Florida Gulf Coast University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

From the University's Strategic Plan. Goal 5 Sustainability:

Objectives:

1. Expand program offerings on sustainability and community resilience in Southwest Florida for all students.
2. Elevate FGCU faculty to be recognized as worldwide experts in sustainability and community
resilience research publications and presentations.
3. Advance student knowledge through the synergistic use of curricular and co-curricular experiences that prepare our students to tackle sustainability challenges.
4. Establish an interdisciplinary research institute as a global hub for local sustainable and resilient communities.
5. Promote, implement, and advance s stainability and resiliency practices at the enterprise scale as a living laboratory of distinction for building sustainable and resilient communities.

Additionally, 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 to explore sustainability from a social, environmental, and personal perspective. Currently all students are required to take The University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future as a graduation requirement and these learning outcomes were adopted for this course:

Goals:
1. Analyze the interdependence of human and natural systems
2. Determine the effect of injustices and inequities on human and natural communities
3. Identify personal practices that help build sustainable communities and advocate for these practices locally, nationally, and globally
4. Demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication skills through writing and discussion

Student Learning Objectives
1. Identify the services healthy ecosystems provide human communities
2. Link human development to local and global environmental crises
3. Reflect on the historical and contemporary exploitation of human and natural resources
4. Investigate ways to build healthy, resilient, and equitable, communities
5. Critically reflect on the ways your lived experiences have shaped your worldview and your sense of place.
6. Commit to recognizing and respecting differences in the lived experiences of others
7. Evaluate sources of information for accuracy, credibility, and bias
8. Articulate ideas supported with credible evidence

These goals and student learning outcomes are satisfied with the University required undergraduate three credit hour course, University Colloquium, which brings together students and faculty from all disciplines in an interdisciplinary learning experience. In University Colloquium, students participate in the university’s mission to promote and practice environmental sustainability, embrace diversity, nurture community partnerships, value public service, and encourage civic responsibility. University Colloquium uses experiential learning to explore sustainability from a social, environmental, and personal perspective emphasizing the interrelationships of knowledge across disciplines.

In addition to students being required to fulfil a sustainability course requirement for graduation, our First Year Experience programs continued to implement an extensive portfolio of programs and initiatives with the new FTIC cohort to promote engagement and improve GPA and APR throughout the first year. By the end of the 2021-2022 academic year, over 80% of the Fall 2021 class had actively and meaningfully engaged with the many FYE programs and initiatives, including: Eagles Read – Common Read program with its book selection of "Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet." by Ashlee Piper; University Transition class (credit-bearing course designed to assist in the transition to college life) which introduces the university's required service-learning requirement and opportunities in their first semester; and EAGLES in 25 (with 65 unique programs, many in collaboration with campus partners and relating to sustainability.

The FGCU 2023 Board of Governors Approved Accountability Plan lists "Leveraging the Water School to provide solutions to grand challenges facing the environment of SW Florida" as a major opportunity and sustainability as one of the Three Key Initiatives & Investments: "Applied and Translational Research: Addressing issues critical to Florida
• Water science and policy, including effects on public health, well-being and economic development will be led by FGCU’s Water School and involve all academic units.
• Regionally relevant issues in data science, success across the lifespan, positive aging, educational performance, health care, environmental quality, business and real estate development are being studied by FGCU faculty."

From FGCU's Strategic Plan Goal 5: Champion Sustainable Pactices and Resiliency

Metrics and Key Perfomance Indicators:

FGCU's Continued Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement Classification

Representation of Participation in Regional Sustainability and Resiliency Efforts: Establish a baseline and increase annually.

From the 2020-2030 Campus Master Plan
ELECTRICAL POWER AND OTHER FUELS SUB-ELEMENT
GOAL 1002
Provide electrical power source to meet the demand for lighting, heating, and air conditioning, and equipment power to adequately service the buildings and structures utilizing solar power or other sustainable energy sources where feasible
Policy 1002.2.8
Reduce energy consumption by complying with State standards for construction of new facilities that are energy efficient.
Policy 1002.2.9
Undertake a review at 3 year intervals of campus energy utilization. Based on this review, identify potential ways to reduce energy consumption.
Policy 1002.2.10
Incorporate energy reduction recommendations from Policy 1002.2.9 in the 5-year Master Plan updates.
Objective 1501.8 - Sustainability
Sustainability is defined as “processes, procedures, policies and practices that provide for the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to provide for themselves.”
Policy 1501.8.1
The long term needs of the campus need to be evaluated not only to provide for the capacity of the campus but also to maintain a sustainable campus. The master plan contains analysis of existing conditions, natural site features, open spaces and preserved wetlands to ensure continuation of the implementation of guiding sustainable principles.
Policy 1501.8.2
The planning of all new projects should strive to continue sustainable concepts already being implemented on the campus such as, recycling, renewable energy resources, alternative transportation methods, energy efficiency and resource conservation.
Policy 1501.8.3
All Major new construction and Major remodel projects on the University campus will seek a minimum goal of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for New Construction (NC) Silver Version 4. The LEED versions and requirements are being updated by the USGBC on an on-going basis and therefore the University will revisit the requirements
and minimum rating level required whenever a new version of the standards are released.
Policy 1501.8.4
Although buildings need to be designed for a specific use at a given point in time without necessarily knowing the future needs of the University, a key principle of sustainable architecture is the ability of buildings to be adaptable for different uses over time. FGCU requires new and remodeled space to be designed for consideration of adaptive reuse in the future. 
Policy 1701.1.8
Maintenance and other facility improvement projects shall incorporate sustainable building concepts and energy efficiency, such as low water usage fixtures, window glazing, proper insulation, and new technologies that, at a minimum, to conform to the principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

