on Manual
2015-2016
High School Counselor
Early Admission Manual
www.fgcu.edu/ACE
Table of Contents
Early Admission at FGCU ……………………………………………………………………………………………….…. 1
Admission Criteria …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
1
New Student Admission and Enrollment Process …………………………………………………………….
2
Returning Student Registration Process …………………………………………………………………………..
4
Student Grades and Transcripts………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Costs and Fees …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5
Calendar of Important FGCU Dates ……………………………………………………………………………..
6
Math Placement ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7
FGCU General Education Program ……………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Communication and Computation Skills Requirement ……………………………………………………… 11
Florida Virtual School ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
12
Service Learning ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
12
ACE Honors Program ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
12
Class and Program Withdrawal …………………………………………………………………………………………
13
Repeat of Courses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13
Transition to FGCU Following Graduation ………………………………………………………………………..
13
ACE Scholarships ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
14
FERPA ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
16
Participation in High School Activities ………………………………………………………………………………. 16
List of FGCU Majors.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
17
Music Major Restrictions ………………………………………………………………………………………………
17
Counselor FAQs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
18
Contact Information ………………………………………………………….……………………………………………..
22
Dear High School Counselor,
Florida Gulf Coast University offers an exceptional opportunity to highly qualified high school juniors
and seniors through the Accelerated Collegiate Experience (ACE). Students in the ACE program
experience access to professors who are expert in their discipline, rigorous curriculum and state-ofthe-art laboratories and facilities. With an office that exclusively serves high school students, FGCU
offers ACE students guidance from professional staff who are dedicated to student success.
The program offers: 1) ACE cohorted English classes 2) dedicated academic advising; 3) high-impact
service opportunities; 4) opportunities for research and other projects, and; 5) special programming
that enhances leadership skills and appreciation of learning. ACE students become reflective learners
and leaders, equipped for new and future challenges. They become engaged intellectually and
socially, ready to make a difference in their world.
This manual is intended to provide information to assist you with your current and future FGCU Early
Admission students. Please let us know how we can improve it.
Thank you for recommending
FGCU’s ACE program to your highly qualified students…and as always,
Thank you for what you do for ALL students in our community!
Alice Mcleod Brunner, Director
Accelerated Collegiate Experience
EARLY ADMISSION
Students who seek entry to the ACE Program must apply as full time “Early Admission”. Full-time
status requires a minimum course load of 12 credit hours and the student takes all coursework
at FGCU; the student will not be enrolled in courses at the home high school. No more than 16
credits will be permitted in the fall and spring terms.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Students who have expressed an interest in enrolling
in the ACE program must meet the following criteria:
 have completed a minimum of 4 semesters of
high school curriculum;
 have a 3.7 grade point average (weighted) AND
a minimum 3.0 unweighted grade point average;
 not have completed sufficient units to qualify for
high school graduation and must apply all credits
earned to meeting high school graduation
requirements and University criteria. (Students
may need to take additional courses in order to qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship
Program);
 have the approval of parents and the high school;
 test scores on the ACE of 23 composite or higher (including combined English and writing
subtest) or 1600 or higher on the SAT (total of critical reading, math and writing), AND;
 a minimum SAT critical reading score of 500, writing score of 500 and math score of 500; or
minimum ACT scores of 20 for English, 20 for math, 20 for writing and 20 for reading;
 Recommendation of the Director of the Accelerated Collegiate Experience.
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THE ADMISSION PROCESS
A student interested in the Accelerated
Collegiate Experience is first asked to
meet with their high school counselor
to assess whether the student can
meet the rigors of University courses
and the commensurate maturity
needed to be successful. If an
application is recommended by the
counselor, the student may submit to
the counselor the ACE Program
Authorization Form. The form affirms
permission of the high school for the
student to be attending Florida Gulf Coast University. In addition, the counselor will complete
the High School Checklist. The student will submit both of these forms directly to the ACE office.
