-mail, telephone and fax requests for official transcripts will not be accepted. Transcripts will not be released for students who have a financial obligation to the university.

A transcript request must include the student’s full name, university identification number (UIN), and signature along with the names and complete addresses of transcript recipients. If grades or degree statement for the current semester are needed, the student should indicate that the transcript request is to be held until the final semester grades and/or degrees are posted. To reflect a complete academic record for undergraduate and graduate students, the university will issue only complete transcripts. At the end of each term of enrollment, students are responsible for requesting transcripts for reimbursement purposes.

A $10 fee is charged for each official transcript requested. Transcript request information can be obtained from https://www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/recordsandtranscripts/index.aspx.

For transcripts sent regular mail via US Postal Service; please allow at least 30 days to arrive at destination. Reissues are at the discretion of Records & Registration after the 30-day delivery time. Reissues will not be processed to private addresses. Records & Registration is not responsible for undeliverable and/or lost mail.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Undergraduate

Academic Amnesty

A readmitted undergraduate student who has not been in attendance at FGCU for a period of at least three (3) years may apply to the Academic Standards Committee for academic amnesty provided that the application is either submitted with the application for readmission after suspension or prior to the admission application deadline in the term that the student is readmitted to the University. With the approval of the Academic Standards Committee, amnesty will be offered for all previous FGCU coursework in which the student did not earn a grade of "C" or better. Amnesty decisions will be made by the Academic Standards Committee and the committee may, at its sole discretion:

1. Offer amnesty to students who have not requested it via the Request for Readmission application.
2. Review the process for indefinitely dismissed students.
3. Approve amnesty for the student's entire record of previously-earned FGCU credit, or for those courses in which a student did not earn a grade of "C" or better.
4. Approve amnesty conditionally upon the student agreeing to fulfill the Committee's terms of approval. These provisions may include, but are not limited to, the student:
   1. developing an academic success plan for the student's return;
   2. meet with both the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) and the student's assigned academic advisor;
   3. completing the application process as a returning student through the Undergraduate Admissions office

Offers of academic amnesty will only be made to students whose cumulative GPA is below 2.00 and who have not attended FGCU in the last three (3) years. Such offers will be made in writing by the Academic Standards Committee and will be forwarded to the student via the Offer of Academic Amnesty form. Upon approval by the Academic Standards Committee, the amnesty will be applied to the student’s record, and the student will be eligible for readmission to the University as a returning student through Undergraduate Admissions.

If amnesty has been granted, the transcript will then be revised, and the student's GPA will be recalculated omitting all grades less than a “C” during the period for which amnesty was applied. Though they will not be included in the GPA calculation, the courses and grades for which amnesty was awarded will remain on the student's transcript and a statement will appear on the official transcript indicating that amnesty has been applied. Due to the omission of the student's previous academic record from his/her GPA calculation, all grade forgiveness opportunities will be restored per the current University Catalog policy. Additionally, the student will remain responsible for tuition surcharges resulting from repeating courses or taking excess credits for graduation.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Academic Standing

FGCU has established minimum academic standards to which all students must adhere.

Undergraduate Academic Standing Academic actions listed below are applied to students who fail to meet academic standards. Such designations do not allow the student to be considered in Good Standing as defined below. All actions taken to enforce FGCU standards shall be reflected by notation on the student’s academic record; some of these notations can be permanent.

Officially changing a course grade does not reverse these academic actions. An exception can be made when an error is committed and is stated on a Change of Grade form completed by the instructor of record for a course.

Policies on academic notice, probation, and suspension are based on the premise that a student can overcome academic difficulty and make appropriate progress toward a degree. Colleges, schools, and departments may have academic regulations that are more restrictive than those established by the university. It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with all unit regulations and program requirements.

Good Standing: Students are in good academic standing if their institutional GPA is greater than or equal to 2.00.

Academic Notice: This is for informational purposes only and is not noted on the transcript.  Students whose institutional cumulative GPA is between 2.00 and 2.25 receive a written notification regarding campus resources available to assist them in maintaining Good Academic Standing. Students with Academic Notice status are required to meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Counselor.

Academic Probation¹: Students are placed on Academic Probation if their institutional GPA falls below 2.00. Probation status requires students to meet with their Academic Advisor/Student Success Counselor prior to enrolling in courses for the following semester.

Students placed on academic probation must earn a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 for each semester after being placed on academic probation, until their institutional GPA reaches 2.00 or higher. Failure to reach 2.00 per semester results in Academic Suspension for the following semester.

FGCU is dedicated to assisting students on probation achieve academic success.  For additional information concerning Academic Probation contact Records & Registration at orr@fgcu.edu. 

Academic Suspension: Students are placed on Academic Suspension if they are on Academic Probation and earn a semester GPA below 2.00. Students may not enroll in courses at FGCU for the subsequent semester (i.e. fall, spring, summer).. Academic Suspensions are noted on students’ official academic transcripts.

Probation After Academic Suspension¹: Students are placed on Probation After Academic Suspension when they return following a semester of Academic Suspension. A semester GPA of 2.00 or higher must be earned to avoid Academic Dismissal. Students on Probation After Academic Suspension are required to meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Counselor to enroll in courses each semester until they return to good standing.

Academic Dismissal: Students are Academically Dismissed if they do not earn a 2.00 or higher semester GPA while on Probation after Academic Suspension.

Appeal Process. Students may appeal their suspension status by submitting a written request, with documents supporting the circumstances, to Records & Registration. Academic status appeals must be received no later than one week prior to the first day of classes for the term in which the appeal is sought. The Academic Standards Committee will review the appeal and provide notification to students of the committee's decision prior to the last day of registration for the term.

Earning credit while on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal. FGCU students who are suspended or dismissed  may complete course work at other institutions. Students should consult with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Counselor and refer to the Academic Amnesty policy.  

¹

Statuses of "Academic Notice," "Academic Probation," or "Probation After Academic Suspension" do not specifically prohibit a student from participating in extracurricular activities unless otherwise specified by university policy, rules, or by-laws governing the activity or organization.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Change of Major

An undergraduate student wishing to change their major or add a minor may do so in accordance with FGCU Policy 4.016 Timely Graduation of Undergraduate Students and must submit a completed Change of Major/Minor/Catalog Year form to the college advisor for the new program. If pursuing a single Major/Degree, a maximum of two minors can be declared.

