Community Impact

The College of Arts & Sciences is dedicated to positively impacting our communities, be they local, regional, statewide, or international. Many of the College's educational outreach is provided through our Research Centers & Institutes, but others within the College are vital to serving and expanding the educational experiences for students of all ages.

Read about the Community initiatives within the College of Arts & Sciences:

The SeidlersThe Seidler gift establishes the Seidler Fund, which will benefit professors and students in the College and, ultimately, all of Southwest Florida.

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Kindness course picAn FGCU movement promotes compassion, kindness, and empathy to both individuals and communities through education, action, and research.

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Food ForestThe Food Forest is a student-run botanical garden which highlights tropical/subtropical edible species that grow well in South Florida. Though the Food Forest is run by students for students, this garden is open to the community sunrise to sunset. The Food Forest is housed in the Department of Integrated Studies. 

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Community hikeThe “Wings of Hope” program is an integral part of the FGCU Environmental Humanities curriculum and service learning requirement. University students are introduced to native Southwest Florida wildlife, their habitats, and water conservation. 

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Community Autism NetworkCommunity Autism Network (CAN) harnesses interdisciplinary university and community partnerships promoting education opportunities, research on holistic health, and accessible services. 

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Promising PathwaysThe Road to Best Practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder educating families, educators, healthcare workers, and community members in serving individuals with autism.

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Galaxy imageThe Egan Observatory is an extension of Whitaker Hall. The observatory provides opportunities for students and community members to gain an intimate view of the stars and cosmic wonders of the universe.

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