ACE now accepts applications through the online application found on the ACE website:
www.fgcu.edu/ace. The application may be completed in 4 easy steps:
1. Create an FGCU account through the link above
2. Start an application through the link above
3. Submit official test scores and transcripts to the FGCU Office of
Undergraduate Admission
4. Submit supplemental forms (Program Authorization Form and Checklist; The
Third Party Authorization Form)
A student applying to ACE will find the application link and detailed instructions on the
“Application Process” on the ACE
homepage. Official transcripts may be sent
to the ACE office if coming directly from the
high school in a sealed envelope. Test scores
and a test administration date will be
required. Emailed or faxed transcripts or test
scores are not considered official.
Once the application package is complete and
the student meets all criteria for the program,
an interview with the ACE director is
scheduled.
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THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Once admitted, the student will be asked to
complete intake forms prior to registration
for classes. All intake forms are to be sent
directly to the FGCU office of Undergraduate
Advising. The Academic Advisor will work
with the student to determine course
selection based upon: 1) high school
graduation requirements; 2) General
Education requirements; and 3) majorrelated course sequences. All ACE students
receive priority registration.
After
registration the Academic Advisor will send
the student’s schedule to the high school
counselor for final approval. If changes
need to be made, the high school counselor
will contact the FGCU Academic Advisor who
will make requested adjustments to the
student’s schedule. A recommendation by
the FGCU Academic Advisor to take the
Math Placement Test at FGCU may be made
prior to registration for a math course (see
section on Math Placement). There is a fee
of $25.00 for the Math Placement Test.
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ACE ORIENTATION
All students admitted to ACE are required to attend a one-day orientation session typically held in August.
A parent/guardian or responsible adult is also required to attend. There are no exceptions to the
orientation requirement. At ACE orientation, a student will be introduced to FGCU resources and services.
Official ID cards are issued at orientation as well as required FGCU parking tags. The fee for orientation
for both student and parent is $50.00.
ACE RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION PROCESS
Prior to registration for the next term, returning
ACE students are asked to first meet with their
high school counselor to update the High School
Graduation Checklist including all graduating
seniors. The FGCU Academic Advisor will review
the checklist and assist the student with
registration. The student’s schedule will be sent
to the high school counselor for final approval.
If changes need to be made, the high school
counselor will contact the FGCU Academic
Advisor who will make requested adjustments
to the student’s schedule.
STUDENT GRADES AND TRANSCRIPTS
Final semester grades will be forwarded as soon
as they have been posted to the student’s FGCU
academic record. A scanned copy of the
student’s schedule will be emailed to the high
school from the FGCU Office of Undergraduate
Studies Academic Advising. A student must
maintain a 2.0 term GPA and a 2.5 cumulative
FGCU institutional GPA to remain in the ACE
Program. Transfer grades are not included in the
GPA calculation.
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READING THE FGCU TRANSCRIPT
FEES and COSTS
Students will not pay tuition, and laboratory fees are waived. However students will be responsible for:
 Orientation Fee
$35.00
 Parent Orientation Fee $15.00/person
 Math Placement Fee
$25.00 (only if taking the test and payable at the time of testing)
Other costs that should be considered:
 Transportation and gas
 Meals
 Calculators
 Recommended books and materials (school districts will pay for required texts and online access
codes, home schooled students are responsible for their textbooks and online codes)
 Photocopies
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IMPORTANT CALENDAR EVENTS
FALL 2014
Fall courses begin
Last day to change courses
August 18, 2014
August 22. 2014
Labor Day observed (no classes)
Last day with withdraw from a class with permission
September 1, 2014
October 31, 2014
Veteran’s Day observed (no classes)
November 11, 2014
Thanksgiving observed (no classes)
November 26 – 29, 2014
Last day of classes
December 5, 2014
FINALS BEGIN
December 8, 2014
Winter break observed
December 26 – January 1 2015
Fall grades sent to the high school counselor
January 3, 2015
SPRING 2015
ACE SPRING DECISION DEADLINE
October 15, 2014
ACE course registration begins for spring
October TBA
Classes begin
January 5, 2015
Last day to add or drop a course
Martin Luther King Holiday Observed
January 9, 2015
January 19, 2015
SPRING BREAK
March 2 – March 7 2015
Last day with withdraw from a class with permission
March 27, 2015
Last day of classes
April 27, 2015
FINALS BEGIN
April 28, 2015
Fall grades sent to the high school counselor
May 2015
Fall 2015
FALL 2015 ACE Admission PRIORITY DEADLINE
FALL 2015 ACE Admission Deadline
Fall courses begin
Last day to change courses
March 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
August 19, 2015
August 25, 2015
Labor Day Observed (no classes)
Last day with withdraw from a class with permission
September 7, 2015
November 3, 2015
Veteran’s Day observed (no classes)
November 9, 2015
Thanksgiving observed (no classes)
November 26 – 28, 2015
Last day of classes
December 4, 2015
FINALS BEGIN
December 7, 2015
Winter break observed
December 28 – December 31, 2015
Fall grades sent to the high school counselor
December 21, 2015
*Dates are subject to change **For the entire FGCU academic calendar please refer to: http://www.fgcu.edu/registrar/academiccalendar.asp
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MATH PLACEMENT
Placement
into
math
courses
at
FGCU is
determined by the FGCU
Math Placement Matrix.