A student wishing to change their major to a specialized admissions program or an undergraduate student wishing to enter a graduate program must formally apply to the relevant program. Students may not use the Change of Major/Minor/Catalog Year form to change from degree to non-degree status.

Advisors in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services have the authority to correct majors of students officially admitted into an individual academic program within the college. This college-specific policy superseded university policy that requires students to individually submit a Change of Major/Minor/Catalog Year form. Unless otherwise specified, lower-level Marieb College of Health & Human Services students dismissed from specialized admissions academic programs become undeclared. Upper-level students must declare a new major.

Students should be aware that changing majors may result in an excess hours surcharge. Proposed degree changes that extend time to graduation may be denied. Exceptions may be approved by the Dean of the Academic Unit housing the degree. The appeals process for change of major is to be initiated by the appropriate academic advisor. 

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

College-Level Skills

Writing Skills

Students receiving a baccalaureate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University must complete twelve (12) semester hours of writing skills coursework with a minimum grade of C. These courses are designated with attributes of GRWR or CLWS. Students are strongly urged to complete ENC 1101 Composition I before attempting additional writing skills courses. Students awarded college credit based on their demonstration of writing skills through dual enrollment, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate instruction shall be considered to have satisfied this requirement to the extent of the college credit awarded. Transfer coursework will be evaluated to determine whether the course included a writing skills component sufficient to meet this requirement.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Dual Major/Dual Degree

Dual Major

An undergraduate student who satisfies the requirements for two majors, within the same college and of the same degree type (for example: BA and BA or BS and BS), will be awarded a single diploma if they have a single graduation date for both majors.

• A student wishing to declare a dual major may do so in accordance with FGCU Policy 4.016 Timely Graduation of Undergraduate Students and must submit a completed Change Major/Minor/Catalog Year form to the appropriate college advisor.
• A maximum of one minor can be declared with the dual major.
• Both majors will be indicated on the student’s permanent academic record.
• A double major does not require a minimum number of credit hours beyond what is necessary for completing degree requirements.
• The graduation application must indicate both majors.

Dual Degree from the Same College

An undergraduate student who satisfies the requirements for two degrees, within the same college and of different degree types (for example: BA and BS) will be awarded two degrees.

• A student wishing to declare two degrees within the same college may do so in accordance with FGCU Policy 4.016 Timely Graduation of Undergraduate Students and must submit a completed Change Major/Minor/Catalog Year form.
• A maximum of one minor can be declared with the dual degree.
• Both degree programs will be indicated on the student's permanent academic record. The student will receive two diplomas.
• The student will need to earn a minimum of 150 credit hours and must work with his/her college advisor to ensure satisfactory completion of requirements.
• A graduation application must be submitted for each degree.

Dual Degree from Different Colleges

An undergraduate student who satisfies the requirements for two majors or degrees, from different colleges, will be awarded two degrees.

• A student wishing to declare two degrees from different colleges may do so in accordance with FGCU Policy 4.016 Timely Graduation of Undergraduate Students. It is the student's responsibility to inform both advisors of the intent to earn two degrees and must submit a completed Change Major/Minor/Catalog Year form to the advisor for the additional degree.
• A maximum of one minor can be declared with the dual degree from different colleges.
• Both degrees and majors will be indicated on the student's permanent record. The student will receive two diplomas.
• The student will need to earn a minimum of 150 credit hours and must work with his/her college advisor to ensure satisfactory completion of requirements.
• A graduation application must be submitted to both colleges.

Students should be aware that the addition of a dual major or dual degree may result in an excess hours surcharge.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Early College Programs

FGCU has full-time (early-admission) and part-time (dual enrollment) agreements with local school boards and private schools for academically talented eleventh and twelfth grade students who would like to challenge themselves by enrolling at FGCU through one of our Early College Programs. 

The Accelerated Collegiate Experience (ACE) Program offers full-time enrollment to students living in Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, or Lee county. Students must be full-time residents of one of the participating counties and registered with a public high school, participating private high school, or as a home education student with one of the participating counties. Courses completed through the ACE Program will count towards high school graduation and University degree completion.

The Collegiate Academy Programs through Bonita Springs High School and Gateway High School offer full-time enrollment to qualified students attending the respective high school. Courses completed through the Collegiate Academy Program will count towards high school graduation and University degree completion.

FGCU may enter into part-time dual-enrollment agreements with local school districts to implement specific programs.

Criteria for Early College Programs:

An applicant for dual enrollment must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate exceptional academic ability and college readiness,
• Be enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, and
• Meet the minimum GPA, test score requirements, and eligibility requirements as established in the dual enrollment agreement.
• Specific admission requirements and the application procedures are available through the Early College Programs office. Students should consult the Early College Programs website for specific information regarding application requirements, required documents, and deadlines.

Required Admission Materials for the ACE Program:

Students should consult the ACE website for the application procedure including deadlines and required documents.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Former Returning Student

A returning student is any former FGCU degree-seeking undergraduate student who has not earned a degree, who has not been enrolled at FGCU for three semesters, and who wishes to re-enroll. The former student must submit a new application for admission by the appropriate application deadline. A new application fee is not required. Students should refer to the Readmission Student Website for guidance on application processes. Readmission to FGCU does not equate to readmission into a specific academic program. Students who do not meet stated progression requirements, or criteria for admission into a specialized admissions program, will need to select an alternate program of study. Additionally, students who left FGCU in poor academic standing should refer to the Academic Standing Policy for guidance and reinstatement options. Students enrolled in an FGCU approved study abroad program are exempt from this requirement and will be permitted to re-enroll upon their return to FGCU. To be readmitted, a student must (a) be in good standing and eligible to return to the last institution attended, including FGCU; and (b) have achieved a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college-level academic courses attempted. Students enrolled in an FGCU approved study abroad program are exempt from this requirement and will be permitted to re-enroll upon their return to FGCU.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

General Education

FGCU General Education Program (GEP) is about embracing the joys of learning that will sustain you in your life and career.  Each General Education course is an entry point for you to view the world through a different intellectual lens, expanding your understanding of the complexity of human experience and your role within a rapidly changing world.  General Education encourages a spirit of inquiry and creativity that integrates knowledge and approaches from multiple fields to enrich students’ academic lives, career trajectories, and personal growth. The skills that you will develop in these courses will allow you to become a more effective and responsible writer, thinker, and citizen.  The General Education experience will complement your major and prepare you to effect change in the world and adapt to the challenges of the future.