FGCU has made the following plans:

From all university faculty and staff email from FGCU President Martin, on 10/8/21: Florida Gulf Coast University has been striving towards earning the U.S. Department of Education distinction of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The primary criteria for achieving this milestone is that the total undergraduate and graduate enrollment at the university must at least 25% Hispanic. Currently, our total Hispanic student population is 24%. As Florida Gulf Coast University continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and in preparation of us achieving this historical achievement, I am pleased to share with the creation of FGCU’s HSI Transition Committee. During the 2021- 2022 Academic Year, the HSI Committee will focus on the following key areas:

1. Strengthening Hispanic student enrollments in specific academic programs (STEM).
2. Developing high-impact practices for Hispanic students to interact with faculty in research and experiential learning opportunities.
3. Enhancing searches to attract and retain more Hispanic faculty & staff.
4. Increasing / enhancing leadership programs for Hispanic students.
5. Strengthening / enhancing existing admissions recruitment efforts to sustain and build upon Hispanic student enrollment.
6. Strengthening / enhancing existing FGCU institutional relationships to the Hispanic Community in SWFL and to FGCU alumni.
7. Begin to prepare various Federal Grant applications that may be used to support the efforts identified above (as well as others the committee identifies).

From the 2023 FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL EQUITY REPORT FOR FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY: With regards to student populations, the University continues to strive towards the HSI designation. The primary criteria for achieving this milestone is that the total full-time undergraduate enrollment at the University must be at least 25 percent Hispanic. Currently, our total Hispanic student population is 24.5 percent. Once this goal is achieved, the University could potentially receive additional funding and resources that will benefit all students. The HSI committee has educated our campus community about what that may look like for student services. Also, Enrollment Management is committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse admissions staff. This is being done by creating and implementing strategies to increase the applicant pools when hiring. In addition, Enrollment Management is dedicated to increasing enrollment and retention of underrepresented and non-traditional students by establishing programs and best practices in preparation of becoming an HSI and veteran-friendly campus.
FGCU views these goals as ongoing and reflective of the dynamic population that engages with our campus.

FGCU's Mission Statement:

Florida Gulf Coast University, a comprehensive institution of higher education, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs of strategic importance to Southwest Florida and beyond. FGCU seeks academic excellence in the development of selected programs and centers of distinction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, health professions, business, and marine and environmental sciences.

Outstanding faculty and staff supported by a strong community of advisors prepare students for gainful employment and successful lives as responsible, productive and engaged citizens. FGCU emphasizes innovative, student-centered teaching and learning, promotes and practices environmental sustainability, embraces diversity, nurtures community partnerships, values public service, encourages civic responsibility, and cultivates habits of lifelong learning and the discovery of new knowledge.

FGCU's Strategic Plan:

Goal 5: Champion Sustainable Practices and Resiliency

FGCU will be at the forefront of learning, research, and outreach focused on the challenges specific to Southwest Florida. We support learners as they think critically about regional issues to inform solutions to global challenges. A distinctive aspect of our mission is to empower students as they devise strategies and implement actions that enhance community resilience. 

The Florida Gulf Coast University definition of environmental sustainability flows from the University Mission to “practice and promote environmental sustainability.” [1] Building on the classic definition of sustainable development, this means operating in a way that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” [2]

A broad understanding of environmental sustainability is considered in FGCU’s teaching, in learning, in curriculum, in scholarship, in research, in service, and in operations. The University is an Affiliate of Earth Charter International and draws inspiration from the Earth Charter vision. The Florida Gulf Coast University Guiding Principles illustrate the aim to instill “in students an environmental consciousness that balances their economic and social aspirations with the imperative for ecological sustainability.” [3] The issues related to “economic, social and ecological sustainability” [4] are embedded in Florida Gulf Coast University’s history and mission This understanding of environmental sustainability is a broad, multifaceted concept that cultivates, in the words of the Earth Charter, “respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.” [5]

The Florida Gulf Coast University definition of environmental sustainability establishes goals of climate neutrality, renewable resource use, and preservation of habitat while recognizing the limitations imposed on the University by procurement practices and fiduciary responsibilities. Achieving this definition of environmental sustainability is a participatory process requiring collective engagement of the University community members.

Approved by the FGCU Planning and Budget Council on October 27, 2011


[1] Florida Gulf Coast University Mission. Available online at http://www.fgcu.edu/info/mission.asp

[2] World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our Common Future. London: Oxford University Press. p. 43.

[3] Florida Gulf Coast University Guiding Principles. Available online at http://www.fgcu.edu/info/mission.asp

[4] Florida Gulf Coast University Guiding Principles. Available online at http://www.fgcu.edu/info/mission.asp

[5] Earth Charter Initiative. The Earth Charter. San Jose, Costa Rica. 2000. Available online at http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html