Students will be initially
placed into math based
upon SAT/ACT math scores
on record. A math subscore
of 550 or above on the SAT
or math subscore of 24 on
the ACT will place students in College Algebra, Finite Math, General Math or Statistical Methods. Higher
level course placement may need further testing through the Math Placement Test which is given through
FGCU’s Testing and Assessment Center. The student may take an Elementary Algebra (EA) or College Level
Math (CLM) assessment at the recommendation of the ACE academic advisor. The ACE academic advisor
will assist the student in determining whether a math placement test should be taken. Students will be
directed to contact the FGCU Testing and Assessment Center to schedule a testing appointment. There is
a fee of $25.00 due at the time of testing.
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GENERAL EDUCATION
The 36-credit-hour FGCU General Education Program (GEP) supports the Florida Gulf Coast
University Mission and Guiding Principles by promoting academic excellence, preparing
students for their majors, and cultivating habits of lifelong learning. The GEP curriculum assists
students in exercising fundamental skills in written communication, quantitative reasoning, and
critical thinking, as well as in developing intercultural knowledge.
FGCU students complete 36 credit hours 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 complete at least 27 credit hours of GEP coursework
designated with the following competencies:
Written Communication
Quantitative Reasoning
Critical Thinking
Intercultural Knowledge
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, but may be used to satisfy multiple competency requirements.
Where applicable, courses taken to meet state 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 her/his 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.
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General Education Program Subject Area Requirements
Communication Subject Area – 6 hours (GECO Attribute)
English composition courses develop students' communication skills in written formats; this
includes reading critically as well as writing clearly in a variety of styles.
State Core: ENC 1101 Composition I*
University Requirement: ENC 1102 Composition II
*Any course with an ENC prefix for which ENC 1101 is an immediate prerequisite may be used
to satisfy the state communication core.
Mathematics Subject Area – 6 hours (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 world. These
courses also give students exposure to the theories and practice of mathematics, and to the
unique nature of mathematical knowledge.
State Core: 3 credits of MAC 1105, MAC 2311; MGF 1106, MGF 1107; STA 2023†
University Requirement: 3 credits of STA 2023 Statistical Methods or STA 2037 Statistics with
Calculus (if STA 2023 or STA 2037 met in State Core, 3 hours of GEMA or GEST Attribute)
†Any 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.
Humanities Subject Area – 9 hours (GEHM Attribute)
Humanities courses, which may include literature, philosophy, religion, and the fine arts, provide
students the opportunity to study the aesthetic dimension of human experience and to 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.
State Core: 3 credits of ARH 2000; HUM X020; LIT 2000; MUL 2010; PHI 1010; THE 2000
University Requirement: 6 credits of GEHM Attribute
Social Sciences Subject Area – 6 hours (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.
State Core: 3 credits of AMH 2020; ANT 2000; ECO 2013; POS 2041; PSY 2012; SYG 2000
University Requirement: 3 credits of GESO Attribute
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Natural Sciences Subject Area – 6 hours (GENC, GENA, GENL Attributes)
Natural sciences courses, which include biology, chemistry, geology, environmental studies,
marine science, and physics, give students experience in the theories, principles, and practices of
the natural sciences and address the relationship of science to the modern world.