FGCU students complete 36 credits of GEP coursework within the following subject areas, including at least one State Core course in each area:

• Communication
• Mathematics
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

Across these subject areas, students develop skills within each of the following competencies:

• Writing and Communication
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Human Expression and Society
• Scientific Inquiry
• Critical Thinking

Approved courses and/or associated attributes, which can be used to search for courses in Gulfline and Degree Works, are listed below. A single course may be used to satisfy only one subject area requirement. Where applicable, courses taken to meet common prerequisites for a program may also be used to fulfill GEP requirements. All first-time-in-college students are expected to take ENC 1101 Composition I during their first semester at FGCU.

A transfer student who has successfully completed the general education requirements for any public university or community college in Florida prior to enrolling as a degree-seeking student at FGCU, and has this completion noted on their official transcript, shall be considered to have satisfied the GEP requirements at FGCU. All other transfer students are expected to complete the FGCU GEP requirements. Transfer students' transcripts will be evaluated to determine course equivalencies and fulfillment of FGCU GEP requirements.

General Education Program Subject Area Requirements

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses used to satisfy general education Communication, Mathematics, State Core Humanities, State Core Social Sciences, and State Core Natural Sciences subject areas.

A grade of C- does not satisfy the requirement of a minimum grade of C.

Communication Subject Area – 6 credits (GECO Attribute)

English composition, creative writing, and public speaking courses develop students' written and oral communication skills; this includes reading critically as well as writing and speaking clearly for a variety of purposes and contexts.

1. State Core: ENC 1101 Composition I ^{1, 2} minimum grade of C
2. University Requirement: ENC 1102 Composition II minimum grade of C

Humanities Subject Area – 6 credits (GEHM Attribute)

Humanities courses include the disciplines of literature, philosophy, religion, and the fine arts. Students gain an understanding of the aesthetic dimension of human experience and learn how people have given creative interpretations to events from differing perspectives. Students learn the methods, suppositions, and theories of the chosen areas of study.

1. State Core: 3 credits of ARH 2000 Art Appreciation; HUM 1020 Introduction to Humanities; LIT 2000 Introduction to Literature; MUL 2010 Music Appreciation; PHI 1010 Introduction to Philosophy; THE 2000 Theatre Appreciation minimum grade of C
2. University Requirement: 3 credits of GEHM Attribute

Communication or Humanities Subject Areas - 3 credits minimum (GEHM, GECO Attributes)

1. University Requirement: 3 credits of GECO; GEHM Attributes

Mathematics Subject Area – 6 credits (GEMA, GEST Attributes)

Mathematics and statistics courses give students competence in quantitative methods and an understanding of how those methods are used to describe and analyze the natural and social world. These courses also give students exposure to the theories and practice of mathematics, and to the unique nature of mathematical knowledge.

1. State Core: 3 credits of MAC 1105 College Algebra; MAC 2311 Calculus I; MGF 1130 Thinking Mathematically; STA 2023 Statistical Methods ³ minimum grade of C
2. University Requirement: 3 credits of STA 1013 Statistics Through Examples; STA 2023 Statistical Methods; STA 2122 Social Science Statistics (if STA 1013 Statistics Through Examples or STA 2023 Statistical Methods or STA 2122 Social Science Statistics met in State Core, 3 credits of GEMA or GEST Attribute) minimum grade of C

Social Sciences Subject Area – 6 credits (GESO Attribute)

Social sciences courses include the disciplines of history, economics, anthropology, sociology, geography, political science, and psychology. Students gain an understanding of historical and socio-cultural perspectives and a sense of the evolution of societies and the various modes of interaction among peoples of the world.

1. State Core: 3 credits of AMH 2010 U.S. History to 1877; AMH 2020 U.S. History Since 1877; ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology; ECO 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics; POS 2041 American National Government; PSY 2012 General Psychology; minimum grade of C
2. University Requirement: 3 credits of GESO Attribute

Natural Sciences Subject Area – 6 credits (GENC, GENA, GENL Attributes)

Natural sciences courses include the disciplines of biology, chemistry, geology, environmental studies, marine science, and physics. Students gain an understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of the natural sciences and address the relationship of science to the modern world.

1. State Core: 3 credits of AST 2002 ; BSC 1005 Biological Science; BSC 1010 ; BSC 1085 ; CHM 1020 Chemistry in Society; CHM 1045 General Chemistry I; ESC 1000 ; EVR 1001C Intro. Environmental Science; GLY 1010 ; OCE 1001 ; PHY 2020 Conceptual Physics; PHY 2048 General Physics I; PHY 2053 College Physics I ⁴ minimum grade of C
2. University Requirement: 3 credits of GENA or GENC Attribute; students must earn at least 1 credit in a course with a lab component (GENC or GENL).

Social or Natural Sciences Subject Areas – 3 credits minimum (GESO, GENL, GENC, GENA Attributes)

1. University Requirement: 3 credits of GESO; GENC; GENA; GENL Attributes (maximum 1 credit of GENL)

General Education Program Competencies

(Note: These competencies are embedded throughout General Education courses and are not in addition to subject-area requirements. Courses with these competency attributes will also count toward the subject area-requirements.)

Writing and Communication Competency (WCOM Attribute)

Writing and speaking effectively, with attention to audience, purpose, and style, is an important skill for success in any college major and any career.

Quantitative Reasoning Competency (QUAN Attribute)

Quantitative reasoning involves applying mathematics skills to solve real-world problems.

Human Expression and Society Competency (HEAS Attribute)

Effective citizenship requires an understanding of how people express complex ideas and the ways that expression can be influenced by social and historical factors.  

Scientific Inquiry Competency (SCIQ Attribute)

Understanding how scientific knowledge is developed and communicated is preparation for leadership and innovation in the face of unknown challenges of the future. 

Critical Thinking Competency – (CRIT Attribute)

Critical thinking happens when we carefully explore ideas, issues, and problems in our effort to draw conclusions and build new knowledge.

