Here at FGCU, many of its attendees carry various academic backgrounds involving other institutions before taking their first step here. Often it is the case that students take classes in other areas to clear out prerequisites needed for their degree. This is a situation usually created by financial situation, the need for academic improvement or local availability. Even FGCU, for some, is seen as a stepping stone before attending other institutions. In that manner, it is imperative a university such as FGCU take action to assist aspiring eagles in the best way possible.
I, a student from Florida Southwestern College, found the difference between the two quite vast. FSW in comparison to FGCU is smaller in both size and numbers, yet is also not as interpersonal. In my time spent in FGCU, I have had an easier time connecting with other people, be it students or staff. The dedicated areas of nature on the university’s campus truly are a testament to its uniqueness (an opinion born out of preference.) This is, however, not to say that FGCU makes itself out to be a priority pick regardless of one’s situation. I found that several students (especially those in a STEM major) have attended FSW to perform better in class that present difficulties during their time here, potentially highlighting the reputation professors may have on campus. In opposition to FGCU, FSW’s small scale makes it much easier for professors to engage with their students. There are also accessible places to sit and study outside with interim classes all around the campus.
On a separate note, the subjects involved with the transfer process are too varied to simply have one opinion on the matter. I first began my journey in the spring semester, so I had no mandatory orientation event to attend outside of a tour and introduction to my exploratory advisor. This is much unlike my friends and associates who started in the fall. FSW’s orientation, in stark contrast, was a simple online course that could be completed within 5-10 minutes. Advisors themselves are all different, and while I do believe mine under the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering operates with the student’s success in mind, things can be different elsewhere. Within the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, I was told by business and finance majors that some business students’ expected time of attendance was delayed due to improper course handling specific to accounting.
Florida Gulf Coast University has many attributes that create a vital picture that shape its identity. As such, it makes probable sense to understand how students see that picture, and what better than to understand what they experience at their time here along with what opinions they will have had outside this campus. The greatest path to improvement is acknowledgement, in whatever ways that can be.
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I can say without a doubt that my experience at FGCU tells me that this is a welcoming university of achievement, and I would not have it any other way.