State Core: 3 credits of AST 2002; BSC 1005, BSC 1010, BSC 1085; CHM 1020, CHM 1045; ESC
1000; EVR 1001; PHY 2020, PHY 2048, PHY 2053‡
University Requirement: 3 credits of GENA Attribute including 1 credit of GENL or GENC (lab
component)
‡Any 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.
Social or Natural Sciences Subject Areas – 3 hours minimum (GESO, GENL, GENC, GENA
Attributes)
3 credits of GESO, GENC, GENA, GENL Attributes (maximum 1 credit of GENL)
General Education Program Competency Requirements
(Note: Competency requirements are not in addition to subject-area requirements, but are
instead fulfilled as students complete subject area courses in the program.)
Written Communication Competency – 6 hours minimum (WCOM Attribute)
Writing effectively, with attention to audience, purpose, and style, is an important skill for
success in any college major and any career. Successful writers do the following:



Select and develop a topic for a specific audience and purpose
Apply the range of conventions particular to a given subject area/discipline when
writing about this topic, including appropriate organization, formatting, and style
Demonstrate information literacy skills by identifying, accessing, and using
credible and relevant sources to develop ideas
Quantitative Reasoning Competency – 6 hours minimum (QUAN Attribute)
Quantitative reasoning involves applying mathematics skills to solve real-world problems.
Success in mathematics requires students to do the following:



Convert relevant information into mathematical context for analysis and
understanding
Demonstrate the ability to perform necessary mathematical calculations for
problem solving
Perform quantitative analysis to draw qualified conclusions from work
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Critical Thinking Competency – 9 hours minimum (CRIT Attribute)
Critical thinking happens when we carefully explore ideas, issues, and problems in our effort to
draw conclusions and build new knowledge. Accomplished critical thinkers do the following:




Identify central ideas and problems within a given subject area
Effectively interpret relevant information or data
Recognize and evaluate concepts, theories, and points of view (including one's
own)
Develop informed conclusions about these ideas and problems, and explore the
implications of these conclusions
Intercultural Knowledge Competency – 6 credits minimum (INKN Attribute)
Understanding our own and others’ diverse ways of interpreting and engaging with the world is
essential for success in a global society. Students exhibit intercultural knowledge when they do
the following:


Demonstrate understanding of human diversity (e.g., cultural, social, historical,
political, biological)
Analyze cultural artifacts or customs of expression (e.g., thoughts, behaviors) that
emerge in diverse contexts
For more information, please visit the General Education Program web
COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTATION SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
Students who wish to complete the Associate of Arts degree or Baccalaureate degree must satisfy
the Communication and Computation Skills requirement. Demonstrated mastery in college-level
writing is assessed in four writing intensive courses (12 credits). Courses that are writing
intensive are noted with a “(W)” on the General Education Program sheet. In order to earn
writing credit, the student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all four writing intensive courses.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in two math-intensive courses (6 credits) to fulfill the
computation skills requirement.
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FLORIDA VIRTUAL
SCHOOL
Early admission students
may elect to take Florida
Virtual School classes if
approved by the high
school counselor. FLVS
courses do not count
toward the full-time
course load at FGCU and
would be in addition to
the
FGCU
classes.
Counselors are asked to
note what FLVS classes
the student is/will be
taking on the High School
Graduation Checklist so
that all parties can
consider the student’s
total course load.
SERVICE LEARNING
Service learning is encouraged for ACE students and many students take courses that require
service as part of the class requirement. There are opportunities for students to complete service
activities with their ACE peers, as well as on an individual basis. All service approved and
submitted through the FGCU Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement will appear on the
student’s FGCU transcript. FGCU service hours are acceptable for Bright Futures service
requirements.
ACE HONORS PROGRAM
One of the advantages of the ACE program is the integration with the FGCU Honors Program.
Full-time enrolled high school juniors who are interested in pursuing advanced scholastic work
and research may meet criteria to be admitted to the FGCU Honors Program as ACE Honors
students in their high school senior year. Honors classes are taught by Honors Fellows and are
restricted to Honors students. Honors courses are designed to stimulate critical thinking and
analysis and allow for research, service, and cultural immersion experiences. Students seeking
ACE Honors should notify the ACE director for criteria.