¹

Any general education course with an ENC prefix for which ENC 1101 is an immediate prerequisite may be used to satisfy the state communication core.

²

Pursuant to Florida Statute 1007.25, students earning a "C" or better in ENC 1101 or a general education core course for which ENC 1101 is a prerequisite will be awarded a “Fundamentals of Written Communication” digital badge.

³

Any general education mathematics course for which one of the general education core course options in mathematics is an immediate prerequisite may be used to satisfy the state mathematics core.

⁴

Any general education natural sciences course for which one of the general education core course options in natural sciences is an immediate prerequisite may be used to satisfy the state natural sciences core.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Grade Forgiveness

Students may repeat a course and exclude a previous course grade from their FGCU grade point average calculations. Undergraduate degree and non-degree students are eligible by meeting the following:

• Original grade of C- or lower has been recorded on the academic record.
• The repeated grade must be higher than the original grade.
• Only the repeated course grade will be used in the computation of the institutional GPA.
• The original and the repeat course were taken at FGCU.
• The repeat course was taken under the same grading system (A-F or S/U) as the original. S/U graded courses are not permitted to repeat as A-F or vice versa.

Additional Conditions of the Policy

• Grade forgiveness will be processed automatically by Records & Registration each semester. Priority will be given to courses with higher number of credits at the time of processing.
• Throughout a student’s undergraduate experience at FGCU, a grand total of three course grades may be forgiven for courses that are repeated. The same course grade may not be forgiven twice.
• Only 1000-4999 courses are eligible for grade forgiveness.
• All grades will remain on the academic transcript. The original course will be annotated with E to indicate the course has been repeated and excluded from the GPA calculation.
• With prior approval of the college dean (or school director if not a subunit of a college), a course substitution may be sought under the following conditions:
  • The substitute course is a change in prefix, number, hours, or title, but not a substantive change in context from the original course.
  • The substitute course replaces a course no longer offered by the institution.
  • Individual academic units may have further restrictions; therefore, the student should consult with an academic advisor.
• Students who have received a bachelor’s degree from FGCU cannot apply grade forgiveness to any course taken prior to the awarding of the degree.
• Students may not use grade forgiveness for any course in which they received an academic dishonesty penalty.
• Students who wish to opt out of automatic grade forgiveness must contact Records & Registration at orr@fgcu.edu.

Students should discuss their eligibility for grade forgiveness with an academic advisor.

If applied grade forgiveness alters GPA and thus affects academic standing, standing will be updated appropriately.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Graduation Requirements (Associate of Arts Degree)

The following are minimum requirements for awarding the associate of arts (AA) degree:

• Earn a minimum of 60 semester hours with an institutional GPA of 2.0 in all coursework attempted at FGCU.
• Satisfy general education requirements (36 hours of required and elective coursework in prescribed areas; see General Education section).
• Satisfy College-Level Skills (previously known as Gordon Rule requirements).
• At least 25% of the coursework required for the degree must be earned at FGCU.
• An AA degree is not automatically awarded. Students are required to apply. AA degrees are awarded at the end of the term in which the application was approved.
• Application for AA degree must be submitted to the appropriate academic advisor for approval any semester after completion of the requirements but prior to an application for the baccalaureate degree.
• An Associate of Arts degree will not be awarded in the same term that the baccalaureate degree is to be awarded or in any term following the completion of the baccalaureate degree.
• The AA degree information and date of award are listed on the academic transcript.
• Satisfy State of Florida foreign language admission requirement. Note: This requirement pertains to students initially entering a Florida College System institution or the state university system in 2014-2015 and thereafter. Coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language pursuant to s. 1007.262.
• Satisfy Civic Literacy requirement.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Graduation Requirements (Baccalaureate Degree)

The following are minimum requirements for awarding the baccalaureate degree:

• Apply for graduation by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar.
• Complete the FGCU Graduating Student Survey by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar.
• Recommendation by appropriate college advisor.
• Earn a minimum of 120 semester hours (certain majors may require more than 120 hours) with an institutional GPA of 2.0 in all coursework attempted at FGCU. Colleges and departments may have requirements that exceed these minimums.
• Satisfy general education requirements (36 hours of required and elective coursework in prescribed areas; see General Education section).
• Satisfy College-Level Skills (previously known as Gordon Rule requirements).
• Earn a minimum of 42 hours of upper division coursework (courses numbered 3000-4999).
• Complete all program requirements.
• Complete the university service learning requirements.
• Complete at least 3 semester hours of sustainability coursework with a minimum grade of C.
• At least 25% of the coursework required for the degree and the last 30 of the last 60 hours must be earned at FGCU.
• All students entering FGCU with fewer than 60 semester hours of credit are required to earn at least 9 semester hours of credit prior to graduation by attendance during one or more summer terms. The university may waive the application of this rule in cases of unusual hardship (see Summer Enrollment Requirement).
• Satisfy State of Florida foreign language admission requirement.
• Satisfy Civic Literacy requirement.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Honors Curriculum

The Florida Gulf Coast University Honors Curriculum offers special opportunities for high-achieving and highly motivated students to pursue challenging academic work that is tailored to individual interests and abilities. The Honors Curriculum emphasizes more than just courses and grades; it also provides holistic opportunities for students to participate in creative activities outside of the classroom. Further, the Honors Curriculum is built around a commitment to community service and civic engagement, guiding principles of Florida Gulf Coast University.

The Honors Curriculum is university-wide and open to undergraduate students. Prospective Honors students must meet high academic standards and should be interested in developing themselves beyond the traditional classroom setting. Current FGCU students should have a G.P.A. of 3.50 or higher prior to applying. Students interested in applying should contact the Honors Office directly at honors@fgcu.edu.

There are many benefits to participating in the Honors Curriculum. It offers courses that are unique. They range in nature from courses that take a unique view of a particular subject matter, to courses that are offered outside of FGCU’s main campus, to Honors sections of general education courses and upper-level major courses. Moreover, the FGCU Honors Curriculum offers grant opportunities and special events and activities that are available exclusively to Honors Curriculum students. Honors students can request to be placed in Honors Housing, both in South Village and North Lake Village. All students in good standing with the Honors Curriculum enjoy priority registration. Honors Curriculum students also have access to Exploratory Advising, who assist students with proactive academic and co-curricular planning, as well as efficient completion of the Honors Curriculum requirements.

