Shamis Saeed

Professor Weaver

English 1102

03/23/2023

Major Project 3: Florida Gulf Coast University

Summary:

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public institution founded in 1997 with values based on community and the pursuit of success after college. Being that FGCU is a D1 school with an environmentally conscious background, it can be said that this university looks for students who are goal-oriented, competitive athletes, and innovative thinkers with the idea of contributing to the community. FGCU’s website uses the strategy of purpose and imagining ideal readers to receive the attention of students that align with their principles.

Analysis:

At the very beginning of the website, on the homepage, it states, “Discover your passion and plot your path.” This motto can be seen written in bold letters to capture readers’ attention. This shows that the first message they want to send out is the priority set for their students to forge a course of action toward something they value. At the start, setting the path to what is unknown. However, scrolling through the homepage, a line written again in bold states, “Start your journey to career success at FGCU.”  From this it can be said, they want to prepare their students for their future careers and help them find employment in a setting where they are dedicated and comfortable.

It is noticeable they are also focused on the development of the individuals themselves. They offer, “Scholarship and professional preparation while providing opportunities to explore interdisciplinary paths.” FGCU shows they have the resources to make it possible. Profession preparation is a counseling program they set into motion to offer students resources to gain internships, and experience in their wanted occupation all while they have time to explore different options.  

On their Mission Page, they advertise the idea that they are a university that seeks to offer high-quality education to “prepare students for gainful employment and successful lives as responsible, productive, and engaged citizens.” This statement recapitulates the idea that FGCU’s purpose is to broaden the goals of students in their respective fields. Doing so will encourage students “…to give back to their communities…”

Florida Gulf Coast University imagines ideal readers as people who are goal-oriented, competitive, and looking for resources to exceed in a community of people like themselves.

 Again, looking back at the mission page, they use the words “energetic” and “actively engaged” to describe the community in their university. This proves that FGCU’s purpose is tailored toward students who can become productive parts of their institution. Also, community is the basis on which FGCU is founded upon.

In turn, by being engaged in the community at FGCU, the university pinpoints ideal readers as people who have a liking for sports and athletics. In view of the fact that Florida Gulf University is a Division 1 college, it’s expected for the institute to place importance on the athletics department. On the website, there is a whole page that is dedicated to this purpose and some mentions of this department can be found in other sub-categorical pages as well. The Athletics page leads to a whole other website curated for the sports and events that take place at FGCU, it is in fact the only page that leads to another website. The emphasis on athletics can be inferred as a way to engage with readers who are appreciative of sports culture, or even as students who want to join their athletics department themselves.

By presuming the objective of Florida Gulf Coast University is to promote a place where students are aware of their surroundings (not only as a part of the community but in their success as well), it’s reasonable to say that they are clear in their purpose. Also, putting detailed effort into the athletics department shows they are looking for students/people who can participate in their endeavors of sports.

Response:

In response to if I would attend this school, yes, I would. After looking more at the website, I have found that I like that they are very communicative with their students and accessible to interested individuals. I value their quality service and transparency. Their interest in community outreach and environmental awareness makes me feel like they align with my principles. They seem to be very hospitable and informative. One thing that caught my eye was the request for advice on their Strategic plan. Florida Gulf Coast University implemented a 5-year project to improve their school. Before detailing the need for this project, they state in bold lettering, “The FGCU Roadmap initiative is focused on gathering input from students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve to understand our strategic priorities for the coming years.”  In simple terms, they are interested in feedback from not only the people apart from the university but also the people around them. It indicates that they are considerate of their surrounding community’s views, something I value as well.

The data they offer at the end of the About page also shows that students and alumni are happy with their outcomes after leaving FGCU. It shows that they really do mean to help students find what they are looking for in life by offering many opportunities and counseling.

All in all, it seems as though I would thrive in an environment set in place like the one FGCU has made. Ruling out all barriers, FGCU could’ve definitely been a place I would attend.