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CLASS/PROGRAM
WITHDRAWAL
An ACE student may not
withdraw from a class
unless
there
are
extenuating circumstances
approved by both the ACE
director and the high
school counselor (Lee
County requires approval
of
the
Assistant
Superintendent, Teaching
and Learning). Counselors
are asked to notify the ACE
director if the student is
undergoing unusual circumstances that would impact academic work. Approved withdrawals
must be completed by the FGCU deadline for course withdrawal or the student must petition
directly to the college for a late withdrawal. Approved withdrawals will result in a “W” grade
which does not calculate in the GPA.
REPEAT OF COURSES
An ACE student may not repeat the same course for grade forgiveness or any other purpose while
an ACE student. The student may repeat a course for grade forgiveness if the course is taken at
FGCU after high school graduation.
TRANSITION TO FGCU FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
It is always great to hear that students want to stay at FGCU after completing high school graduation
requirements! Full-time early admission students need only notify the ACE director regarding their desire
to stay. No application is required, but a final high school transcript showing graduation must be sent to
the Undergraduate Admission Office. Students who stay at FGCU will be transitioned from the ACE
program to FGCU college advising which will require completion of additional college orientation activities
prior to class registration.
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ACE SCHOLARSHIPS
FGCU recognizes the benefits of students entering the University after successful completion of the
Accelerated Collegiate Experience program. Therefore, the following two scholarships are effective for
fall 2016:
ACE Honors Graduates will receive
upon high school graduation:
 5,ooo.oo per year renewable
for three years




Eligibility:
 Beginning eligibility is the term
following high school graduation
(excluding summer);
 The student must be a US
citizen or meet requirements of an
eligible non-citizen as defined by
the Federal Student Aid Program (Please see the Director of the ACE program if you are not a
U.S. citizen).
The student must have a minimum of 3.3 FGCU cumulative institutional GPA;
The student must have completed a minimum of 48 credits earned at FGCU and successfully
completed the ACE Honors Program criteria, or be recommended by the ACE Director;
The student must apply for the scholarship through the ACE office by the published deadline;
The scholarship will be awarded once high school graduation certification has been received and
FGCU GPA verified.
Criteria for Renewal:
 The student must maintain full-time academic enrollment at FGCU completing a minimum of 30
credits each academic year toward the chosen degree program.
 The student must maintain a 3.0 FGCU institutional grade point average.
(ACE scholarships may not duplicate other FGCU merit scholarships offered in the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions).
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GENERAL ACE SCHOLARSHIP
(effective fall 2016)
ACE Early Admission Graduates (students not participating in ACE Honors) will receive upon high
school graduation and admission to FGCU:

3,000.00 per year renewable for three years
Eligibility:
 Beginning eligibility is the term following high school graduation (excluding summer)
 Students must be a US citizen or meet requirements of an eligible non-citizen as defined by the
Federal Student Aid Program. (Please see the Director of the ACE program if you are not a U.S.
citizen).
 The student must have a cumulative FGCU institutional GPA of at least 3.0 and have completed
a minimum of 24 credits hours at FGCU, or be recommended by the Director of the Accelerated
Collegiate Experience.
 The student must apply for the scholarship through the ACE office by the published deadline.
The scholarship will be awarded once high school graduation certification has been received and
FGCU GPA verified.
Criteria for automatic renewal for up to 3 years:
 The student must maintain full-time academic enrollment at FGCU completing a minimum of 30
credits each academic year toward the chosen degree program.
 The student must maintain a 3.0 FGCU institutional grade point average.
(ACE scholarships may not duplicate other FGCU merit scholarships offered in the Office
of Undergraduate Admissions).
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FERPA
Once students matriculate at the
university, academic records are
protected from third party
access unless a release is signed
by the student. ACE students
are required to sign the Third
Party Authorization Form as
part of the admission package.
Authorization by the student will
allow academic information to
be sent to parents and the high
school.
PARTICIPATION IN HIGH
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
ACE students are permitted to
participate
in
after-school
activities and are encouraged to
discuss high school activities
with the high school counselor. Effort will be made to accommodate all activities at the high
school, but course schedules may prohibit participation.