Each student who fulfills the Honors Curriculum requirements is given recognition at graduation, and a notation is included on the student’s official FGCU transcript. Successful completion of the Honors Curriculum demonstrates an individual’s ability to study independently, yet collaboratively, and to achieve academic and personal excellence, qualities that are valued by professional schools, graduate schools, and employers.

Curriculum Requirements (Honors Scholars, Honors Foundations, and Honors in the Major)

Honors Scholars Curriculum

• Have a cumulative FGCU GPA of 3.50 or higher
• Complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits of Honors-designated courses, with at least nine (9) credits of upper-division (3000-4999 level) coursework in the major approved by Exploratory Advising
• Complete a minimum of two Honors Experiences
• First year students are required to complete an Honors First Year Sequence (see below)

For students successfully completing the Honors Scholars curriculum, the official FGCU transcript will include a notation based upon the number of Honors Experiences categories completed: Two, completed Honors Scholars curriculum; three, completed Honors Scholars curriculum with Special Recognition; or four, completed Honors Scholars curriculum with Distinction; the student will also receive Honors Scholars curriculum recognition on their diploma. Additionally, coursework completed as Honors will also be noted as such on the student's transcript.

Honors Foundations Curriculum

• Have a cumulative FGCU GPA of 3.50 or higher
• Complete a minimum of twelve (12) credits of Honors-designated courses
• Complete a minimum of two (2) Honors Experiences 
• First year students are required to complete an Honors First Year Sequence (see below)

For students successfully completing the Honors Foundations curriculum, the official FGCU transcript will include a notation based upon the number of Honors Experiences categories completed: Two, completed Honors Foundations curriculum; three, completed Honors Foundations curriculum with Special Recognition; or four, completed Honors Foundations curriculum with Distinction.  Additionally, coursework completed as Honors will also be noted as such on the student's transcript.

Honors in the Major Curriculum

• Have a cumulative FGCU GPA of 3.50 or higher
• Complete a minimum of nine (9) credits of Honors-designated upper-division coursework in the major approved by Exploratory Advising
• Complete a minimum of one (1) Honors Experience

For students successfully completing the Honors in the Major curriculum, the official FGCU transcript will include a notation based upon the number of Honors Experience categories completed: One, completed Honors in the Major curriculum; two, completed Honors in the Major curriculum with Special Recognition; or three, completed Honors in the Major curriculum with Distinction. Additionally, coursework completed as Honors will also be notated as such on the student's transcript.

First-Year Honors Sequence

Students who enter the Honors College as first-semester, first-time-in-college students (Beginner FTIC) are required to complete a research-based, year-long First-Year Honors Sequence. These sequences are tailored to student interests and faculty research areas and are taught in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities disciplines. Exploratory Advising will assist all first-year students with initial course registration and selection of their First-Year Honors Sequence.

Honors Experiences

Students are required to complete a specific number of Honors Experiences based on their program of study within the Honors College. Each Experience requires the student to complete a non-credited, self-directed learning experience that is documented through the collection of artifacts that evidence the completion of the Experience, dissemination or sharing a component of the Experience, and reflection that encompasses the Experience. Artifacts, proof of dissemination, and the reflection are all to be included in the student's Honors Experience Portfolio, which will be evaluated by the Honors College prior to graduation. Experience categories align with the Elements of the Honors College, and include: Leadership Development, Scholarly Advancement, Community Engagement, and Cultural Enrichment.  

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Honors Recognition for GPA

President's List. Undergraduate students completing at least 12 hours of class work in regularly graded courses (excluding S/U graded courses) taken at FGCU during a semester with a grade point average of 4.0, will be eligible for President's List recognition. Eligible students will receive written recognition from the university president.

Dean's List. Undergraduate students completing at least 12 credit hours of regularly graded coursework (excluding S/U graded courses) completed at FGCU during a term with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 will be eligible for Dean's List recognition. Students will be notified in writing of this recognition by the appropriate academic dean.

Undergraduate Honors. Baccalaureate candidates must have an institutional GPA of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) for all coursework attempted at FGCU to be considered for honors. Honors achieved will be annotated on the student's diploma and transcript.

• Candidates with a GPA of 3.50-3.70 shall receive a designation of cum laude (with honors).
• Candidates with a GPA of 3.71-3.89 shall receive a designation of magna cum laude (with higher honors).
• Candidates with a GPA of 3.90 or above shall receive a designation of summa cum laude (with highest honors).

Honors at Commencement. Baccalaureate students with an outstanding academic performance at FGCU will be honored at commencement. Honors will be based on the institutional GPA as of the semester prior to graduation.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Minors

An undergraduate student wishing to declare a minor may do so in accordance with FGCU Policy 4.016 Timely Graduation of Undergraduate Students and must meet with the appropriate college advisor to review course requirements and complete the Change Major/Minor/Catalog Year form. If pursuing a single Major/Degree, a maximum of two minors can be declared. If pursuing a dual Major/Degree, a maximum of one minor can be declared.

A minimum grade of C or higher is required in all courses for a minor and a minimum of 12 credit hours of the minor must be completed at FGCU.

Students desiring certification of a minor and designation on their academic transcript must note the minor on the Application for Graduation and contact the appropriate college advisor to certify completion of all course requirements for the declared minor.

Students should be aware that the addition of a minor may result in an excess hours surcharge.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Residency Requirement for Graduation

At least 25 percent of coursework for the degree must be earned at FGCU. Thirty (30) of the last 60 hours must be earned at FGCU to receive a baccalaureate degree from FGCU.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students with a bachelor's degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution may apply to FGCU for admission to work toward a second bachelor's degree. The first bachelor's degree satisfies the general education and College-Level Skills and provides exemption from the foreign language requirement.

Students with a bachelor's degree from FGCU must reapply for admission to work toward a second bachelor's degree.

