Rolling out the red carpet for robots on campus

After a year of planning by Student Government, food-delivery robots officially launched at FGCU this June. Through the Grubhub app, students, faculty and staff can now order from Einstein Bros. Bagels, Dunkin’ Donuts and the new SG Market, among several other dining locations, with Starship robots delivering directly to main campus housing, University Village or academic buildings. SG Market is a ghost kitchen fulfilling snack orders out of SoVi Dining.

“It’ll elevate the student experience by just adding a new convenience factor to the overall mix,” said Gianna Ihuoma, student body president. Whether studying in the library or staying in during a rainstorm, students can now get meals without leaving their spot. 

The initiative was a collaboration between Student Government, FGCU Business Services, Chartwells, Grubhub and Starship. Around 30 wheeled robots about the size and shape of a standard 50-quart cooler use sensors, cameras and machine learning to navigate sidewalks and curbs and deliver orders securely. For the program’s first year, Student Government is covering all Grubhub delivery fees.

Construction brings new spaces and modern upgrades

Inside the Cohen Student Union, the second phase of a major remodeling project is officially underway. The renovations are designed to make the union more functional, comfortable and visually appealing for students. Key upgrades include enclosing the outdoor atrium to create usable indoor space, relocating the information booth to a more central location, and building new seating areas — including one that overlooks the first floor. Three new conference-style rooms on the second floor will help accommodate student organizations.

Outside, the lawn near Einstein Bros. Bagels is temporarily closed to support the ongoing work, and a new sidewalk helps students and staff navigate the area safely.

“The renovation of the Cohen Student Union is all about elevating the student experience,” said President Aysegul Timur. “It reflects FGCU’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our campus community while ensuring the student union continues to serve as the heart of student life at FGCU.”

Just across campus, site preparation is in full swing for Academic Building 10, a 158,435-square-foot facility that will expand Marieb College of Health & Human Services with state-of-the-art instructional technology and research space funded in part by a $22 million gift from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation. 

These changes are part of FGCU’s long-term strategy to innovate for student success and provide an enhanced experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater community.

Tech upgrades mean smarter parking, safer campus

This fall, FGCU Parking Services has launched new digital parking availability signs at the entrances of Parking Garages 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the main loop road and Garage B in South Village. The system displays real-time availability using color-coded lights: green for open spaces and red when the garage is full.

But the convenience doesn’t stop at the curb. Drivers can now check parking garage capacity online before even arriving on campus, thanks to a live tracker. The system operates with 97% accuracy, counting every vehicle and golf cart that enters and exits each garage. A new virtual parking permit will replace the previous hangtag permits, starting Sept. 1.

In a separate safety initiative, FGCU’s public safety team — comprised of Emergency Management, University Police Department and Parking Services — worked together to replace and expand the Code Blue Pole emergency call system across campus. The new poles are powered by solar energy and connected via cellular technology, making them more flexible and easier to relocate as campus needs evolve. As part of a broader campuswide alert and notification system, these upgrades enhance emergency response capabilities and align with the university’s sustainability goals. 

Additionally, fire control systems have been upgraded in full accordance with state safety codes and regulatory guidelines, reinforcing FGCU’s commitment to creating a secure, responsive environment for students, employees and visitors alike.

Campus Food Pantry finds temporary home near FGCU Food Forest

For more than a decade, the FGCU Campus Food Pantry has quietly and powerfully supported students experiencing food insecurity, meeting a need that many don’t talk about but far too many face.

Since opening its doors in 2012 — thanks to the vision of Jo Anna Bradshaw, wife of former FGCU President Wilson G. Bradshaw — the pantry has helped thousands of students. Over the years, it has evolved into a choice-based, confidential zone where students select the items they need and know how to prepare.

Now, as AB10 construction reshapes the southern portion of campus, the pantry has relocated to a temporary location in the Kleist Health Education Center, adjacent to the Food Forest. The new space offers improved vehicle access, making it easier for students to pick up groceries and essentials. 

To learn more about Campus Food Pantry hours, resources or how to support its mission, visit the website.

Academic growth reflects FGCU’s mission

At FGCU, academic excellence is the driving force behind personal growth, career readiness and regional impact. This mission is reflected in the breadth of the curriculum and the responsiveness of our academic offerings to real-world needs.

Part of the university’s robust core curriculum, the General Education Program encourages curiosity, creativity and critical thinking by helping students explore the world through diverse academic lenses. Spanning communication, math, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, the program builds essential skills and complements any major — preparing students to lead and adapt in a changing world.

A major change to the 2025-26 General Education Program courses for fall is the presentation of the list. “I designed it to be more engaging and intuitive for students,” said Joseph Ross, a professor of political science and director of Undergraduate Studies.

Among the other important changes are the addition of communication electives, including two courses in public speaking, and “Statistics through Examples,” a new course for non-STEM majors to complete the statistics requirement.

FGCU has also grown its academic offerings with new degree programs designed to meet regional needs. A bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management responds directly to workforce demands in Southwest Florida’s thriving tourism industry and strengthens regional partnerships. A STEM-designated MBA in business analytics blends advanced business education with technical expertise in analytics. Both programs are housed in the Lutgert College of Business. 

As FGCU continues to evolve, its academics remain grounded in purpose — cultivating minds, meeting community needs and shaping a more sustainable and informed future.