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LIST OF FGCU MAJORS:
Accounting (B.S.)
Health Science (B.S.)
Anthropology (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Art (B.A.)
Journalism (B.A.)
Athletic Training (B.S.A.T.)
Legal Studies (B.S.)
Bioengineering (B.S.)
Management (B.S.)
Biology (B.A.)
Marine Science (B.S.)
Biology-Accelerated (B.S.)
Marketing (B.S.)
Biotechnology (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.A.)
Mathematics (B.S.)
Child and Youth Studies (B.S.)
Music Education (B.M.E)
Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
Music - Performance (B.A.)
Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.N.)
Communication (B.A.)
PGA Golf Management (B.S.)
Community Health (B.S.)
Philosophy (B.A.)
Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
Political Science (B.A.)
Criminal Justice (B.S.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
Resort & Hospitality Management (B.S.)
Economics (B.S.)
Secondary Biology Education (B.A.)
Elementary Education (B.A.)
Secondary Mathematics Education (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
Secondary Social Science Education (B.A.)
Environmental Engineering (B.S.Env.E.)
Social Work (B.S.W.)
Environmental Studies (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Software Engineering (B.S.)
Finance (B.S.)
Special Education (B.A.)
Forensic Studies (B.S.)
Theatre (B.A.)
MUSIC MAJORS
It is not possible to major in music while in the ACE program but students may audition with the
Bower School of Music for participation in FGCU ensembles. Additional information and
ensemble audition dates are available by contacting the Bower School of Music. All full-time ACE
students must take at minimum of 12 credits of core academic classes to meet full-time status.
Additional music classes may not cause the student schedule to exceed 16 credit hours and are
not recorded on the high school transcript.
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Counselors’ Frequently Asked Questions
How involved should I be with a student’s application to ACE?
High school counselors are asked to discuss with the student their eligibility and readiness
to apply for a rigorous program of study at FGCU. The counselor or principal’s designee must sign
the ACE Program Authorization Form and counselors should fully complete and sign the ACE High
School Checklist indicating what courses are remaining to complete the student’s high school
diploma. The counselor may also assist the student in obtaining official high school transcripts
and ACT or SAT scores.
Can I send official transcripts from the high school?
Yes, however the transcript MUST be sent in a sealed high school envelope with a stamp
across the seal. The official transcript may be mailed to FGCU or hand carried by the student. It
will be considered official if the envelope seal has not been broken.
Will ACT/SAT scores be considered official if on the high school transcript?
Yes, however the scores must have a corresponding test date and include English/writing
subtest if the student took the ACT.
Will I be alerted when a student from my school has been admitted?
Students admitted to the ACE program will be officially notified by the FGCU Office of
Undergraduate Admissions. The ACE office will notify the director of the high school counseling
office of any admissions, cancellations or deferments of admission.
Will you accept immunization documentation on the high school transcript?
Yes, but hepatitis B and meningitis vaccination is also required. The student may waive
out of those vaccines if the parent signs the waiver located on the FGCU Immunization Form.
When will I get schedules for new ACE students?
As soon as a student is admitted into the ACE program, they will receive information about
the intake process which includes course scheduling and registration as well as registration for
required orientation. They are sent several new documents that must be completed and returned
to the ACE academic advisor before registration can occur. As soon as all documents are received
from the student, the student is registered and a schedule is sent to the director of the high school
counseling office. Registration is not permitted by State mandate until all required immunization
documentation and been received.
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When will I receive schedules from returning students?
All ACE students receive priority registration at FGCU. After receiving the updated high
school checklist and a request for classes from the student, the ACE academic advisor will register
the student as soon as the priority registration opens online. The ACE office needs several weeks
to process changes. Delays in registration may occur due to students not turning in required
documents in a timely manner. Batched schedules will be sent to the director of the high school
counseling office.
 Summer and Fall terms: approximately mid-April
 Spring Term: approximately the 2nd week of November
Do I need to sign a form indicating my approval of classes?
It is no longer required to sign and return a course authorization form. The FGCU course
schedules will be sent to the director of the high school counseling office for dissemination to
respective counselors. If a counselor requests changes, an email to the ACE academic advisor will
result in the change (depending on course availability) and an updated schedule will be sent to
the high school.