• If a student graduates with one degree and wishes to obtain a second major or degree, he/she must be readmitted to the institution.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed toward the second degree at FGCU after re-admission.
• After completion of the second degree on a subsequent date, he/she will receive a second diploma.
• Service Learning (40 hours) is required for all Second Baccalaureate students who did not receive their initial degree from FGCU.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Senior Capstone

Each program provides a capstone educational experience totaling three credits. Senior Capstone may consist of a three credit course or two courses offered over a maximum of two semesters (either 2 + 1 credits or 1 + 2 credits). These seminar courses integrate skills and knowledge gained from particular programs and broaden student's awareness and understanding of disciplines related to their chosen field.

Courses designated as capstone courses must be taken at FGCU.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Service-Learning

The What and the Why of Service-Learning: One of the defining characteristics of Florida Gulf Coast University is its institutional commitment to service, put into practice through the civic engagement activities of faculty, staff, and students. Service-learning connects students to the community and the classroom to the real world. Through service-learning students are both learners and teachers, sharing themselves and their knowledge and, in turn, learning from the clients and the environment where they serve. Because service-learning is such a powerful teaching tool and because service-learning sets the stage for continued community involvement, University founders established service-learning as an undergraduate requirement.

How Service-Learning Works: Students admitted to FGCU as first-year (FTIC) students or lower level transfers must complete 80 hours of service-learning as part of their graduation requirement. Students admitted as upper-level transfers must complete 40 hours of service-learning as part of their graduation requirement.  FTIC students who have earned a Florida AA degree prior to matriculating at FGCU (through dual enrollment and accelerated credit) must complete 40 hours of service-learning as part of their graduation requirement.  Students dual-enrolled in the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience (ACE) program (part-time or full-time) will be required to complete 80 hours of service-learning as part of their graduation requirement.

Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree at another institution and are admitted to FGCU to complete a second undergraduate degree must complete 40 hours of service-learning as part of their second degree’s graduation requirements. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at FGCU and are re-admitted to FGCU to complete a second undergraduate degree have already fulfilled the degree requirements for service-learning; however, if they register for a class that has a service-learning requirement, they are obligated to complete it as a component of the course’s requirements.  Although there is no service-learning graduation requirement for graduate level students, they may be enrolled in courses that integrate service-learning as an effective teaching methodology and therefore would engage in service as a component of their coursework.

It is each student’s responsibility to know his or her classification at matriculation and to submit and document the required service-learning hours through the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, preferably one semester prior to graduation.

The office assists students in locating appropriate service agencies and documenting their service-learning graduation requirement.

To ensure that an activity is service-learning:

• Students must work with a non-profit, not-for-profit, or government agency.
• Students cannot be paid and must do more than observe.
• Students cannot earn service-learning hours by working with a for-profit agency, even if they are not being paid.
• Agencies listed on the website (https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/) are pre-approved for non-course based service-learning experiences. However, approval is needed from the Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement if the agency is not listed on the website.
• Students are encouraged to engage in structured service-learning experiences that promote the application of academic knowledge, professional skills, and civic responsibility through meaningful involvement with community partners. 

Documenting Service-Learning Hours: Community partners and student service-learning hours must be submitted and verified electronically in the Eagle Service Network to ensure service-learning hours count toward the graduation requirement.  A service-learning guide is located on the office website (https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/) and provides guidance from start to finish. Students should always confirm that tracked hours in Eagle Service Network get verified by their community partner and the service-learning requirement is met in their Degree Works profile. 

The process for submitting service-learning hours in Eagle Service Network remains the same whether a student completes hours as part of a course, with a registered student organization, or on their own. 

At any point, students can seek personalized assistance from the Office of Service-Learning & Civic Engagement through email at servicelearning@fgcu.edu.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement

Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) commitment to sustainability is fulfilled within the academic curriculum. FGCU has structured its curricula to emphasize the interrelationship of knowledge across disciplines and to provide students with the ability to think in whole systems, as well as the skills required to enter the workforce and public life as socially responsible and ecologically conscious citizens.

Students receiving a baccalaureate degree from FGCU must complete at least three (3) semester hours of sustainability coursework with a minimum grade of C.  Courses that apply toward this requirement, which include IDS 3920 University Colloquium, will be designated with the attribute SCGR. Transfer coursework may be evaluated to determine whether the course meets the criteria to receive the SCGR attribute.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Transfer of Coursework

The Office of Admissions is responsible for receiving and evaluating transfer credit. The office evaluates the acceptability of total credits transferable to FGCU and identifies total credits accepted at the lower division (1000 and 2000 level courses). The college of the student’s major assigns equivalent upper division (3000 and 4000 level) courses and graduate (5000 and 6000 level) courses in determining which courses are applicable toward specific degrees.

The University reserves the right to evaluate transfer courses on an individual basis. Age and concordance of content to current requirements may be factors in determining course transfer and acceptance toward degrees; individual colleges and programs have the authority to establish age standards for acceptance of transfer courses.

FGCU evaluates transfer coursework taken at another college or university if that institution is accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution. FGCU does not award transfer credit from non-accredited educational platforms or providers not recognized by the US Department of Education, such as Sophia Learning, Study.com, and StraighterLine.

Notwithstanding, transfer credit from all post-secondary education institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

General guidelines for awarding transfer credit:

• Credit is not given for technical, vocational, physical education, or pre-college courses, or for courses completed below a grade of D-.
• Credit by departmental examination from another institution and credits awarded by another institution solely based on SAT or ACT scores will not be accepted by FGCU.
• Courses with a transfer grade of C- or below may not be used toward satisfaction of computational and communication requirements.
• An equivalent FGCU course number will be entered on the student’s official academic transcript.
• Transfer credits will not be computed into a student’s FGCU institutional GPA for FGCU coursework, but will be included in the student’s overall GPA.
• All coursework completed in an international post-secondary institution required for an admissions decision must be evaluated by an international evaluation agency. Agency recommendations are listed on the international admission website.  A course-by-course evaluation is required.  The applicant pays for this service and contacts the evaluating agency directly.
• All transfer credit evaluations are completed during the evaluation process to determine admission to the University. Only official transcripts will be evaluated.
• Transfer students from Florida institutions that that do not maintain accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation), but follow the state common course numbering system may have a limited number of courses credited.
• Transfer of credit from an institution based on the quarter system will be converted to the semester system by multiplying the credit by a factor of .67.
• Transfer credit earned through the Statewide Course Numbering System is acceptable, based on the System’s guidelines. 
• Transfer course credits that exceed the number of credits for that equivalent course at FGCU will be split and articulated as separate credit.  (Example: STA 2023 Statistical Methods for 4 credits at the issuing institution will be articulated as STA 2023 Statistical Methods for 3 credits and STA XXXX for 1 credit).  Articulation officers should keep the same prefix for the excess credits to allow for attaching of appropriate course attributes.
• When determining excess hours for transfer courses taken prior to 2016 the same methodology may be used.  While the student's academic articulation history will not be changed the hours may be deducted from the excess hours report.