When will I receive final grades for students participating in the ACE program?
Student transcripts with course history and grades will be scanned and emailed to the
director of the high school counseling center. Transcripts are sent at the end of each term as soon
as grades are posted (summer term grades are sent at the end of the summer B session in the
beginning of August). Please check the Important Dates section of this manual.
Is a student permitted to withdraw from a course?
Students in ACE are not permitted to withdraw from a class unless there is an extenuating
circumstance and approved by both the ACE director and the high school counselor. If withdrawal
is approved it must occur in the approved University timelines. If a student withdraws from the
program altogether, a Request for Removal from the ACE Program Form will be sent to the
counselor for signature.
Can a student repeat a course while in the ACE program?
No. As long as a student is in ACE, a course cannot be repeated, however, a course may
be repeated at FGCU for grade forgiveness after high school graduation.
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Why do I have to complete a graduation check on a student who is graduating at the end of
the term?
While seemingly redundant, it is requested that a final high school graduation checklist
be completed prior to registration for the student’s first semester after high school graduation.
Will you notify me if a student is having trouble with academics?
Yes, if known. The ACE office does not have access to grades until they become final and
appear on the student’s transcript. It is possible to request that the student submit mid-term
grades from their CANVAS accounts, but professors do not necessarily post mid-term or inprogress grades on this site.
Can a full-time student participate in after-school activities at the high school?
Yes. Students are allowed to participate in after-school activities at their home high school.
Students are advised to consult with their high school counselor regarding any participation
restrictions. If it is determined that activities are interfering with performance in classes at FGCU,
ACE staff will contact the counselor.
Do I need to notify the ACE academic advisor that a student is taking FLVS or other online
class?
Yes. The High School Checklist provides a comment area to inform ACE staff of a student’s
participation in FLVS or other online courses. This information assists with determining the
student’s course load at FGCU.
Are there areas of study at FGCU not recommended for ACE students?
Yes. It is not possible to major in music while an ACE student. It is possible, however for
students to audition for participation in the Bower School of Music ensembles. Once a student
graduates from high school they may apply to the Bower School of Music and if admitted to the
limited access program, declare a music major.
Can FGCU Service Learning hours be used for Bright Futures service requirements?
Yes. ACE students are encouraged to complete service learning hours and may have
service hours to complete in their classes. ACE students may turn in any service hours they have
completed beginning with the day of their admission to the University. Service must be approved
by the FGCU Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement and completed through a not-forprofit agency or organization.
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Are ACE students able to take FGCU Honors Program courses?
Yes. High school juniors who begin the ACE Honors Program full-time will have the option
to take FGCU Honors courses during their senior year. Students must meet criteria during the
junior year which will include FGCU GPA and test scores.
Are students in ACE able to earn the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree?
Yes. In some cases, students who have begun the ACE program as a high school junior (or
who have extensive college credit from other accelerated means) will have the ability to complete
requirements of the A.A. degree. Students should inform the ACE academic advisor early-on of
their intention to meet A.A. requirements. The order of priority for scheduling courses is: high
school graduation requirements, major pre-requisites, General Education Program requirements,
and then any additional A.A. degree requirements. Often, there is overlap between courses that
fulfill high school requirements, major prerequisites and General Education requirements.
Are you able to visit my high school to meet with me or an interested student or parent?
Yes, of course! Please call the ACE director to schedule an appointment. The ACE office
also facilitates on-campus Public Information Meetings that are posted on the ACE website:
www.fgcu.edu/ace. The ACE director is also willing to meet privately with students and parents
on campus. It is imperative that the parent and student fully understand the expectations of the
ACE program; meeting with ACE staff will help provide the information needed to make a
successful decision.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Accelerated Collegiate Experience
Office
Florida Gulf Coast University
Edwards Hall room 214
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
239-590-7430
ace@fgccu.edu
www.fgcu.edu/ACE
Alice Brunner, Ed.D., Director
Edwards Hall Suite 214
239-590-7869
abrunner@fgcu.edu
Office of Undergraduate Advising
Edwards Hall Suite 214
239-745-4422
UGSadvising@fgcu.edu
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