College Credit for Military Training and Education Courses:

• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall review college credit submitted by an applicant which was earned through military training or coursework which is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE).
• The Undergraduate Admissions office shall utilize the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (as listed on the Joint Services Transcript (JST) or the Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCA)) in order to determine equivalency and alignment of military training or coursework with University courses.
• If it is determined that the military training or coursework is equivalent to and fulfills a general education or major course or degree program requirement, the training or coursework will be credited the student’s degree plan. Alternative course credit, including free elective course credit, will be granted if the coursework is not equivalent to a general education, major course, or degree program requirement.
• Articulation credit earned via military training and coursework that was previously evaluated and awarded by a college degree granting institution which is part of the State University System of Florida, and that is appropriate to the transfer student’s major at the University, will be accepted, subject to the University’s limit on the amount and level of transfer credit allowed for a given degree.
• Credit awarded for military education and training shall be noted on the student’s transcript and documentation of the credit equivalency evaluation shall be maintained in the student’s education record.

College Credit for Online Courses Completed Prior to Initial Enrollment

• If requested by an applicant prior to the student’s initial term of enrollment in undergraduate education, FGCU shall evaluate online coursework. Credit will be awarded if the academic program determines the online course content and learning outcomes are comparable to FGCU offered courses, the online course meet the quality and accreditation standards intended for transfer courses, and the online course is relevant to the applicant’s intended program of study. FGCU does not award transfer credit from non-accredited educational platforms or providers not recognized by the US Department of Education, such as Sophia Learning, Study.com, and StraighterLine.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to initiate the request for review of such online coursework. The request should be made to the Office of Undergraduate Admission and include an official transcript, course description, and syllabus.  Additional documentation made be required as determined by the reviewing academic program.
• A student denied transfer of online coursework may submit a written appeal to the appropriate College Dean.
• Credit awarded by the University for online coursework will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Last Reviewed/Revised 5/1/2026

Transient Student

Transient students are students who attend FGCU for only one term before returning to their home institutions. There are two types of transient students:

*State University System (SUS) or Florida College System (FCS) transient student is a student in good standing who is seeking a degree from a public Florida university or college and desires to take courses with FGCU. Students are asked to complete the electronic Transient Application form which is available online at Florida Shines (https://www.floridashines.org/). No application fee is required for SUS/FCS students. Contact Records & Registration for more information at orr@fgcu.edu.

*The other category of transient students are students who are degree seeking at an out-of-state institution or an in-state private institution and wish to take classes as a guest student at FGCU. These students need to contact FGCU Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions as appropriate to fill out an application.

Both of these categories of students enroll at FGCU as non-degree-seeking students.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Withdrawals

FGCU students are expected to complete all classes in which they remain enrolled after the drop/add deadline. Students who wish to withdraw from individual courses or the complete term after the drop/add periods, but before the "last day to drop/withdraw without academic penalty" (as published in the Academic Calendar), can withdraw from their course(s), up to the last class, on Gulfline if the student does not have any holds. If the student does have holds, they must withdraw through Records & Registration. A withdrawal is initiated by submitting a completed Course Withdrawal or Term Withdrawal Form in person, by mail, or by fax to Records & Registration. These forms are available on the web https://www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/forms.

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss all potential course or term withdrawals with their instructor(s) to determine if they are capable of successfully completing the course(s). Students should also consult an advisor in order to understand more clearly the academic implications of these actions.

Withdrawing from all courses does not officially constitute formal withdrawal from the University. A student is financially liable for all courses in which they are registered at the end of the drop/add periods. Students receiving financial aid are strongly encouraged to discuss all potential course or term withdrawals with Financial Aid and Scholarships in order to understand more clearly the financial implications of these actions.

Withdrawal Limit Rule

In order to encourage successful completion of coursework and a student's ability to stay on track for timely graduation, FGCU has instituted a Withdrawal Limit Rule. This Rule limits the number of courses in which a student may earn a grade of W (withdrawal without academic penalty).

Throughout a student’s undergraduate experience at FGCU, a student may withdraw without academic penalty from as many as five undergraduate courses (numbered 1000-4999). If courses are corequisites, withdrawal from both during the same semester will count as only one withdrawal rather than two withdrawals for the purpose of the Rule. A course taken for zero credit hours is excluded from the Rule and will be assigned a grade of WE (Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances) by Records & Registration if the student withdraws from the course.

Some majors may have stricter requirements regarding allowable withdrawals. Students should consult with advisors and carefully review program handbooks to ensure that there are no additional requirements.

A student appeal of the Rule is submitted electronically, with a personal statement and supporting documentation, to Records & Registration at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?FloridaGulfCoastUniv&layout_id=15.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Withdrawals with Extenuating (WE) Circumstances

The following option applies only to active students enrolled in undergraduate courses. If a final grade has been given in the applicable class(es), only those courses for which the final grade was a C- or lower are eligible for a WE.

In some cases, students must withdraw from a class, classes, or a term due to extenuating circumstances. These include the following:

• Medical Withdrawal
• Military Call to Active Duty (For additional options, please see section on this topic.)
• Extended absence (usually more than two weeks) due to a death in the immediate family
• Financial Circumstances
• Other unusual or special cases, considered on a case-by-case basis.

If a withdrawal for extenuating circumstances is approved, students will receive a grade of WE. WE grades do not count toward the Withdrawal Rule limit.

Students must file a complete request for a WE within one year (365 days) from the last day of the semester in which the extenuating circumstance occurred. Students may receive a maximum of ten total WEs (one WE per course/CRN) throughout their academic careers at FGCU.

A withdrawal for extenuating circumstances is initiated by submitting a completed Application for Withdrawal, with a personal statement and supporting documentation, to Records & Registration at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?FloridaGulfCoastUniv&layout_id=15.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Graduate

Academic Standards of Behavior

FGCU is committed to a policy of honesty in academic activities. Conduct that breaches this policy, including cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of university records, shall result in academic and/or disciplinary action. Regulation 4.002, Student Code of Conduct and Student Conduct Review Process, is a part of the terms and conditions of admission and enrollment and applies to all undergraduate students, graduate students, and student organizations.

Regulation 4.002 - https://www.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/regulations/approved/regulation4.002.pdf

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Academic Standing/Academic Progress

Colleges, schools, and departments have established regulations governing academic standing and academic progress at the graduate level. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with unit regulations and program requirements.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Change in Graduate Program or College

Students wishing to change major fields of study, either between Academic Units or graduate programs within the same Academic unit must withdraw from their current program and complete a new graduate application for the next available admission term. The new application will follow the same review procedure and admission criteria specified by the University and program as for a first-time applicant.  Change of an Academic Unit or program results in readmission to the University under the catalog applicable to the term of readmit for degree requirements.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Former Student Returning 

A former FGCU degree seeking graduate student who has not completed a graduate degree at FGCU and who has not been enrolled for at least one (1) year (three (3) consecutive semesters) must submit a new application by the appropriate application deadline. To be eligible for readmission, a student must be in good standing and be eligible to return to the last institution attended, including FGCU. If admitted, the program will determine which previously earned credits can be applied towards graduation. The program will also determine whether previously submitted application materials can be used for the new application.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Grade Forgiveness

Courses offered in Marieb College of Health & Human Services are not eligible for grade forgiveness.

Students may repeat a course and exclude a previous course grade from their FGCU grade point average calculations. Degree and non-degree students are eligible by meeting the following:

• A grand total of one course grade may be forgiven for courses that are repeated. 
• Grades eligible for grade forgiveness will be determined by each academic unit.  Please refer to your College or School for specific details and additional conditions.
• The repeated grade must be higher than the original grade.
• Only the repeated course grade will be used in the computation of the institutional GPA.
• The original and the repeat course were taken at FGCU.
• The repeat course was taken under the same grading system (A-F or S/U) as the original. S/U graded courses are not permitted to repeat as A-F or vice versa.

Additional conditions of the policy:

• Grade forgiveness will be processed automatically by Records & Registration each semester. 
• 5000-7999 courses are eligible for grade forgiveness.
• All grades will remain on the academic transcript. The original course will be annotated with E to indicate the course has been repeated and excluded from the GPA calculation.
• With prior approval of the school or college dean, a course substitution may be sought under the following conditions:
  • The substitute course is a change in prefix, number, hours, or title, but not a substantive change in context from the original course.
  • The substitute course replaces a course no longer offered by the institution.
  • Individual academic units may have further restrictions; therefore, the student should consult with their program coordinator.
• Students who have received a degree from FGCU cannot apply grade forgiveness to any course taken prior to the awarding of the degree.
• Students may not use grade forgiveness for any course in which they received an academic dishonesty penalty.
• Students who wish to opt out of automatic grade forgiveness must contact Records & Registration at orr@fgcu.edu.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer into a graduate program at FGCU a limited number of credit hours from graduate level courses completed at a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent foreign institution. Check with the individual graduate program regarding allowable transfer credits.

Master's Degree - Students may transfer a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours from graduate level courses completed at an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution, into the graduate program at FGCU.

Doctoral Degree (Ed.D.) - Students may transfer a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours from graduate level courses completed at an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution, into the graduate program at FGCU.

Doctoral Degree (D.P.T., Ph.D.) - Students may transfer a maximum of thirty (30) credit hours from graduate level courses completed at an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution, into the graduate program at FGCU.

University Guidelines for Transfer of Graduate Credit: 

1. The University reserves the right to evaluate transfer courses on an individual basis.  The date any previous coursework was completed and concordance of content to current program requirements are factors that may be used to determine course transfer and acceptance toward degrees.
2. Awarding transfer credit:
   1. Transfer courses must be applicable toward the graduate degree being sought at FGCU and must be approved by the college dean (or designee).  Check with the individual program in question regarding restrictions on the acceptance of transfer credits, including any time limitations.
   2. Military Service: Official credentials from military service schools will be evaluated on the basis of American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.  Credit may be granted when courses are equivalent to those offered by FGCU; however, recommendations by the ACE are not binding upon the University.
   3. Transfer credits will not be computed as part of a student's FGCU grade point average.
   4. Accreditation status and evaluation of credits from an institution outside the U.S.A. must be made on a course-by-course basis by World Education Services, Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., or any other evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  The applicant pays for this service and is responsible for contacting the evaluation agency directly.
   5. All transfer credit evaluations are completed after admission to the University. Only official transcripts will be evaluated.
   6. Transfer students from an institution that does not maintain accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution, but follows the state common course numbering system may have a limited number of credits transferred.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026

Withdrawals with Extenuating (WE) Circumstances

The following option applies only to active students enrolled in graduate courses. If a final grade has been given in the applicable class(es), only those courses for which the final grade was a non- passing grade as identified by the academic program, or anything less than a B for students in Marieb  College of Health & Human Services (MCHHS), are eligible for a WE.

In some cases, students must withdraw from a class, classes, or term because of extenuating circumstances. These include the following:

• Medical Withdrawal
• Military Call to Active Duty (For additional options, please see section on this topic.)
• Extended absence (usually more than two weeks) because of a death in the
• immediate family
• Financial Circumstances
• Other unusual or special cases, considered on a case-by-case basis.

If a withdrawal for extenuating circumstances is approved, students will receive a grade of WE.

Students in MCHHS programs, please contact your Program Director for submission deadlines and the corresponding application procedures.

All other students must file a complete request for a WE no later than the last day of class of the semester following the semester in which the course(s) were taken. A student may request one (1) instance of a WE for up to a full semester of courses/CRNs. This limit applies across the entire degree program and may not be exceeded.

A withdrawal for extenuating circumstances is initiated by submitting a completed Application for Withdrawal, with a personal statement and supporting documentation, to Records & Registration at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?FloridaGulfCoastUniv&layout_id=15.

Last Reviewed/Revised 4/15/2026